i want my reception to be at the ritz carlton in ny and that is the price they told me. i have approx. 350-400 people attending so im looking at atleast $80000. (thats just for the ballroom)(food+drink separate)
theres no way i can afford that unless i take a loan. (a big one--$40000).
is it worth it??
i really want my reception at the ritz-carlton in ny. i really have my heart set on it. i walked into it one day when my fiance and i were in ny and just fell in love.
just looking for more opinions...or suggestions as to how i can make this work.
2007-09-19 07:41:51 · 52 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Adjust your dreams to your own reality. That's a part of being an adult. You can have a magnificent wedding for $40,000.
2007-09-19 07:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by melouofs 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are that set on it, then you need to seriously pare down your guest list. If $40,000 is your budget (and not a down payment on your first home), then that's great. Book the Ritz for the middle of the week (which will be cheaper) and seat 100 people instead.
That'll be 24000, plus booze, food, gratuity and tax. That'll take you to $40000 with no problem.
A
lternatives at the same location include an afternoon reception with a few coctails and appetizers.
Or you can get married somewhere else and just stay there that night. You could host a brunch there over the weekend.
You could elope and spend your first anniversary weekend there.
DO NOT take out a $40000 loan for this party - that's asking for trouble. Lots of people have trouble remembering that it's only a day - a special one, yes, but not your happiest. If it's your happiest, what are you going to do for the next 50 years? The MARRIAGE is the important part. The wedding is just a party.
That having been said, it's your money. But there are a lot of ways to bring the cost down without leaving the Ritz.
2007-09-19 07:54:53 · answer #2 · answered by nicolemcg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford it and that's how you want to spend your money, then it's worth it. It's a pricey place for a wedding.
couple of suggestions:
- Look around for similar locations that would have the same dreamy atmosphere but would be cheaper (there's lots of nice hotels in NY)
- Try theknot.com, they have lots of info and may be able to direct you to a wedding location that you'd love equally.
- See if there's a day of the week or some month that's slower for the Ritz and perhaps they'd be able to give you a lower price if you explain your situation.
If you can't get/afford the Ritz, you should book a room for you and your hubby after the wedding so you can enjoy the place even if you can't have the reception there.
Good luck and congratulations!
2007-09-19 07:49:39 · answer #3 · answered by Ali Cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! Because you can't afford it!
If you have to take out a loan, then you can't afford it! If you have to have it at the Ritz, then wait until you can afford it. Save $40K then have the reception. Nothing ruins marriages like money problems! Don't start off on the wrong foot!
You are marring your Fiance not the Ritz. It should not matter where you have the reception!
I know you will not change your mind so make new decision. One that you can afford!
Good Luck!
2007-09-19 07:53:04 · answer #4 · answered by Bill C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are probably going to get the same opinions as you did last time you asked this question (yesterday).
Taking out a $40,000 loan for a reception is ridiculous. Being in debt is not a good way to start a marriage.
If you don't have the money you can't make it work, plain and simple.
Get over it and start planning your wedding somewhere else. You should be happy you found the love of your life - who cares where you have the party?
2007-09-19 08:05:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!!!!!!!!!!! That is just way way too much...unless you were a millionaire and could spend that in cash...but it seems like you are not.
I understand the desire to have a gorgeous, elegant wedding, I know I do. But you have to reasonable and getting a loan for $40K+ is just not! I don't think that would be a good way to start your marriage, with a large debt, especially if you are wanting to buy a home or have kids.
If you are dead-set on having it there, then only have 100-150 people and only have a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres. OR have it somewhere else that is beautiful and elegant for a lot less money..New York is huge and there are surely plenty of more affordable options :)
Good luck!!
2007-09-19 08:01:23 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it is too much money to spend in a single day. I would try another hotel and ask if you can pick the caters. The average price for a nice dinner should be about $15-$25 a plate. The other thing I think is no should have to take a loan to pay for wedding. After one year other than you, your spouse, and may be parents no remembers the wedding any way. Try renting just a ballroom hall they have caters and I believe you can get the hall for about $4,000-$6,000 and about $15 a plate.
2007-09-19 07:56:27 · answer #7 · answered by iknow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES that is way too much per person. Put that money toward the down payment on a house. There is no way you have 350-400 people that you really want there. I've never known any couple that actually wanted more than 200 at a reception. If you really want it there cut it in half. You don't need anyone there you haven't seen in more than 3 years. You don't need every co-worker and extended family member. $20000 is more than enough for a very nice reception.
2007-09-19 07:49:40 · answer #8 · answered by Joey R 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No that is far from worth it. If you are going to be taking out a loan, buy a house! Not dinner. While everyone wants their weddings to be special, you should really take a look at what is important. A couple of freinds of mine made an idiotic mistake like this, went into debt for their wedding. Now all they have is a lousy apt. and bills. Take that money and put it into something that will last. Which is to say an investment, not a reception, or honeymoon.
2007-09-19 07:47:54 · answer #9 · answered by grouch2111 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unset your heart from the Ritz, girl! There are plenty of cheaper ways to build memories that will be just as happy, and you're going to NEED that money as newlyweds for much more practical things, such as finding a place to live together and getting decent furniture and things. And to be honest, your guests simply are not going to care that much where it's held. You will be the focus no matter where the reception is.
There are ways to compromise too...instead of buying out the whole hall, why not just spend a thousand or so to spend your wedding night in the honeymoon suite? It will be just as grand. And save the rest for an awesome honeymoon vacation.
2007-09-19 07:54:47 · answer #10 · answered by Vangorn2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is NO WAY $200 per person is worth it unless you just won the Lottery. I live in California, and although I realize things in NY are more expensive, that is just outrageous. I was married in October 2005, and I had a lovely reception with a caterer that provided tray service, linens, china, crystal, unlimited beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks and coffee for less than $50.00 per person. Yes, your wedding day IS important, but to spend $80,000 is just an extreme case of overindulgence.
2007-09-19 08:15:53 · answer #11 · answered by Debbie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋