Weddings come with their share of big decisions: “Who’s on the guest list?” “What style of dress should I wear?” “What’s the best venue?” But often, it’s the smaller, less obvious details that can make or break your day.
Having played a part in thousands of weddings, the team here at FPM Music Management know how much these overlooked details matter, especially when it comes to creating a seamless and exceptional celebration.
To help you prepare, here are ten niche wedding planning questions you might not have thought to ask your venue - but definitely should.
What to Ask Your Wedding Venue: Questions Often Missed by Couples
1. What’s the signal like at the venue?
Does your venue have a strong mobile signal or Wi-Fi connection for guests and suppliers? Poor connectivity can disrupt supplier communication and hinder tech-dependent services such as live-streaming your ceremony or running a photo booth to its full potential. Your band or DJ could also struggle to download a specific song request, which could affect the flow of your celebration. Additionally, services like digital guest books or custom wedding apps could be rendered useless.
If this might be an issue, ask your venue about their connectivity options or solutions for areas with limited signal.
2. Will my suppliers have enough time to get ready?
Ensuring everyone - from the florist to the caterer and band - has enough time to prepare without rushing is key, along with the time needed to pack down afterwards. Coordination is also crucial here - having a venue coordinator or supplier liaison on hand ensures that everyone knows exactly where they need to be and when.
For a flawless experience, choose suppliers who are well-versed in working with a variety of venues across the South West. You can find trusted options on South West Wedding Venues’ supplier listings.
3. What’s the sound situation?
Whether you’re exchanging vows to live music or booking a show-stopping wedding band for your evening's entertainment: sound matters. Ask your venue about sound limiters, power access, curfews, and any restrictions on volume or live performances. These details directly impact how suppliers, including your band, prepare for your big day.
Our experience at FPM has shown that clear communication between couples, venues, and suppliers ensures these logistics are sorted well in advance.
4. How will my suppliers be looked after?
Your suppliers are the backbone of your wedding day, and taking care of their needs can make a significant difference in how smoothly everything runs. Have you thought about what provisions the venue has in place for them? Ensuring they’re well-fed and hydrated during their breaks not only boosts morale but can also improve their efficiency and focus.
Well-catered-for suppliers are more likely to deliver exceptional service.
5. How will my guests know where to go?
Weddings often involve multiple locations - ceremony areas, dining spaces, and dance floors. Have you planned how guests will navigate their way around? Clear signage, a printed schedule, or ushers can help guests move smoothly between spaces. This is especially important for key moments, like when it’s time to hit the dancefloor for your first dance.
Don’t forget to consider accessibility - are pathways to different areas clearly marked and easy to navigate for guests with mobility needs or prams? Thoughtful planning here can ensure every guest feels comfortable and included.
6. How can we keep kids entertained?
If children are on your guest list, how will you keep them entertained throughout the day? A little planning here can make a big difference - not just for the kids but for their parents, too.
Some venues offer child-friendly spaces or activities, while children's entertainers or game hire can provide hours of entertainment and distraction, allowing the adults to fully enjoy the highlights of the wedding.
7. What’s the plan for downtime?
Even the liveliest of weddings have natural pauses, such as during room changes or as the entertainment is being set up. How will you keep the energy high during these moments?
Simple touches like background music, lawn games, or photo booths can keep guests entertained. Many of our wedding bands also provide a complimentary DJ playlist between live sets to ensure a non-stop atmosphere.
8. Are the suppliers I'm considering familiar with the venue?
It’s always worth asking if your preferred suppliers - especially the band or DJ - have experience working at your chosen venue. Familiarity can greatly impact how efficiently the setup and performance unfold. Many wedding venues will also have a recommended supplier list that clients can use - a great resource for finding local businesses accustomed to the space.
At FPM, we’ve worked with countless wedding venues featured on South West Wedding Venues, so we know the ins and outs of everything from sound limiters to the best load-in points.
9. How will you set the tone for the evening?
From day to night, the feel of your wedding will naturally evolve. Have you thought about how to mark this transition? Adjusting the lighting, such as dimmed chandeliers or twinkling fairy lights, can signal a shift towards the evening's celebrations. Seating adjustments may also be necessary, like rearranging the tables and chairs to create a makeshift dance floor or additional space for guests to mingle.
Your band can also play a vital role, creating a relaxed vibe during the wedding breakfast and then ramping up the energy for a packed dancefloor later on.
10. What’s the backup plan for unexpected delays?
Weddings don’t always go to plan - maybe hair and makeup run late, or speeches take longer than expected. What’s the contingency for delays?
Ask your venue and suppliers how they handle last-minute setbacks. For instance, will your band or DJ be flexible if the evening starts later than planned? Cost considerations are another important factor - delays could result in additional charges from suppliers or the venue if their services are needed beyond the agreed times. Discussing this in advance eliminates any surprises on the day.
South West Wedding Venues - Your Number-One Wedding Resource
Planning a wedding isn’t just about ticking tasks off a list - it’s about anticipating the finer details that ensure everything runs seamlessly. From managing the evening’s flow to supplier preparations and keeping the atmosphere lively, these thoughtful tips can help you avoid any unexpected scenarios and truly savour every moment of your special day.
At FPM Music Management, we pride ourselves on delivering live entertainment tailored to your vision. Having performed at many of the South West's top wedding venues, we know how to adapt to each unique setting and create the perfect soundtrack for your celebration.
For inspiration and practical resources, including an extensive list of stunning venues and trusted suppliers, South West Wedding Venues offers a one-stop shop guide for couples planning their big day in Devon and Cornwall.
Head on over today - the South West's best venues and suppliers are at your fingertips: South West Wedding Venues | Part of the Wedding Venues Group™
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