Looking for catering halls - I was told not to settle for the price given to me. I live in NJ and I am not too sure how true this is.
How can I get the most of my money??
2007-11-12 13:55:08 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Read: Stephi Stewart "Fire your wedding planner"
She has a e-book version that is completely free for 30 days. (full version). I always was leery of recomending brides these supposed "budget books" who would never let you see what they had in them up front. What are they so worried about?
Anyway, she's got great tips on negotiating. The most important thing I can tell you is be prepared to walk away. Think about when you are buying a car. You go to dealership A and if they don't give you what you want it's find. dealership B has the same car and will probably work with you. Same thing with a reception site. They KNOW when you've already decided to use them and the bride is going to pay no matter what. Being 100% committed to walking away from the table if they don't comply is the best tool you have.
How suceesful you are is also going to be determined by what place, time of year, and location. A reception hall a few minutes out of town that is marginally popular in the off season has much more reason to try and get your business. If you choose someplace right within city limits during the peak wedding season they don't need you. There is a line of brides right behind who are perfectly willing to stay ignorant and write checks blindly. The doesn't mean you can't. It just means you will have to be a little more savvy.
Always ask though. The worst any vendor can tell you is NO.
2007-11-12 14:49:03 · answer #1 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good luck. I think it depends on when you want to get married. No room to negotiate if there are 3 people all wanting the place and the person who signed the contract first gets it.
No places I looked at had much room for negotiating but I guess if you are getting married during the day or on a Friday (and not in May, June, July)--you could. But a lot of the cost is decided based on the popularity of the place and the cost to operate. They have overhead and have to hire a clean up crew, etc.
2007-11-12 14:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by phantom_of_valkyrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be honest with them.
If you got a better quote from another place tell them.
If they had a special last month for free rent of crockery (etc) ask if they will extend it to you this month to help you make up your mind.
Do they do discounts for students/seniors?
If you had less choices on you menu will they cut the price?
There is no harm in asking for anything. The worst that happens is that you don't get it.
2007-11-12 16:57:27 · answer #3 · answered by Stiffler 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋