Stressin'--Vent warning.

SuperRNluvsChef

We meet with the PEC for our final meeting tomorrow.  Only 1/2 our guest list is coming.  (Talk about a burn to the ego) and we have a $5000 food minimum to meet and I added up the prices of the meals and bar/soda stuff and are only at $3300 (if we upgrade beef meal to filet mignon).  Granted I haven't factored in tax/gratuity but I honestly don't see how we're supposed to meet that minimum.  Any ideas? 

Also, my seating chart can burn in a firey pit in hell. 

Whew, enough pouting. 

khornbach

We came in a little under our minimum at the Saint Paul Hotel, so this is more a general idea. We included more expensive drinks at the bar like martinis, increased appetizers during cocktail hour and added in sliders and mini pizzas for late night snacks. Try to look at it as an opportunity to have a little fun!

aabrahams7

Are you having a cash bar? (::cue flame::) We have a 5000.00 minimum and we are only at about 3500.00 with our meal, beverages including the drinks we are hosting, and champange for the toasts. Our tax and gratuity add about 4.00/plate which will bump that up a little bit and we are planning on having the rest of the amount come from drinks purchased at the bar.

quincygirl77

I say upgrade, upgrade, upgrade since you already have to spend the money anyway. 

Your wedding will be amazing and those that are coming will be lucky to share it with you.

SuperRNluvsChef

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_stressin-vent-warning?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:d6deb5e6-79bb-4fa2-9941-95784ba3b596Post:8623dcde-ad84-4b82-b199-03c12bd3f4f7">Re: Stressin'--Vent warning.</a>:
[QUOTE]Are you having a cash bar? (::cue flame::) We have a 5000.00 minimum and we are only at about 3500.00 with our meal, beverages including the drinks we are hosting, and champange for the toasts. Our tax and gratuity add about 4.00/plate which will bump that up a little bit and we are planning on having the rest of the amount come from drinks purchased at the bar.
Posted by aabrahams7[/QUOTE]

PEC doesn't allow cash bars.  We provide all alcohol. 

aabrahams7

Then like PP said, I would upgrade! 

shan87

Agree upgrade... add some late night snacks or apps ..... I don't think you can ever have too much food with an open bar :-p our guests devoured the sliders and mini sandwiches.

maybe984

Ditto the "UPGRADE!" notion.

Also, I wanted to let you know that I feel your pain. Not necessarily about having-to-meet-the-minimum, because fortunately, we didn't have one.... but about feeling the ego burn of a 50% attendance rate. That's about what ours was, and I felt uber depressed by it.

Also, two notes that I DO have personal experience with:

Assume that ANYONE who didn't RSVP is coming. I had more than a few unannounced attendees, and even a family who RSVPed "no" and showed up anyway. Always, always, always fudge your numbers a bit.

If there's any casual friends or coworkers that didn't make the invite cut, consider asking them if they'd like to attend. Yeah, it can kinda come off as jerky if you say "Sooo... you weren't initially important enough to attend, but now that a bunch of my family and closer friends aren't coming, whaddya say to a free meal?" but you can always find a tactful way to ask. In our case, there were a couple of our single-ish friends that we encouraged at the last second to bring dates (even if they were kind of randoms...) so that our reception hall didn't look too bare ;-)

nordke

Yeah, if you weren't planning to do some hor d'voires (or however that word is spelled), I'd look into a few of those and a late night snack.  

KateJ10

That's a bummer about the amount of people coming, but it isn't so far away from 2/3, which I *think* is pretty common acceptance rate. I think we will also be below the 2/3s acceptance.

I agree- spoil your guests! I am excited that the amount of people will be less than we were planning for- we can easily fit in extras for them.

AETS26

If you feel like you're going overboard with the food or already included everything you want, what about additions to the decor or entertainment? Anything you book with the PEC (DJ, wall or ceiling drape, extra candles for the tables or hallway, etc.) will count towards your minimum.

SuperRNluvsChef

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_stressin-vent-warning?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:81Discussion:d6deb5e6-79bb-4fa2-9941-95784ba3b596Post:1ef1f726-7412-456c-a185-cc262ec289b5">Re: Stressin'--Vent warning.</a>:
[QUOTE]If you feel like you're going overboard with the food or already included everything you want, what about additions to the decor or entertainment? <strong>Anything you book with the PEC (DJ, wall or ceiling drape, extra candles for the tables or hallway, etc.) will count towards your minimum.
</strong>Posted by AETS26[/QUOTE]


Actually it does not.  However, Heather is fantastic and allowed us to put chair covers and sashes towards the minimum. 

Cackle6

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_stressin-vent-warning?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:d6deb5e6-79bb-4fa2-9941-95784ba3b596Post:6d4b4248-a120-4a15-8ab6-4cb9f6af2dd3">Re: Stressin'--Vent warning.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Stressin'--Vent warning. : Actually it does not.  However, Heather is fantastic and allowed us to put chair covers and sashes towards the minimum. 
Posted by SuperRNluvsChef[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Really? Did you book before that was included in their policies or something? Cause the contract we signed says all of that is included towards the minimum. That's a big bummer if they didn't used to count that stuff towards the minimum - that's one of the main reasons I booked with them was because that was all included.</div><div>
</div><div>Ditto to PP about adding more/fancier food and late night snacks. Also, even if you're doing cake, maybe look at one of their dessert bar options. I'm sorry about people not coming, that sucks. :(

</div>

Steph0871

Are you sure SuperRN? Maybe they changed that policy about the minimum.  I could have sworn all of our stuff was included in the minimum.  I was going to suggest more centerpieces or something, but I guess not.  

Also- how are you only $3300 for 112 people? (Don't forget to include yourself, your FI/H, photog, etc.)  That seems way too low.  (darn, what a problem to have. haha)  We had 150ish people and it was right around $6k from what I remember. We had a 3-option buffet and pop. Tax and gratuity end up being another 25% though, too, so don't forget that. 

Steph0871

Oh, and I hear you on the guest list. We had about 150 'yes' RSVPs of a total 260 invited.  But about 135-140 actually showed up.  It was better smaller though

SuperRNluvsChef

Steph--At this point idk!  I know Heather went and asked the manager guy if we could add chairs and sashes to the minimum.  We got it covered though.  Upgraded the meals and everyone will get some awesome bar food.