One of the most important things in your wedding planning to-do list is to find the perfect venue. It might be tempting to book a place that is more than your budget but do remember that it is essential to find a venue that fits your budget. Aside from that, you should also consider a place that can accommodate the number of your guests and a site that is right for your theme.
The average cost of wedding venues ranges from $5,000 to a high of $12,000 excluding the food and beverages. Factors such as location, seasonality, inclusions, and size of the venue affect the total cost that you need to pay. That is why it is essential to note these factors to make sure that you get the right value of the money you are spending.
To help you in making decisions for booking a wedding venue, we listed valuable tips for you including the costs that you need to prepare.
Venue Booking Advice
Here are some of the tips that you can take note of when booking your wedding venue.
Book Ahead
Wedding venues are in demand during some seasons that is why it is essential for you to book a place ahead of time. Reserve as soon as you can or 10-12 months before your wedding. This way, you can book the place on your desired day and time without resorting to last-minute changes.
Ask As Many Questions As Possible
List all the questions you have in mind and bring it when visiting the site. Do not miss any important points like what are the inclusions, how many people can the venue accommodate, and if the place is already booked on your desired date. Ask questions until you are confident that you understand everything you want to know.
Get Everything in Documents
Make sure that all arrangements, plans, and changes are written and signed. Verbal agreements can sometimes cause miscommunication and misunderstanding which is why it is best to have everything documented for the benefit of both parties.
If you talked over the phone, make sure to send an email and get a receipt of acknowledgement from the site coordinator. Also, read everything that is written in the agreement before signing because it will be difficult to make changes afterward.
Wedding Venues Typical Cost
The cost of a wedding venue depends on a lot of factors. It can change from time to time depending on certain situations and circumstances.
Moderate Price
Wedding venues that offer a moderate price usually cost around $3,500 on weekends and $2,500 on weekdays excluding food and drinks. However, some venues do offer a separate package for the inclusion of food and drinks by their in-house catering services.
Usually, wedding venues offer a per-person price that ranges from $50 to $150 for the catering but this can be negotiated with the site coordinator. Do not be afraid to ask if they do give discounts or other inclusions to help you save on costs for your venue.
Mid to High Price
For bigger venues that have an aesthetic city view or a big garden, the site price ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 with a personal choice of outdoor or indoor area. The food and beverage package for inhouse catering can cost $110 to $160 per person so the more guests you have, the more cost you need to prepare.
Luxe
This is the most expensive package that venue coordinators offer. It can range from $6,000 to $10,000 including rooms for accommodations, a special buffet prepared by the venue’s in-house chef, and decorations. However, do note that the venue fee is not included in this yet. You have to pay a separate cost for the venue itself that can range from $3,500 to $8,000 which includes the tables and chairs.
Also Read: 14 ESSENTIAL WEDDING VENUE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE BOOKING
Additional Costs to Expect
Since wedding venues do not include other important logistics in their packages, you have to bring or buy those yourself. Here are some of the things that will cost you an additional expense on top of the venue fees and food packages.
Rentals
Ask the venue coordinator what is included in the package so you will know how many chairs, tables, silverware, sound system, and linens you have to rent.
Corkage
You might be allowed to bring your own food catering and beverages but with a cost. Ask the venue coordinator how much is the corkage fee and if they also charge for cake cutting and serving.
Parking
Your guests might be bringing their own cars. Ask how much is the parking fee for the entire duration of your wedding so you can prepare for the cost.
Decorations
Most wedding venues only provide basic decorations and sometimes it doesn't fit your theme. Ask the venue coordinator how big the venue is and what are the do’s and don'ts when bringing decorations.
Event Insurance
This doesn't happen all the time but you might be required to provide event insurance.
Catering
If you do not wish to use their in-house catering, ask if your caterer can use their kitchen for free or do you have to pay and how much is the fee.
Other fees may be asked from you so better prepare a separate budget for additional costs that you are not expecting. It is better to be prepared than get surprised on the actual day of your wedding.