Venue dilemma

You could price out the two venues and check the differences in cost! Add up the cost of your current venue (with the 100 count minimum, the deposit you've already paid, and the amount remaining), and then add up the cost of the venue you're considering switching to (including the new deposit you'd have to pay, the amount of the deposit you'd lose by switching, and the total cost of the guest count you're planning to host). It may end up being cheaper to stay with your current venue, or it may be cheaper to switch. You could also check with your current venue to see if their minimum counts have changed due to COVID - many venues are relaxing those rules or eliminating them altogether due to COVID restrictions.

With Covid in place and not leaving anytime soon, venues are stuck with 10-25 guest maximum depending on local laws. The venue determines what the cost is. You can stay with that venue and pay for their regular minimum or look elsewhere for a smaller venue (but still need the room for social distancing) and forfeit the deposit.

The more expensive your per person cost, the more it is worth changing to another place for under 60.
If it is not too high, realize that to most, thatdollar amount, not how many come, matters. They are
covering payroll. Most will do trade-offs. One of the last Weddings before covid that we attended, the couple wanted a Christmas eve wedding. 50-60 early acceptances, then a few stragglers, and they had a 100 minimum. So they baked at least 12 3 layer cakes with yummy frostings in place of the fancy big wedding cake from a baker, changed up to ordering from a limited menu of about 10 meals instead of a choice of 2, and best, after the cake was served as dessert, for the last 2.5 hours they set out leftover layer cake, a couple of pies, a couple cheesecakes, a tray of baklava and a dozen or so canoli. It all went. People were mostly doing coffee and more desserts the last two hours. See if they would do tradeoffs, if that would work for you.

Is the cost per head because of food? Our caterer has a minimum of 100, and we’re probably going to have more like 75. We decided to just go for it though, because it still works in our budget and it just means more food for everyone! If you can afford it, and you love the venue, I’d say go for it.

Honestly depends on how much you love that venue. If you guys are in love with the venue and your budget can afford it, I’d say pay the 100 guest minimum. Maybe take that money out of other places in your budget.

I would see what would be cheaper, losing your deposit and finding a new venue? Or just paying for 100 regardless of guest count.

Have you asked your venue if they would be flexible on the minimum guest count? Or if they would maybe be able to add in extras to reach the $ amount you would have reached having 100 guests (extra food options, top shelf liquor, etc)

I’m guessing you’re asking about a Saturday night? Can you ask about their off-season and weekday minimums? We ran into the same thing. Site venue fees can also be cheaper if you look at a non-Saturday.