You're ENGAGED! You're tight on Cash! HELP!
We are all bummed out about the economy, but that doesn't mean you should toss all your wedding dreams out the window! There are plenty of ways to spend less, not stress, and have a fabulous wedding experience!
Thats why I've created Tips for Saving $$$ without sacrificing your dream wedding!
Let the Planning Begin!
**Pick Your Venue**
The venue is usually the first thing you think about, make an appointment to see, and sign a contract for when starting your wedding planning. The venue is the blank canvas the rest of your wedding dreams will be built around.
Note: this blog is based around the Manhattan wedding industry
There are a few different types of venues you can choose to host your wedding at:
- venues with in-house catering
- bare loft spaces
- private clubs (most located Midtown to UES)
- hotels
All have their own significant pros & cons and differ in cost. Pick the venue that suits your personal style, is what you and your fiance envisioned your wedding to be like, and gives you that little knot of happiness when you see it.
PROS
Venues with in-house catering:
- unique finished venues that have character already designed into the space
- provide all rentals (tables, chairs, linen, lighting)
- catering included in package
- staffing provided & familiar with the venue operations
- easy wedding planning
Bare Loft Spaces:
- Clean, white walled spaces- most have views
- Allows you to create your exact design vision from scratch
Private Clubs:
- Old New York, Charming
- Prestigious, Grand, & Classic
- The decor is the ambiance of the club's characteristics
Hotels:
- Convenient for your guests to stay in the city
- Rentals included
- Staffing provided
CONS
Venues with in-house catering:
- Standard rentals- not much selection
Bare Loft Spaces
- Have to bring in everything - caterer, rentals, staffing, lighting
- Major planning/organization needed
- Expensive
Private Clubs:
- Candle & decor restrictions due to club policy
Hotels:
- Most lack character
- Not usually know for the food
Wedding Saver Tip # 1 - How to Negotiate Venue Price
Remember that the advantage to a down economy is everything is negotiable- but please be smart about it- just because you can get a better price doesn't mean you can get it for free.
For a better price ask your venue:
- If there are dates/months that are cheaper than others
- If there were any cancellations that you can now fill the date
- If you guarantee more people will it bring the price down
- If you can create a menu that is still great quality but cost less for the caterer to create
- If you limit the bar will it help the cost
- If you create a larger total package with the venue (i.e. hotel room blocks, parking, menu enhancements etc.) will they work out a better total price
Keep in mind that a bare loft space will usually be a flat rate that doesn't have much room for negotiation since it is just a rental fee.
Other Tips to Ask:
- See if your venue has an in-house wedding coordinator or if you need to bring one in. You will need someone to help with everything the day of- the day goes FAST, you should enjoy every second of it and not be worrying about the little details
- Ask about all the additional hidden costs that could arise later on
- Are there any decor restrictions
My Wedding Saver is here to HELP YOU SAVE!
That's all for now!
Your Wedding Saver
B. Rose
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