Brides on Budget

I checked a city's venue. They had indoor space and outdoor space. They also had a separate small building that could be used for getting ready. It seemed good at first but then everything on the weekend had a four hour minimum and a long list of fees that would have been required. Of course, that is nicer than what you were given. Do you ask for a copy of the contract you would be signing? Do they offer any contacts to people who have used that location?

Yes! When initially contacting venues, I was quoted a price. Then, once they sent it over all the information, there were tons of hidden costs/fees. I think this is pretty standard with most wedding venues unfortunately.

View Quoted Comment It’s frustrating ! Even the most basic packages end up with thousands more with fees. Sometimes it feels catfished.

I totally feel you. Especially being on a budget. We went in to debt and had to use the gift money we got to pay everything off

View Quoted Comment I was quoted a price, headed to meeting given an extra price btw I expected; sent emailed with thousand more in cost. It’s really bursting my bubble of joy. I don’t even want a whole glam fancy over the top event.

View Quoted Comment That’s my fear. I'm in the process of purchasing our 1st home and cannot go extra extra with even necessary basic essentials for our wedding. I’ve been pretty handsy and doing my research in cutting cost and diying a lot of decor. It’s just starting to feel scammed. Like who wants to go to debt over a wedding? It’s just too much.

View Quoted Comment It is totally catfish! They develop these package prices that look reasonable/attractive…. Then hit you with the fine print that practically doubles the cost!

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Let me not get into cake prices. For a party $350 for a wedding $975. I just realized I'm in the wrong field.

You might want to try Parks and Rec department for venues. Their prices are very reasonable and upfront.

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Checking some out now.

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To each their own! I know for some going into debt over one day isnt worth it. We don't regret a second of it. It's just personal preference and knowing your own financial situation etc. But yes places do make things more expensive when it's "wedding related" which does suck but some things I just feel have to kind of be accepted. I've seen so many people get photographers that don't normally do weddings and super regret it so your best bet is to get a wedding specific photographer and just deal with the price for example. There's always extra fees attached to things unfortunately. One thing that got us is vendor charging us by mile for their travel to the venue if they weren't directly around the corner. I guess it makes sense but I didn't expect it. But there's definitely vendors you can hire that aren't wedding oriented to save some money

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I agree, I just didn't expect the price gouging whenever wedding was mention.

Same here! Thats why we went with a county park for the ceremony and reception. The park has a lodge for the indoor reception, and we will do the ceremony outdoors on the lawn near a river.

If you want a venue that specializes in weddings then this is common. If you don’t want to pay the extra fees, you have to get creative with other venues such as the parks department website that list venues in nearly every city. They include tables and chairs so you don’t have to rent those. Many have a full kitchen onsite.

View Quoted Comment I’ts not only about wedding venues is the non transparency of some vendors.

View Quoted Comment Unfortunately that is a common issue with wedding specific vendors across the board. They know that in general brides will pay any amount and not question anything because couples are led to believe that it’s normal to be charged crazy amounts and often for lower quality products/services, and that questioning a price is not accepted. That is not true of every vendor, and the honest vendors with integrity will be upfront about pricing and willing to work with your budget.

View Quoted Comment I agree with you, this is exactly how I feel. There’s lack of integrity with a lot of vendors.

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One problem is that the honest and open vendors may not get contracts because they admit the full price when others offer a dishonest lower price. It would help if the honest guys got more information about the final costs of those other vendors (vs. the amount initially proposed).

The honest and open vendors might eventually do better. But it is so bad about not getting accurate estimates or prices from the wedding industry.

View Quoted Comment Price gouging is repulsive but it's also the American way...just super sad.

Hi Ruth. I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated. I actually did not encounter undisclosed or surprise fees. Financial transparency is important and I would also be cross at bait and switch. I wonder if it's a regional thing because here in NY, you can't low-ball me & add extras in contract or after. Here are just a few more add-on's to look out for in choosing your vendors:

-venue: service charge, gratuity included?, state tax, city tax (if applicable). If all-inclusive, should include linens, flatware, dishes, chairs, etc. If blank slate, they should at least provide tables and chairs.

-florist: delivery/ set-up/ breakdown (before, and after event), any rentals such as vases/ stands, tax.

-attire: most bridal salons should quote you an alterations price with your purchase. Rush fees for shipping.

-Make-up and/or hair: can charge travel fees if out of the way. More time spent on the bride- 2-3 hrs. If they work in a salon, they will be missing out on other clients if offsite, so costs will be more.

-cake: delivery fees esp. important for tiers. Good news, many persons find alternative desserts now.

There are still lots of low-cost alternatives for each vendor. See other WW discussions. Best wishes!