Has anyone ever negotiated a lower minimum with a catering hall? One of the places I'm considering has a minimum guarantee of 175, but our guest list is only like 180, so I'm assuming we'll have around 160. I really don't want to switch to a Friday night. What should I do? Then again, I guess if I like it enough, I'll suck it up and just pay it right?
NovemberBride06
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
They lowered our minimum from 125 to 100 but increased the price per person. Several other RHs that we looked at (but didn't book) did the same thing.
Suzannebride
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
It can never hurt to ask! But I just wanted to tell you to be careful because you are only expecting about 11% of your guests to say no. I think most people are told that around 20% will not attend. We have like a 38% no rate! You don't want to pay for a lot of people who aren't coming because of your minimum.
eden
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
i agree, to be safe, estimate 25-30% not showing, more if your wedding site is 1.5 hours or more away ...
180 invites means you may get about 120-130 'yes'
Bridex100
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
You can try to negotiate a smaller head count but ask for extras like upgrades in entrees, viennese table, etc. Usually catering halls care more about the $ amount vs the actual number of people.
Summer07Bride
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
I got them to lower the minimum by 10 people, not a huge amount, but it will definitely save us a few dollars.
nycgirl79
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
Our minimum was supposed to be 175, but they lowered it to 150. Definitely see if they will work with you...
Wintersbride
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Re: Minimum Guarantees....?
I wasn't able to lower the minimum either, but a lot of halls will throw in some extras if you don't make the minimum.
