Negotiating venue prices

The first venue might I add is more than half our budget and only includes tables chairs linens and we won't need a DJ because of the Bluetooth capabilities. We can use our own caterer but they won't have access to the kitchen.

Yes I think in this case it makes sense. These are things I would consider: 1) Is March off peak season where you live? It is for me, so I would start with that fact. 2) It is a brand new venue and has only hosted 1 event so far, so it hasn't proven itself. Explain that you love their venue but another venue was more competitive and you wondered if they would be willing to match or beat that venue's price to gain your business. Ask them if there is anything they can do because you really LOVE their venue. A happy bride = happy reviews/referrals = more business for this new venue.

ETA: I should add that I am an attorney so for me nearly everything is negotiable! So keep that in mind and take it for what its worth, lol!

The second venue is willing to include buffet style catering, cake, drinks, servers, security, tables, linens, chairs, decorations, event planner, set up/clean up. We would literally just need to show up.

I know it sounds petty but I absolutely hate the carpet in the second venue. It's hideous!

You can ask the first venue if they can provide more for the same price. But realistically they're not going to match everything the second venue will provide I wouldn't think. And you won't notice the carpet once there are tables, chairs and people in the room, I have absolutely zero idea what the carpet in our venue looked like. Not a clue. If the second venue is costing less than the first and providing huge amounts more, it's a no brainer for me. With venue one being half your budget not including food or alcohol, can you actually even afford it? Our reception venue was about two thirds of our budget, but that was venue, food, open beer and wine bar, all tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, crockery and glassware, sound system, day of coordinator, getaway car and some decorations.

Is it $48.20 less in total or per person? Honestly that's not a lot of money to spend extra for the venue you want. I don't believe negotiating will be an option.

Sometimes you have to follow your heart. We fell in love with our venue before we saw it. There were others we looked at and some were better deals, but our hearts were set. I'm only getting married once, I might as well have what I truly want and not settle.

One place we saw, was a great price. It was very dark and dated despite big windows. We knew it wasn't for us though. We didn't feel connected to the place.

That being said, give the less expensive venue a chance. Try have an open mind, you never know.

I know you hate the carpet but, if the second venue is all inclusive, that's a tremendous value!! P.S.~whatever you decide, you should do it fast! Your wedding is only 8 months away!

@linds: there is no risk to negotiating. The worst that can happen in this instance is for the venue to say no. The key to negotiating is know your audience, do your research and be armed with information for you to use as your leverage to support why you're asking for something different. For instance, in an earlier post about saving money, I revealed that the venue I'm hosting my reception at is reducing my room rental from $8,000 to $800 and giving me a honeymoon suite for free that normally costs $1,000 per night. They are also doing extra things that are not normally included in their packages. This is the Fairmont, so it is not a "no name" place that needs to do this. It is simply because it is off season. While they may not lower their price, perhaps they will do more for that price.

The thing about it is that there will always be another bride who will come along behind you and pay the venues pricing for your date. I think, in this case, negotiating really isn't going to be feasible. You say they have only hosted one event? Most new venues already charge a reduced rate to get people in the door so they can get reviews and build their business. That's the way it is with venues around where I'm from, at least.

We negotiated. I negotiage everything. Lol saved about 13k lol

It's always worth a shot. Worst that happens? They say no.

Seriously forehead slapping hearing other people negotiated and got deals. I never thought of doing it. Oh well, too late now.

@alforev thats the difference period.

I know I won't get an exact match but I was hoping to get more inclusive maybe include catering or something like that.

I think I will try. All they can do is say no. My plan is to have venue and caterer booked by the 1st week of August. I want to attend a bridal expo next weekend to see what deals are available. Thanks for the input.

We negotiated. It wasn't until I got on WW that I realized others don't do that. Well, negotiating saved us in the ceremony fee space at our venue. There's nothing to risk. The worse thing that happens is they say no.

You can try but that's not usually the way venues work....there is no ugly carpet discount....point is that if it's a quality venue? You need them more than they need you......

sorry....

The ugly carpet is in the 2nd all inclusive option

@linds: fair point. You didn't have much to leverage. In business, nothing is personal and nearly everything is negotiable so they would not have been offended if you had tried to negotiate. But you do need to know your bargaining position and what you have to leverage, if anything.

@Celia: I agree somewhat but also disagree somewhat. It all comes down to what you have to leverage. For instance, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is a quality venue, yet they were willing to negotiate with me because my leverage is my wedding is in December. Knowing they do very few if any weddings in December worked to my advantage. In OP's instance, maybe the venue could offer some other services for the same price if the venue was unwilling to come down in price, especially if the services are easily added on.