Planning a wedding is full of surprises—but not all of them are the good kind. One of the most common hiccups I’ve seen as a wedding photographer isn’t someone forgetting the rings or the weather turning sour—it’s couples suddenly realising their venue didn’t include half the things they thought it did.

A beautifully decorated barn might not come with tables. A stunning hall might not even provide glasses for the toast. And those “affordable” venues? They often rely on you hiring everything separately.

So here’s my honest advice, based on real wedding day experience: don’t assume anything—ask. And ask early. Because what your venue includes (or doesn’t) can make a big difference to your budget, your stress levels, and even your photos.

Why “Included” Isn’t Always What You Think

Wedding venues come in all shapes and styles. Some are all-inclusive resorts with staff, décor, sound systems, and more. Others—especially dry-hire venues—are literally just a blank space. They may not even have enough chairs for your guests.

What’s tricky is that many venue websites and brochures are full of dreamy language—”romantic setting,” “fully equipped,” or “ideal for parties”—without spelling out the practical stuff.

Real example from a wedding I photographed:

A lovely couple booked a countryside marquee venue. Gorgeous field, big tent, beautiful view—but on the wedding morning, we discovered there were no wine glasses, no tablecloths, and no speaker system for the ceremony music. Cue panic, a dash to a local hire company, and a few extra hundred pounds they hadn’t planned for.

Moral of the story? Always double-check.

The Key Things to Ask About (and Why They Matter)

Here’s a checklist of things you should ask every venue. You don’t need to interrogate them—but having a calm, curious conversation early on can save you a fortune later.

### 1. Staff: Who’s Actually Working Your Wedding?

• Is there a venue coordinator on the day?

• Are staff included to serve food or drinks?

• What about security or cleaning staff?

Some venues include a team who’ll help set up, serve food, and tidy up. Others might leave it all to you (or your caterer). If they don’t include any staff, that’s fine—just make sure you know, so you’re not scrambling last-minute.

### 2. Tables, Chairs & Furniture

• Do they have enough for all your guests?

• Are linens, covers, or cushions included?

• Can you change the layout or style?

You’d be surprised how many venues expect you to supply the basics. Hiring tables and chairs separately can easily add £500–£1,000+ to your budget.

### 3. Crockery, Cutlery & Glassware

• Are plates, glasses, and cutlery provided?

• If not, can your caterer bring them, or do you need to hire?

It’s one of those unglamorous but essential things that often gets overlooked—until someone’s drinking prosecco out of a paper cup.

### 4. Sound Systems & AV Equipment

• Is there a speaker system or microphone for the ceremony and speeches?

• Can you plug in your own playlist or hire a DJ?

• Any sound restrictions or cut-off times?

If your venue doesn’t have speakers, you’ll either need to hire a system (expect to pay £100–£300), or check if your DJ or band can supply one.

Photographer tip: I’ve seen ceremonies held in silence because the couple assumed a Bluetooth speaker would be available. It wasn’t. Invest in your sound setup—it makes a huge difference, especially in big or outdoor spaces.

### 5. Bar Setup & Drinks Licensing

• Does the venue have a bar, and is it staffed?

• Can you bring your own drinks?

• Are there corkage fees (they can range from £2 to £20 per bottle)?

Some venues include a full bar setup, others just offer space and expect you to sort everything else. And if they’re not licensed for alcohol, you might need a Temporary Event Notice from your council.

### 6. Décor & Styling Items

• Are fairy lights, candles, or table decorations included?

• Do they have easels, signage, or cake stands?

Venues that already look “wedding-ready” save you money and time on decoration. Others are completely bare and will need more planning (and more Pinterest boards).

### 7. Parking & Accessibility

• Is parking included and how many spaces are there?

• Is there disabled access, baby-changing, or space for taxis and coaches?

It’s not the most romantic topic—but when your elderly guests are trying to find a place to park or navigate stairs, you’ll be glad you asked.

How to Ask Without Feeling Awkward

I get it—no one wants to feel like they’re grilling the venue or being a “difficult” client. But most venue coordinators want you to ask questions. It shows you’re organised and trying to avoid issues later on.

Here’s a simple approach:

• Ask for an itemised list or brochure of what’s included.

• Use phrases like, “Just to be sure, can you confirm whether…”

• Say you’re comparing venues and want to make a fair, informed choice.

Pro tip: Keep everything in writing—email is your friend. If someone promises you something verbally, ask for confirmation in your booking documents.

The Benefits of Clarity (Beyond the Budget)

Knowing exactly what’s included means:

Fewer last-minute expenses
Less stress on the day
More control over your budget
Easier vendor coordination

It also helps your photographer, planner, caterer, and DJ work better together. If we know what’s on-site, what’s hired, and what needs bringing in—we can plan lighting, layouts, and timelines much more effectively.

Photographer Tip: Share the Breakdown With Your Suppliers

I always ask couples what’s included with the venue—because it changes how I approach the day.

If I know the ceremony’s outdoors and there’s no sound system, I might bring extra equipment. If I know you’re hiring in furniture and the timeline’s tight, I’ll suggest a more relaxed photo schedule.

The more we know, the more smoothly things go.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume—Just Ask

Weddings are expensive enough without sneaky hidden costs creeping in. The best way to save money (and your sanity) is to get everything clear upfront.

So before you book that beautiful barn, hall, or hotel, pause and ask: What’s actually included?

Because when you’re standing at the altar with your loved one, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether there are enough forks for dinner.