Your wedding venue will cost you almost half of your entire budget, so pay close attention to what your contract entails! Here are some key points to cover before you finalize and sign the contract.

1. The date and time frame for both the ceremony and reception. The average reception (dinner and dance) is about four hours, while the average ceremony is about half an hour.
2. Final (or close approximation) head count and number of tables that need to be set up.
3. Deadline for finalized guest list. Ask whether additional, last minute guests will be charged differently and what is the policy for guests who do not end up attending?
4. The "Limits of Use" clause. Will you have exclusive use of the site? When will you have access? Is there a time limit on the event?
5. The exact names of each specific room that will be used on your wedding day.
6. A detailed description on the reception space. Cover all décor details, including the color of the walls, type of flooring, chandeliers, and other amenities like the stage or bridal suite.
7. An itemized list of what the venue will provide, such as floral arrangements, decorations, linens, waitstaff, coatroom and valet parking services etc..
8. Name of the manager who will be present on the wedding day, as well as the name of an acceptable substitute.
9. Setup time of other vendors, such as the florist and DJ etc..
10. Any other points that have been agreed upon verbally and need to be finalized in writing.

1. Itemized total cost. Deposit and balance amount and the due dates.
2. Charges for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.
3. Total cost breakdown based on the expected guest count. This should include both the number of people and the price per person, as well as state tax and service charges.
4. Breakdown of the total cost based on the expected guest count. This includes both the number of people and the price per person, as well as tax and service charges.
5. Fees for setup, cleanup, and overtime.
6. Policy on cancellation and refund.

1. If you are having your wedding at a restaurant or other self-catered venue, specify if cocktails and an open bar are included in the price. If so, confirm what alcohol the open bar includes and how long the open bar will last.
2. Specify how the alcohol served during dinner will be billed.
3. The number of hors d'oeuvres that will be served per person, if provided by the venue.
4. The number of courses that are included in the meals, if provided by the venue. Specify the meal options and deadline for choosing dinner selections.
5. The limits and allowances for outside food, beverages, and decorations.

Featured Cover Image: Gerber and Scarpelli Photography