Is this normal? Sticker shock

anothergirl2 · September 2015

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker here, I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

We are planning a 2016 wedding for about 50ppl and we started looking at venues in Chicago.

One of our top choices is a venue which only allows one catering company. We saw their posted packages online, and their prices ranged from $85-$100pp which covers everything food and booze related (open bar, chairs, etc). They also charge a 22% gratuity fee, which seems standard. We would also have to pay a separate fee for the venue.

We reviewed this package and thought it was within our budget, so we arranged for a viewing of the venue. Shortly after, I received a 'quota' from the catering company which includes (on top of all the other fees) a $900 'administrative fee' which clearly states, does not includes tips to any of their staff.

So right now, with the 20% for gratuity, $900 'bogus fee', plus taxes and venue fee, we are over budget and nowhere near what we thought when initially going on their website.

My question: Does this seems reasonable to those of you who have gone through this? It seems incredibly excessive to me since we are already paying for the food, gratuities and taxes.

I'm also peeved that they didn't include these charges on their pricing package, making me waste my time.

Thanks for your input!

STARMOON44 · September 2015

Idk if it's reasonable but in my experience it's very common.

huskypuppy14 · September 2015

We had an administrative fee, and it was 3 or 4% of our total before taxes and gratuity. Basically with taxes and gratuity, we paid 27% extra. I'm assuming there is a venue coordinator, because part of that fee may go to pay her salary. Does that also include a tasting? There are all these little things that you don't think of, but that fee could go toward.

How much is the total cost? And what percentage of that of your total budget? The reception venue (food, drinks, venue) should be about 60% of your total budget.

Because if it's 100 dollars pp for 50 people, that's 5000 dollars. So the 900 is a big percentage of that. So I can see that being annoying. Depending on how much the venue fee is (say it's 1000) you are under about 9000 which for a wedding for 50 people is pretty standard for a city wedding, in my opinion. Now if that's too expensive for you, then you need to find another venue.

lyndausvi · September 2015

ah.. it's not completely horrible, but if you have the budget and this place fits all your other needs I would not write them off.

sarahufl · September 2015

I am not much help- I rented an empty venue and brought in all my vendors, so I didn't face this. But as PPs said, the fees seem high but it seems like a fairly reasonable cost for a city wedding.

Pupatella · September 2015

This sounds pretty standard. I would also ask about any set-up fees, or day of the wedding management fees, bar tender fees, etc.

If you really like the venue, and caterer, how about trying to negotiate with them? i.e. we will sign a contract with you, but we'd like you to cut the administrative fee in half to $450. Just see what they say. It's definitely worth an ask, and vendors are open to negotiating with you.

julieanne912 · September 2015

I had the same reaction to my caterer's "admin fee" but learned it's a pretty normal fee. Bullshit, in my opinion, but normal.

anothergirl2 · September 2015

Thanks everyone for your responses. I really appreciate the input.

We went to see the venue today and absolutely loved it. Even though we pretty much went with the notion that, due to the fees, we would probably not take it. We couldn't help but re-consider, since the venue is everything we wanted. But at this point we haven't made any decisions.

It helps to know that this is something that other venues do, although I agree that this fee seems like total BS, especially the large amount. I hadn't thought about trying to negotiate the fee, so I'll definitely try that.

What really bugs me is that in order to accommodate this fee, we will probably have to go with the cheaper food options. This is not what we were planning and at this point I don't know if is worth it. Food is at the top of ourcx list in order of priorities, so I will have to see what we can work out. With a guest list of 50 ppl, I was hoping we would be able to offer some really good food.

Our budget is 10000 total for the whole wedding, and right now this venue with the cheaper food options comes at around 60% of that, not including tips though.

However, we are not counting on a lot of people making it (I know we should plan for 100% attendance, and we are definitely doing that) but almost 70% of our guest list will have to travel to Chicago and get hotels etc, so I'm hoping we get at least 40 ppl to attend, but it will most likely be less than that.

Pupatella · September 2015

anothergirl2 said:
Thanks everyone for your responses. I really appreciate the input.
We went to see the venue today and absolutely loved it. Even though we pretty much went with the notion that, due to the fees, we would probably not take it. We couldn't help but re-consider, since the venue is everything we wanted. But at this point we haven't made any decisions.
It helps to know that this is something that other venues do, although I agree that this fee seems like total BS, especially the large amount. I hadn't thought about trying to negotiate the fee, so I'll definitely try that.
What really bugs me is that in order to accommodate this fee, we will probably have to go with the cheaper food options. This is not what we were planning and at this point I don't know if is worth it. Food is at the top of ourcx list in order of priorities, so I will have to see what we can work out. With a guest list of 50 ppl, I was hoping we would be able to offer some really good food.
Our budget is 10000 total for the whole wedding, and right now this venue with the cheaper food options comes at around 60% of that, not including tips though.
However, we are not counting on a lot of people making it (I know we should plan for 100% attendance, and we are definitely doing that) but almost 70% of our guest list will have to travel to Chicago and get hotels etc, so I'm hoping we get at least 40 ppl to attend, but it will most likely be less than that.

You are tipping at this venue, if you decide to go with it. You are already tipping 20% which is built into their fee. I wouldn't tip in addition to that unless they truly go majorly above and beyond.

Planning for 100% attendance is very smart during the budgeting process.

This venue sounds like your dream venue. Can you cut in other areas (flowers for example) but still do the better food option for your guests? I really hope you find a way to make this work!!

julieanne912 · September 2015

Yes, if they're charging a separate gratuity fee, then there's no need to tip anybody being paid by them.

In my case, the admin fee specifically does not cover gratuity, but the waitstaff is being paid a pretty decent hourly wage so I just plan on tipping $15-20 per person versus a percentage.

charlottesmom0626 · September 2015

My best advice is: Stick to your budget girl.

Sure, its your day- and It's a great party, but it's one day. Don't charge things or take out loans, it's not worth it.

I fell in love with a "dream" venue, but it was WAY out of budget. I got so worked up and upset about it, briefly thought about trying to see if we could cut on other aspects or trying to see if I could pickup more hours at work...then H and I went around and found the most amazing place, way within our budget.

We had an amazing wedding, provided our guests with great food, and I loved the entertainment, and decor. Everything was 100% "dream wedding" material. I think about the original venue now and realize it was NEVER worth what they were charging.

It's easy to get wrapped up in planning and stress about it. If it's over your budget, just keep looking. Your wedding will be awesome.

DarthV8r · September 2015

I am paying a 21% banquet service charge. I don't know if that's the same thing or not. Can anyone tell me if I should tip on top of that?
Sorry to hijack your thread OP but your question made me think.

MobKaz · September 2015

anothergirl2 said:

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker here, I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
We are planning a 2016 wedding for about 50ppl and we started looking at venues in Chicago.
One of our top choices is a venue which only allows one catering company. We saw their posted packages online, and their prices ranged from $85-$100pp which covers everything food and booze related (open bar, chairs, etc). They also charge a 22% gratuity fee, which seems standard. We would also have to pay a separate fee for the venue.
We reviewed this package and thought it was within our budget, so we arranged for a viewing of the venue. Shortly after, I received a 'quota' from the catering company which includes (on top of all the other fees) a $900 'administrative fee' which clearly states, does not includes tips to any of their staff.
So right now, with the 20% for gratuity, $900 'bogus fee', plus taxes and venue fee, we are over budget and nowhere near what we thought when initially going on their website.
My question: Does this seems reasonable to those of you who have gone through this? It seems incredibly excessive to me since we are already paying for the food, gratuities and taxes.
I'm also peeved that they didn't include these charges on their pricing package, making me waste my time.
Thanks for your input!

My son married within the city of Chicago. He said that for almost anything they looked at, the average total of taxes and fees, both from the venue itself AND the city of Chicago averaged 30%.

I am not sure what makes your current venue choice your "dream" choice. However, your guests will remember your venue from the food and beverage perspective first and foremost. There are so many amazing restaurants in the city. Your intimate guest list lends itself to some incredible restaurant opportunities as venues. If you want to consider other options, ask for suggestions on the local Illinois/Chicago board.

Pupatella · September 2015

ibarfburlapandlace said:
I am paying a 21% banquet service charge. I don't know if that's the same thing or not. Can anyone tell me if I should tip on top of that?
Sorry to hijack your thread OP but your question made me think.

A service charge doesn't sound the same as gratuity to me, but then again 21% is around what I've seen venues add on for the gratuity charge. I would definitely check with your venue about this. If it is not gratuity, then yes I would tip.

futurecptkirk · September 2015

It might be worth a shot to ask what the fee goes to and let them know that if you did not have the fee, you would make up the cost in food/beverage. They might be willing to negotiate since they are getting the same amount of money.

FTR, except for the admin fee, this sounds exactly like the venue I chose. The caterer does everything from rentals to security to valet and I only had to get DJ, bakery (they only let me choose theirs though and give me a discount on it), photographer, transportation, and florist.

Liatris2010 · September 2015

Ask about the fee. Try negotiating. They might rather reduce the fee than lose your business.

ILoveBeachMusic · September 2015

My daughter just got married in Chicago (this past weekend). There is also a required security fee so you might want to check into that too. We didn't realize that until we were billed for it. I think it was $400 dollars. Our caterer didn't include a gratuity so we tipped the staff. If your caterer includes a gratuity, you don't need to tip on top of that. However, I agree we a PP, for such an intimate group there are plenty of places in Chicago that can accommodate you. Look around, you might find a better place at a better price!

lembaslover · September 2015

My wedding is also ~50 people. Probably going to be closer to 40 with declines but like you we budgeted for everyone to accept though we know some are very unlikely. It was a bit of a sticker shock for us as well with the taxes, gratuity, and fees all added in, that added ~30% per person. A couple of the fees were because we had so few people. For example a $500 bar fee since we had less than 100 people. They did drop that to $100 though and threw in a second bar area setup for free (usually another $100) so venues are typically willing to negotiate a bit to keep your business. It does make sense though, if you were having a 100 person wedding they'd be making so much more from food and drinks so while their fees are still cheaper for us than if we invited an extra 50 people they still get a little more profit in admin fees.

Is this normal? Sticker shock

Re: Is this normal? Sticker shock

Choose Another Board

Search Boards