[16daysout]

I am very confused by an email I just received from our wedding coordinator. We are using a venue that provides a package for both the ceremony and reception. We originally thought we would have 100 people at our reception and reserved based on that number of expected guests, but were told that if our final headcount were to change we would be responsible for the lower package price. We have half the people we expected and our coordinator just told me that because we booked on a Saturday, and the venue has a minimum requirement of 100 people for the venue on saturdays (something that we were never told) we will be responsible for the 100 person package. They expect us to pay for 40 extra people who will not be there--a 4,000 dollar difference. I've looked over our contract and it does not state that we are responsible for any of this. I'm not sure what to do. Can I negotiate to include things like an upgrade in food or have the $2,000 bar tab included in the final price?

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 02 October 2025 - 07:26 AM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear 16daysout,

I'm not the wedding planner, but I can pipe up on the appropriateness of negotiating. Why not? If the minimum wasn't mentioned, then you have bargaining power in my book. It is not impolite to stand up for yourself.

Best wishes,

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

If there is nothing in your contract about a minimum requirement you may need to call the venue's banquet manager to discuss.

[Nancy Tucker]

I completely agree. The minimum would have to be a part of the contract. If the verbage does include that minimum in any manner, then yes, you could negotiate for upgrades and add ons. You and your planner need to work with the venue to your satisfaction.