Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be an expensive endeavour, with the average wedding in 2016 costing upwards of $35,000. One of the biggest costs is often the venue, with many couples paying the asking price and missing out on potential discounts. One way to save money is to negotiate with the venue, which can include discussing alcohol prices. Alcohol can be a significant expense, with the average alcohol cost for a wedding ranging from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the number of guests. There are several strategies for negotiating alcohol prices, such as opting for a cash bar where guests pay for their drinks, choosing a DIY option where you buy and supply your own alcohol, or negotiating with the venue to waive certain fees or include extras. The success of negotiations may depend on factors such as location, season, and competition, and it is beneficial to gather information from multiple venues to gain leverage in discussions.
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What You'll Learn
Negotiate with multiple vendors to get a sense of pricing and leverage
Negotiating with multiple vendors is a great way to get a sense of the pricing landscape and gain leverage when discussing your wedding alcohol budget.
Firstly, it is important to understand that venues tend to be less flexible with their pricing than vendors. Established venues, especially, are less likely to negotiate. However, if you are open to different dates, you can gain leverage. Off-season months and weekdays, for example, Thursdays and Sundays, will give you more room to negotiate and potentially secure a discount. If you are set on a Saturday, peak season date, it will be harder to negotiate.
When it comes to vendors, it is always worth asking for a discount. You can gain leverage by meeting with multiple vendors and understanding the range of prices for the services you require. You can then use the knowledge of other vendors' prices to negotiate with your preferred vendor. It is important to go into these meetings with an open mind and a friendly attitude. If the vendor feels valued and that you truly want their services, they are more likely to be flexible with their pricing. It is also beneficial to express that their venue is your first choice but that you are working with a limited budget.
Additionally, consider the timing of your negotiation. If you are booking a date six months out, you will have more leverage as this is shorter than the typical booking cycle. You can also negotiate on other aspects, such as asking for free upgrades on food, decorations or champagne, rather than a direct discount.
Remember, negotiating is an art form, and it is always worth reaching out and asking for a better deal. You can save money and improve your wedding day by simply asking.
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Ask for discounts for off-season, weekday, or morning weddings
When it comes to negotiating alcohol prices for your wedding venue, one of the most effective strategies is to choose an off-peak date or time. Venues are more likely to offer discounts for weddings held on weekdays, during off-season periods, or in the mornings or afternoons.
Weekday weddings, particularly those held on Thursdays, often come with significant cost savings. Wedding vendors are less likely to be booked up on weekdays, so they may be more willing to negotiate on pricing. Monday through Thursday weddings also tend to be more intimate, as guests may find it challenging to take time off work or stay late knowing they have to work the next day. If you're set on a Friday wedding, you may still be able to negotiate a discount, especially if you're willing to host a daytime event.
Off-season weddings, typically during the winter months, are another opportunity to secure discounts. Many venues offer lower rates during these quieter periods to attract bookings. For example, some couples have shared receiving waived ceremony fees, reduced room rental fees, and discounts on food and beverages by choosing an off-season date.
To increase your chances of negotiating a discount for an off-season or weekday wedding, consider the following strategies:
- Be flexible with your date: While Saturday weddings are the most popular, choosing a weekday or off-season date gives you more leverage in negotiations.
- Shop around: Compare prices from multiple venues, even if they're not your top choice. This will give you a better understanding of the market rates and provide leverage when negotiating with your preferred venue.
- Be confident: When negotiating, it's important to remain confident and not appear nervous or timid. Remember, it's normal to negotiate, and venues expect this as part of the process.
- Be respectful: While it's essential to advocate for yourself, do so respectfully. Avoid coming across as pushy or suggesting that their posted prices are unfair. Instead, express your interest in their venue and politely inquire about potential discounts or flexibility.
- Provide your budget: Let the venue know your budget constraints and ask if they can work with you to customize a package that fits within your budget.
- Be willing to compromise: You may not get a discount on the venue price, but they might be willing to throw in extras like a complimentary champagne toast or waived ceremony fees.
- Consider other cost-saving measures: If your heart is set on a particular venue, you can still save money by handling catering or alcohol yourself. Bringing in your own alcohol can lead to significant savings, but be sure to factor in the cost of mixers, garnishes, and bartending services.
Remember, the key to successful negotiation is flexibility and a willingness to compromise. By choosing an off-peak date and employing these negotiation strategies, you'll be well on your way to securing discounts and planning the wedding of your dreams within your budget.
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Provide your own alcohol to save money
Providing your own alcohol for your wedding is a great way to save money. While some venues include alcohol in their pricing, you can often save money by providing your own drinks. This gives you the freedom to shop around for the best deals and buy in bulk, which can result in significant savings.
When providing your own alcohol, it's important to consider the type of drinks you'll be serving. Beer and wine are typically cheaper options than hard liquor or mixed drinks. If you're serving wine, you can save money by asking the venue to pour slightly less per glass, stretching a single bottle to serve more guests. If you're open to non-alcoholic options, you can also save by serving mocktails, fresh juices, canned sodas, or on-tap kombucha.
If you're set on serving spirits, consider negotiating with the venue. Some venues offer packages that include an open bar, and you may be able to customise these packages to suit your needs and budget. For example, if they offer an open bar all night, you could request just beer and wine, reducing the package cost.
When it comes to buying alcohol, timing is crucial. Aim to purchase alcohol after Christmas, New Year, or during summer bank holidays when supermarkets often have sales and slash prices. This can result in significant savings, especially on champagne and other sparkling wines.
Finally, don't forget to consider the pros and cons of different drink formats. Canned or bottled beer may be a better option than kegs, as you can take home any leftovers, and they require less equipment and handling.
By providing your own alcohol, you can save money and create a personalised experience for your wedding. However, always check with your venue, as some may charge a corkage fee or have specific requirements for outside alcohol.
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Opt for beer and wine only, instead of an open bar
Opting for beer and wine only instead of an open bar can be a great way to reduce costs without compromising on hospitality. Here are some tips to consider:
Firstly, understand your guest preferences. While some couples worry that a beer and wine-only option may seem cheap, many guests appreciate a well-hosted bar, even if it doesn't include liquor. In fact, some guests may prefer this option over a cash bar, where they would need to pay for their drinks. You know your guests best, so consider their preferences and drinking habits. If you don't have many exclusive liquor drinkers attending, a beer and wine-only option could be a perfect fit.
Secondly, explore package deals and customisation options. Many venues offer beverage packages, and you may be able to negotiate a better deal by opting for beer and wine only. Discuss your options with the venue and see if they can provide a wider range of beer and wine selections to cater to different tastes. You could also consider adding a "signature drink" option, such as a simple cocktail or two, to add variety without the full cost of an open bar.
Thirdly, consider providing a limited selection of spirits or allowing guests to purchase their own. If you feel that some of your guests may prefer liquor, you could explore options such as providing a limited selection of spirits or directing guests to an outside bar where they can purchase their preferred drinks. However, be cautious about asking guests to pay for drinks, as some may consider it rude or confusing.
Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate with your venue. While established venues may be less flexible, it's worth asking about potential discounts, especially if you're willing to handle catering and beverage services yourself. Shop around and compare prices with other venues to gain leverage in your negotiations. You may find that your preferred venue is willing to reduce their package cost if you opt for a limited bar selection.
Remember, the key is to find a balance between cost and hospitality. By opting for beer and wine only, you can offer a well-hosted bar with a diverse range of options that your guests will appreciate, all while keeping costs manageable.
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Negotiate for complimentary add-ons or upgrades
When negotiating alcohol prices for your wedding venue, it's important to remember that established venues are typically less flexible with their pricing. However, there are still ways to negotiate for complimentary add-ons or upgrades. Here are some strategies to consider:
Research and Leverage
First, gain leverage by researching multiple venues and vendors in your area to understand their pricing and packages. This will help you identify potential alternatives and give you a better negotiating position. If you find a similar venue with better pricing, you can use that information as leverage when discussing prices with your preferred venue.
Timing and Flexibility
Consider the time of year and day of the week for your wedding. Venues may be more willing to negotiate or offer complimentary add-ons for weddings held during off-peak seasons or on weekdays. For example, a Sunday wedding in August may give you more negotiating power than a Saturday wedding in October. Venues are more likely to have availability and may be eager to fill those dates.
Customization and Alternatives
Understand the venue's packages and be open to customization. For example, if the venue offers an open bar with a premium alcohol package, you may be able to negotiate for a lower-priced beer and wine-only package. Alternatively, you could suggest reducing the number of appetizers or buffet options to extend the open bar package.
Direct Communication
Be transparent and respectful in your negotiations. Express your interest in working with the venue but also communicate your budget constraints. You could say something like, "We would love to work with you, but the estimate is beyond our expected budget. Are there any adjustments or complimentary add-ons you can suggest to help reduce the overall cost?"
Referrals and Partnerships
Inquire about potential discounts through referrals or partnerships. Some venues or vendors may offer a discount if you were referred by a mutual connection or if they have an existing partnership with another vendor you are using. This is a respectful way to negotiate, as it benefits both parties involved.
Remember, the key to successful negotiation is flexibility and mutual benefit. By being open to adjustments and customizations, you can often find ways to secure complimentary add-ons or upgrades that work for both you and the venue.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to negotiate is to ask the venue to allow you to bring your own alcohol. This can cut down costs. You can also ask about discounts for off-season weddings, weekday weddings, or morning/afternoon weddings.
Negotiating with multiple vendors in each category will give you a sense of what wedding services cost in your area. This will help you know where you are willing to splurge and cut back. It's also important to go into a negotiation with leverage, so find out the prices of several venues in the area.
You can reduce costs by limiting the types of alcohol you serve. For example, beer and wine are often cheaper per drink than hard liquor or mixed drinks. You can also set a cap on the number of drinks served or move to a cash bar after a certain amount.
