Reception sites w/ onsite catering

[parkbench]

Hi there,
My mother really wants me to have the reception and wedding at a facility near her house. It looks really nice (elegant decor, tasteful), but I really don't know if the prices are fair. Can anyone give me some imput? There is a $6,000 minimum for a Saturday night, $4000 for a Friday night. The catering is onsight, with a lot of variety, and it looks like for 100 guests we will fill the Friday minimum easily- (moderately priced food on their menu and limited open bar). We can also have the wedding at a gazebo on the grounds for an additional $1000 (chairs included). The problem? I have no idea whether these prices are fair for the midwest (Cincinnati), or anywhere for that matter. Many of the sites here want to meet w/ you and do the high pressure thing before you have the opportunity to add up the costs. While there don't seem to be any added fees, I'm a little concerned, predominantly because of the high cost of the site for the ceremony. (And of course I'm getting pressure to have the wedding there from the parental units if we are having the reception there.) There are supposed benefits as well- an onsight wedding coordinator, they will decorate, they will put together simple floral arrangements to out specs if we don't want to go through a florist, linens, silver, plates, glasses included, etc. So what do you all think?

[Dyonia]

For my wedding reception (at the local country club), I spent about $2,500. Full buffet with three entrees, open bar (just beer and wine, no hard liquor.) We had over 100 people there -- the service was fantastic! It was way less than I was expecting -- was thinking it would cost about 4 grand total. Granted, this wasn't in a big city, so that has some effect.

Frankly, I think that place that your mother likes is asking alot. It sounds to me like you want to compare other places, but they're pressuring you -- don't give in! Tell them you're comparing other options before you decide. Think of them as used car salesmen if you have to! (hehehe) Get the biggest bang for your buck that you can! The only way you can tell if they're worth what they're asking is to compare what they offer with what their competition offers.

Good luck!
--Donna

[parkbench]

Unfortunately, you're right. I'm 28 years old and for the first time in ten years I'm being pressured by my mother. Weddings are totally weird like that. ;) I have to admit the place is really nice, and I am leaning towards it, but the amount you paid for your reception has set off some alarms here.

[Crow66]

Wow! $2500 for a reception?!! I'm in NYC (Queens) and for $2500 you get wine in the box and a case of Hot Pockets. I wish some of those small town prices could be had here!

[k_hase]

My reception for 100 people with catering comes to about $4200 for a sat evening. Its a small town, but its a water front facility (kind of upscale for the area) $1000 for chairs seems steep, that's $10 a chair! and they don't even have to move them. Consider if the price includes the 18% service charge and taxes. If I were you I would have the ceremony in a park for the small fee they charge and rent chairs if you need to.