How to Negotiate with a Wedding Reception Venue

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Has the potential price of your upcoming wedding celebration given you a bit of sticker shock? Wedding receptions can be expensive affairs, but with the following advice, you should be able to successfully negotiate with a wedding reception venue.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Internet access
Telephone
Research

Step1

Have you researched all the venues that interest you? The most successful negotiations take place when you are armed with all the facts. Make sure you have gotten quotes from a venue's competitors before attempting a negotiation.

Step2

Have you ever heard the phrase "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar?" Keep this phrase in mind when beginning any negotiation. A wedding venue is far more likely to want to work with you on the price if you remain firm but pleasant throughout the negotiating process.

Step3

Are you flexible on the date of your wedding? Venues may offer deep discounts to couples who are willing to hold their wedding on a holiday weekend or a Friday night. Ask the venue representative if he can suggest a particular date which will offer a discounted price.

Step4

Exactly what is included with the quoted price? Ask a venue to itemize the quoted price for you, so you know exactly what you are getting for the per head cost. Often, a venue may be including bells and whistles that you just don't want or need. Ask the venue representative if you can chip away at the package details until you reach a price that meets your budget.

Step5

Look for hidden fees. Many venues may try to charge you for cake plating, unused alcohol, additional gratuities for management and other add-ons that you shouldn't have to pay for. Ask the venue representative to explain each and every part of the quoted price, and ask if they can subtract the fees that seem extraneous.

Step6

Are you sure you are speaking to the person who can help you best? If a venue representative doesn't seem to want to help you in reaching your budgetary goal for your wedding reception, call back or visit on a different day and ask for the manager.