How to plan a wedding on a budget: Start with the date, the guests, where the ceremony will be held, and end with the reception. Nowadays, choosing a place where to have your wedding ceremony and your reception is often a neglected, if not indulged upon, wedding necessity.

In wedding preparations, the reception takes most of the cake. A banquet hall reception usually takes no less than 120 guests. And that’s a lot, considering that you only plan to have less than a hundred. Plus, don’t you just hate it when you have a small wedding with only a couple of people … and your reception needs double your number of people?

So before signing an agreement, scout around for the right venues for both the solemn and festive part of your nuptials. Here are some questions to ask before delving into the contract:

- Do you have a marriage license? I include this question because that’s exactly what happened to me. I found this quaint restaurant with a spacious garden at the back. It seemed to be the perfect setting that I wanted both reception and wedding held there. But just as I was about to sign my yes, my friend had the good fortune to ask if they can do weddings too. The pen stopped when the manager said no. So yes, my friends, ask questions before deciding. Some places need to have a license first so be very careful.

- What is the minimum/maximum headcount? Some venues have a minimum of a 100 guests. If you only have 50, then you have to pay for the other half since that is their policy.

- Is there a minimum fee, or is it all-in? It is best to ask about this. Some venues may offer you the main room, but may charge you for additional expenses as well (such as the mezzanine, a gazebo, or additional rooms.) even though you have no plans of using them. As such, some venues have promos on wedding packages since the demand rises every year. Be sure to ask questions and read the fine print before signing off to anything.

- Do you have catering? As mentioned, a lot of venues now see the need to expand their reach – and this includes weddings as well, so most offer catering packages.

- A cost-breakdown please? It is always a good idea to ask for the breakdown of the fee. Sometimes you see something that you really don’t need in that package so you can ask if they can take it out. Ask if there is a booking fee. Ask if there is VAT included (as some venues don’t put it on their lists right away). Ask if you have to pay a deposit, how much and is it refundable should the date and preparation go awry. (Knock on wood.)

- Can I bring my own alcohol or drinks? Most venues allow you to do this (especially if they don’t have an equipped bar), but they usually ask for a corkage fee.

- Do you have a bar? Some venues don’t have one. But if they do have one, ask if there is a minimum amount that you have to spend (and if it’s included in the breakdown of costs mentioned earlier).

- Do we have exclusive access? Most venues have consecutive receptions on the same day at nearly close to the end time of another. This is understandable as it is a business. But if you prefer something cozier with nary a time frame or a rushed feeling, then you may start considering other venues that you are more comfortable with.

An important thing to consider is to get the vibe of the place. One way is to get the feel of the staff and crew. If you feel that you cannot work with them and that you cannot trust them, then it may be time for you to have a look elsewhere. And don’t worry or fret about it when you decide to leave a venue – there’s definitely a place out there that will be more to your liking and where you can try to haggle a thing or two.