Booking your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions of your planning process. It sets the tone for your entire day, so it’s essential to ask the right questions to make sure the venue fits your vision. Here are 10 key questions to ask before committing to your wedding venue.

1. What is the maximum guest capacity?

Knowing the maximum capacity of your venue is essential. You want to ensure that your venue can accommodate all of your loved ones comfortably. Whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, ask the venue about guest limits.

2. Is the venue available for my preferred date?

Availability is critical, especially for popular wedding seasons. Ask the venue about their availability for your desired date and whether there are any restrictions or blackout periods. Early booking ensures that you get your preferred date at VR Rotorua Lake Resort, Hanmer Springs Retreat or Airport Gateway Hotel.

3. What wedding packages do you offer?

Different venues offer different packages, and it’s essential to know what’s included. Ask if there are options for customizing the package to suit your needs or if they offer all-inclusive packages. At all three venues, you can choose from pre-set packages or create a custom event that fits your vision.

4. Do you have on-site accommodation for guests?

If you have guests traveling from out of town or planning a destination wedding, you’ll want to know if there’s accommodation available on-site. VR Rotorua Lake Resort has 42 rooms for your guests to enjoy, Hanmer Springs Retreat has 33 rooms, and Airport Gateway Hotel offers 70 rooms, ensuring your friends and family are well taken care of.

5. How flexible is the venue with wedding day timelines and events?

Some venues have strict timelines and event schedules. Ask about the flexibility of the venue to accommodate your preferred timeline for the ceremony, reception, and other events.

6. What’s included in the wedding package?

Be sure to ask about what’s included in the venue’s wedding package. Does it cover décor, furniture, catering, and staff? At VR Weddings, our wedding packages are designed to be comprehensive, making it easier for you to plan without worrying about the small details.

7. Are there any restrictions on décor, music, or timing?

Every venue will have specific rules or restrictions regarding décor, music, or event timing. It’s important to clarify these ahead of time to avoid surprises.

8. What are the costs, and what’s included in the price?

Understanding the full costs involved will help you plan your budget. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the price, such as catering, linens, and staffing. We provide transparent pricing at all our venues, so you can see exactly what’s included.

9. Do you provide wedding planning services or a coordinator?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to ask whether the venue provides a dedicated wedding planner or coordinator. All of our venues offer wedding planning support to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.

10. What’s the backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to know what happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Does the venue offer an indoor alternative? At VR Rotorua Lake Resort, we offer both indoor and outdoor options to ensure your wedding day is perfect, no matter the weather.