Can you haggle dinner prices for a wedding?

Question

I guess coming from a work environment (cars) where everything is negotiable, it got me to thinking...I'm getting married in July 2009. I have settled on a venue and the dinner price per person is $45. Can something like this be negotiated? Just curious

Answer 1

no it's a set price just like when you go to a restaurant to eat

Answer 2

I negotiated all prices in my wedding.  The only places I paid the absolute flat fee was the DJ & the venue rental.  But for something like the caterer, you might be able to upgrade meal choice or add an extra appetizer or dessert to your selection.  Times are tough right now & vendors are working hard for your business!  It does not hurt to put it out there.

Answer 3

You probably won't get them to reduce the price per person, but you might be able to get them to include some upgrades for free. It doesn't hurt to ask, but don't push too hard about it. These people will be responsible for making sure your event goes well- you don't want to leave a bad taste in their mouth. FWIW, July weddings usually are slightly cheaper (at least here in the Northeast)- so you might want to try to play that angle. Do some research, see if any venues in your area give a discount in those months- then you have something to go in with.

Good luck

Answer 4

Absoulutely! Everything is neogotiable! All you have to do is ask! This is your wedding! Act like it! You really need to take a look at this website, I didn't sign up for the package, but the emails gave me a bunch of ideas and advice!

http://wwww.fireyourweddingplanner.com/d...

Answer 5

Yes, you can attempt to negotiate. Just remember to be respectful.

If your wedding is not on a Saturday night (like, if it's the daytime and/or a day other than Saturday), that can work in your favor - point out that you are not getting married at a peak time, and ask them if they can lower their prices a bit because of that. Off-peak months (usually December-March or April) will also give you an upper hand in negotiating the price.

Ask what the $45 includes, and see if you can cut anything from that. For example, if it includes a champagne toast, ask if cutting that out will knock a few bucks off (people can toast with whatever they're drinking, and hardly anyone finishes the champagne, so it's a waste anyway). If they're including centerpieces in that price, ask if bringing in your own (something as simple as flower petals and candles) would lower the price.

See if you can cut one hors d'oeuvre from the cocktail hour, or cut an extra dessert. Go with a less expensive cut of beef, a less expensive fish or a less elaborate chicken dish. Pick another kind of vegetable. Go with house liquor instead of top-shelf, or only do beer and wine instead of a full bar.

If you have lower quotes from other venues, see if they can beat the price. Even cutting a dollar or two off each person's plate can make a difference. Or if they won't lower the price, ask if you can get an extra something or other (extra hors d'oeuvre, free centerpieces, coat check, etc.) thrown in for free.

Answer 6

Price is not usually negotiable, but do give it a whirl.  Of course, there are seasonal exceptions as well as time of day.  You can also get things thrown in.  For instance, the venue I am considering is $25 per plate (middle of the day rate in winter).  The wedding room has a separate charge.  The price includes a coordinator, decor, setup and cleanup. They have also offered to include a sweet, appetizers and beverages while guests wait to go to the dining area, wine for the toast (thankfully, no champagne and not the cheap wine either) and a 3 tier wedding cake.   The kids under 6 get free meals, so that actually lowers my per plate cost by 3.  

My wedding is going to be in the morning, so this is a lunch, which is something they rarely can fill during the weekdays between Christmas and New years, so timing helps.

Answer 7

You can always try to negotiate.  I think a big reason why weddings are so expensive is because people don't bother trying.  The other poster is right that you may not get the price to go down per person, but you may be able to have them add things on (a better dessert table at midnight, or more entree choices for your guests, etc).

Booking in the off season (winter) will probably give you more flexibility because they are more likely to need your wedding business.  We are getting married mid-november  and the place we are booking is giving us their January prices because we told them that was what we could afford/would be our maximum to we would pay.  We are saving about $40 per person by them giving us this package, which usually they don't offer until January/February.

We are putting the deposit down tonight!  I'm so excited!