Questions for venues + Seattle photog prices

emyinpink

After getting quotes/looking at tons of pictures, we've narrowed our venues down to 2 places that Nick and I are going to visit in person tomorrow (Hotel 1000 and Januik Winery). I made up an excel sheet for comparison that includes: venue fee, ceremony fee, ceremony location (indoor/outdoor), caterer policy, alcohol policy, bar type, food beverage minimum, included rentals (chairs/tables, linens, china/glassware), decor setup/tear down fee, cake cutting fee, included coordinator, heaters for outside spaces, event timing, av set-up, coat check, parking, other weddings at site, bride's room, groom's room, hotel suite included, and dance floor. Is there anything I'm missing? Anything else I should make sure to ask about? Any other advice for looking at places in person?

Also, I think I found a photog that I love (after comparing a bunch of different blogs), and met with him in person (Jean-Marcus Strole). We were quoted $3K for engagement pictures+wedding, all rights to all pictures + digital copies (after editing), no album included (but we can order one after the fact), for all-day for a Saturday evening wedding. Does that sound reasonable?

jennuinne

I can't think of any other questions on the venue, but it's been a while.

On the photog, there are definitely photogs that charge that and more, but there are a lot that are great and charge less and/or include more for the price.  If cost is an issue for you, I'd say keep looking. 

karebear219

I also can't speak to the venue, but for photography that sounds reasonable.

niq24601

Rules on decorations -- are candles allowed? Can you throw rice? Bubbles? Sparklers? Can you put things on the walls? A lot of venues have rules about this ...  of course some venues are pretty enough that you wouldn't do any decoration.

SoonToBeSweet

Hotel 1000 is awesome! We almost selected it until I walked into the Edgewater.  Unfortunately I got rid of my comparisons after I selected my venue or I could give you most of these answers on 1000.
I think your photo charge sounds reasonable.

Tygirljojo

When we were comparing venues, I did an excel sheet with the cost (and grand total cost) for everything since it's so hard to do a true apples to apples comparison with venues.  Some venues come with tables and chairs, included, others you have to rent separate, etc.  I can't think of any other questions.

For photog, that sounds reasonable.  I just noticed our photog's current prices are $2500 for the package we had and she's fairly reasonable, so I think $3k is reasonable.  But as PP stated, if that feels like it's stretching it for you, then I would consider looking at other options. 

emyinpink

Thanks so much everyone! We had originally budgeted 4k for photos, so we can definitely afford it, but I just wanted to make sure it was reasonable for Seattle. I absolutely loved his work, too.

Thanks for the questions on decorations, I forgot about those. TyGirl, I have a similar excel spreadsheet .

jamers22

mike januik, the winemaker/owner, is a super sweet man.

photography seems pretty reasonable. you could find someone cheaper, but if you like him, his personality, and his work, then i would go for it.

Pixel'sMom

Emily,

Hotel 1000 is a great venue.  We used it of one of our Christmas parties and it went great! We use the hotel for work all the time, but I do feel that sometimes they nickle and dime on catering. I hope it's not the case on weddings front.