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Frequently asked questions

Before You Book is designed to help couples check venue details before paying a deposit. Here are the common questions.

Is Before You Book free?

Yes. The venue checker is free to use.

Do I need a full contract to use it?

No. You can use whatever information you already have, including a quote, brochure, package PDF, email, spreadsheet, screenshots or notes from a viewing.

What does the checker actually do?

It helps you spot possible hidden costs, missing information and red flags in your venue details. Your result gives you a green, amber or red risk summary and a list of questions to ask before paying your deposit.

Is this a venue comparison tool?

Not exactly. It is not designed to rank venues like a spreadsheet. It helps you understand what is unclear or potentially costly in the venue information you already have.

Is this replacing my wedding spreadsheet?

No. Your spreadsheet is still useful for tracking venues, prices, links and notes. Before You Book helps you go one step further by showing what your spreadsheet may not capture: hidden costs, unclear terms, package restrictions and questions to ask before booking.

Can this help if venue packages are all structured differently?

Yes. That is one of the main reasons to use it. Some venues have simple packages, while others use seasonal pricing, minimum spends, dry-hire rules, tiered menus or supplier restrictions. Before You Book helps you check the areas that make venues harder to compare properly.

Can I use it for dry-hire or non-traditional venues?

Yes. It is especially useful for dry-hire spaces, pubs, restaurants, barns, marquees, village halls and venues where packages may be less standard.

What if a venue has not put prices clearly on its website?

You can still use the checker with whatever information you have. It can help you work out what to ask before you send an enquiry or book a viewing.

Is this legal advice?

No. Before You Book is not legal advice and does not review contracts legally. It helps you identify practical questions, unclear costs and missing details to clarify before booking.

Will you contact my venue?

No. The checker is for you. We do not contact your venue or negotiate on your behalf.

Why do you ask for my email?

Your email lets us send you your question list so you can save it, forward it to your partner or copy it into an email to the venue.

What if my quote is missing lots of information?

That is exactly what the checker is for. A missing detail does not automatically mean a venue is bad. It simply means there are things to clarify before you commit.

Ready to check your venue details?