Parking

aloha5736 · March 2014

Good enough comparison! Anyway, yes I am getting on the T in a white dress haha noooo jk. I'm going with my bag and dress bag and getting ready at the hotel and dropping the gifts with my parents at the end of the night. We will most likely be going to the airport next AM.

Okay, so the etiquette is pay for parking everywhere! People will pay for nothing to attend, but we may drop the steak cut down instead, to keep on our planned budget.

Thanks!

phira · March 2014

@Michelle5736 People shouldn't be paying to attend your wedding. It's not an event you buy tickets for.

Inkdancer · March 2014

Michelle5736 said:

Good enough comparison! Anyway, yes I am getting on the T in a white dress haha noooo jk. I'm going with my bag and dress bag and getting ready at the hotel and dropping the gifts with my parents at the end of the night. We will most likely be going to the airport next AM.

Okay, so the etiquette is pay for parking everywhere! People will pay for nothing to attend, but we may drop the steak cut down instead, to keep on our planned budget.

Thanks!

Yes! I'm glad you could find a way to make it work.

arrippa · March 2014

Michelle5736 said:

Good enough comparison! Anyway, yes I am getting on the T in a white dress haha noooo jk. I'm going with my bag and dress bag and getting ready at the hotel and dropping the gifts with my parents at the end of the night. We will most likely be going to the airport next AM.

Okay, so the etiquette is pay for parking everywhere! People will pay for nothing to attend, but we may drop the steak cut down instead, to keep on our planned budget.

Thanks!

That sounds good. My reception is in Cambridge and I am covering the parking fee too. My guests will NOT be opening their wallet during my wedding.

kkitkat79 · March 2014

phira said:

@Michelle5736 People shouldn't be paying to attend your wedding. It's not an event you buy tickets for.

I am honestly confused. People pay to attend a wedding all the time if they are coming from another town, state, country. Why is parking different? I absolutely agree that guests should not pay for food, beverages, entertainment. But isn't parking just part of getting to the wedding itself. If there are no other options I can see paying for it. But if paid parking is not the only alternative, why is it a problem? Honest question, I am not trying to be difficult.

phira · March 2014

@kkitkat79 That's a fair question. In this case, parking is part of the event (where your guests shouldn't have to pay anything), while arguably a guest could find ways not to pay very much to get to the event. Obviously, everything costs money--gas for the car, for example--but I consider parking part of hosting, not part of traveling.

Which is why, if your guests are staying the night at a hotel that you're having your wedding at, it's nice to have free parking for people during the wedding, but guests can pay to keep their car overnight if they stay at the hotel (because it's a travel expense, not an expense at the wedding).

The other thing is that, honestly, if I know there will be a cash bar or a fee for parking, I'm much less annoyed than if I show up and find out I have to pay. But more than $10 for parking is a LOT; I'd be fine with paying a little, but not $15-20.

lyndausvi · March 2014

phira said:

@kkitkat79 That's a fair question. In this case, parking is part of the event (where your guests shouldn't have to pay anything), while arguably a guest could find ways not to pay very much to get to the event. Obviously, everything costs money--gas for the car, for example--but I consider parking part of hosting, not part of traveling.

Which is why, if your guests are staying the night at a hotel that you're having your wedding at, it's nice to have free parking for people during the wedding, but guests can pay to keep their car overnight if they stay at the hotel (because it's a travel expense, not an expense at the wedding).

The other thing is that, honestly, if I know there will be a cash bar or a fee for parking, I'm much less annoyed than if I show up and find out I have to pay. But more than $10 for parking is a LOT; I'd be fine with paying a little, but not $15-20.

Those are my feelings on the subject.

Options also come into play. No other options but valet, yes I would expect parking to be paid. Other options, maybe not so much. Although I've never attended a wedding that we had to pay for parking. Then again I never drive to weddings. I'm either taking public transportation, a car service or transportation is being provided by the couple.

aloha5736 · March 2014

Yes, there are plenty of other options that my guest will take to get to the venue, besides utilizing the valet, like taxis, cheaper lots farther away (if they don't know its paid for), public transportation, metered street park (although you'd have to feed the meter once), etc. After seeing the hate about paying for parking at a wedding on here, we decided to make cuts elsewhere to keep to our elected wedding budget. We can definitely cut down on the quality of the food we serve and offering less than a fully stocked bar. Personally, I would much rather pay $20 for parking, than attend a cash bar wedding. We spent $60 on drinks at the last wedding we went to, because the drinks were $10 a piece. I usually pay $40-60 at weddings, because people I know usually can't afford to host an entire wedding (even at a cheap venue).

aloha5736 · March 2014

@moemac we looked at the Hyatt which was free parking, but opted for downtown instead. We also looked at the Hotel Marlowe, but we didn't love the space or the outdoor space. I could honestly careless if I paid for parking as long as my drinks are covered, I am the minority though lol. The parking was pricey for guest in Cambridge too though, I looked there hoping we would avoid it.

MrsMarende · March 2014

@Michelle If you haven't already signed a contract with your venue see if you can get it included for free or discounted. That is the route I took and so far it is working out fairly well.

aloha5736 · March 2014

Yes, we did! $20 is what I got it discounted too LOL. Went back and fourth with the venue many times, along with a few other venues, and no one would really budge. I tried so hard to get them to come down lower and they wouldn't, I said $15 and they basically said "No, where else is offering $15 parking? you can try to look into other area lots though". So, I looked at other lots nearby and no where was cheaper, let alone valet. So, basically I quit there and signed the contract. We did get certain beer added to our wedding (free of charge) that wasn't offered and some better brands of alcohol. Upgraded our cocktail hour room to one on a higher floor with a view of Boston (normally $1500 and it was free). I found I could work more on what we could get out on them, rather than what they could discount. Basically I went that route and got more for my money.

monkeysip · March 2014

Michelle5736 said:

Yes, there are plenty of other options that my guest will take to get to the venue, besides utilizing the valet, like taxis, cheaper lots farther away (if they don't know its paid for), public transportation, metered street park (although you'd have to feed the meter once), etc. After seeing the hate about paying for parking at a wedding on here, we decided to make cuts elsewhere to keep to our elected wedding budget. We can definitely cut down on the quality of the food we serve and offering less than a fully stocked bar. Personally, I would much rather pay $20 for parking, than attend a cash bar wedding. We spent $60 on drinks at the last wedding we went to, because the drinks were $10 a piece. I usually pay $40-60 at weddings, because people I know usually can't afford to host an entire wedding (even at a cheap venue).

I don't think anyone here was saying you should do cash bar and pay for parking. That'd be way worse. But you definitely don't need the most top shelf liquor or the absolute finest meal possible. Good for you for making room in your budget for parking. I know it's a lot of money, but it will make your guests enjoy their night even more not having to worry about it.

phira · March 2014

@michelle5736 No one here suggested that you have a cash bar. And having a limited open bar isn't rude to your guests at all; we're having one, too, because it's what we can afford to host.

Obviously, you've signed a contract, but what you're implying is that you can't pay to properly host your wedding. We say, "Your guests shouldn't have to pay for parking, especially so much for parking," and your response is, "Fine, then we'll serve crappy food--HAPPY?"

You made snide remarks about how I wasn't really a Boston bride because I'm getting married in a town you'd never heard of. The reason I'm not getting married in Boston was because my partner and I sat down, came up with our budget and guest list, looked at venues, and found that there were no venues in Boston proper that met our needs and was in our budget. Those needs? They included free parking for guests, and no cash bar. If you couldn't afford to host your wedding properly within the city limits, there was no one preventing you from looking outside the city.

huskypuppy14 · March 2014

phira said:

@michelle5736 No one here suggested that you have a cash bar. And having a limited open bar isn't rude to your guests at all; we're having one, too, because it's what we can afford to host.

Obviously, you've signed a contract, but what you're implying is that you can't pay to properly host your wedding. We say, "Your guests shouldn't have to pay for parking, especially so much for parking," and your response is, "Fine, then we'll serve crappy food--HAPPY?"

You made snide remarks about how I wasn't really a Boston bride because I'm getting married in a town you'd never heard of. The reason I'm not getting married in Boston was because my partner and I sat down, came up with our budget and guest list, looked at venues, and found that there were no venues in Boston proper that met our needs and was in our budget. Those needs? They included free parking for guests, and no cash bar. If you couldn't afford to host your wedding properly within the city limits, there was no one preventing you from looking outside the city.

All of this!

aloha5736 · March 2014

1. Never said I was hosting a cash bar. I was giving examples of why I'd rather have to pay for parking than cash bar, because someone said that they getting less annoyed with cash bars than parking.

2. Never said I was serving crappy food, I said I was serving a lesser quality steak. Nothing states I have to serve filet at my wedding. This will help us contain to our budget without getting out of control on spending. Setting a budget isn't saying we can't afford it, it's being smart and not letting yourself get out of control with wedding spending. It is easy to do.

Thanks!

arrippa · March 2014

I always get a little touchy when someone implies that brides in Boston are cheap. Between cash bars and dollar dances, I would like to start a movement here about being good hosts. Also, I am totes with you about limited bar. Beer and wine only, all the way!

arrippa · March 2014

kkitkat79 said:

phira said:

@Michelle5736 People shouldn't be paying to attend your wedding. It's not an event you buy tickets for.

I am honestly confused. People pay to attend a wedding all the time if they are coming from another town, state, country. Why is parking different? I absolutely agree that guests should not pay for food, beverages, entertainment. But isn't parking just part of getting to the wedding itself. If there are no other options I can see paying for it. But if paid parking is not the only alternative, why is it a problem? Honest question, I am not trying to be difficult.

In our situation, in order to park on the street, you need a parking permit. Even on a Saturday. So, the parking lot is really our only option. I am lucky that the guests that are staying at the hotel will get free parking. We only have to pay for the local guests who choose to drive there. It's close to the T station, so I have friends without cars who will probably take that. We will be paying for a little less than half our guest list.

MrsMarende · March 2014

phira said:

@michelle5736 No one here suggested that you have a cash bar. And having a limited open bar isn't rude to your guests at all; we're having one, too, because it's what we can afford to host.

Obviously, you've signed a contract, but what you're implying is that you can't pay to properly host your wedding. We say, "Your guests shouldn't have to pay for parking, especially so much for parking," and your response is, "Fine, then we'll serve crappy food--HAPPY?"

You made snide remarks about how I wasn't really a Boston bride because I'm getting married in a town you'd never heard of. The reason I'm not getting married in Boston was because my partner and I sat down, came up with our budget and guest list, looked at venues, and found that there were no venues in Boston proper that met our needs and was in our budget. Those needs? They included free parking for guests, and no cash bar. If you couldn't afford to host your wedding properly within the city limits, there was no one preventing you from looking outside the city.

I am sure I'll get shredded for this, but honestly for me I would rather pay $20 in parking than have to drive a far distance out of my way to get to the event which would likely include for us getting a hotel (if it is 1 hour or more away)

I am not familiar with Boston so not sure how far out of the city is, but just my thoughts.

APDSS22 · March 2014

MrsMarende said:

phira said:

@michelle5736 No one here suggested that you have a cash bar. And having a limited open bar isn't rude to your guests at all; we're having one, too, because it's what we can afford to host.

Obviously, you've signed a contract, but what you're implying is that you can't pay to properly host your wedding. We say, "Your guests shouldn't have to pay for parking, especially so much for parking," and your response is, "Fine, then we'll serve crappy food--HAPPY?"

You made snide remarks about how I wasn't really a Boston bride because I'm getting married in a town you'd never heard of. The reason I'm not getting married in Boston was because my partner and I sat down, came up with our budget and guest list, looked at venues, and found that there were no venues in Boston proper that met our needs and was in our budget. Those needs? They included free parking for guests, and no cash bar. If you couldn't afford to host your wedding properly within the city limits, there was no one preventing you from looking outside the city.

I am sure I'll get shredded for this, but honestly for me I would rather pay $20 in parking than have to drive a far distance out of my way to get to the event which would likely include for us getting a hotel (if it is 1 hour or more away)

I am not familiar with Boston so not sure how far out of the city is, but just my thoughts.

Why would you need a hotel if it's only an hour away?

MrsMarende · March 2014

Most people I know do not want to drive late at night far distances or drink and drive. I have a job that relies on my Driver's License so I don't even have a glass of wine and drive, if it is that far away taking a cab would be just as expensive as getting a hotel.

I would rather pay the $20 and be more local than travel 2 hours.

photokitty · March 2014

MrsMarende said:

Most people I know do not want to drive late at night far distances or drink and drive. I have a job that relies on my Driver's License so I don't even have a glass of wine and drive, if it is that far away taking a cab would be just as expensive as getting a hotel.

I would rather pay the $20 and be more local than travel 2 hours.

I'd rather have an open bar at a modest venue than a cash bar at a fancy expensive venue. I'd rather have good food than fancy centerpieces and flowers everywhere. I'd rather a bride wear a more affordable dress then cutting back on the appetizers during cocktail hour. But as guests we don't get to decide these details. It's unreasonable to think otherwise.

It is however to reasonable to assume once you arrive at the ceremony you will not have to pay for anything - parking, alcohol, dancing with the guests of honor, making wishes in a well, etc.

ETA and the people who don't live in the city and don't feel comfortable driving and parking in it, would not doubt prefer the drive…perhaps it is a mere 15 mins from their place and the downtown venue convenient for you is 2 hours round trip.

phira · March 2014

@MrsMarende I mean, paying for parking at the venue and paying for a hotel and driving a long way are not mutually exclusive things to deal with. I've had to (rent a car and) drive and stay at a hotel for a wedding; if I'd also had to pay $20 in parking, I would be pretty upset.

I'm also not entirely sure I understand what you mean about Boston, but basically, Boston is a small, pretty concentrated city with expensive cabs, and very limited parking. I take public transit almost anywhere. However, Greater Boston is a region that includes Boston and several surrounding cities, and there are many towns and cities in Massachusetts (and even other New England states) that are accesible by bus or train to Boston itself.

huskypuppy14 · March 2014

MrsMarende said:

Most people I know do not want to drive late at night far distances or drink and drive. I have a job that relies on my Driver's License so I don't even have a glass of wine and drive, if it is that far away taking a cab would be just as expensive as getting a hotel.

I would rather pay the $20 and be more local than travel 2 hours.

But not everyone coming to the wedding lives in the same place. The majority of my family, my FI family, and our friends live about 2 hours from each other. Not too far, but someone would have to travel no matter where we had it. We decided to have it a little less than an hour outside the city so that it was more or less equidistant to most people (45 minutes to an 1.5 hours for most people). Obviously the people from states further away would have to travel regardless.

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