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Booking your venue is one of the most important decisions for your wedding. The right venue sets the tone, defines your guest experience, and helps your wedding vision come to life.

Before you sign, knowing the right questions to ask can save you time, stress, and surprises. Use this checklist to ensure your venue aligns with your vision, your timeline, and your guests’ experience. For a full planning roadmap, check out our Just Engaged? A Guide to Montreal Wedding Planning.

1. Availability & Scheduling

• How many events can be booked on the same date?
• Is the schedule for the ceremony and reception flexible?
• At what time can we access the venue on the day of the wedding?
• When must the celebration end? Are there noise restrictions?

2. Ceremony & Reception Spaces

• Where can the ceremony be set up? Does it match your vision?
• What is the backup plan in case of rain? How flexible is switching spaces?
• Where will the cocktail hour take place? What happen in case of rain?

3. Catering & Food Service

• Is the caterer in-house or do you need to hire one?
• Can they accommodate allergies, vegetarian, or vegan options?
• When must the final guest count be submitted?
• What are the options the menu. 
• Is it possible to organize a tasting?

4. Rentals & Amenities

• What is included in the room rental? Tables, linens, napkins? Do you need to rent anything?
• What is the bar situation? Can you bring your own alcohol, or is an open/cash bar available?
• How much does bar setup cost?
• At what time does the bar open and for how long?

5. Logistics & Extras

• How do you ensure guests from another wedding don’t crash at ours? 
• How does cleanup work? Must the space be cleared the same day?
• Are there sound system limitations? Can your DJ use their own equipment?
• Are there additional charges, like cake-cutting fees?
• Is there a day of coordinator at the venue?

6. Budget & Payment

• How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
• If the wedding cannot occur on your date due to the venue, is the deposit refundable?

Conclusion

Asking these questions ensures your venue aligns with your wedding vision and avoids surprises on your big day. Choosing the right space is about more than beauty—it’s about logistics, flexibility, and creating a seamless experience. Once your venue is secured, you can confidently move on to your other key vendors, as outlined in our Just Engaged? Montreal Wedding Planning Guide, keeping your celebration elegant, organized, and uniquely yours.