Wedding venues love to lure in new brides...

  Wedding venues are full of deals and discounts to make you walk in the door and book.  They love to advertise all the ways their venue includes more, gives more and is just better than the venue next door.  Many times, you can get good deals for your wedding if you look hard, but you need to be aware of all the ways they like to hide costs and fees. Many times, they do not tell you and after you have signed the contract, you will start to see them pop up. Sometimes it is little things that really do not make much of a dent in your budget, but oftentimes, those little things become bigger and suddenly, the $50 fee for upgrading something has now turned into $3 per person to cut and serve your wedding cake or $2 per person for cream and sugar to go along with the “all inclusive coffee” (because you are not going to serve it black!). There are many ways they can “get you” so be aware before you show up and ask questions.  Even if it sounds like a dumb question, ask.  I did not ask if cream and sugar was included with the coffee bar at my wedding and I was surprised to find out days before my wedding that we had to pay for that at an additional charge.  It can become annoying, so you be annoying beforehand and be sure to ASK.

Ask everything you have to!

Today we want to share with you some of the top ways venues like to snag a little extra money from you.  Be aware of these and walk into venues ready to ask and talk through these things with the host.  If they do not answer you clearly, ask them for a booklet with all the info.  If you still do not find the info and they do not answer your questions clearly before you sign the contract, consider switching to a new location.  You do not want to be a stuck with a place that charges for little things that you thought were included in your package already.

1. Cake Cutting

Already mentioned above, cake cutting can cost you quite a bit.  It may seem like it is included, but do not take that for granted.  Find out before signing anything if there is a fee.  Maybe you are okay with a fee.  So find out how much exactly it will be.  Because the typical range is anywhere between $2-$5 per guest! Remember that does not include purchasing the cake.  So you may pay $2-$5 per guest for the actual cake plus an additional fee to cut it! Some venues are okay allowing you to cut your own cake.  Find out if that is an option or if you must use their services.

2. Clean Up

Is the removal of garbage and cleaning of the venue included or do you have to pay extra for this service? In order for you to get your deposit back, they are going to want everything exactly as you found it.  Their way of bribing you into this is by hiring someone from their side to do the clean up.  That is going to cost you anywhere between $500-$1000 at most locations.  That’s pretty much like paying them your deposit (their sneaky way of keeping it!). Ask if you can bring in family and friends to do the pick up.  You can pay them in pizza and soda and it will save you tons!  Be sure to have a designated person in charge for this task (with people to help, of course!) and have that person see the “before” of the room.  Take pictures if you have to.  You want to be sure it is exactly as you found it and those pictures will help prove it!

3. Using Non-Approved Vendors

So they have given you a list of vendors to choose from in all sorts of categories (cake, DJ, lighting, etc.).  Your heart is set on a different vendor that is not included in the list.  Can you not use them? Well, first you have to ask.  Sometimes, they do not allow outside vendors at all because of a bad experience with one of them or just because they have partnerships with the approved ones. However, if they do say yes, you can feel free to get a quote from the vendor of your choosing.  Now, keep in mind that venues will charge you for using someone off the list.  Ask how much it is so you can budget that into your vendor.  Oftentimes it is as high as 20{0e676ec2f44ecabe7dbad24894a5f60517719a136bc7f0c20d97b4a1320db0ec}, which can be quite a bit! Your best bet is to stick to the list or pick a venue that does not give lists.

4. Invitations

These can be quite pricey depending on what you like.  You can get a regular square cut, or add anywhere from 30-50 cents per card for scalloped edges.  If you want a ribbon on the top, you might be paying a little bit more, too! If you want to change the font, add florals of some sort or different kind of inserts, you are going to be paying more as well. Consider everything when designing your cards.  As much as ribbony, scalloped edged cards are gorgeous, remember that every little bit adds to the amount you will be paying in postage as well.  You can easily pay even $2 just to mail each card so be sure you have kept that in mind in your design process.

There are so many more, so keep an eye out!

This is a short list, definitely not comprehensive, on what you can encounter with venues.  My biggest piece of advice to any bride, no matter what she is doing (food tasting, dress shopping…), is to ask. Do not be afraid to ask.  Remember this is your wedding and your budget.  You have the right to know exactly where your money is going, how much you are willing to spend and how things are broken down on the contract.   Do you have any more tips or tricks?  

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