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Is Maggiano's really a good deal?

GypsySoul01GypsySoul01 member
First Anniversary First Comment
in Nevada-Las Vegas
Hi ladies! I'm new to this board. We just got engaged on the 18th and have decided to have a Las Vegas wedding in November. In doing my initial research, it seems that Maggiano's is very popular for receptions; however, are they really that great of a deal? Yes, the F&B minimums are reasonable but when I got my e-mail back from their banquet manager, it stated that the 20% fee is entirely retained by Maggiano's and that tip would be extra. That makes the "service fee" and tax almost 50%!! I just think that seems deceptive....other places also charge an 18-20% fee but it's for tip.

I guess I just want opinions as to whether other places may be better or more reasonable? We want to feed 35(ish) people for approximately $3500 if possible, including alcohol...I'm not opposed to brunch but I haven't found a great place yet.
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Re: Is Maggiano's really a good deal?

  • arrestclementinearrestclementine member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited February 2012
    What day of the week is your wedding on?  If you are doing a Friday/Saturday evening dinner it will be more than if doing it during the week.  Also what kind of foods do you want?  Is it just dinner reception or a more traditional reception with dancing, cake cutting and all of that?  After tax and gratuity you would be budgeting $78 per person.  I think this is completely do-able but all depends on what you want.
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  • wallacjewallacje member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Name Dropper
    There are other places you could hold your reception, depends on what you are looking for.  I didn't book them one they were booked but two I didn't like the large retainer that you are referring to.

    Caneletto, Border Grill, Mon Ami Gabi, Trevi, Captal Grille, etc... keep looking
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  • GypsySoul01GypsySoul01 member
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    We are just doing dinner and cake. It's definitely do-able for what they are charging, I think I just have a problem with the way I feel the pricing is mis-represented but maybe I'm just being difficult. Thank you for giving me some other options. I'm feeling very, very overwhelmed right now!
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  • Roy5361Roy5361 member
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    Gypsy I was a little turned off while researching Maggianos when I learned of their 20% "event fee" or whatever you call it. Although I can see why so many people pick it. They seem to be very accommodating and as far as the food/bev cost goes they seem to be very reasonable and their facilities look really nice from the pictures! However, I'm on a tighter budget (due to having 50+ guests) so I don't think it is doable for me. I have not made a decision yet on a reception site but based on the research I have done so far, here are some places that will be less expensive!

    1. Kahunaville
    2. Margaritvaville
    3. El Segundo Sol... as a matter of fact, ALLLL of the mexican places I checked out were very reasonable if you like mexican food.

    Good luck :)
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  • stepamosstepamos
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    We're having our rehearsal dinner at Trevi for 35 people for around $1500 (inc tax & gratuity), so I think a budget of $3500 with alcohol is doable :) Mine is in a semi-private area of the restaurant. Our menu is $35 pp, but can be increased if you want a better menu. She'll also take off the dessert and waive the cake cutting fee. Tax is 8.1% and gratuity is 20%. Good luck finding a place!
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  • GypsySoul01GypsySoul01 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! Roy5361 I do like Mexican food but we're from Houston...so I'm hoping for something a little different while we're out of town. I'm going to start checking out some of these other places though. I thought this would be easier than choosing a venue (which I still haven't even started) but I was so wrong!
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  • arrestclementinearrestclementine member
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    Firefly also had really good prices when I was looking.
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  • specialjunespecialjune
    First Comment
    the 20% event fee is mandatory, however, because of this fee a tip is not required. If you want to give one they will take it :) but their contract specifies that tips are not required because they pay their people well. I loked that $79.00 includes open bar for all guest for 4 hours. Maggianos is one of the few places i was interested in that didnt have an additional hourly charge
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  • nycherylnycheryl
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited February 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_is-maggianos-really-a-good-deal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:46422f35-706d-4a93-9362-d39b03202556Post:9527fa8e-7187-4e79-8f27-9c1c9128246b">Re: Is Maggiano's really a good deal?</a>:
    [QUOTE]the 20% event fee is mandatory, however, because of this fee a tip is not required. If you want to give one they will take it :) but their contract specifies that tips are not required because they pay their people well. I loked that $79.00 includes open bar for all guest for 4 hours. Maggianos is one of the few places i was interested in that didnt have an additional hourly charge
    Posted by specialjune[/QUOTE]


    Ditto this.  I've heard multiple brides say they didn't tip on top of the fee - it's your discretion.  I've also seen hourly fees of $35pp for open bar.  That's nuts.

    I'm also a Maggiano's bride, and we picked them for a few reasons.  Right on the strip, food that appeals to everyone (a lot of our guests don't like "spicy"), HUGE portions, fully open bar for four hours, completely private room with a balcony, and a great staff.  I've only heard raving reviews in my one year here.

    We originally wanted to go with an in-suite reception, but I felt like we got more for our money with Maggiano's.  But we also have a smaller guest list.

    If we hadn't picked Maggiano's, we probably would have gone with Joe's or even Wicked Spoon buffet.

    I wish you luck in your quest!
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  • GypsySoul01GypsySoul01 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    Hmmm...if I don't have to add tip, then it really is a good deal with the alcohol. My sister is a banquet coordinator so I should have her look at it so she can be sure. If I tell her I'm not adding tip I will never hear the end of it; however, if this is standard then my delimma may be solved...
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  • nycherylnycheryl
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited February 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_is-maggianos-really-a-good-deal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:46422f35-706d-4a93-9362-d39b03202556Post:fa53bc0c-b304-4981-bbdd-21d5ff6ec09b">Re: Is Maggiano's really a good deal?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hmmm...if I don't have to add tip, then it really is a good deal with the alcohol. My sister is a banquet coordinator so I should have her look at it so she can be sure. If I tell her I'm not adding tip I will never hear the end of it; however, if this is standard then my delimma may be solved...
    Posted by GypsySoul01[/QUOTE]


    I should clarify my statement.  Many brides have not tipped on top of the fee, but there's been a lot of buzz and confusion around it.  Some have said the service fee doesn't go to the actual servers...

    I agree that it would be best to tip on top of the fee.  However, you wouldn't be the first bride if you didn't tip.  We budgeted for and are planning to tip, assuming there are no major issues with service.  (Granted, I was a bartender/server for a long time, so it also makes me squirm to not tip.)

    ETA: when I did the math for myself, the service fee and tax was about 23%.  Adding in a 15% tip, it was about 40% of the total cost.  HTH.
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  • GypsySoul01GypsySoul01 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    OK looked back at the e-mail. Service fee doesn't go to the servers. Back to square one. I really appreciate everyone's help though! You guys have given me some great ideas!
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  • specialjunespecialjune
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    the service fee doesnt go to the servers because they are paid normal wages unlike servers at many other restaurants who get $3 and the rest of their money comes from tips. Contact Maggiano's, they will explain it better. A lot of brides on here have said they did not tip on top of the 20%
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  • fattytorofattytoro
    First Comment
    The new banquet hall at the Golden Nugget is a great deal.  I don't have the numbers in front of me but we were seriously considering them because of the great value.  Steak, Lobster and liquor came out to well under $100 per after tax and services charges.  I can check the menus again when I get home later tonight.

    If you do end up take a look at the place, don't even bother with the older rooms.  Just ask to see the main room next to the casino floor.  You don't want to see the ones upstairs. 
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