5 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking an Event Venue in Rochester, NY

Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate gathering, birthday celebration, or shower, the venue you choose sets the tone for your entire event. But with so many options in Rochester, NY, how do you know which venue is truly the right fit?

At Chef’s Event Center & Party House, we’ve hosted hundreds of events, and we know how important it is to ask the right questions before you sign a contract. To help you book with confidence, here are five essential questions to ask any event venue—and why they matter.

Looking to get your event on the calendar now? Contact us here or call (585) 352-3300 to schedule a tour and speak with our team.

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1. What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Not all venues offer the same level of service, so it’s important to know exactly what you're getting for the price. Some venues offer just the space, while others (like ours) offer a full-service experience.

Ask About:

• Use of tables, chairs, linens, or décor

• Setup and cleanup services

• Parking availability and capacity

• Access to dressing rooms or prep spaces

At Chef’s Event Center, our rental includes tables, chairs, on-site staff, ample parking, and more, saving you both time and money.

Request a custom quote today to see what’s included.

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2. How Many Guests Can the Venue Comfortably Accommodate?

Every venue has a maximum capacity, but it’s also important to consider how many guests the space can hold comfortably—especially if you’re planning to include things like a dance floor, buffet tables, or entertainment.

Ask the Venue:

• What’s the capacity for a seated dinner vs. cocktail-style event?

• Are there different layout options for large or small groups?

• Is the space flexible for different event styles?

At Chef’s Event Center, we can accommodate up to 300 guests and offer custom floorplans to match your unique needs.

Schedule a tour today to see the space in action.

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3. Can I Bring in My Own Caterer or Do You Offer On-Site Catering?

Food is a major part of any celebration, so you’ll want to clarify whether the venue allows outside caterers—or better yet, provides in-house catering that simplifies planning and coordination.

Ask:

• Do you offer catering on-site?

• Can we customize the menu to our preferences or dietary needs?

• Are there food and beverage minimums?

• Is bar service available?

Chef’s Event Center proudly offers award-winning catering through Chef’s Catering, with fully customizable menus and service styles to match your event perfectly.

Contact us today to start planning your custom menu.

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4. What Is the Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Life happens. Knowing the venue’s policies on cancellations, date changes, and refunds can save you stress if plans change unexpectedly.

Ask the Venue:

• What is your deposit amount and when is it due?

• What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel?

• Are there any non-refundable fees?

• How far in advance can I make changes?

At Chef’s Event Center, we’re transparent about our policies and always aim to be fair and flexible when the unexpected occurs. We're here to help you plan with confidence.

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5. Is There Staff On-Site During the Event?

Some venues simply rent you the space and leave you to figure out the rest. Others, like Chef’s Event Center, provide an on-site team to ensure everything runs smoothly from setup to cleanup.

Be Sure to Ask:

• Will someone be on-site during my event to assist with logistics?

• Is staff included in the rental fee or billed separately?

• Will I have help with room setup, food service, and breakdown?

At Chef’s Event Center, you’ll have a professional event team there every step of the way, so you can focus on enjoying your celebration.

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Why Ask These Questions?

Booking a venue is one of the first (and biggest) decisions you’ll make in your event planning process. When you ask the right questions upfront, you avoid unexpected costs, missed details, and last-minute headaches.

At Chef’s Event Center & Party House, we aim to make your experience stress-free, flexible, and fully supported.

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Ready to Book a Venue That Checks All the Boxes?

Whether you're planning a wedding, a private party, a baby shower, or a business event, Chef’s Event Center in Rochester, NY offers everything you need to host a flawless celebration—without the guesswork.

Schedule a tour today or call (585) 352-3300 to learn more and secure your ideal date.