Venue Help

Re: Venue Help

• libby2483 member

  

  March 2012

  I'm not familiar with the venues, but here are some hidden fees I found when I was searching for venues.  Make sure you ask about these:

  
  

  - Dance floor set-up fee

  - Cake cutting fee

  - Fee to switch over room if you are having both ceremony and reception at location

  - Security fee

  - Bar fees

  
  

  Also, it is typical for places to charge up to a 20 percent gratuity on all food and drinks, so don't be surprised if you see this.

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• brian&liv member

  

  March 2012

  Gratuity (usually from 17-21%) and Sales Tax (usually around 6%) can add up quickly.  I'm not familiar with those venues either for food, but just about all of the venues I talked to, which has been quite a few, sent me an attachment of all their information, which included a breakdown of what was included in the room rental and in most cases, prices of things that might be added on.  Although they may not clearly tell you all the hidden fees, if you're up front and ask them what (specifically) is all included in the main fee, and what other fees/items you might need to consider, they'll usually give you information.  

  
  

  Cake cutting fee/serving fee, dance floor, microphones for toasts or ceremony, suite/hotel room for bride/groom (sometimes included, sometimes not), room rental for rehearsal or gift opening (if needed...again, sometimes included, sometimes not), linens, decorations (chair covers, table cloths, basic centerpieces), set up fees if the attendance is larger (over a certain number), some outdoor venues charge for using the arch for a ceremony, tables (for DJ, cake, gifts, sand/unity candle ceremony, etc), fees for major changes in guest list number, cost for an extra bartender if they deem needed, food/beverage minimums on top of room/ceremony fees, going over the time rented (e.g. if room is rented until 12 but party goes until 12:30 or 1), and when they allow you to set up for the reception (day before or morning of) and if you need to find someone to do itd/do it yourself, or if they would have someone (I'm pretty sure both those venues have a cordinator that would do it, but still).  These are all things to be aware of.  

  
  

  Some venues offer packages where most is included, others offer just the basics and the rest is extra.  Also, when you sign the contract, make sure you go through and know what you're signing, especially since it's a big commitment! 

  
  

  It's good to have somewhat of an idea of what you want your wedding to look like, and a budget to go off.  Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions first before you sign!  It's better to seem annoying or too thorough than sign and then be surprised later!

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