Venue loopholes!

I'd have to pull out the contract we signed to see, but I remember reading it over with my mom and it was pretty legit.

Yes on top of the "per person" we have a 7% sales tax, 20% service charge and a 3% gratuity fee.

ETA: oh and there was a ceremony fee of $500.

The venues I looked at didn't tell me about additional charges for:

cutlery/plates

tablecloths/decorations

security (!!!)

chair fees

other stuff I'm forgetting

basically, we were going to pay to use the facility, and then they were going to charge us to use everything in the facility separately. Hell no. It doubled the cost in one place. I would ask them about hidden fees.

ETA: Yes, and 20% gratuity plus your state's sales tax. Can't forget those.

We were informed that we would have to pay a percentage for taxes. Other than that, that's really it. There is no gratuity or Service charge on the contract.

Also look at "Act of God" clauses. I remember one couple here was supposed to have a wedding at a particular venue, and the venue flooded and was unusable on the day. The "Act of God" clause said that they couldn't get their money back, but could only move to a different day. Of course, with all the guests already there and all the other vendors already paid, the couple found a different venue rather than moving to a different day, but that meant they didn't get their money back for the original venue they couldn't use.

Thanks for the input!

They mentioned on the package that taxes and gratuity charges weren't included. I'm just not sure how much that would exactly be.

I've made sure to ask specifically about security (not required), chairs (no fee), tablecloths and decor (included) but never thought of cutlery! Thanks for pointing that one out.

I will double check with them but the ceremony should be included, that's what it said. Other venues I spoke to stipulated it from the start that it was an extra charge. I'll make sure though.

Thanks again, girls! We've been going nuts with searching for places and this is the only one we can realistically afford. :/

Service charges and taxes.

Definitely find out what tax and administrative fees will be. We had to pay MA sales tax AND a 20% administrative fee.

Also ask about their liquor license and alcohol policies. Ours are VERY strict and we weren't expecting it at all.

Kristina, find out what the taxes and fees %s are and apply them to the $48 per person.

Also ask about cake cutting.

Sometimes they charge you extra to bring in a cake that isn't their preferred vendor. They call it a cutting and serving fee.

I would double check about the security. I've never heard of anywhere (no matter what city) not requiring security personnel when alcohol is being served.

Thanks, guys! I'll make sure to double check all of this information.

And @Mrs. V, it's actually not uncommon here. We were surprised when a few places specified that it's required. The only spots that need security where alcohol are bars and clubs, stuff like that.