harrisburgbride
06-03-2003, 12:33 PM
I love the Bridal Bargain Book, but I can say after working at this wedding stuff for two months, some of what I read is just not holding true - for me, at least. I have visited probably 2 dozen reception sites: everything from old inns to hotels to historical societies and museums. I have investigated catering. I have looked at hotel all inclusive packages.
We chose to have our wedding in April, figuring that April was an off month here in Pennsylvania. Not so. In point of fact, any month that has a shred of hope of good weather has become "prime wedding season". We investigated the Yorktowne Hotel, where my fiancee knows the OWNER, and he told us that unless we wanted to consider February, we were out of luck in terms of any kind of a deal there. Although the book lists months that are "prime", what I am finding is that nearly any month that might not have snow in it is "prime". The Stone Mill Inn did offer modest discounts on room rental only for late March and the beginning (not the end) of April. She explained that the end of April was "prime wedding season". Is no one wanting to marry on a Saturday in June anymore? For us, rates did not decrease until into November, and even then, modestly at best. Caterers were no more likely to offer discounts on food, stating that food costs what food costs no matter what time of year. Although I am sure they are not doing too many receptions in January, they appear no less likely to offer discounts during this time. Occasionally, a caterer will offer a discount of a few percentage points, but only if someone guarantees 100 guests (we are having 70). I have repeatedly asked for special concessions and have received negative feedback each time. Apparently, the attitude around here is "you're getting married, so we are going to take your money."
I have interviewed about seven caterers. None of them would allow me a tasting without putting down a hefty (and NON REFUNDABLE) deposit! Even after I have carefully explained that what I am buying is their FOOD, so how can I make a determination having not tried the menu? No dice. I have checked out low end caterers as well as very reputable ones in the area. Many of the larger outfits with classy names seem unwilling to work with me with such a large guest list as well.
The point of this ramble is to state that in some areas of the country, you will find "prime wedding season" to be something of a myth. If it's warm where you are 24/7, maybe it doesn't apply, but here in the Northeast, you will pay about the same in April as you will in October. If you want to risk bad weather, you might find a deal in the cold winds of January, but that's about it...and don't expect a big catering discount, because I haven't been able to find one at any time of year. Perhaps I'm just unlucky though. :)
We chose to have our wedding in April, figuring that April was an off month here in Pennsylvania. Not so. In point of fact, any month that has a shred of hope of good weather has become "prime wedding season". We investigated the Yorktowne Hotel, where my fiancee knows the OWNER, and he told us that unless we wanted to consider February, we were out of luck in terms of any kind of a deal there. Although the book lists months that are "prime", what I am finding is that nearly any month that might not have snow in it is "prime". The Stone Mill Inn did offer modest discounts on room rental only for late March and the beginning (not the end) of April. She explained that the end of April was "prime wedding season". Is no one wanting to marry on a Saturday in June anymore? For us, rates did not decrease until into November, and even then, modestly at best. Caterers were no more likely to offer discounts on food, stating that food costs what food costs no matter what time of year. Although I am sure they are not doing too many receptions in January, they appear no less likely to offer discounts during this time. Occasionally, a caterer will offer a discount of a few percentage points, but only if someone guarantees 100 guests (we are having 70). I have repeatedly asked for special concessions and have received negative feedback each time. Apparently, the attitude around here is "you're getting married, so we are going to take your money."
I have interviewed about seven caterers. None of them would allow me a tasting without putting down a hefty (and NON REFUNDABLE) deposit! Even after I have carefully explained that what I am buying is their FOOD, so how can I make a determination having not tried the menu? No dice. I have checked out low end caterers as well as very reputable ones in the area. Many of the larger outfits with classy names seem unwilling to work with me with such a large guest list as well.
The point of this ramble is to state that in some areas of the country, you will find "prime wedding season" to be something of a myth. If it's warm where you are 24/7, maybe it doesn't apply, but here in the Northeast, you will pay about the same in April as you will in October. If you want to risk bad weather, you might find a deal in the cold winds of January, but that's about it...and don't expect a big catering discount, because I haven't been able to find one at any time of year. Perhaps I'm just unlucky though. :)