15 Questions to Ask Before Renting a Wedding Venue

Once you've found a suitable venue for your ceremony, ask a lot of questions before signing an agreement or contract. Here are suggested questions you may want to ask What is the legal occupancy allowed for the venue?

Will the venue be available of the date/time of your ceremony?

Are any other weddings scheduled for the same day?

What is the rental fee for the venue? How many hours does this include? Does it allow time for decorating and un-decorating? Is it available for the wedding rehearsal? If so, is this fee included, or is it extra?

Are there any other extra or unexpected fees that may be charged? If so, what are they?

How are fees to be paid? A deposit now? The balance when?

Do you provide such things as an aisle runner, silk flower arrangements, candles, kneeling bench, and so on?

Do you furnish a lighting technician, wedding coordinator, janitorial services, musicians, and so on? If so, are there extra fees for these services?

Are there any restrictions regarding the decorations, such as attaching floral bouquets at the end of each pew or aisle? to the walls? To candle scones?

If it's a religious venue, are there any restrictions regarding musical selections, modesty of wedding attire, flash photography, readings, poems, use of lighted candles, and so on?

If it's a religious venue, are there also restrictions as to who may officiate? Are we obligated to use the venue's clergyman, rabbi, or priest? Or may we have our pastor or civil officiant marry us?

Are there any restrictions on tossing items (rice, petals, bird seed?

What type of guest parking is available?

Are there bride and groom dressing rooms?

Does the venue have wheelchair accessibility?

Does the venue offer outdoor facilities?

Ashlee Williams is a wedding planner and editor of Merry Brides. She will help you plan a fabulous wedding while staying on a budget. You can also check her out on Merry Brides Twitter for a lot of great wedding advice and ideas.

How to Protect Your Engagement Ring

PROTECTING YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING

Each diamond is rare and unique—that's part of what you're paying for. The proper care will help you get your money's worth.

Safe storage

Jewelry boxes and dresser drawers are often the first places a thief will look for your valuables, so choose a secure hiding place that is inconspicuous yet convenient for you. Consider installing a home safe, or if you only plan to wear your engagement ring only on special occasions, store it in your bank's safe-deposit box.

Everyday wear

Being extra mindful of your diamond while performing daily tasks—like putting on gloves, which can catch prongs—will decrease the likelihood of your ring being damaged or misplaced. When removing your ring to wash dishes, shower or sleep, designate a save spot—in small bowl or in your jewelry box—that's away from sinks or surfaces where it can be forgotten or lost.

On the road

When flying, always keep your engagement ring with you—either on your finger or stowed safely in your carry-on. When you aren't wearing your ring, stash it in the hotel's safe-deposit box, never the safe in your room or, worse yet, your luggage. And if you find yourself in a place that makes you uneasy, turn your engagement ring upside down so the diamond doesn't attract unwanted attention.

Care tips

No matter which metal you chose, daily wear can take a toll on your ring, so check prongs periodically for loose stones. If you bump your ring, examine it for damage and, if necessary, take it to your jeweler for inspection and repair.

DIY cleaning

A yearly professional cleaning and polishing is recommended, but periodic at-home cleanings will keep your diamond super-sparkly between trips to the jeweler. In a small bowl away from the sink, soak your ring in warm sudsy water. Then use a soft toothbrush to clean between crevices. After rinsing, dry it with a lint-free cloth.

Playtime

To avoid accidentally damaging it, remove your diamond before swimming, sports, gardening or household chores. If you lead a very active lifestyle, you may want to consider a bezel or bar setting (which hold a diamond more securely) over a prong setting.

Insure your ring

This is the wisest thing you can do to protect your sparkling investment. Insurance guarantees your diamond will be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged.

Recommended Online Jewelry

Szul.com Design Your Own Engagement Ring - Select from 1000's of Diamonds

Allurez.com Great Discounts on Engagement Rings

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