Valet parking?

Barbiiieee

So, our venue is in a downtown area, where parking could be an issue. There is a (free) parking garage across the street, as well as a surface lot a block away a a decent amount of on street parking on the block of the venue. My first instinct was of course to hire a valet service. My fiance is insisting this is an unnecessary expense and people can walk across a street. Have any of you used a valet service? What was your experience?

Also, if we do end up hiring a valet service, is it going to be awkward if our guests feel like they need to tip? I would imagine we would take care of that, but I'm just not sure how it works. 

itzMS

I would say a valet is not necessary. Most folks know that a venue in the downtown area of a major city would require some walking. Now, if you know Grandma Harriett (or whoever else) has trouble walking, I'd make sure they know they can be dropped off at the door.

These are all questions you could certainly ask your venue, though. I doubt your wedding is the first event they've held, so they have more experience with the parking situation than anyone here...

Peavy

If you have a free lot across the street, I think you're covered.  Valet is an expense that you just don't need to incur.  A lot of people don't like leaving their cars with valets, anyway.

Barbiiieee

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_valet-parking?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:79ce77b9-af5f-46c8-96eb-316e6939e078Post:46e5b8fc-a365-4288-8893-dcda0b0e3c31">Re: Valet parking?</a>:
[QUOTE]If you have a free lot across the street, I think you're covered.  Valet is an expense that you just don't need to incur.  A lot of people don't like leaving their cars with valets, anyway.
Posted by Peavy[/QUOTE]

<div>Yeah, since a lot of our friends are college students, part of me was sort of picturing the scene from Bridesmaids where she leaves her junker with the valet and it won't start... ha.</div>

cwaggoner07

We had valet, but our venue required it for any event greater than 120 people. We paid for the service and tipped, but I truly don't know if anyone else tipped the valet. I tried to spread the word that no one needed to tip, but who knows what ended up happening...

jessicabessica

How formal is your wedding?  If it's black tie or otherwise very formal, I would see if you can work valet parking into the budget.  If not, I don't think you need to worry about it.

alithebride

the valet would be useless and really time consuming.
also i dont know if either the lot or the garage would allow a valet service to use it.

skip it