20 Questions to Ask Your Venue
Take these questions with you to every venue visit, so you can say yes with confidence.
See below how we answer them at Kauri Bay
Planning & Availability
Is our preferred date available, and how long can you hold it for?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We'll confirm availability for your preferred date straight away. If it's available, we're happy to place an obligation-free tentative hold on the date for up to 7 days, giving you time to review details and secure your booking before it's released back to our calendar.
What time can we access the venue on the day?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Access to the venue is from 8am, giving our team and your suppliers ample time to set up the lodge and ceremony area so everything is seamless ahead of your guests' arrival.
What is the curfew and pack-down time?
Kauri Bay's Answer
The venue curfew is midnight, with the final coach departures scheduled at this time. Our team will take care of packing down your wedding so you can fully enjoy the end of your celebration without disruption. Any personal items or leftovers can be collected the following morning.
Are there any noise restrictions we should be aware of?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Our exterior glass sliding doors will be closed at 10pm, but don't worry — your dance floor can still carry on inside The Lodge!
Guest Experience
What is your maximum guest capacity?
Kauri Bay's Answer
The Lodge accommodates up to 200 guests for a seated meal, or 250 guests for a cocktail-style reception, ensuring your celebration is enjoyed in comfort and style.
Is the venue accessible for those with mobility needs?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Yes, it is thoughtfully designed to be fully accessible, ensuring all guests can enjoy the day in comfort.
Is there accommodation on-site or nearby?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We have onsite accommodation available and can provide a curated list of recommended local accommodation to suit every taste.
Is there parking on-site, and is it included?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We offer 10 on-site car parks, which can be assigned at your discretion. We also coordinate transportation for any remaining guests to ensure everyone arrives smoothly and gets home safely.
Suppliers & Flexibility
Do we need to use preferred suppliers, or can we bring our own?
Kauri Bay's Answer
No, you are not limited to our preferred suppliers. However, once your wedding is booked with us, we'll send you our wedding planning guide, which includes an extensive, curated list of recommended suppliers for your day.
Are there corkage or BYO options?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We are a full-service venue and provide all catering and beverage requirements. However, we do allow BYO wines and spirits with associated corkage fees.
Can we personalise the day — menus, layout, timeline?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Absolutely! Your runsheet can be tailored to suit your vision, and our dedicated wedding coordinators will work closely with you to refine the timeline and assist with your floor plan. Our menus are seasonally designed by our chef, with the flexibility for you to select your preferred proteins.
Wet Weather & Backup Plans
What is your wet-weather backup plan and is it included or an additional cost?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Our wet-weather option is included at no extra cost! Located on our fully covered patio, framed by our outdoor fireplace, this option creates a warm ambiance in any weather.
How late can the wet weather call be made?
Kauri Bay's Answer
The final wet-weather decision can be made just 2 hours before your guest arrival (and stop looking at the weather forecast!).
Styling & Setup
What furniture, styling items or decor are included — and can we bring in our own?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We provide everything required to host a wedding, including: tables, chairs, pews, crockery, cutlery, napkins, menus, candles, bar leaners, couches, coffee tables, bean bags, umbrellas, signing table, lectern, microphone, music system, and full bar & table service. This allows you to focus your budget on the styling details that make your day feel personal.
Are there restrictions on florals, candles or installations?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We're happy for you to personalise the space with florals and styling. We ask that candles are not directly placed on the tables to prevent burn marks, and that we are informed of any plans for larger installations.
Who is responsible for setup and pack-down?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Our staff handle most of the setup and pack-down, including setting tables, placing signs, name tags, and completing a full clean before guests arrive. We'll also pack down your wedding in full at the end of the night, so you can simply enjoy the celebration. The only exceptions are hanging installations or lighting, which will need to be taken down by the vendor by 8.30am the following morning.
Support & Coordination
Who is our main point of contact during planning and on the day?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Our full team of dedicated wedding coordinators will be your main point of contact throughout the planning process. Everyone on the team has access to your run sheet and emails as needed, ensuring smooth communication and support every step of the way. On the day of your wedding, you'll have a coordinator onsite to oversee the day and ensure everything runs smoothly from the moment you arrive till your departure as newlyweds.
Cost & Transparency
What is included in the venue hire fee?
Kauri Bay's Answer
Our venue hire fee includes exclusive use of the venue, full staffing with table and bar service, pre-wedding meetings, and dedicated planning support throughout your journey. You'll also have access to all core furniture and tableware, along with full setup, coordination on the day, and pack-down once celebrations conclude.
Are there any additional or hidden costs we should budget for?
Kauri Bay's Answer
We aim to be completely transparent from the start. All quotes we provide include any optional add-ons, so there are no hidden costs to worry about. You have access to your quote on your run sheet so you can track your budget along the way.
What does the payment schedule and cancellation policy look like?
Kauri Bay's Answer
To secure your wedding date: a non-refundable deposit of $3,000 + GST is due at the time of booking. Six months prior, a second non-refundable deposit of $5,000 + GST is required. The full estimated quote less deposits is due 7 days prior. Your bar tab invoice will be issued in the days following your wedding.
