Paying to Park

knowlesk8

The location we have chosen for our reception has a parking garage, but it isn't free. Either we shell out $3 for each guest in attendance, no matter how everybody got there, or each car is charged $6. Is it rude to not cover the cost of parking for our guests? There is limited street parking. The reception is a mile from the church, so I would think some may carpool. 

I don't want everyone to get a nasty surprise, but if we make it known on our website, and inform people through word of mouth, they would be prepared, right? How would you handle this situation?

bombtones

Couldn't they just bill you the $6 for the cars that actually park there? It would seem weird to pay $3 a person, since some cars may have more than 2 people in them.

The way they are doing it seems funny, but I definitely think it is something you should cover for your guests.

NuggetBrain

I honestly don't think it's a big deal to ask people to pay three bucks to park. 

ootmother2

You can't seperate the cars?

We paid for valet parking at the venue including tip but some guests just parked in the cc parking and some were on the shuttles we provided.  I think it was $5 or so for the valet..  If guests pulled up at the front doors, they were valet parket.

Here in NYC, it wouldn't occur to me to have the host pay for parking although it's $40+ a day and most people cab it.

NuggetBrain

We are having our ceremony in a park, with restricted street parking all around.  They're giving us a certain number of one day parking permits (which we will give to the family and such) but even with them, street parking is limited.  So some people are going to have to pay to park in the two pay lots right up the street.  Probaby 3 - 5 bucks.  We are providing valet parking for free at the reception, however, because their parking lot is 3 blocks away. 

smokeybailey

I am tired and thought this said Praying to Park.  I was intrigued.  Now, not so much.  I'd pay for parking and would have expected it, depending on the location.

lyndausvi

I would not mind paying for parking if I was a guest.

That said, as the host if I choose a venue that had paid parking I would pick up the tab.

TheSaltyPeanut

Travel = expenses.

It makes no difference if it's for a wedding or not.  I wouldn't worry about it and if you are still losing sleep, spread it word of mouth.

knowlesk8

There will be a few spots open on the street, but almost everyone will have to pay to get into the garage. It is a yacht club, and so other people will be there, doing various other things. The club doesn't want to have to ask every single car that comes in if they are there for the wedding. They figure that there will be an average of two people in each car, so therefore will charge $3 per person. 

Good suggestion MyNameIsNot, I will talk with our event planner to see if we can get vouchers so we only pay for each car. And a good point, TheSaltyPeanut, it is easy to forget that weddings are expensive for guests as well.