In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

Jillian and Jason wanted their wedding to feel like a getaway while still being close enough for guests to attend. Their loved ones travelled from Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, joining them in beautiful Jasper for a weekend of celebratory events. One of our favourite venues, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury amidst unspoiled nature, set against the most spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed lakes⁣.

Despite a little rain, their outdoor ceremony prevailed and spirits were anything but dampened at the epic party that followed. See more of Jillian and Jason’s wedding featured in Blush Magazine.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Photographer: Natalie Andrusiak
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Rev. Neil Gordon
• Band: SideOne Band
• DJ: DJ Mikey Wong
• Photo Booth: Jasper Photo Booth
• Cake: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Macaron Favours: Duchess Bake Shop
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Invitations + Stationery: Lovesky Design
• Calligraphy: Debbie Wong Design
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute
• Bride’s Gown: Monique L’Huillier from Bisou Bridal

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB)
• Bride Getting Ready Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Photographer: Natalie Andrusiak
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Karyn White
• Ceremony + Cocktail Music: RSVP Weddings
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Catering: Fork + Farm
• Cake: Kake Canmore
• Florist: Flower Artistry
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Vintage Furniture: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling & Rentals
• Limo and Shuttle Service: Highland VIP
• Invitations + Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Washrooms: Rangeland RV
• Generator: Bison Electric
• Hair + Makeup: The Pretty Haus
• Bride’s Hair Stylist: Marika Stimac from Mousy Brown’s
• Bride’s Gown: Dalaarna from Pearl & Dot
• Bridesmaid Attire: Park & Fifth Co.
• Groom + Groomsmen Attire: SUITS by Curtis Eliot

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Planner