Just Engaged? Here’s the top questions you need to be asking your venue.

It can be so daunting when you first begin to look at wedding venues. There are SO many different things to consider, location, dog friendliness, guest numbers and most importantly the catering!

As a wedding photographer I have visited hundreds of venues, and can appreciate the level of organisation that goes into a wedding. I reached out to the kind folks over at one of my local venues, Priston Mill, just outside Bath, so ask them what they thought were the top questions you should ask your wedding venue.

Are Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware and Table Linen Included in the Price?

Some venues add these onto your package price, so it’s definitely worth asking if this is the case. At Priston Mill all of the above is included in the venue hire, along with the beautiful chairs and round banqueting tables.

What Time Will Our Evening Reception Need to Finish?

Most venues have run the evening reception until 12 midnight. But this does vary depending on where the venue is and who is running it.

How Long Can I Provisionally Hold a Date For?

This is one of those where it varies from venue to venue. Over at Priston, you can hold a date of your choosing for a period of 7 days, free of charge, no strings attached. A great thing as it will give you some time to discuss with friends and family about your decision to book your chosen venue.

What time should we tell guests to arrive prior to the ceremony?

Venues in general start seating guests approximately 15 minutes prior to the ceremony this is the case at Priston. They recommend asking guests to arrive between 1 hour and 30 minutes before the start of the service.

Do we have to set up and take down all our decorations on the day?

A really good question to ask, and one that you might not necessarily think of. Some venues, such as Priston Mill can arrange to get everything set up on the morning of the wedding. Or, sometimes, if there isn’t a wedding at your venue the day before, you might be able to go in and decorate then.

How do I organise my confetti shot?

It is totally your choice if you would rather have this coming down the aisle or outside for a killer confetti shot! Speak to either your photographer, or chat to your event manager to help organise it with minimal fuss.

Do You Offer a Complimentary Menu Tasting?

Now this very much varies from venue to venue. Over at Priston they are very proud of the wonderful feedback that they receive from their couples and their guests about their dining experiences at Priston Mill. Chatting through your options with your venue and their events managers at your planning meeting or before, can be extremely useful and therefore alleviate the need for a food tasting.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs at weddings are the best thing! They are part of the family, so get them involved I say! Not all venues are dog friendly, so always ask. Priston Mill is definitely dog friendly, and is a great space for your furry friend to spend the day.

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. If you’re recently engaged, then Congratulations! It can be a little daunting navigating your wedding plans, with so much to consider. I do hope this blog, written with the help of Georgia from Priston Mill will provide some clarity on what questions to ask.

I have photographed many weddings at Priston Mill and have an excellent relationship with them, drop me a line to get the ball rolling and get me booked in. If you’ve any questions for the guys over at Priston Mill, they are open 7 days a week between 9am and 5pm, give them a call on 01225 423 894, or simply drop them an email on hello@pristonmill.co.uk.