Venues with preferred vendors or pay fee

If it bothers you why are you looking at that venue? Pick one of the other 5...

I think its weird that they won't share the list. Whats the fee?

If I were one of their vendors, I would want my 'preferred vendor' status to be provided to anyone, even if they don't book that venue. It could mean more business for them. Interesting...

I ran into that when looking for venues. The places that did that were just crossed off my list. Just go with one of the other venues.

My venue had a preferred vendor list and also charged a fee if we went out of that list. They explained this was mainly due to insurances. Although, they showed me their list right away? That's very strange not to show it in my opinion.

When we looked at venues, we told them we already had our vendors booked (we did, we cancelled our 1st venue to move to this one) and they accepted it with no fees.

The list is fine, the list not being shared is concerning, I'd keep looking.

It's weird that they wont share the list.

Tell them that is why you don't want to book with them then go elsewhere.

That's weird. I would explain why you are going to pass on them and go with a different vendor. I've heard of venues having a specific caterer you have to use etc. but never of one that let you choose a different vendor but at a charge.

We went with a venue that let us choose all our own vendors but still gave us a whole list of people they like/have used before. We ended up going with a lot of those vendors. Hindsight it may have just been easier to get a venue that was all inclusive but oh well.. we are still happy with our decision!

I found a venue that offers everything from alcohol, catering, transportation, coordinator and accommodations. It has been a godsend and I couldn't be happier. It is at a ski resort so they kind of have all of the the infrastructure in place. It has been so wonderful to only have to go through one person for all of those needs!

In a way, I can understand why they don't show you the list in advance. You may decide not to book the venue, but to book one of vendors -- making that vendor unavailable to work at the venue on your date.

A legitimate venue should not charge vendors to be on their list. Their preferred vendors should be on the list because they are very good, have the proper licenses and insurance, and work well with the other vendors.