A venue visit is not a tour; it is a negotiation that begins before you sign anything. The venue team will show you what they want you to see. Your job is to ask what they haven't covered.
Most couples leave a venue visit without asking the twelve questions that determine whether a venue is the right fit. This checklist fixes that.
Book a visit at LE PAVILLON and bring this list with you.
The 12 Questions to Ask at Every Venue Visit
1. What is the true seated capacity for my event format?
Venues quote maximum capacity. The number that matters is the seated capacity for your specific layout, including round tables, a dance floor, a stage, and a clear catering service aisle.
Ask for a floor plan with your approximate table count. A venue that seats 300 for a cocktail reception may only seat 180 once a stage, dance floor, and proper table spacing are factored in.
At LE PAVILLON, the Grand Ballroom comfortably seats up to 300 guests with full stage and dance floor.
2. What is your weather contingency plan?
For any outdoor element, ceremony, cocktail reception, or garden dining, ask specifically:
- At what point is the weather decision made?
- Who makes the call?
- How long does it take to move guests indoors?
- Is the indoor space available at full capacity?
The only acceptable answer is an indoor space at the same venue, immediately available. Any plan that involves moving guests offsite is not a plan; it is a risk.
3. Is catering exclusive to the venue, or can I bring an outside caterer?
This is often the most costly surprise couples encounter. Some venues lock you into their in-house menu at their price per head. Others allow approved external caterers.
Ask for the catering menu, pricing per person at each tier, and the policy on outside caterers.
4. What does the decoration package include, and what can I change?
"Decoration included" means different things at different venues. Ask:
- What exactly is included, including linen, centrepieces, lighting?
- Can I change the colour palette, floral arrangements, or tablescape?
- Can I bring my own stylist or florist?
- Are there restrictions on hanging décor, candles, or confetti?
5. Is the venue exclusively mine for the event duration?
Some venues run concurrent events in adjacent spaces. This affects acoustics, parking, shared facilities, and overall atmosphere.
Ask directly: will any other event run during my booking window? Confirm this in writing in the contract.
6. How many hours does the booking cover, and what are the overtime terms?
A quoted time slot that does not include setup and breakdown time is a hidden cost. Confirm:
- What time does venue access begin for setup?
- What time must the event end and breakdown complete?
- What is the overtime charge per hour?
7. What is included in the bridal suite and preparation spaces?
For weddings, preparation space matters enormously. Ask:
- Is a bridal preparation suite included or extra cost?
- How many people can use it simultaneously?
- Is it available from what time on the day?
At LE PAVILLON, dedicated bridal preparation suites are included in wedding bookings.
8. How many parking spaces are available?
For 150 guests, expect 80 to 100 vehicles. Ask:
- How many parking spaces are on site?
- Is overflow parking available nearby?
- Is valet or parking assistance provided?
9. What is your payment and deposit structure?
Understand the financial commitment before you sign:
- What deposit is required to hold the date?
- When is the balance due?
- What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- Is the deposit transferable to a new date?
10. What happens if I need to change my date?
Life changes. Ask the venue's policy on:
- Date changes and any associated fees
- How far in advance a change must be requested
- Whether a new date is guaranteed or subject to availability
11. Who is my point of contact on the wedding day?
The sales manager you meet during the visit may not be present on your wedding day. Ask who your day-of coordinator is, how many events they manage simultaneously, and what the escalation process is if something needs to be resolved quickly.
12. Can I see a reference event or speak to a past couple?
A reputable venue will have references. Ask if you can speak with a previous couple, or whether you can attend an open event to see the space in operation.
After the Visit: What to Compare
When you've visited two or three venues, compare them on:
- Actual seated capacity (with your layout)
- All-in cost (venue + catering + décor as a single number)
- Responsiveness during the planning process
- How confident you felt that the team understood your vision
The venue team you book with will be your primary partner for one of the most important days of your life. Trust your instincts as well as the checklist.
Book Your LE PAVILLON Visit
Our venue visits are private, unhurried, and structured to answer exactly the questions above. Walk the Grand Ballroom, Sunset Terrace, and gardens. Review catering menus and decoration options. Leave with a clear picture of what your celebration would look like.
Book a venue visit or request pricing first if you'd like a proposal before visiting.
Also see our guide to how much a wedding costs in Mauritius and our banquet hall vs beach resort comparison.
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LE PAVILLON Editorial
Editorial CuratorsThe LE PAVILLON Editorial Board is dedicated to cataloging the finest trends in luxury celebration design, tropical event logistics, and high-fashion island aesthetics. From local floral craftsmanship to multi-day destination event planning, they bring Mauritian luxury to light.