Are guest minimums set in stone?

I have fallen in love with a reception hall. The only problem is is that my list is barely over 100 and the minimum is 125. They said if we pay for the extra people and they dont come we could get extras to make up the difference. (chocolate fountain, etc.)

The wedding would be a Saturday evening in March. They have every sat. night in March available. Do I have ANY leverage to get that minimum down down?? Or do I have to suck it up and accept "extras" that I dont want.

I would think they would want to fill these days up and could possible budge? Or is this completely out of the questions?

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

I'm sure they would be willing to negotiate something for you or else count vendors in the mix. I'm sure they would be more willing if it was a Friday or Sunday night.

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

My reception hall would absolutely not budge, but you never kwow. I ended up booking anyway b/c we loved it so much.

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

Minimums are usually a set thing, based on the day and time of the wedding. You have to decide if paying for at least 25 people who won't be there is an expense you can afford.

The general rule of thumb is 10-15% of the invited guests RSVP with a no. If you're only inviting 100, you are looking at @ 85 attending guests, which translates (with the minumum) into paying for 40 dinners that will go unused. Even if you are only paying $75 a plate - that is $3000 you are paying for NOTHING.

If you really love the hall, ask when (Fri, Sat afternoon etc) they will give you a 100 minimum.

JMHO, but there is no way I would spend $3000 for nothing. Weddings are expensive enough, and that $$$ could go to an upgraded photographer or video package, you could get more expensive invitations, you could hire a DOC, you could upgrade your honeymoon, or get that eternity band.

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

if the minimum is in the contract, it's set in stone.

try and negotiate before the contract is drawn up.

Message edited 3/4/2006 10:10:01 AM.

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

We havent signed a contract yet.

If you gals were forced to pay more to meet your minimum, what kind of extras were you able to get to cover the difference?

Re: Are guest minimums set in stone?

we were able to have a smalller min. because of the time of year we are having the wedding. (Feb on a sunday)--but once they gave us a min. that's it--no budging. we MUST pay for that min. and there was no budging.

if you can't meet your min. you can negotiate things like a chocolate fountain, extra time for CH, upgrade CH items like having speciality stations (i.e.--sushi station, raw bar, etc.), upgrading to a 'premier menu', if applicable--maybe an allowance at their in-house florist (if they have one).

if you truly love the hall and haven't found anything else you like as much--you have to weight the options. these days paying for 25 plates extra can be quiet costly. but don't forget to add on your guest list some of the vendors that you will have there--most of the time, they eat too! the photographer, a photog asst., videographer, DJ, MC, DOC, band members....etc. etc.!