Valet - help!

MattandRissy

So, the venue that FI and I have fallen in love with and booked for the ceremony and reception is a city hotel.  They don't have a parking lot.  Options for parking are on the street nearby and walking (a good distance and def. not room for everyone to park there) or use the $15 valet.  $15 is the "event rate" (It's normally $20).  I talked to our coordinator there about how uncomfortable I am with my guests having to pay to come to my wedding.  She said the fee cannot be waived or reduced because they use an outside company.  We have an estimated amount of 150 who may come to the wedding.  We can't afford to pay for everyone's valet.  What can I do?

Lasairiona

Is there anything you can cut out to afford this? Is a shuttle an option? Not sure where they would park though. The problem with parking on the street is that some places have time limits and if you go over, then you get towed away. Your guests don't want to spend any part of the wedding worry about their vehicle going over the time limit, if there is one. If there is nothing that can be cut and you can't afford to pay everyone's way, then they will have to pay for it. Also keep in mind that it's not fair to pay for some and not others. Your other option is to look for a different venue you like just as much that has parking available for everyone where no one has to pay extra.

BostonBride919

We paid for our guest's valet service. I personally feel that it is your responsibility to pay if you're inviting your guests. But if you really can't swing it, just make sure to give them a heads up - Maybe on a website or something if you have one?

JHS16

Do you have any flexibility in your budget?  You could contribute some and reduce the amount everyone has to pay, especially if many of those 150 guests will be carpooling together.  If you only have 50-75 actual vehicles, paying $500 would get everyone a $10 discount, which is something.  Or you could at least offer to pay for parking for elderly or disabling guests, so they don't have to walk.  Giving a heads up is definitely a good idea.....many people don't carry cash these days. 

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

You really should pay for valet.

I agree that maybe you can get vouchers or pre-pay for part of the cost if needed, like $5 or $10. And definitely put it on your website, or even in an "additional information" insert in your invitation.

MattandRissy

thanks for the advice...i think i'm going to try to cut down on some other stuff and see how much we can put in towards the valet.

thanks again!