How To Secure Discounts For Your Wedding Venue

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the most expensive elements is the venue. Many couples pay the asking price and miss out on potential discounts. While not all venues will be able to offer a discount, some are happy to negotiate, especially if it means the difference between a booking and an empty venue. The key to negotiating is confidence and research. It is important to know what to ask for, whether that be a percentage discount, the removal of certain items from a package, substitutions, or upgrades. It is also important to understand when a venue is more likely to negotiate, such as on weekdays or during the off-season. Being prepared to walk away is another key aspect of negotiating.

Research the average price per person for wedding venues

The average cost of a wedding venue in the US in 2023 was $12,800, with couples spending an average of $35,000 on their wedding overall. This means that nearly 40% of the overall budget is dedicated to the venue.

However, the price of a wedding venue can vary depending on location, size, amenities, and the time of year. For example, the average cost of a wedding venue in Connecticut is $20,000, whereas in Idaho or Montana, it is $4,100.

The cost of a wedding venue also depends on what is included in the package. Some venues offer all-inclusive packages with catering, rentals, linens, wedding cake, on-site event planners, insurance, entertainment, décor, or cleaning fees included. The average cost of catering is $85 per person.

If you are looking to save money on your wedding venue, consider the following:

• Be flexible with your wedding date—weekdays and off-peak seasons tend to be cheaper
• Trim your guest list—a smaller guest list will reduce catering, tables, chairs, and linen costs
• Shop around and negotiate—talk to several venues to understand their pricing and be confident when asking for a discount
• Opt for a venue that allows external caterers—you may be able to find cheaper options
• Ask for upgrades instead of a reduced price—some venues prefer to offer upgrades such as better food or drinks rather than a discount

Ask for upgrades

When it comes to your wedding venue, it's important to remember that not everywhere will be able to offer a discount, but some will be happy to negotiate. Asking for upgrades is a great way to get more for your money and can be a good alternative to asking for a discount. Here are some tips on how to ask for upgrades for your wedding venue:

Do Your Research

First, you need to know what upgrades you want and whether they are feasible. Visit several venues and discuss what they offer and for what price. This will give you an idea of what is possible and help you assemble a list of backup venues with better pricing or more amenities.

Ask With Confidence

When it comes to negotiating, confidence is key. Be clear about what you want and don't be afraid to ask for it. That being said, don't ask for something unrealistic, as you may not be taken seriously. It's also important not to get too attached to the outcome of the negotiation – be prepared to walk away if necessary.

Be Prepared to Haggle

The first offer is rarely accepted in negotiations, so be prepared to haggle. Make a reasonable first offer and be willing to compromise to reach a deal that works for both sides.

Ask for Specific Upgrades

Instead of asking for a discount, consider requesting specific upgrades. For example, you could ask for better champagne, decorations, or food. This approach can be more appealing to venues as it allows them to provide a better service without reducing their prices.

Consider Off-Peak Times

Your negotiating power will be much stronger if you are flexible with the date of your wedding. Weekdays and winter bookings are more likely to result in discounts and upgrades as there is less competition for the venue's services.

Ask About Reduced Service

If the venue includes services like catering in their price, ask if they would be willing to reduce the price if you handle these services yourself. This can be a great way to get an upgrade while saving money.

Be Flexible with Your Vendors

Using the venue's preferred vendors can sometimes result in discounts or special rates. These vendors will be familiar with the venue and may be able to offer better rates due to their ongoing relationship with the management.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you've agreed on any upgrades, make sure to get it confirmed in writing. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings or last-minute changes.

Remember, it never hurts to ask for upgrades. The worst they can say is no, and you may end up with a better deal than you expected!

Negotiate on filling in empty dates

Negotiating a discount for your wedding venue can be a daunting task, but it is a common practice and can save you a lot of money. Here are some tips to help you negotiate on filling in empty dates:

Do Your Research

Before approaching your dream venue, research what other venues in the area are charging. Websites like Wedding Spot or The Knot can provide valuable information on average prices. This will give you leverage when negotiating and show that you have other options.

Ask About Empty Dates

Inquire about any empty dates the venue may have that need to be filled. If they have last-minute cancellations or less popular dates available, they may be more willing to negotiate on the price.

Be Flexible with Dates

The best times to negotiate a lower price are usually weekdays and weekends outside of peak season. Peak season for most venues is typically summer months, around Christmas, and Valentine's Day. By choosing an off-peak date, you increase your negotiating power as the venue may be more concerned about filling that date.

Ask with Confidence

When negotiating, it's important to appear confident. If you seem timid, the venue may refuse your request, knowing that they can still secure another booking. However, don't be overly aggressive or demanding, as this may turn them off from wanting to work with you.

Be Prepared to Haggle

Negotiating is a back-and-forth process. After making your initial offer, be prepared for a counteroffer from the venue. Don't be afraid to make a counteroffer yourself and haggle to get the best deal.

Get it in Writing

Once you've successfully negotiated a discount, make sure to get the final agreed-upon price confirmed in writing from the venue. Only pay the deposit upfront and consider taking out wedding insurance to protect your investment.

Remember, negotiating is a common practice, and many venues expect couples to try and get a better deal. Don't be afraid to ask and remain flexible throughout the process. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to securing your dream venue at a discounted price!

Be confident when asking for a discount

The first rule of negotiating is to show no fear. If you are confident, you can ask for almost anything. However, don't ask for the impossible, or you may not be taken seriously. If you are shy and find asking for anything stressful, then it will help you to prepare.

Do your research

When negotiating for a discount, the more information you have, the better. Talk to several venues in the area and find out their prices, even if you don't want them. This allows you to go into a negotiation with leverage and helps reinforce the message that you have other options. Assemble a list of backup venues with better pricing and use these numbers to encourage your top choice to reduce their fees.

Know what to ask for

First, you need to know exactly what to ask for. You may want to ask for a 10% discount, the removal of one or two items from your package to lower the price, or a substitution in the package that will give you a better deal (for example, fewer drinks for more food). From the venue's advertised price list, work out how much you could ask them to reasonably lower the costs. Asking for ten or even up to twenty percent off is acceptable, and larger venues may be able to take off more.

Be prepared to haggle

Once you've made your first offer, you'll get one of three responses: an acceptance (unlikely), a flat refusal to negotiate, or a counteroffer below the original asking price but above your offer. Because negotiations are uncomfortable, it's natural to want to take the first half-decent counter-offer. However, if you make another offer, you'll get a better deal.

Ask for more instead of less

Some wedding venues will refuse any request for a discount. Instead of asking for a reduced price, ask them to throw in some free upgrades. You could request better champagne, decorations, or even food. Effectively, you are receiving a discount on a more expensive product, which some venues prefer to offering a true discount.

Be prepared to walk away

Negotiating a discount on your wedding venue can be a tricky business. While it's always worth asking for a discount, you need to be prepared to walk away if the venue won't budge on the price. This is especially important if you have your heart set on a particular venue, as the venue manager may be less likely to offer a discount if they know you're not willing to consider other options.

It's crucial to do your research before entering into any negotiation. Talk to several venues in the area and find out their prices, even if you're not interested in them. This will give you leverage when negotiating with your top choice and help reinforce the message that you have other options.

When negotiating, it's important to ask with confidence. If you come across as timid, the venue may be less likely to offer a discount. However, it's also important not to attach too much emotion to the outcome of the negotiation. Be prepared to haggle and make multiple offers, as the first offer is rarely accepted.

If the venue refuses to lower the price, consider asking for upgrades or additional services instead. You could also try negotiating on specific items within the package, such as fewer drinks for more food.

Remember, you have very little to lose by asking for a better deal, but plenty to gain. Don't be afraid to walk away if the venue won't meet your budget, as there may be other options that better suit your needs.

Frequently asked questions