I'm slightly disheartened and concerned after reading through our vendor contract. After reaching out to 40+ venues to try and find a space that checks all the boxes my fiancé and I want (amazing scenery for first look, a Sunday before a Monday holiday, reasonable pricing), I thought I finally found the perfect ideal place! The venue is breathtaking and while the price / plate is slightly over what we were initially planning on spending, they have discounts for the day of the week and month of the year which put us roughly around what we wanted to spend.
I received the contract last night and they have all these stipulations and hidden costs. I specifically asked the coordinator on the phone if they had any additional costs and she told me no.
The venue wants to charge us to arrive any earlier than (1) hour before the scheduled event (not ideal for us wanting to do a first look), use of the bridal suit earlier than scheduled, the use of another space for our guests, and, the biggest kicker, security guard because we're planning on having guests under the age of 21 at our wedding (which will be no more than 10 kids at MAX).
Also, I'm not a fan of their COVID clause. They state that a new date will be arranged between both parties, but it does not state if it will be a comparable date nor does it state that if both parties cannot reach an agreement that the client (myself and my fiancé) will receive our full money back.
Curious if any other brides / grooms out there have negotiated contracts and asked for things to be removed or redlined so it's more reasonable for us?
