How Do You Negotiate With Wedding Venues?

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    The wedding business is used to haggling, but you can't bargain with your venue like you would with a rug seller. No, you can't do it like that.

    The average cost of a wedding in 2016 was over $35,000, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon.

    Your wedding will likely cost big bucks, even if you cut costs on the venue, cuisine, attire, and other special touches.

    Many married pairs shell out full price for such necessities without even enquiring about possible price reductions.

    Couples that do not negotiate give up potential financial gains. They could have utilised that cash to make their wedding day more special or to get their new life together off to a more stable financial start.Saying “I do” at Boutique Events Group is an elegant and luxurious affair.

    In this post, we'll break down the specifics of how to negotiate in a creative, level-headed manner with the location where you'll be holding your wedding.

    How to Negotiate Effectively?

    Prior to entering into any negotiations with your wedding's vendors, not to mention the location. The rules of engagement that you must know are:

    You should not expect to receive anything for free.

    First and foremost, please read this. Don't expect a price drop if you don't change the services you've asked for.

    To see a change in cost, you'll need some leeway in the features included. Don't be the kind of folks that take everything without giving anything in return.

    Be respectful of your venue, and avoid acting like a pushy salesman.

    Your wedding location is probably not owned by some faceless corporation but rather by a dedicated individual who is simply trying to make a living.

    If you approach talks with the assumption that they are fundamentally trustworthy or rational, you will get nothing. Don't piss off your wedding location; it's crucial to the event's success.

    It's easier to negotiate inclusions than cutbacks.

    Package add-ons that are free of charge are typically easier to bargain for than price reductions. A greater value can be obtained by following this strategy. This method of bargaining appeals to us because the amount we can expect to save is quite small.

    On the other hand, the extras that your venue may throw in for free could easily be worth hundreds of dollars. Rather than looking for the absolute lowest price, it's wiser to focus on getting the most for your money.

    Methods for Arranging Your Wedding Day With the Venue

    If there aren't any, you may always try to sell them on the idea that this tweak will add a special touch to your wedding.

    If you're having your wedding at a destination location, the venue's package will likely include services from a number of speciality vendors.

    • Catering
    • Photographers
    • Decorator
    • DJ
    • Barbers and beauticians

    Perhaps you'd like to host your vendors in your office. How do you go about discussing terms with the venue?

    First things first, before signing any contracts, make sure you ask if you can use vendors not on their prefered vendor list. In other words, if they already said no, they won't change their minds.

    Consider what is most important if they have in principle agreed to be flexibility with exclusive suppliers. Venues are typically not willing to yield on the cost of catering. Ultimately, your only option is to enquire.

    Think It Through

    The more knowledge you have, the better off you will be when bargaining for a lower price. In a negotiation, you have less leverage if you're just speaking to one wedding reception. Talk to a few different places in the region and compare pricing, even if you don't end up using any of them.

    You'll have more bargaining power and be able to drive home the point that you're not stuck with a bad situation thanks to this strategy. Put together a list of alternative locations that provide more reasonable rates, and use this bargaining chip to get your favourite pick to lower their prices.

    Don't be Afraid to Ask

    If you lack experience in negotiations, you may feel worried. However, you should hide your anxiety. They can safely deny your request without losing your business if you come out as timid.

    Although it may be tough to maintain a completely emotionless demeanour when negotiating the terms of your wedding, it is in your best interest to do so.

    To get some experience in this area, you can visit a market where bargaining is common. Next, try it out and see how it makes you feel, which should boost your self-assurance.

    Aim Low at First

    It's not common to get your initial offer accepted in a negotiation, so you should expect to settle on a number that falls between your lowball and the going rate.

    That's why it's important to propose a low initial price; if you propose a high one, you might not get much of a reduction at all. Don't know what to ask for? A 20% discount is low without being disrespectful, so it's a good place to start.

    You Should Expect to Barter

    After making a first offer, you may receive an acceptance (very rare), a flat rejection to negotiate, or a counter offer that is lower than your original listing price but still higher than what you were asking for.

    Deal-making is awkward, therefore parties often settle for the first reasonable counter-offer they receive. Put that feeling aside and submit another offer; your willingness to negotiate will earn you a better price.

    No Refunds from the Wedding Location? If you want more, you should try asking for it.

    While some wedding venues may say no to any discount requests, that doesn't mean you can't still save money.

    As an alternative to asking for a price cut, you may suggest adding on additional extras at no extra cost. Upgrades to the champagne, table settings, and menu are all possible.

    This is essentially a price cut, although one for a more expensive item. It's preferable to providing a genuine value in some settings. When you plan ahead of time, you may save a tonne of money and create a realistic budget for your wedding.

    Your bargaining leverage will improve if you visit during off-peak hours.

    You may need some wiggle room in your booking dates to receive the best prices.

    Since there will be less customers in need of a venue throughout the week and in the off season, you will have much more leverage when negotiating prices.

    Because they realize they can easily book another wedding for that day if you cancel, summer is when most wedding venues will not budge on price.

    You could be their only source of income during slow periods. Therefore, they will be more eager to provide you a good deal in order to keep your business.

    In 2016, researchers found that September and October were the most popular months for actual weddings, with 16% of ceremonies taking place during those two months.

    Monday through Thursday saw only 4% of all weddings, while Saturday saw 70%.

    Your ability to save money on your wedding will increase significantly if you are flexible enough to have it during the week or in a less popular month.

    Think About Requesting a Decrease in Service

    Catering is just one of the many extras that frequently come standard at wedding venues. While it's not always feasible, many event spaces are ready to lower their bottom line if the caterer is handled by the host.

    You may now select a caterer who works better within your budget and serves superior meals. As with food, bringing your own booze can be a huge money saver if you're authorized to do so.

    Get Used to the Idea of Leaving

    You won't have the leverage you need to get the greatest outcome if you're fixated on only one possible course of action. You won't save much money (if any) if you aren't willing to walk away from a location or provider who is unwilling to negotiate. Negotiating in a week or two can be fruitful if the first attempt fails.

    If you try to negotiate with a venue, they probably won't say no.  Two weeks from now, they may be more ready to negotiate a lower price. Otherwise, you can always go with their initial offer if you'd like.

    By requesting a better deal, you stand to gain quite a bit and risk very little.

    Avoid the classic wedding planning pitfalls of not haggling and accepting things at face value, and your checkbook will thank you.

    Tips for Bargaining with the Wedding Location's Cost

    Your wedding location can be negotiated with in two primary ways:

    If you tell them how much money you have to spend, they might be able to come up with a package that suits your needs.

    If you're not overly savvy about event and wedding venues, this is probably your best bet. It demonstrates to the venue that you're open to collaborating with them on the specifics of your package. Don't pick a place that will blow your budget; instead, reserve the service and then try to get a better deal. That's not a good plan because it won't help you.

    If your discussions don't go as planned, at least you'll have a place to eat where the cost won't break the bank. The discounted price you offer should be within 10–15% of the original menu prices So, let the venue know what your maximum spending limit is and they can create a package that fits your needs while staying within it.

    Give your best guess as to what can be cut or altered to lower the cost to you.

    In order to negotiate well for my couples, You usually mix the first and second strategies.

    That's why it's crucial to have a firm grasp on the sort of information that could serve as a reasonable bargaining chip at that particular location. Some possible instances of this are:

    • Having a weekday nuptial ceremony.
    • Plan your wedding during the off-season.
    • Sharing the room with other people
    • Cutbacks on some menu items
    • Cutting back on extras like decorations and DJs

    Get the Right Attire

    Dressing the part for success here does NOT imply putting up your finest appearance. Instead, it usually entails taking a fashion hit. Neither do you want to come out as a slob or a showoff. Show up in an unremarkable car, wearing ordinary clothes (no name brands). Show that you mean business by toting around a leather binder.

    Ask a lot of questions to show that you're the kind of customer they'd like to work with, but stress the aspects of yourself that suggest you won't be able to afford the full cost.

    Such as:

    • Currently, both of us are "fresh out of college."
    • We're down to 1 employed member.
    • We have recently received some very costly medical bills.

    To get the best possible pricing at your wedding venue, use this strategy even when you have a significant budget. Check out our list of Wedding Dress Shops to help you choose your perfect gown.

    The Rule of Not Blinking

    Remember these points when communicating with suppliers: Initially, it's important to discuss monetary losses.

    Before disclosing your financial limitations, you should discuss your options and their prices. Suppose, for the sake of argument, that you have a budget of $2,000 for a truly spectacular location.

    The event planner you meet with will want to know how much money you have to work with. You shouldn't come out out and say it, but asking someone, "Well, what packages can you offer?" can be a good way to turn the tables.

    You can begin bargaining for a discounted rate on the bundle you want after you are aware of their standard costs. Don't give anything away and don't blink when negotiating.

    Offer Alternative Bids

    Is there another place that has made you an incredible offer? Take that into account while negotiating, and you might find that your prefered platform is prepared to reduce pricing by a small amount.

    Even if you can't convince them to equal the competition's offer, you can usually get them to reduce the price of some of their services.

    Apply Time Pressure

    Is there a discount being offered "right now" if you sign a contract for the wedding venue? Don't let the deadline stress you out, but DO make sure the location is ideal for your needs. Go window shopping first.

    But if you get an immediate gut feeling that this is the right place for you, then you should definitely take advantage of this "limited time deal."

    Try to get a further reduction if you sign and book that place right now.

    Check Out What's New

    The formal, seated dinner that used to be the norm at weddings is now more often replaced with a more casual reception.

    How Much Room Is There for Price Bargaining Between the Wedding Party and Its Vendors and the Reception Hall?

    While venues are typically not open to haggling over prices, there are a few reasons that could sway their decision.

    Choose a date that is less certain and a month that has less people visiting. Choosing a Sunday in August, as opposed to a Saturday in October, is a powerful example of this.

    The length of your commitment is also very important. If you're trying to make a reservation 18 months in advance, for instance, you may expect to pay full price.

    However, if you're flexible and willing to look at dates less than six months out (days that typically don't book), you have quite a bit of negotiating power.

    Number of guests: Catering services provided by the venue may also factor into your decision.

    Establishing rapport with the salesman is crucial; tell them that their location is your top pick but that you need to keep costs down.

    It's important to find a happy medium between tenacity, persuasiveness, and politeness. Their willingness to give in and be accommodating increases if you can "connect" with them.

    When compared to venues, vendors are typically more amenable to haggling over price:

    Imagine you are having a destination wedding or otherwise unconventional wedding. If that's the case, you're in luck, as many vendors, when offered the chance, will take advantage of the opportunity to build their event portfolio by working at many locations.

    It may make sense to contact a photographer based in the West Coast if you're having a wedding in New Orleans.

    You'll have to pay for transportation, but they may be open to price haggling if doing business with you will increase their revenue.

    Make sure all of your suppliers know they're your first pick, just like your location. Then, reach out to them and share your vision for what will make your ceremony one to remember.

    Since wedding media coverage is a key promotional tool for suppliers, be sure to let them know that they are welcome to publish your big day. Check out our ultimate list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help you organise a stress free wedding.

    Your negotiation power will also be affected by the season, weekday, and availability of your wedding day.

    You can count on getting the best possible rate if you phone a top vendor on a Friday in December and book your wedding six months in advance.

    Last but not least, if you have the financial means to do so, choose a coordinator who has a stellar reputation in the industry. Planners may not always help you save money, but they will ensure that you get the most for your money.

    Because they know they can count on the same planners to get them business, vendors are more willing to reward planners who they work with frequently.

    Conclusion

    The average cost of a wedding in 2016 was over $35,000, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon. The rules of engagement that you must know are: You should not expect to receive anything for free. Don't be the kind of folks that take everything without giving anything in return. If you're having your wedding at a destination location, the venue's package will likely include services from a number of speciality vendors. Changing the flow of your wedding day can refer to a variety of different things, such as holding the ceremony in a nontraditional location or having the reception outside.

    How do you go about discussing terms with the venue? It's not common to get your initial offer accepted in a negotiation, so you should expect to settle on a number that falls between your lowball and the going rate. A 20% discount is low without being disrespectful, so it's a good place to start. Some wedding venues may say no to any discount requests, but that doesn't mean you can't still save money. Summer is the time of year when most wedding venues are unwilling to budge on prices.

    September and October are the most popular months for actual weddings, with 16% of ceremonies taking place during those two months. Many event spaces are ready to lower their bottom line if the caterer is handled by the host, so think about asking for less service. If you're looking for a wedding venue, don't just reserve the service and then try to get a better deal. If you tell them how much money you have to spend, they might be able to come up with a package that suits your needs. It demonstrates to the venue that you're open to collaborating with them on the specifics of your package.

    The discounted price you offer should be within 10–15% of the original menu prices. Ask a lot of questions to show that you're the kind of customer they'd like to work with, but stress the aspects of yourself that suggest you won't be able to afford the full cost. Use this strategy even when you have a significant budget to get the best possible pricing at your wedding venue. Wedding venues are typically not open to haggling over prices, but there are a few reasons that could sway their decision.

    Choosing a Sunday in August, as opposed to a Saturday in October, is a powerful example of this. Establishing rapport with the salesman is crucial; tell them that their location is your top pick but you need to keep costs down. Vendors are more amenable to haggling over price if they know they can count on the same planners to get them business. Your negotiation power will also be affected by the season, weekday, and availability of your wedding day. 

    Combine this with the initial to increase your bargaining power if you have a good idea of what will create that venue successful. We wish you the best of luck, and remember to always act reasonably.

    Content Summary: 

    • The wedding business is used to haggling, but you can't bargain with your venue like you would with a rug seller.
    • No, you can't do it like that.
    • The average cost of a wedding in 2016 was over $35,000, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon.
    • Your wedding will likely cost big bucks, even if you cut costs on the venue, cuisine, attire, and other special touches.
    • Couples that do not negotiate give up potential financial gains.
    • In this post, we'll break down the specifics of how to negotiate in a creative, level-headed manner with the location where you'll be holding your wedding.
    • Prior to entering into any negotiations with your wedding's vendors, not to mention the location.
    • The rules of engagement that you must know are: You should not expect to receive anything for free.
    • Don't expect a price drop if you don't change the services you've asked for.
    • Be respectful of your venue, and avoid acting like a pushy salesman.
    • Don't piss off your wedding location; it's crucial to the event's success.
    • It's easier to negotiate inclusions than cutbacks.
    • Package add-ons that are free of charge are typically easier to bargain for than price reductions.
    • Changing the flow of your wedding day can refer to a variety of different things, such as holding the ceremony in a nontraditional location or having the reception outside if the venue is not accustomed to such events.
    • The venue views any deviation from the norm as a potential bargaining chip.
    • You should first find out whether the venue has any practical concerns about the anticipated flow change.
    • If you're having your wedding at a destination location, the venue's package will likely include services from a number of speciality vendors.
    • How do you go about discussing terms with the venue?First things first, before signing any contracts, make sure you ask if you can use vendors not on their prefered vendor list.
    • Venues are typically not willing to yield on the cost of catering.
    • However, you should hide your anxiety.
    • It's not common to get your initial offer accepted in a negotiation, so you should expect to settle on a number that falls between your lowball and the going rate.
    • That's why it's important to propose a low initial price; if you propose a high one, you might not get much of a reduction at all.
    • After making a first offer, you may receive an acceptance (very rare), a flat rejection to negotiate, or a counter offer that is lower than your original listing price but still higher than what you were asking for.
    • Put that feeling aside and submit another offer; your willingness to negotiate will earn you a better price.
    • If you want more, you should try asking for it.
    • As an alternative to asking for a price cut, you may suggest adding on additional extras at no extra cost.
    • When you plan ahead of time, you may save a tonne of money and create a realistic budget for your wedding.
    • You may need some wiggle room in your booking dates to receive the best prices.
    • Since there will be less customers in need of a venue throughout the week and in the off season, you will have much more leverage when negotiating prices.
    • Because they realize they can easily book another wedding for that day if you cancel, summer is when most wedding venues will not budge on price.
    • Therefore, they will be more eager to provide you a good deal in order to keep your business.
    • Your ability to save money on your wedding will increase significantly if you are flexible enough to have it during the week or in a less popular month.
    • If you try to negotiate with a venue, they probably won't say no.
    • By requesting a better deal, you stand to gain quite a bit and risk very little.
    • If you tell them how much money you have to spend, they might be able to come up with a package that suits your needs.
    • It demonstrates to the venue that you're open to collaborating with them on the specifics of your package.
    • Don't pick a place that will blow your budget; instead, reserve the service and then try to get a better deal.
    • That's not a good plan because it won't help you.
    • So, let the venue know what your maximum spending limit is and they can create a package that fits your needs while staying within it.
    • Give your best guess as to what can be cut or altered to lower the cost to you.
    • Plan your wedding during the off-season.
    • Dressing the part for success here does NOT imply putting up your finest appearance.
    • Instead, it usually entails taking a fashion hit.
    • Neither do you want to come out as a slob or a showoff.
    • Show that you mean business by toting around a leather binder.
    • Ask a lot of questions to show that you're the kind of customer they'd like to work with, but stress the aspects of yourself that suggest you won't be able to afford the full cost.
    • To get the best possible pricing at your wedding venue, use this strategy even when you have a significant budget.
    • Remember these points when communicating with suppliers: Initially, it's important to discuss monetary losses.
    • Before disclosing your financial limitations, you should discuss your options and their prices.
    • The event planner you meet with will want to know how much money you have to work with.
    • Don't give anything away and don't blink when negotiating.
    • Is there a discount being offered "right now" if you sign a contract for the wedding venue?
    • Don't let the deadline stress you out, but DO make sure the location is ideal for your needs.
    • But if you get an immediate gut feeling that this is the right place for you, then you should definitely take advantage of this "limited time deal."
    • Try to get a further reduction if you sign and book that place right now.
    • Choose a date that is less certain and a month that has less people visiting.
    • The length of your commitment is also very important.
    • If you're trying to make a reservation 18 months in advance, for instance, you may expect to pay full price.
    • Number of guests: Catering services provided by the venue may also factor into your decision.
    • Their willingness to give in and be accommodating increases if you can "connect" with them.
    • When compared to venues, vendors are typically more amenable to haggling over price: Imagine you are having a destination wedding or otherwise unconventional wedding.
    • You'll have to pay for transportation, but they may be open to price haggling if doing business with you will increase their revenue.
    • Make sure all of your suppliers know they're your first pick, just like your location.
    • Your negotiation power will also be affected by the season, weekday, and availability of your wedding day.
    • You can count on getting the best possible rate if you phone a top vendor on a Friday in December and book your wedding six months in advance.
    • Because they know they can count on the same planners to get them business, vendors are more willing to reward planners who they work with frequently.
    • Combine this with the initial to increase your bargaining power if you have a good idea of what will create that venue successfully.

    FAQs About Wedding Venue

    There's really no harm in politely asking for a deal or extras. (Your car rental service might not mention it at first, but why not ask if they offer complementary champagne for weddings?) If vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions.
    Things to Consider When Selecting Your Wedding Venue
    • Size. 
    • Location and Accommodations. 
    • Staff and Amenities. 
    • Décor and Details.
    • Photo Opportunities. 

    Simply put, an elegant wedding venue makes an immense contribution to a good wedding ceremony. It also provides lasting memories for the bride and groom. This underlines the importance of selecting the location with care.

    Mason considers 75 to 150 guests to be an “average” size wedding, and anything over 150 to be a “large” wedding. For weddings under 75, she breaks them down into three categories: Intimate wedding: Between 50 and 75 guests. Small wedding: Less than 50 guests.

    A soft hold is where a venue or vendor will temporarily hold a date for you and if another couple inquires for the same date, you have a short period of time, usually 24 to 72 hours, to decide if you want to move to that date. 

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