Planning an event—whether it’s a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a brand launch—isn’t just about booking a date. It’s about finding the right space to hold your vision, your people, and all the tiny moments in between. Touring venues is an exciting part of the process, but knowing what to ask can be the difference between a dream day and a logistical headache.
Every venue has its own rhythm, rules, and personality. The more you understand upfront, the better prepared you’ll be to make a confident decision.
At The Oviatt, we’ve helped hundreds of clients walk in with questions and leave with confidence. Below, we’ve outlined the most important questions to ask when touring a space—plus bonus insights from Gabe Sobol, president and founder of Olive & Grand Event Management, who has managed the property since 2021.
Let’s make sure you’re asking the right things from the start.
The Essentials: Questions Every Client Should Ask
1. What’s included in the rental—and what’s not?
It’s easy to get swept up in the charm of a venue, but don’t skip the details. Some spaces include chairs, tables, lighting—even staffing—while others require you to bring in everything from scratch.
At The Oviatt, we offer a beautifully flexible setup that covers more than you’d expect: from essential furnishings to lighting elements, all designed to take stress off your plate. Plus, we offer tiered event packages that range from simple to all-inclusive, with access to trusted vendors we know and love.
2. What’s your rain plan—especially for outdoor or rooftop spaces?
Los Angeles may be known for its sunshine, but weather has a mind of its own. If your heart is set on a rooftop celebration (and we don’t blame you—the views are incredible), you’ll want to know exactly how the venue handles unexpected showers.
At The Oviatt, our rooftop includes a custom-designed tent that transforms the space into an intimate, weatherproof experience—without losing any of its magic. Rain or shine, your event will go on beautifully.
MJ & Ben - Photo: By Perla Ucles
3. Can you walk me through a sample event-day timeline?
Events move fast. One minute it’s set up, the next it’s your first dance or your CEO’s toast. Having a clear timeline ensures that your team, vendors, and guests are all in sync.
Ask your venue for a sample day-of schedule so you know what to expect from arrival to teardown. At The Oviatt, we map out every detail so you can focus on enjoying the moment—not managing it.
Insider Questions from Gabe Sobol
To go a little deeper, we asked Gabe Sobol to share the questions he wishes more people asked during a tour. With over a decade of experience and a reputation for turning potential chaos into seamless experiences, his insights are gold.
1. What’s one question you wish every couple or client asked when they come in for a tour?
Couples often get wrapped up in the fun parts of planning—design choices, menus, music—and forget to ask, “What will you need from us during the planning process?” As a venue, we have certain requirements like vendor insurance, timelines, and specific decision deadlines that keep everything running smoothly. With so many moving parts, it’s important to know when key milestones should happen—like when to have booked certain vendors or finalized certain details—so we can coordinate effectively. When you know what’s expected and when, we can all stay on the same page, avoid last-minute stress, and set everyone up for a smooth, successful wedding day.
2. What do you think people tend to focus too much on — and what do they often forget to ask?
How they can save money and do a lot of this stuff themselves or make their relatives do it. Maybe it’s an early-morning trip to the flower mart for bouquets, or building your own ceremony arch. Just keep in mind that every project you take on is more time and energy on your wedding day, and it adds up quickly. Don’t underestimate how much you’ll want (and need) to spend that time with friends, family, and each other. I can’t stress enough the value of a great coordinator—they’ll plan and time out your load-in hours so everything is ready well before guests arrive, without you lifting a finger. All you have to ask is, “How long does that usually take people to DIY, and is it reasonable for us to do it?” That one question can save you a lot of time, stress, and last-minute scrambling.
3. For first-time planners or engaged couples, what advice would you give them to help make the most of a venue walkthrough?
Do a little homework before you step through the door. Go through the venue’s brochure, review the packages, and come in with a list of questions you need clarified. A good tour will walk you through everything, but having a basic understanding of how the venue works can save you time—and help you figure out beforehand if it’s even the right fit. Too often, couples schedule a tour on a whim, only to realize during the walkthrough that it won’t work for their needs. A little prep can make your tour far more productive. That being said, we completely understand this is your first time doing this. Our job is to explain everything and make sure you understand all the new concepts and terms. We don’t expect you to come in knowing everything—or even most things—but having a general idea of our policies and pricing will make the process smoother.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
A venue tour should leave you feeling more confident—not more confused. If a team avoids firm answers, can’t walk you through a timeline, or hesitates to explain pricing and policies, take note.
At The Oviatt, we believe honesty is the foundation of a successful event. From the first inquiry to your final walkthrough, we lay everything out clearly—what’s included, what’s optional, and how we’ll partner with you to make your day feel effortless.
About Gabe Sobol
With over 15 years in the event venue industry, Gabe Sobol brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and a knack for breathing new life into spaces. He began his career at the historic Shrine Auditorium before serving as General Manager at the Hollywood Palladium, where he honed his ability to transform underperforming venues into thriving destinations.
In 2018, his work at The Ritz in Raleigh, NC earned him Live Nation’s “Venue Turnaround of the Year” award — a testament to his talent for revitalizing brands and reimagining guest experiences. Outside of work, Gabe can be found cycling, traveling with his family, and exploring historic spaces around the world.
