Make Sure You Can Answer These 11 Questions Before Booking Your Wedding Venue

When you visit the space, make sure the dance floor is large enough for your number of guests and that there is a space for the band or DJ. I rejected one venue I saw (the castle) because the dance floor was in a separate room from the dinner. I wanted dancing to be an all-night continuous activity and knew it wouldn’t work with that layout.

“Be sure the venue has multiple circuits, as well as a backup generator, a sufficient-sized dance floor, and place for the band or DJ,” Smith advised.

He also recommends asking about sound ordinances. “Some places surprise me with a 10 p.m. sound ordinance,” he noted. “Make sure you can bring this event to 11 p.m. or midnight (if you plan to start at sundown).”