Questions You Didn’t Know to Ask Your Wedding Venue (But Absolutely Should)

When searching for the perfect wedding venue near Pittsburgh, PA, most couples ask the usual questions: “What’s the capacity?” “What’s the cost?” “Is my date available?” While those are certainly important, there’s a whole list of less obvious questions that can make a big difference in your overall experience — and your wedding day!

At Avenue in Sarver, one of the top Sarver wedding venues, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and we know that the details matter. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’re sharing some of the most overlooked questions you should ask when touring venues (and yes, we’re happy to answer these for you, too).

1. What’s the Plan if Something Goes Wrong?

No one wants to think about bad weather or last-minute emergencies, but knowing your venue’s backup plans is crucial.

• Is there a clear rain plan for outdoor wedding ceremonies in Pennsylvania?

• How do they handle unexpected vendor no-shows or emergencies?

•  At Avenue in Sarver, we believe in being prepared for anything, so you can relax and enjoy your day at one of the most reliable Western PA wedding venues.

  
  

2. Who Will Be There on My Wedding Day?

You may have loved the person who gave you the tour, but are they actually the one running your wedding? Ask who your day-of contact will be and if they’ll help with coordination or timeline management.

 At Avenue, we not only provide a wedding venue with a day-of coordinator, but you will also have multiple knowledgeable team members working with your coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

3. How Much Time Do We Really Have?

Some venues offer only a few hours for setup and teardown, which can leave you and your vendors feeling rushed.

 Ask about:

• How early can we arrive?

• How late can we stay?

• What’s included in our rental window?

•  At Avenue, we offer full-day wedding rentals in PA because we believe a stress-free experience shouldn’t come with a stopwatch.

  
  

4. What’s Included (That I Might Not Realize)?

Décor, linens, lighting, signage — these little extras add up quickly if your venue doesn’t provide them.

 Ask specifically:

• Is décor included?

• Are tables, chairs, linens, and signage provided?

• Are there any hidden rental fees?

•  At Avenue, we include access to thousands of dollars worth of décor — a benefit our couples love because it saves both money and time. This is what makes us one of the most sought-after PA wedding venues with décor included.

  
  

5. Can We Choose Our Own Vendors?

Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, which can limit your choices (and sometimes your budget). Clarify:

• Can we bring in our own caterer, florist, etc.?

• Are there any restrictions?

•  At Avenue, we have a trusted vendor list, but we welcome you to choose your own, giving you flexibility while ensuring a smooth experience. This is a rare find among affordable wedding venues in Western PA.

  
  

6. What Are the Rules for Alcohol?

This is often overlooked until it’s too late. Make sure you understand:

• Can we bring our own alcohol?

• Do we need to hire licensed bartenders?

• What’s your policy on guest behavior related to alcohol?

•  At Avenue, we allow outside alcohol when served by our licensed bartenders, ensuring a fun and safe celebration.

  
  

7. Is the Venue Pet-Friendly?

If having your furry friend walk down the aisle is part of your dream, don’t forget to ask.

 At Avenue, we’re proud to be one of the few pet-friendly wedding venues in PA, though we do have guidelines to ensure their safety and comfort.

8. How Is Clean-Up Handled?

No one wants to end the best day ever with a broom in hand. Clarify whether clean-up is included or if that responsibility falls to you or your vendors.

 At Avenue, our staff handles the heavy lifting — you focus on enjoying the night at one of the area’s most accommodating rustic elegant wedding venues.

Final Thoughts:

It’s easy to get swept up in the beauty of a venue, but asking the right questions ensures your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of — without surprises.

At Avenue in Sarver, transparency, flexibility, and thoughtful service are just part of what we do. If you’re searching for indoor and outdoor wedding venues in Pennsylvania or  want a venue that values your vision, we’re here to make your planning journey stress-free.

Let’s make your dream wedding a reality — without the guesswork.

 📅 Schedule Your Tour at Avenue in Sarver: https://www.avenueinsarver.com/contact-3