This post will be one of the many that I write, helping to break down vendor costs and educate couples on why vendors may come with the price tag that they do. With venues consuming one of the larger chunks of a wedding budget, let’s start here (I’ll get to planners, photographers & caterers, later).
Are there select venues that are overpriced? Absolutely. Are there venues that nickel and dime couples. Unfortunately, yes. Are non-corporate venues owners making millions each wedding season? NOPE. I don’t know a single wedding venue owner in any of the states I have worked in that bathe in all the extra cash they are collecting from wedding rentals. Most are just barely covering their venue and personal bills. Just like me, they give up most weekends, work 12-16 hour wedding/event days in addition to office hours, and fork over double the taxes to the government (business first, then on whatever is left after overhead, as take-home), because we LOVE what we do.
Food for thought for the homeowners out there; think of the size of your home and the cost of your bills to maintain it. Now think of the size of your home and property in comparison to the size of a wedding or event venue. Their bills will be substantially larger for the following:
- Mortgage (if the property is not owned outright)
- Property Taxes
- Electric, Water, Gas & Sewage Bills
- Trash Pick Up
- Building Maintenance (no one wants a dilapidated building in the background of their photos)
- Property Maintenance (lawn, parking area, landscaping, etc.)
- Insurance Policy
Now factor in just a few of the additional costs that homeowners do not have to take on:
- Annual Permits
- Staff
- Tables, Chairs & Other Rentals Provided
- Marketing
You can see where I’m going with this. It’s not cheap. If the venue of your dreams is out of your budget, have an open conversation with the venue owners. Is a weekday, Friday or Sunday cheaper? Can you rent it for a shorter duration of time than what is included in their package? Do rates drop during off-peak times of year? Still a no-go on the wallet? Utilize the power of social media. Post a pic of what you have in mind and ask your local wedding groups if they have recommendations for something similar.
Helping YOU say ‘I-DO’,
Your WedUcator