Things to consider when booking a reception venue in the Philippines

Planning a reception venue in the Philippines? Use these practical, Philippines-specific questions to compare hotels, gardens, clubhouses, and events halls—from Metro Manila to Tagaytay, Cebu, Baguio, Davao, and beyond.

Capacity & layout

• What is the maximum seated capacity with stage, dance floor, buffet lines, and photo booth in place?
• Do you have sample floor plans for 100 / 150 / 200 / 300 guests?
• Are there any sightline obstructions (pillars, low ceilings) that affect screen or stage views?
• How wide is the aisle clearance for the grand entrance and the program?
• Is there a dedicated area for the couple’s table and cake table?
• How many restrooms are available and can attendants be assigned during the event?

Availability, schedule & curfew

• What time windows are included (ingress, event proper, egress)? What are the overtime rates per hour?
• Do you have any LGU or barangay noise curfews we must follow? If yes, what’s the event end time you enforce and how do you manage sound levels?
• Are fireworks, pyrotechnics, cold sparklers, fog/bubble machines, or confetti allowed? Any local permits needed and who secures them?

Packages, inclusions & fees

• What exactly is included in the venue rental (tables, chairs, linens, basic sound, lighting, dressing rooms, security, cleaning)?
• Are there “all-in” packages with catering/styling/coordination? What items are upgrades?
• What are your corkage policies (food, lechon, cake, alcohol)? If alcohol corkage is per bottle, do you also offer a flat corkage option? Please provide a written breakdown.
• Do you charge supplier accreditation or bonding/security deposits for outside suppliers? If yes, how much and what’s the approval process?
• Are there fees for kitchen use, ice, chillers, generators, valet/parking, or waste hauling?

Contracts, payments & protection

• How much is the reservation fee and is it deductible from the total?
• What’s the payment schedule, accepted modes (bank transfer, credit card), and are amounts VAT-inclusive with official receipts (OR)?
• What are your cancellation, rebooking, and force majeure policies (e.g., typhoons, Taal alert levels, acts of government)?
• Do you require event insurance or provide liability coverage? What’s covered and up to what limit?
• What are the penalties for damages, deep cleaning (e.g., confetti/glitter), or overtime?

Food & beverage (for in-house or accredited caterers)

• Is there a menu tasting? How many people are included and when is it scheduled?
• Can you accommodate halal, vegan/vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and common allergies (nuts, shellfish, dairy)?
• What are the serving timelines (cocktails, dinner service, last call)?
• What are the policies on leftovers, supplier meals, kids’ meals, and supplier water access?
• Are there glassware limits for wine/whisky service if we bring our own bottles (if allowed by corkage)?

Styling, décor & restrictions

• What décor is allowed on walls, floors, and ceilings? Are there approved rigging points and load limits for hanging florals or chandeliers?
• Are candles, open flames, and sparklers permitted? What are the rules for dried florals, confetti, balloons, or ceiling draping?
• Do you allow LED walls, trusses, and special effects? Any additional power or safety requirements?

Power, sound & tech

• How many amps and dedicated circuits are available for band/DJ, lights, LED walls, and photo-video? Do you have a fully-spec’d single-line power diagram?
• Is a backup generator onsite? What’s its capacity and which circuits are covered (aircon, kitchen, lights, sound)?
• Are there in-house AV systems (mics, speakers, projector, screen)? Can we bring our own? Who handles tech rehearsal?
• What sound limitations do you enforce (dB caps, subwoofer restrictions) to comply with neighborhood or LGU rules?

Logistics, access & guest flow

• Where are the load-in/load-out points? Are there cargo elevators and what are their dimensions and schedules?
• What’s the earliest time the room can be pre-cooled (aircon on) before guest arrival?
• Is there secure storage for gifts, wine, or décor during the event?
• How many parking slots are included/available? Are there overnight rates, shuttle options, or ride-hailing pickup points?
• Is there a covered drop-off for the bridal car and elderly/PWD guests? Any ramps or lifts?

Weather & contingencies (especially for gardens, rooftops, beach)

• What’s the rain plan (backup indoor space, tents, flooring, sidewalls)? Who decides when to switch and what are the fees?
• Are pathways covered from parking to the reception? Are floors non-slip when wet?
• Do you have a mosquito/insect control plan and designated smoking areas?
• For climates like Tagaytay, what months are typically drier and how does that affect availability and pricing? (Ask about local patterns and contingency options.)
• What’s included in the bad-weather package (umbrellas, ushers, tent ballast, generator, fans/heaters)?

Accommodation & prep rooms

• Is there a bridal suite or day-use prep room? What time can we access it? Can suppliers use it for retouching?
• Are there discounted room blocks for out-of-town guests (for hotels or nearby partner hotels)?
• What’s the policy on early check-in/late check-out for prep rooms?

Accessibility, safety & security

• Is the venue PWD-friendly (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)?
• Where are fire exits, extinguishers, and first-aid kits? Is there a standby medic/ambulance option?
• How many security personnel are assigned? How do you handle VIPs or crowd control?

Photos, videos & drones

• Are there designated photo spots within the property? Any restrictions for the ceremony area (if same-site)?
• Do you allow drone flights? What are the safety and permit requirements?

Coordination, staffing & service

• Who will be our main point of contact from booking to event day? Is there an onsite events head during the reception?
• How many waiters per table and how many ushers are included? Is a professional program director/host required?
• What is the turnover time for plated vs. buffet service?

Pets, kids & special guests

• Are pets allowed? Any leash or deposit requirements?
• Do you offer kids’ corners, high chairs, or sitters?
• Is there a prayer room or quiet room for elderly guests?

After-event & cleanup

• What time is stripping/egress and is overnight pickup allowed for big rentals (LED wall, trusses)?
• Who handles trash segregation and hauling? Any environmental fees?
• How soon is the security deposit returned and what’s the process?

Smart comparison prompts (so you can shortlist fast)

• What’s your Minimum Guaranteed Guests (MGG) and what happens if actuals are lower?
• Give us a total landed cost for 150 / 200 / 250 guests including all taxes, service charges, corkage, and overtime.
• Show us three real floor plans with stage + buffet + 10×20 LED wall, and the maximum round-table count without blocking exits.
• Share two recent rain-plan case studies (with photos) and the decision timeline for switching.
• Provide a sample production schedule from ingress to egress for a 6-hour program.
• Confirm your compliance with local ordinances (noise curfew, permits) and how your team enforces them.

Pro tip for Philippine venues: Always verify corkage and curfew in writing, clarify what the generator actually powers, and insist on a rain-plan decision deadline. These are the top friction points couples report and they meaningfully affect your guest experience.

How to use this list for your venue calls and site visits

• Send this as a checklist before your site visit, then take notes per section.
• After the tour, ask the venue to email (1) the itemized quote, (2) contract draft, (3) floor plan for your guest count, and (4) ingress/egress schedule. Cross-check against your answers above.
• If two venues are close, ask each for a best-value scenario (e.g., waive corkage in exchange for higher headcount or upgrade linens vs. discount).

Why these questions matter in the Philippines

• Corkage & accredited suppliers: Many venues either charge corkage or require accredited vendors—plan the budget and approvals early.
• Weather & curfews: Rainy-season backups and LGU noise rules vary by city—build your timeline around them.

Use these prompts to get apples-to-apples quotes and a smoother wedding reception—whether you’re eyeing a chic city ballroom, a cool Tagaytay garden, or a breezy beachfront pavilion.