Essential Destination Wedding Questions
There is no shortage of wedding venues in France, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to decide on just one. We understand! Each venue comes with pros and cons, and knowing which questions to ask can be difficult, especially when each location looks equally charming. There are simply so many things to know about destination weddings!
Deciding on the Perfect Venue for Your French Destination Wedding
That’s why we’ve created this blog post with questions to ask when you’re picking a venue. Use this list as a guide to ensure your destination wedding venue suits not just your needs, but your guests’ as well. It covers the most important factors to consider in a venue so your wedding day will go smoothly.
Expert Advice on Choosing Your French Wedding Venue
To help you in your quest for your ideal venue, our resident wedding planning expert Fabienne Slater owner of Elian Concept Weddings and Events and member of UK Alliance of Wedding Planners has put together the Top Questions to ask your Destination Wedding Venue!
Budget Considerations for Your French Wedding Venue
If you are a habitual reader of our posts here, you may have noticed that budget is a reoccurring theme; you may even think that we are obsessed with it! Therefore, w trust that you have worked out the maximum you want to spend before looking for your wedding venue, and limit your search to places within your budget. Without a figure in mind, it is easy to get carried away or disappointed.
Setting Priorities for Your Dream Wedding Day
With these two key elements in mind along with your wedding day priorities, whatever they might be (outdoor ceremony/reception, easy access for guests, exclusivity, etc.), you will be better prepared for the task ahead.
Planning the Perfect Wedding Experience in France
Please note the following list is aimed at couples planning their wedding specifically in France, and likely to spend extra time there. It is therefore far more than a reception room you will be looking for and vetting. As for most destination weddings, it will also be the location for the ceremony, accommodation for the wedding party and potentially guests, and quite often this will be your home for several days before and after the wedding day.
General & Availability Questions to Ask Your Venue
Is your preferred date(s) available?
French venues, especially historic châteaux and popular destinations, often book 12-18 months in advance, particularly during peak wedding season (May-September). Many premium venues may only host a limited number of events per year to maintain exclusivity, making date flexibility crucial.
Is the venue suitable for the whole day: the ceremony, the cocktail reception, the dinner and the evening entertainment?
In France, many historic venues and hotels operate as tourist attractions or accommodate multiple events simultaneously. Exclusive hire ensures privacy and prevents tourist interruptions during your celebration, which is especially important in popular regions like the Loire Valley or Provence.
Can they comfortably accommodate your anticipated number of guests?
Venue size should match guest count for atmosphere. Large spaces can feel empty with small groups, while historic venues often have strict capacity limits for preservation and safety.
Do they hold more than one event on the same day? Can you hire the venue exclusively?
Many French venues offer exclusive use, often with minimum guest requirements or spending amounts. Exclusive booking prevents tourist interruptions, especially important at historic properties or châteaux.
Can the venue accommodate disabled or reduced-mobility guests?
Historic venues may have limited accessibility due to preservation requirements. Modern adaptations like ramps or elevators aren’t always possible in protected buildings.
If you are planning an outdoor event, what are the back-up plans in case of bad weather?
French weather can be unpredictable, even in summer months. Many historic venues have specific restrictions about indoor/outdoor usage due to preservation requirements. Having a clear understanding of contingency plans is essential, as some regions experience afternoon thunderstorms.
Are there any guidelines or restrictions on decorations?
Decoration restrictions often relate to historic preservation. Common limitations include no nails/tacks, candle restrictions, and flower placement rules.
Can you lay petals? Throw confetti? Light up candles? Have fireworks or lanterns?
Each venue has specific rules about these elements due to historic preservation, fire safety, and cleanup concerns.
What kinds of activities are available on site and nearby?
Activities range from wine tasting to sports facilities. Popular venues offer on-site options plus proximity to local attractions. Location research helps guests plan extended stays. Many French regions offer cultural attractions, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Accommodation & Transportation Questions to Ask Your Venue
Is there enough accommodation for your requirements?
On-site accommodation capacity varies greatly. Rural venues may have limited rooms but often partner with nearby hotels. Consider capacity for immediate wedding party versus full guest list.
If the venue is a hotel, will they offer a discount on rooms booked by your guests?
Many French hotels offer wedding block rates with 10-20% discounts. Booking procedures vary; some require individual guest payments while others work through master accounts.
Do you have to book a minimum number of days?
Common requirements include minimum 2-night stays during peak season, room block minimums, or minimum spend requirements combining venue and accommodations.
What are the usual check-in and checkout times?
Standard check-in is typically 3-4pm and checkout 11am-12pm. Extended hours are often available for additional fees, which are crucial for wedding day preparation.
Are there enough parking spaces?
Parking varies significantly. City venues may have limited spaces while countryside locations often offer ample parking. Some require shuttle services.
Do they offer shuttle services from and to the airport?
Airport transfers vary by location. Rural venues typically provide recommended transport services or can arrange shuttle buses for groups.
Are there any local events happening on the same day as your wedding?
Local festivals, holidays, or events can affect accommodation availability and prices. Checking local calendars helps avoid conflicts.
Catering & Service Questions to Ask Your Venue
Does the venue provide catering?
Catering arrangements vary from mandatory in-house services to allowing external caterers. French venues often have strict kitchen use policies.
Can you bring your own drinks?
Beverage policies vary significantly. Some venues allow outside wine with corkage fees, others require using their cellars.
Can you arrange a rehearsal dinner or a BBQ the night before?
Multi-day event capabilities vary. Some venues offer complete weekend packages while others charge separately for additional events.
Do they follow a specific timeline for the cocktail reception and dinner?
French wedding timing traditionally differs from other countries. Most venues allow customization within their operating hours and noise restriction limits.
How many waiters will attend the cocktail reception? The dinner? The evening?
Staff ratios typically follow French service standards: 1 server per 15-20 guests for cocktails, 1 per 25-30 for dinner.
If catering is not provided by the venue, do they have a preferred caterer?
External catering policies vary. Some venues require choosing from approved caterers who know the kitchen and facilities.
Event Planning & Service Questions to Ask Your Venue
Do they have an in-house wedding coordinator?
Coordinator services vary from full planning to day-of coordination. Some venues require hiring their coordinator while others allow external planners.
Are they happy for you to use an external wedding planner or designer?
Some venues require using their planners while others welcome external professionals with proper insurance and references.
Does the venue have a preferred suppliers list?
Many venues maintain preferred vendor lists. Some require using certain vendors (especially catering) while allowing flexibility with others.
When can you (or your suppliers) start to set up?
Setup timing varies from same-day access to multiple days. Earlier access usually involves additional fees.
Do they have a sound system in place?
Audio capabilities vary. Some venues have built-in systems while others require external equipment. Power supply adequacy should be confirmed for all equipment.
Can they provide a microphone? A/V equipment? Lighting?
Technical equipment availability varies widely. Some venues offer full AV packages while others require external rentals.
Does the music have to stop at a certain time?
French weddings traditionally continue very late into the night and often into the early morning hours (4-5am is not uncommon), particularly in the countryside. However, each venue will have specific rules.
If a marquee is required, do they have a recommended supplier?
Weather contingency plans are essential. Backup spaces should be included in venue contracts with clear activation timing.
Contract and Package Questions to Ask Your Venue
Do they offer packages or is the venue Dry Hire Only?
Service packaging varies from all-inclusive to à la carte. Package inclusions and customization options should be clearly detailed.
What are their terms & conditions?
French contract law and liability requirements differ from other countries. Understanding payment terms, cancellation policies, and insurance requirements is crucial, especially when dealing with international transfers and potential disruptions.
General Advice for Choosing Your French Wedding Venue
- Try to assess how experienced they are with weddings or even better, ask the question.
- Check the fine print and ensure you both understand ALL the costs for the venue before signing, including cleaning fees, extra time, extra charges, taxes. If you are not sure, ask again.
- Once you have shortlisted your favourite venues, visit them if possible. More on this topic next time.
- And remember that at any stage of planning your wedding in France, you can decide to get help from a Wedding Planner if the organisation is getting the better of you, we will step in, to take away your stress and ensure full completion of your
