Choosing a Wedding Venue in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most exciting places in the world, and the city and surrounding communities boast a generous number of beautiful wedding locations. Are you looking for a first class banquet hall or a hotel? An indoor or outdoor venue? With so many options to choose from, we spoke with Ani Keshishian from L.A. Banquets and got some advice on the top questions you need to ask before signing a contract.

How Many Guests Can We Have?

What is the maximum capacity for a seated dinner, taking into account a dance floor and sufficient space for a band or DJ and his equipment? Is that capacity reduced to accommodate buffet tables if we decide to serve that way?  If we have considerably fewer people than the maximum the room can hold, will the room be partitioned or is there an alternate, smaller room? Is there a separate space for a reception, or will it be in a different part of the same room?

What About the Ceremony?

What are our choices if the ceremony is also going to be at the venue? If it will be in the same room as the dinner, what is the changeover time? Where can we have post-ceremony pictures taken? If the wedding will be at a hotel, ask if the package includes rooms for the bridal party to get ready. Does it include an overnight stay for the bridal couple?

What About Vendors?

Is there an exclusive list of venue-approved vendors (caterers, florists, rental houses, etc.), or does the venue have a list of vendors it recommends? For vendors who will stay on during the wedding, like the photographer or DJ/band, is there a separate place where they can be served dinner?

What About Catering?

Catering, whether or not it will be provided by the venue, deserves a list of its own, and, in fact, you can find questions to ask about catering in our previous blog post. But be sure to find out pricing for everything you want and know the due dates of payments and your guarantee of guest count. When can they arrange a tasting, and when must we confirm the menu? If catering will not be provided by the venue, is there a catering kitchen or a convenient place for the caterer to set up his own equipment?

What Is Included?

Are complimentary table linens available and, if so, what are the colors? What do the venue’s standard dishes and glassware look like? (Ask to see samples.) Will we have to rent a dance floor? Is there AV equipment, including a mic? Do we need special-size tables or Chiavari dining chairs?

Are There Any Additional Fees?

May we bring in our own wines and, if so, what is the corkage (serving) charge? If we bring in our own wedding cake, is there a cutting fee? Is there a charge for serving the champagne for a toast? 

What About Décor?

Are there restrictions on décor, lighting, or any other temporary alterations to the space? Is it okay if we drape the walls or ceiling? Will we have access to the controls for room lighting? Are there rules for use of candles?

What Is the Timing?

From what time until what time will we have the space? Is there a time we must be out or will we just be charged overtime? What time can our vendors access the space, and what time must they be packed up and gone? May rental houses retrieve their equipment the next business day?

What About Parking?

If parking is not complimentary, what is the charge per car and may we host our guests and be billed for it? Is valet service available? What is the access for handicapped guests? What parking and access is available for vendors?

What Else Do We Need to Know?

For outdoor or other non-standard locations, are there noise restrictions? Will any special permits be required? What are the clean-up requirements? What are the restroom accommodations? What is the rain contingency plan?

Who Will Manage the Event?

Is there a wedding coordinator or banquet manager who will be our contact throughout planning and be there on the day of the wedding to assist vendors and smooth over any difficulties? Will that person stay until it’s time to turn out the lights?

What Will It All Cost?

What are the rental fees? When are deposits due, and what is the refund policy? When is the final payment due? What forms of payment are accepted?

That’s a lot of questions, for sure, and you may think of some of your own, too. But you’re planning one of the most important events of your lives, and it’s no time to guess at things. Venues that accommodate weddings on a regular basis should be able to answer all of these questions easily and set you on your way to the wedding of your dreams.

Thank you Ani from L.A. Banquets for providing such helpful tips for our brides and grooms! And if anyone is still looking for a venue, don't forget to look into the multiple L.A. Banquets locations to find the right wedding venue for you! And if you have more questions, feel free to contact L.A. Banquets and get their help with selecting your venue.