L’Enfant Plaza Hotel Washington D.C. 
When brides and grooms start looking for wedding venues, they are often faced with falling head over heels in love with the place and sign the contract before they’ve even considered whether it’s practical or not.
Unless the venue is so gorgeous that you’re willing to plan your whole event around it, your shouldn’t choose between wedding venues until you’ve decided approximately how many guests you’re inviting the amount of your budget. You’ll also need to decide if you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same place, or if you want an all-in-one wedding venue.
Once you know these things, and you have a few wedding venues in mind that fit that budget and size, then you’ll want to break out your list of questions.
Here are a 15 questions that you will want to ask:
1) What is the fee for renting the space?
2) What is the size of the dance floor?
3) Where will the DJ/Band set up? Is there enough room for them on the dance floor?
4) Where will the florist set up?
5) What is the location of restrooms and are there enough to accomodate your guests? Is there a bathroom attendant?
6)Will you be sharing the site with another event?
7) Do you have to rent tables, linens and chairs or is it included in the cost?
8) Is there a bridal suite for the bride and groom to get dressed?
9) Can I work with an outside vendor, or do I have to work from their preferred vendor list?
10) What is the maximum number of guests allowed in the room?

11) If it is an outdoor location, is there a Plan B in case it rains?
12) Are there any limitations on the type of equipment a band/deejay can set up?
13) What is the square footage of the space?
14) Does the venue have an in-house caterer, or can I bring in my own?
15) Is valet parking offered? Is there a fee?
Written by
Denise Woods, Denise Woods Weddings & Events
Creating Unique and Memorable Events