The Ultimate Wedding Venue Checklist

What to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

1. A Dance Floor and Sound System that Let You Party On

Ask if the venue has a quality sound system and a decent dance floor. If they don't, you may need to book live artists or DJs who can bring their own sound system. This can be another expense and a hassle to hire and set up!

Also, check for sound restrictions. Some places will shut everything down if they hit a noise limiter. Ask whether you can control the volume, or if there’s a dreaded noise-limiter box lurking in the corner.

2. Lighting That Ensures Your Wedding is the Appropriate Amount of Moody

Great lighting sets the mood—from vows to the first dance. Ask if you can bring in your own suppliers if theirs fall flat. (If you book my One Woman Show package, dance-floor party lighting is included.)

3. Plants, Décor—and a Venue That’s Pinterest-Ready

Think about photo backdrops. Does the venue offer natural beauty or charming architectural nooks for portraits? Can you save money on florals because your venue is already beautiful?

4. A Friendly Function Manager & Staff Who Are on Your Level

Helpful, responsive staff are like champagne for your wedding planning soul. Make sure someone’s around on the day to shepherd all the magic—and the occasional emergency.

5. A Kitchen (or Catering) That Can Handle Dietary Diversity

Gluten-free? Vegan? Halal? Nut-free? Choose a venue that either nails this or happily accommodates caterers who do.

6. Indoor Alternatives for Melbourne’s Chaotic Weather

Rain, hail, or searing sun—your guests should be comfy. Ask about indoor backup spaces or shelters outdoors, as well as fans, air-conditioning, and heating (in winter).

Ensure the different elements of your day aren't too far from each other. People generally don't wear practical shoes to weddings, and less mobile folks can struggle with distance between the ceremony and party!

7. Enough Bathrooms, Please

Long queues aren’t cute. Make sure there are enough bathrooms for your guest list—and that they’re sparkling and accessible. Gender-neutral is the new norm (just like your toilet at home).

8. Ceremony Space That Actually Fits Your People

Capacity can be misleading—just because a venue seats 200 doesn’t mean 200 will feel cozy. Ask to see it dressed for a wedding, not just empty. Consider a cocktail-style wedding for larger guest numbers so you can work the room easier!

9. Inclusive Drinks Packages (Alcoholic & Not)

Yes to more options than beer and wine! Many guests are skipping alcohol these days too—so make sure there are delicious, thoughtful non-alcoholic options in drinks packages as well.

10. Parking & Public Transport

Is there plenty of parking—or is it a trek? Is the venue accessible by tram or train? Think of your less mobile loved ones. Do Ubers or cabs travel to and from the venue?

11. A Venue That Celebrates —Not Obliterates—LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

If the venue’s website screams “Mr & Mrs” everywhere—it may not be your kind of love nest. Seek spaces that are openly inclusive and use affirming language for all couples.

12. Quiet Corners for Alone Time

After all the hugging and high-fiving, you two will want a moment—just you, your partner, and maybe a quiet sip of something sparkling.

13. Flexibility with Booking Times & Minimum Spend

Some venues are rigid with timelines or require you to hit a scary-high minimum spend. If you want a shorter celebration, a brunch wedding, or just more control over your budget, look for a venue that’s open to adjusting hire times and minimums for smaller numbers. A flexible venue will work with you, not against you.

More Smart Stuff from the Experts

• Read the fine print. Confirm rules about vendor choices, alcohol, open flames, event times, and inclusive insurance policies.

• Ask about back-to-back bookings. You don’t want to walk into someone else’s halfway-cleaned-up reception.

• Demand a rain plan for outdoor venues. Marrying under a marquee? Know what happens if you wake up to rain.

• Seek venues with a green heart. Some couples choose eco-friendly venues with minimal waste and sustainable practices.

• Test the flow. Are there “dead zones” where guests vanish? Ensure dining, bar, and dance areas are well connected—so your party stays buzzing.

  
  

Wrap-Up

Your venue should be more than a space—it’s the cocoon for your community, and the place where your favourite people will gather to love you both.

When a venue ticks these boxes, it doesn’t just become a space—it becomes an investment in your future!