What should I ask about a bed and breakfast’s wedding and elopement bookings?

Begin with a schedule of upcoming events. For each, find out the date, the guest numbers, the deposits taken, the services included and any promises beyond the contract, such as a particular room or a favourite photographer. Ask to read the contracts. Your lawyer can tell you whether bookings can be assigned to you and what couples must be told.

Next, trace the money. Deposits received for future dates are an obligation. Make sure the sale agreement deals with who holds those funds and how they are credited to you. Your accountant can help you see how the sale should treat them.

Then ask about delivery. Who coordinates the day: the owner, a hired planner or the couple? Which vendors does the property rely on? If the hosts are the draw, a handover period will matter, and a couple may hesitate when they learn the owners are changing. Finally, ask how couples find the place. Search results, a wedding listing, word of mouth and photographers all behave differently. Also ask about complaints from neighbours, restrictions on events and what the local rules for gatherings require; your lawyer can tell you what applies. Check these before counting on this income.

Key takeaways

• Get a full schedule of booked dates with contracts, deposits and extra promises.
• Settle in the agreement who holds deposits and how they are credited.
• Ask whether couples come for the place or for the hosts, and plan the handover to fit.