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Dedicated June 2019

Valet parking?

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Toline, on April 3, 2018 at 12:02 PM

So this week my planner surprised me by sending quotes for a company that does valet parking. I had no idea that this was a service that we should even consider. My venue has a parking lot that is about 100 to maybe 200 yards at most from where the ceremony and reception will be taking place. Guests would have to walk up a small hill from the parking lot. Elderly quests or people with mobility issues could be driven right up to the ceremony space and dropped off there. My planner's suggestion is for everybody to drive right up to the entrance, where they would then leave their car to be valet parked. Is this something that you would appreciate as a guest at a wedding? Am I totally off-base in thinking that it would be fine for people to park their cars themselves and walk a short distance? Our wedding has a fairly relaxed vibe, if that matters. Just trying to figure out if this is something that we really should spend the money on. Thanks!

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34 Comments

Master September 2019
Mrs. H · on April 3, 2018 at 3:44 PM
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If your venue already has parking and enough of it to where guests aren't gonna be hunting for a spot, I think this is ok to skip. However, I would definitely have somebody directing traffic and letting people know where to park.
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Expert May 2019
Preslee · on April 3, 2018 at 3:47 PM
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Definitely not necessary if it's possible to drop elderly people off by the door
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Dedicated November 2018
Jessica · on April 3, 2018 at 8:04 PM
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That a short distance so I’d skip it. There’s no parking lot for my venue only street parking and I’m not having a valet.
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Expert April 2024
Shay · on April 3, 2018 at 8:16 PM
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Yes! This is a Great gesture to offer, especially for our older generation of folks.
Please and thank you
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Beginner February 2021
Kerri · on April 4, 2018 at 1:55 AM
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It is definitely not necessary. Spend the money elsewhere.
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Dedicated April 2018
April · on April 4, 2018 at 12:53 PM
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I think the decision is based upon your budget and can you afford it. It is a nice touch but not necessary. Maybe you can have a couple of groomsmen park cars if needed for the elderly or anyone not wanting to walk for a while up to a certain time before the wedding.-
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Master October 2016
Mrs. Fall Bride · on April 4, 2018 at 12:59 PM
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OP please do NOT ask your groomsmen to park cars at your wedding. How demeaning.
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Dedicated April 2018
April · on April 4, 2018 at 1:38 PM
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I only suggested that because I have been to a couple of weddings where they did for early arrivers. It was only a suggestion to help her save some money.
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Master June 2016
Sarah · on April 4, 2018 at 1:43 PM
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Valet services have employees who are experienced at providing this service. I wouldn’t hand my keys to a groomsman.

200 yards and a hill is going to be hard for a lot of people, including guests who have mobility issues and drove themselves. My grandparents still drive but neither one of them could make a 100-200 yard walk with a hill. Obviously at least one of them would have to if there’s no valet because you can’t drop the driver off at the door.

OP, I’d say get the valet, unless it’s super outside of your budget.
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VIP September 2018
rica · on April 4, 2018 at 1:50 PM
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I love valet parking, but if you can't afford it and you were budgeting for it, it's okay to skip it. I certainly wouldn't expect it as a wedding guest. Could you possibly find a way to just help the elderly guests out so they don't have to walk?
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Devoted July 2018
Precious Stone · on April 4, 2018 at 1:50 PM
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My venue comes with valet parking. If it didn't I wouldn't pay extra for that.
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Dedicated September 2018
Tiffini · on April 4, 2018 at 1:51 PM
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If it’s in your budget I would go for it for convenience. However if it is not something you want to spend for and you are worried about elderly guests, can a few groomsmen or family members help them park and retrieve their vehicles? Just a thought to save you some money!
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Master October 2017
karen · on April 4, 2018 at 2:06 PM
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I don't like valet parking. There can be more than a little line at the end to get your car.
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Master October 2018
DC Wife 10.27.18 · on April 4, 2018 at 3:07 PM
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That's an item that you should definitely consider with the details you provided. The first venue we chose (had to change when they changed management) was in an area of DC with horrible parking so we were going to have valet. I wanted my guests to not be stressed or exhausted upon arrival. Make sure you have room in your budget though...
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