Joe's girl
08-01-2007, 06:49 PM
Just to let everyone know I have really done my homework on this. First off let me tell you my situation. I am getting married Jan.4, 2008. I knew the wedding would have to be around a 130 guest due to the fact of all the family we have. I went and looked at several different facilities, mostly country clubs and hotels. I originally wanted a cocktail party for about 4 hours and found out quickly how expensive it would be ( which I thought would be cheaper ). I am in sales where people negotiate with me all the time.So I figured why not do it with vendors? They usually give you a price sheet with different packages on it and you choose which one your budget allows. I went home with a few of these and I narrowed it down to two places. I decided to call them both and told them I need to be at $60 pp with the ceremony all the linens, centerpieces, alcohol ( top shelf of course ), cocktail hour,and either a buffet or an extended cocktail hour. After two days of emails and phone calls the place I really liked offered me all that with a sit down dinner to include a choice of 3 dishes. chicken, fish. and filet mignon for $58 pp including all gratuities.
What I later found out is that country clubs especially in the east coast will work with you in the winter months because the whole place is down that time of year. No golfing or selling golfing equipment or holding banquets so they book what they can when they can. If your on a tight budget and want a nice reception, negotiate on the off months, it doesn't hurt and it goes to show that they will take what you can give them they are not going to pass on a $5000 deal in the months they rarely do business in, so go in there ladies and go haggle!
What I later found out is that country clubs especially in the east coast will work with you in the winter months because the whole place is down that time of year. No golfing or selling golfing equipment or holding banquets so they book what they can when they can. If your on a tight budget and want a nice reception, negotiate on the off months, it doesn't hurt and it goes to show that they will take what you can give them they are not going to pass on a $5000 deal in the months they rarely do business in, so go in there ladies and go haggle!