There are a lot of elements for you to consider when wedding planning. Your budget alone may stretch several times if you aren’t careful, with 2019 seeing wedding dress costs averaging at $1,600 per gown (per The Pearl Source). Even more expensive, however, and perhaps more important, is your wedding venue. It’s important that you don’t choose a wedding venue just because it’s cheap. Not only does your wedding need to serve you on your big day; it will also need to serve your guests as well. With that in mind, let’s look into some of the most important questions for you to ask your wedding venue.

1. How Many Guests Can You Accommodate?

One of the most important questions for you to ask your wedding venue is how many guests can be accommodated at one time. Typically, wedding venues will offer a range. The important thing to remember is that you need to book a venue with the maximum amount of guests in mind. While it’s unlikely that all of your invited guests will attend, you still need to be prepared for that possibility.

2. Are There Limits on Decorations?

You need to ask your venue about their decoration limits. Most venues will have some kinds of limitations; few allow you to bring in whatever decorations you would like. Perhaps most importantly, you need to know about whether or not candles are options. While some venues consider candles fire hazards and therefore too dangerous to bring to the venue, others will allow you to do so.

3. What Will the Venue Provide?

Do you need to provide your own linens? What about dishes and silverware? Does your wedding venue provide catering? These are questions that you need to ask before you commit to any venue. While some venues may seem more expensive than others, they may be so because they offer more as well.

4. Do You Have Partners?

If your venue doesn’t provide specific things, they may have partners who provide them. Ask about which business your venue partners with.

5. Do You Have Photos of Other Weddings Held Here?

A big reason why you need photos of other weddings is that you should know what to expect. While every wedding is different, you’ll at least be able to get an idea of what your wedding would look like through photos of past events.