Has anyone had sucess in negotiating w/the catering halls?
If so what did you ask for?
jfabbride
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
We had a lot of success:
We argued an extra pasta and carving station, chair covers, mini-viennese, and becuase my hall provided my centerpieces...extra flowers in them.
laborday06
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I've heard of negotiating for no ceremony fee, wine bottles on the table (instead of having to go to the bar), chair covers, and special food requests
eogara
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
Posted by daisy122
Has anyone had sucess in negotiating w/the catering halls?
If so what did you ask for?
I would think that if you're getting married at HCC you should get a TON of stuff thrown in for free right now
SomethingBlu
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OT at a reduced rate, chair covers, mini vienesse, extra CH food, reduced rate per person, low guarantee. I was adamant about staying within budget! It can be done, be firm and always ask for a lot more than you think you'll get away with, you'll be surprised at the results.
ETA: This worked with ALL vendors. I was able to negotiate freebies, lower rates, etc. Be firm and always say that you are willing to pay 'X' and make it a bit less than your actual budget 0 they all want your business and will work with you.
AnniesSS
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
At our first meeting at the Wyndwatch, I told her what my budget was and she provided a great menu for me and after asking questions, she was able to revise and make some changes for no additional cost. Gonna play that game with everyone I can
jnorfie
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At what point did you negotiate.
Before or after you you left a deposit.
marc_rai
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I sucked at negotiating. Is it too late?
daisy122
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We went to Sunset Harbour last night for a food tasting. I sent a f/u email thanking them and mentioned another hall offered to take of $$ from there price given our situation. at first the woman from Sunset Harbour offered us a smaller package, when i explained the other place was offering us the same larger package she told us she could take money off per person.
I am hoping the other place we are considering will do the same.
I would think with the holbrook country club brides they would be more flexible since they know we have to book somewhere soon.
bridget&jimmy
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Well the HCC got a new caterer so I know they are going on like usual.
JCMsGirl05
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Try the Mediterannean Manor. I am not sure what they have available, but you may get lucky. Their food is excellent. They just had a show on Sunday, but they will do a tasting for you as well. We booked there the night of another wedding when we went to taste. The decor is nice and tasteful. Their prices are good too! Ask for Zoli or George. I dealt with Zoli.
Good luck and let me know how you make out if you do go there.
LaurenluvsTJ
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
We got them to lower price pp, lower min person required, and gave us chair covers.
SomethingBlu
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Posted by jnorfie
At what point did you negotiate.
Before or after you you left a deposit.
We negotiated at the same time we left a deposit, at the contract signing.
LuckyMe
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
We really didn't have to negotiate they were very helpful and just through in alot of what we were looking for before we asked. Ice Cream Bar for the kids Ice Sculpture Vienesse Just very nice and I also asked about the chocolate fountain that I just have to have and was told they didn't do that but by 2006 they just might be so if they are then she will work something out for us(Hopefully, they'll have it and if we're lucky they will through it in)Besides it doesn't hurt to ask the only thing that could happen is they say no and the best is they say yes!!
leighdvm
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
I LOVE to bargain with vendors now!
I got Villa's to lower their per-person price, lower the mininum number of people, extra food at the CH, and having red and white wine at the tables. I did the negotiating at the first meeting.
amy&anthony
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
I did with price. I basically said, 'Look ____, I'm going to be completely honest. I am on a budget and I am simply going with the cheapest caterer. Whoever gives me the best price - thats where Im going! Watermill offered me $72 with a 175 minimum and Jericho terrace said $60!! I didnt even go anywhere else because I LOVED the JT!!!! and $60!! What a steal!
Jen2999
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yea...you can usually negoitiate the best while making up the contract
wed2jlo
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It all depends on how many people you have. We have alot 170 for The Bourne and they negotiated, but my friend only had 75 at Riveria NO negotiating. For the catering its all how many people you can guarantee, more people more deals
Jess Good Luck!!
Vicky1706
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
Ok, so I am definitely interested in negotiating a few things when it gets closer and we meet with our BM again. How exactly do you go about it....like do you just say this is what I want, what can we do to get you to give it to me for free???
What are some pointers/suggestions on how to handle negotiations??
TIA!
leighdvm
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Re: Negotiating w/the catering halls
You say 'is this the BEST price you can give me?' or '______ gave a price of ______, can you do better?'
