Get the inside scoop on what to ask so your Rocky Mountain wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of (and more).
Finding the right venue is key to making your wedding dreams come true. But with so many stunning Rocky Mountain wedding venues, how do you know which one is right for you?
Touring venues is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning, though it’s often overshadowed by tasks like dress shopping and décor planning.
The truth is, although it’s easy to fall in love with a venue for its looks, many important factors should go into your decision to book a venue (think: venue rental times, décor or set up limitations, catering, privacy, and more).
A venue tour is the perfect opportunity to ask the questions that can make or break your big day and get a feel for the team that will be handling one of the most important days of your life.
Here are some must-ask questions when touring venues:
“Will our wedding be the only event on that day?”
Along with finding out if your preferred wedding date is available, you’ll want to ask whether the venue hosts multiple events at once.
At Cornerstone Weddings, we only book one wedding per venue per day so you get the attention you deserve. This also means you will always have your reception space as an automatic indoor ceremony backup should the weather ruin your plans for an outdoor ceremony.
“How many hours are included in the rental of the space?”
Understanding the fine print of your venue rental is important—especially when planning your party. Curfews, for example, will range quite a bit.
At Cornerstone Theatre, your venue rental runs until 2 a.m. – one of the latest in Canmore! At our Rundleview Room and The Vista venues, you’ll have the space until 1 a.m.
“What are the hidden costs?”
Your budget is one of the most important factors in booking a venue. Be sure to get a detailed rundown of what costs are included in your venue rental, and what additional line items you need to account for.
At Cornerstone Weddings, we do not charge extra for cake cutting, security costs, SOCAN, or cleaning fees. The only charges not reflected in our brochure pricing are GST (5%) and service charges (20%).
“Do you have in-house catering?”
If there is not an in-house caterer, be sure to clarify if you must choose from a list of approved options or hire your own caterer.
At Cornerstone Weddings, our in-house catering is one of our best features. Each of our venues boasts on-site kitchens, allowing us to create fine-dining-inspired buffets, plated menus, and even chef-attended stations that double as interactive features for your guests.
“Will your staff be involved in setting up and taking down décor?”
This is a big one. Be sure to clarify what, if any, décor the venue is responsible for setting up and taking down (i.e. table linens, centrepieces, or chair covers). If the venue requires you to set up and take down your own décor, consider what time you will be allowed in the venue to set up and if you’ll have to pack down before your venue rental ends.
At Cornerstone Weddings, our team takes care of all setup and take down of your ceremony and reception—including your own décor. You’ll meet with our team the day before your wedding for a décor drop-off and return the day after your wedding to pick it all up!
Ready to tour venues with an expert lens? You should probably start by booking a tour at one of our Canmore-based wedding venues.
Not sure which location is right for you? Take our personality quiz to see which venue will suit you best and then contact our team to book a virtual or in-person tour.
We can’t wait to meet you.
