OUR METHOD

How Before You Book Works

Not a generic checklist — a tailored venue check built on real booking blind spots.

Built around the areas where venue pricing, packages and terms often become unclear — corkage, supplier rules, room changes, tax/VAT, staffing fees and package extras.

Shaped by the details you enter, it turns confusing venue information into a tailored list of practical questions to ask your coordinator before paying a deposit.

Built around real venue blind spots

Based on the areas where venue pricing, packages and terms are often unclear, so you know what to double-check before booking.

Personalised to your venue situation

Your result is shaped by the details you enter, including your venue type, priorities and the areas where information may still be missing.

Clear questions to ask next

Turns confusing venue details into a simple list of practical questions you can send to your venue coordinator.

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The areas we assess

Pricing details — tax/VAT, service charge, corkage, minimum spend, seasonal pricing and anything charged on top of the headline hire fee.
On-the-day support — staffing, room turnaround, clean-up, security, curfew and overtime.
Included essentials — chairs, tables, linen, tableware, glassware, lighting, AV, stage or dancefloor.
Supplier and vendor logistics — approved supplier lists, external supplier fees, setup and access windows, storage and next-day collection.
Guest experience — wet-weather options, accommodation, bar packages, dietary requirements and accessibility.
Booking details — deposit, payment schedule, cancellation, date changes and what happens if your coordinator changes.

How missing information affects your result

The checker works from what you already have, so gaps matter as much as figures. When an area has no information, it is treated as unconfirmed rather than assumed to be fine, and it moves your result towards amber or red. The more areas left unanswered, the less settled the result. A gap is not a judgement on the venue — many venues simply present things differently, and a single email can close several gaps at once.

What green, amber and red mean

Green — the areas you checked look clear and confirmed. There is little outstanding, and your question list is short and mostly about confirming things in writing.

Amber — some details are unclear or missing. Nothing suggests a problem, but there are things worth clarifying with your coordinator before a deposit.

Red — several significant areas are unconfirmed, often ones that can change the final cost or the shape of the day. It is a prompt to get answers in writing first, not a verdict on the venue.

How the questions are reviewed and updated

The question set is reviewed periodically against real venue quotes, brochures and couples' feedback about what they were asked to pay for later. When a cost or condition keeps appearing that the checker does not currently surface, a question is added; when a question turns out to be rarely useful or confusing, it is reworded or removed. Wording is kept practical and neutral so it can be sent straight to a venue coordinator.

Last reviewed: August 2026

What the tool does not assess

What the tool does not assess
Area	What this means
Contracts	It does not read, review or interpret contracts.
Professional advice	It does not give legal, financial or professional wedding planning advice.
Venue comparisons	It does not rank, rate or compare venues against each other.
Accuracy of your details	It does not verify whether the information you enter is accurate or current.
Value for money	It does not judge whether a price is fair or a venue is good value.
Contact with your venue	It does not contact your venue or negotiate on your behalf.