Venue Negotiation

[Menina Preta]

I have some appointments with different venues coming up and I was wondering what should I be negotiating for? I want a great cocktail hour and a sit down dinner with open bar. I'm good on things like a Viennese table...

What should I pay close attention to? Like amount of servers available for my party? If tip is included in the price? Sort of liquor available in the open bar?

Thanks!

 

[Amarilles]

We negotiated the duration of the reception (5 hours instead of 4) and the alcohol for the open bar. We stayed with their least expensive bar package, but were able to get them to include two foreign beers (as they only included domestic ones in our package) and they allowed us to bring 5 bottles of any liquor of our choosing. We also got them to include charger plates.

All the questions you raise are important...definitely ask and see what they can do to earn your business.

 

[Menina Preta]

We negotiated the duration of the reception (5 hours instead of 4) and the alcohol for the open bar. We stayed with their least expensive bar package, but were able to get them to include two foreign beers (as they only included domestic ones in our package) and they allowed us to bring 5 bottles of any liquor of our choosing. We also got them to include charger plates.

All the questions you raise are important...definitely ask and see what they can do to earn your business.

Thanks girlie for your response!

 

[GeorginaSparks]

Is there a ceremony or site fee? Ask for a reduction. Also if your wedding is taking place during off months, ask for a discount.

 

[Menina Preta]

Is there a ceremony or site fee? Ask for a reduction. Also if your wedding is taking place during off months, ask for a discount.

GeorginaSparks Did you negotiate over the phone or in person? I think we've narrowed things down and I may try to negotiate with one place to drop the price in exchange for less stations during the cocktail hour.

 

[GeorginaSparks]

GeorginaSparks Did you negotiate over the phone or in person? I think we've narrowed things down and I may try to negotiate with one place to drop the price in exchange for less stations during the cocktail hour.

Over email and on the phone. Didnt sign the contract in person(faxed it in) so i couldnt do it in person. One thing with the venue consultant is that they dont have the upperhand when it comes to those things and they will have to check with their boss 1st so you might not get an immediate response if you negotiate in person.

 

[Menina Preta]

Over email and on the phone. Didnt sign the contract in person(faxed it in) so i couldnt do it in person. One thing with the venue consultant is that they dont have the upperhand when it comes to those things and they will have to check with their boss 1st so you might not get an immediate response if you negotiate in person.

Thanks, I sent an email. Booking a venue is annoying. B/c once we figure out if we're going with one of our top two choices, I then have to call my church and move the ceremony day. Bleh.