20 Essential Questions to Ask When Visiting a Wedding Venue in Kent

This guide walks through the essential questions every couple should ask during their venue tours. These cover far more than capacity and price; they address timing, restrictions, logistics, guest experience, and the policies that will influence planning from day one

Choosing a wedding venue...

...is one of the most meaningful decisions you will make in the planning journey. A show-round is often the first moment you can picture the day taking shape - the space, the flow, the atmosphere. But it is also when couples unknowingly miss the chance to gather information that will shape the logistics, budget, and feel of your wedding day.

By Leigh Anne Gunn, senior wedding coordinator

1. What does exclusive use actually include?

The phrase “exclusive use” varies dramatically between venues. Some mean exclusivity for the main event space only; others may allow hotel guests in adjacent areas or run several weddings on the same day. You should understand exactly which spaces are yours, how far the exclusivity extends, and whether it includes outdoor areas.

Also clarify whether exclusivity applies for the entire hire period or only on the wedding day itself. These details directly affect privacy, ambience, and how relaxed the day feels.

2. How long do we truly have the venue for?

This affects everything from décor decisions to supplier schedules. Some venues allow access only a few hours before the ceremony, which forces rushed set-ups and can restrict styling possibilities.

Ask specifically about:

• Earliest access time for you and your suppliers
• Whether set-up is available the day before
• When you need to vacate the space
•  Whether breakdown must happen on the night or the next morning

A full two-day window can transform the planning experience, reducing stress and allowing both creativity and calm.

3. What is the maximum capacity, and the comfortable capacity?

There is a significant difference between licensed capacity and what feels luxurious or practical in reality. You need figures for each stage of the day: ceremony, dining, and evening. A room set for 150 dining guests may accommodate far fewer for a ceremony.

Ask to see images of the space set at different capacities; this often reveals the “natural” sweet spot.

4. What are your décor and styling restrictions?

Every venue has safety guidelines. Open flames, ceiling installations, rigging, sparklers, giant neon pieces, or hanging florals might require advance approval or specialist contractors. Identify these limitations now, not when your florist informs you two weeks before the wedding that the ceiling cannot support your design.

Some venues also have rules around wall fixings, confetti types, and battery-powered equipment, sound restrictions. Understanding this early helps align expectations with your stylist and florist.

5. Are there any hidden or additional costs?

This is where couples are most often caught off-guard. Common extras include:

• PA system hire
• Linen upgrades
• Cake-cutting fees
• Dancefloor hire
• Heating or generator fees (for barns and outdoor venues)
• Corkage
• Overtime for staffing
• Late licence fees
• Vat
• Service charges
• Interest on payment plans

The more transparent a venue is at this stage, the smoother the budgeting process will be later.

6. What is included in the hire price?

A high hire price can still represent strong value if essentials are included. Ask about chairs, tables, linens, ceremony seating, outdoor furniture, lighting, staging, sound equipment, and styling props. Many venues charge separately for these, which quickly inflates the full cost.

A comprehensive hire package reduces both stress and external supplier needs.

7. What are the bar options and pricing?

Alcohol is a major line item in most wedding budgets. Clarify the rules:

• Is there a minimum bar spend?
• Can you bring your own wine or champagne?
• Is corkage flat-rate or per-bottle?
• Are drinks packages available - and what is included?
• What styles of service are available (table wine, staffed bar, cocktails)?

If cocktails, craft beers, or champagne towers matter to you, check these too.

8. What time does the celebration need to finish?

Late licences vary by local authority. Some venues must end all amplified music at 11pm; others can extend to midnight or beyond. Ask what “finish time” means - music end, last orders, or guest departure.

If you are considering an after-party, check whether the venue has a quiet area, lounge, or bar lounge where guests can continue celebrating without disturbing neighbours.

9. Are live bands permitted, and what are the sound restrictions?

Many venues have sound limiters installed by local councils. These devices automatically cut power to bands if music exceeds a certain decibel level - a detail couples often discover too late.

Ask about:

• whether amps or drums are restricted
• outdoor music rules
• maximum performance lengths
• whether DJs need to use the venue’s in-house system
• access and space for staging

For couples dreaming of a full brass band or after-dinner acoustic sets, this is a non-negotiable question.

10. Do you have a recommended suppliers list?

A recommended supplier list can be useful as these are normally suppliers who know the venue and its staff. Ask if you can hire a specific caterer or stylist in mind. Clarify whether external suppliers are allowed, whether they require approval, and whether surcharges apply.

If a venue offers complete supplier freedom, ask for recommendations anyway, a good venue knows which suppliers work well in the space, how long they need to set up, and how to avoid bottlenecks.

11. What is your wet-weather plan?

Nearly every couple hopes for sunshine, but a resilient plan is essential. Ask:

• where the ceremony moves to if rain arrives
• how many guests fit comfortably in Plan B
• who manages the transition
• whether the décor or furniture from Plan A can be repurposed
• how far in advance a decision must be made

A venue with a strong contingency plan will create just as magical an atmosphere indoors.

12. How is the venue laid out for guest flow?

It is often influenced by movement. Walk your day through step-by-step: arrival, ceremony, drinks, group photos, dinner, dancing, late-night food, departure.

Watch for: bottlenecks, long walks between rooms, awkward transitions, and areas where guests might feel stranded. A good layout enhances energy and atmosphere; a poor one dilutes it.

13. What are the catering options and how are dietary requirements managed?

Wedding catering is one of the largest components of guest satisfaction. Ask:

• Whether tastings are included
• Timelines for final menu choices
• How allergens are communicated
• Vegan, gluten-free, and cultural menu options
• Whether external caterers are permitted
• What kitchen facilities suppliers may use

A venue that manages dietary requirements clearly and professionally avoids last-minute confusion and keeps every guest well cared for.

14. Are there noise, timing, or logistical constraints for suppliers?

This includes delivery routes, access roads, loading bays, indoor access points, and whether vans can reach close to the venue entrance. If the venue is rural or on historic grounds, access may be limited.

Photographers, florists, entertainers, and caterers all rely on accurate timings. A venue that understands this and supports suppliers enables a smoother, calmer wedding day.

15. What accommodation is available on-site or nearby?

Guest accommodation shapes the convenience of your wedding. Ask about:

• Number of on-site rooms

• Check-in and check-out flexibility

• Bridal suite availability

• Local hotels or b&b partners

• Taxi availability at night

• Shuttle transport options

For rural venues, transport planning is essential.

16. What parking options are available for guests and suppliers?

You need clarity on capacities, overflow plans, accessibility spaces, and overnight parking rules. Ask whether spaces can be reserved for elderly guests, registrars, or key suppliers.

If the venue has limited parking, understand how this is managed on busy days.

17. Are the ceremony and reception spaces accessible?

Ask about step-free access, lift availability, accessible restrooms, and seating arrangements. For older buildings, alternative access routes may be necessary.

Accessibility reflects how comfortable guests will feel.

18. What décor or styling items does the venue already provide?

Many couples overspend on items venues already supply. Ask about:

• easels
• lanterns
• candles
• outdoor seating
• signage
• tableware
• cake stands
• lighting

High-quality in-house décor reduces supplier costs and simplifies the set-up process.

19. What support will we receive from the venue team?

This varies widely. Some venues provide a coordinator only on the day. Others offer a dedicated planner from booking to celebration.

Clarify:



• who your main contact is
• how often you can meet or visit
• whether planning support is included
• on-the-day staffing levels
• responsibilities for set-up, turnaround, and coordination

A well-supported couple is a relaxed couple.

20. How do payment schedules, cancellation terms, and booking processes work?

These details underpin the entire relationship with your venue. Ask about:

• deposit amounts
• instalment schedules
• cancellation terms
• postponement policies
• insurance requirements
• what happens if guest numbers change!

Having clarity here removes uncertainty and helps you move forward with confidence.

Summary & Downloads

Whether you celebrate with us or elsewhere, we want couples to feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the process. To help with this, we have created a summary Wedding Venue Visit Checklist - a simple list you can use during your tours.

It ensures you never miss a detail and allows you to compare venues like-for-like with total confidence. You can download it directly from this page and take it with you on every visit.