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how do you negotiate?

Supermans Posted:

how do you negotiate?

we're (FINALLY) going to start checking out potential venues this weekend. yayyyyyyyy!!!

can anybody give me tips on how you were able to negotiate lower prices at your venue? Did you start negotiations at your first visit, or did you wait until you knew you'd found 'the place?'

Thanks in Advance!!!

Also if you know of any reasonably priced places in Manhattan I'd love your recs (I know I'm probably dreaming, but i'd perfer not to go over 120 a head.)

IrishAli Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

IN NYC, my friend is using the Manhattan Penthouse on 14th Street...I think they start around $120 pp

I started negotiating on my first visit and got a feel for what they were and were not willing to do for me

I immediately would ask if they would throw something in, etc....I got a really good deal for my day
Supermans Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

Thanks Ali!! Manhattan Penthouse is one of the places I'm seeing Saturday! I think it's an liw vendor, so hopefully that might help.

What sort of stuff did you ask for??

Did you say 'is so and so included for that price?' or do you say 'can you throw xyz in for me?'


I'm so excited/nervous!
IrishAli Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I would ask what was included...then I'd ask if they would throw in xyz

IrishAli Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

We ended up not booking a wedding package- I hate long weddings

So we ended up booking a regular party package and adding wedding things into it...they ended up giving us more alcohol options, the wedding cake, etc for nothing- and threw it in with the party package
Bride in 2012 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

For VH, my hall wanted $15/pp. I asked them to take the plated dessert off the menu and to just do Cake & VH and got them down to $5/pp because of that.

Also asked them to throw in Hot Pretzels, Italian Ices and Bottles of Water as the guests walked out.
Jill52787 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I didn't negotiate price, but I negotiated extras. I started at the first tour asking if the chair covers were included, and he said that they could throw them in. So When we went back to book we told them what our #2 venue was offering and they said they could do that and a few extras. HTH!

b2b2013 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I actually just negotiated!! lol

I really wanted a band (well two, see other post lol) and I just told them how I felt the music was so important and how much I loved their band and really wanted them for my wedding.

I talked one down from $8,500 to $7,000 and the other from $9,500 to $7,000!

Just be honest- I really think it makes a difference
LMEL1223 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I asked on the first visit because i knew that it was the place. I asked what was included and then asked if I took some things away from the cocktail hour it they would bring the price down and they dropped it 10$ pp to get rid of two stations.
I think you need to go in knowing what you must have and what you are willing to negotiate on. If you are willing to give up some things they may drop the price.
1112bride Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

Our BM actually used to work at a RH in the city. He told us that rates in the city are significantly cheaper in the summer months, because of how hot it is. Who knew?? I always thought it's be the opposite. Worth comparing the prices though!

Chanwich Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I got things thrown in just by saying 'oh, how great would it be to have xyz?'. In this economy lots of places are very willing to negotiate. It can also never hurt to ask for anything, or leverage one place against another!

I can't be much help with the city, the couple of lofts I looked into since I that feel were over $200 pp
Moonmist09 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

i would just say to people, well he is giving me xyz what can you give me? and it usually worked in my favor.

FutureMrsCat050412 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

paying cash got us lower prices

bridetobesteph Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

Because I have a large guest list and small budget I had to negotiate everything. I am getting married on a Thursday evening in the summertime making the Westbury Manor's normal rate of 140-160pp 75pp. My parents and I asked what they could do and we got a few more stations, drinks, and passed food in, extra waiters and oh yeah, ton dollars off pp. It's awkward but it's worth it. All you really have to do is ask!

FM me and I will give you more details. I have helped many friends on tight budgets with their weddings.
BklynBabe1624 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

Posted by FutureMrsCat050412

paying cash got us lower prices


I agree to this!! This usually worked and if the venue doesn't honor this - then I wouldn't book with them!
Watermelon5 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

To negotiate we basically told them what we wanted (e.g. upgraded cake) and what we were willing to spend. Most places accomodate or at least lower their prices. We also would just ask for extras (like upgraded entree options and what not). We didn't need to be pushy or anything, honestly just ask b/c they expect it I feel like. We only really did that with a few places that we had an interest in (otherwise we didnt waste our time b/c we wanted the meetings to end LOL). Oh and the other really helpful thing we did was compile all of the diff vendors info as we went so that we had a basis of comparison and could show them that X was offering Y and they would usually try and match it or come down!

ETA: we also offered cash to many vendors to get better deals!
bridetobesteph Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

also, best advice (sorry last night I was a zombie) low ball EVERYTHING. Example, they say 100, you say 50. Worst that could happen is that they meet you at 75.

Don't let any vendor make you think that they have the upper hand, you're the one with the money that could go ANYWHERE. The economy is rough for weddings, and guess what, you're the one in the veil and vendors are lucky that you came to them, you're not lucky to have found them. It is your right to get married where you want. Don't visit anywhere you can't afford, pick things to splurge on and things to save on. The most important thing is that you are marrying the love of your life - and that is something that nobody can put a price tag on.

And my final price pp was 65 a head, not 75. We chose to save on the venue, splurge on the favors (hey, you invite people to share in your most intimate special moment of your life, treat em well!).

Make a priority list, FM me for what I did & my vendors if you are interested. Don't let any place treat your poorly, and if they don't take the bait, don't bite!
pixietina Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

I would ask what was included and then ask if they could go a little lower. Only one place really turned me down when it came to negotiating but honestly they were at the lowest price already. Paying cash also decreases price.

Bree71584 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

for us i had a feeling they wouldnt budge on the per person price so i said 'listen if your willing to include these extras at no cost i will sign and give you my deposit right now' if you make it clear you mean business and arent going to go home and thing it over for a week i feel there more likely to work with you.

LKatz1029 Posted:

Re: how do you negotiate?

Posted by Bree71584

for us i had a feeling they wouldnt budge on the per person price so i said 'listen if your willing to include these extras at no cost i will sign and give you my deposit right now' if you make it clear you mean business and arent going to go home and thing it over for a week i feel there more likely to work with you.


totally agree-- they are more likely to go down on prices and give u a better deal on anythingggg if u say u will sign that day with a deposit!!!!!

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