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10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue (and all of the answers!)

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On average, we meet with 1,000 newly engaged couples a year and spend 30 minutes or more discussing options for their wedding at Lesner Inn. That means we spent 20.83 days a year (500 hours) talking to potential clients about initial booking. We have found that these potential clients are all asking the same great questions, so we’re here to provide newly engaged couples with the answers! Read on for the 10 questions to ask your wedding venue!

#1: Is my date available?

Unless you are flexible with your date, make sure to ask your venue if they are available before you begin your tour. We hate seeing a couple fall in love with Lesner Inn only to find out that we are already booked on their date. To avoid this, have a few date options in mind before you begin your tour. While we’re on the subject of your date, don’t ever send out a save the date before you book your wedding venue! This puts you at risk for not having your vendor dream team, and of course not being able to have your wedding at your dream venue!

#2: What is the maximum capacity of the space?

We love that we offer two different spaces to accommodate both small and large scale events and it is important for couples to know maximum capacities for both. If you are looking for a smaller space, our Waterside Deck is a great option! With space for a 110 person seated event (plated or buffet), it can also be used for groups as small as 25. For larger events, our Lesner Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests for a plated meal with space for a dance floor too!

#3: What happens if it rains?Rainy-wedding-Lesner-Inn-Virginia-Beach-weather-proof-venue-Echard-Wheeler

This is a great question and so important to ask in a coastal area! Our Waterside Deck is a fully enclosed space so your event can still go on even in the midst of hurricane season. Lesner Hall is an indoor space and our ceremonies are typically on the Sunset Deck which is a covered, open deck. However, unless you have high winds, your outdoor ceremony can still happen! If you have your heart set on tying the knot outside, this is perfect for you because your guests will be kept safe and dry but still have an awesome view.

Above: Echard Wheeler Photography

#4: What is included in my rental fee?

Always, always, always ask this! Not all venues offer tables, chairs, linens and set up and breakdown like Lesner Inn does. This can be a huge cost to factor into your budget. All of our event packages offer a variety of tables, chiavari chairs, linens, set up and breakdown of all of these items, flatware, glassware, chinaware and all catering supplies.  Some of our packages even offer your table decor!

#5: Where do my guests park?

All Lesner Inn events come with a complimentary parking attendant to help direct guests as they arrive on the property and all of our staff parks offsite. We are under the same ownership as Bubba’s, Back Deck, The Shellfish Company and the Lynnhaven Fishing Company so we have plenty of overflow parking. On a Saturday night during peak season, we have 300 guests in the building and never have issues with parking. Why not a valet? We find that valets tends to slow down service when all of the guests are arriving at the same time. You wouldn’t want someone to be late to the wedding because they were waiting in line for their car to be valeted.

#6: Are there any hidden fees that I should watch out for?

Nope! All of Lesner Inn’s costs are clearly spelled out in all of our pricing and menus. We even let you know what the state tax is so you have all of the information you need. We love to create estimates so don’t hesitate to ask your event manager for one. This will show you a breakdown of all costs so you can see everything that you are paying for.

#7: Do you have a preferred vendors list that I have to stick to?

Nope! We think you should be able to build your dream team of vendors and we love to meet new photographers, DJs, florists, coordinators and bakers. There is no additional fee for bringing an outside vendor in so if your dad wants to be the DJ and your sister wants to be the photographer, we think that’s great! But if you aren’t familiar with any wedding vendors, we have a suggestion list to help you start your search for reliable vendors. And the vendors on our list offer discounts to couples that book their wedding at Lesner Inn!

#8: Where do I get ready?View More: http://kirstynmarie.pass.us/sarahmike

Lesner Hall comes with a beautiful bridal suite that lets in lots of natural light. It makes for great pre wedding photos that you can find on our Facebook and Instagram. Go give us a follow and check it out for yourself!

Right: Kirstyn Marie Photography

#9: Do you offer a military discount?

Yes! We offer all military weddings a discount of 50% off of our Silver package as a thank you for your service.

#10: I’m in! How do I book?

Lesner Inn requires a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the estimated cost of your event. Your next payment will be due 90 days before your event and will be 50% of the remaining balance. You will also sit down with your event manager at this time to discuss the details of your event like menu, linens, and floor plan. Two weeks prior to your event, we require all final numbers as well as final payment. Three easy payments and you’ve paid off your wedding!

Did we not cover all of your questions? Give us a call or shoot us an email at info@lesnerinn.com to schedule your tour!