Tips on booking a Hall?

Tips on booking a Hall?

Hey everyone,
I`m in the process right now of looking at halls, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to bargain with them? I know the tricks of the off season months, and off days, but I`d really like a Saturday in May. In your experience, has anyone gotten a lower price than the hall first offered, or gotten anything extra thrown in? I`m TERRIBLE at bargaining, I usually go with the original price on everything! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
Amy

Tips on booking a Hall?

If you can guarantee more than the minimum, maybe they will throw something extra into your cocktail hour like another station, also maybe cookies/pastries for dessert. But I did not find any hall that would lower the per-person cost to get you to book with them, and even if there is a place that does this, they wouldn't for a Saturday.

Tips on booking a Hall?

It might help to mention a few of their competitors that you looked at. They might throw in something extra to help persuade you to chose their hall.

Tips on booking a Hall?

Yeah I agree with July3bride. I booked a Sunday in May but when I told my catering hall that I looked at another place and gave them the other places price, they matched it and even gave me $1 off. $1 is not a lot but that's a $150-200 savings. Since my FH and I are paying for everything, every penny counts. Good Luck and Congrats on your engagement!

Tips on booking a Hall?---long

Well, when I first began looking at halls i was also kind of embaressed to bargain. But after a while I had no choice but to see which hall gave me my moneys worth. Of course I wanted a very elegant classy wedding at a really cheap price. Maybe that is to much to ask for. I booked my wedding at the North Ritz Club in syosset. I found the elegance I was looking for and they definately worked with me. They fave me a full vienesse at no charge! I thought that was great. They Also threw in a pasta course. I got a one wedding at a time hall with extras at no charge. I was so excited and cant wait. To answer your question, yes I think that you can bargain with halls. Try it it worked for me.

Tips on booking a Hall?

we bargained for a Saturday night. Its the last Saturday in April, so it may have been a little more flexible than May.
Definitely try it - you have nothing to lose.

Tips on booking a Hall?

Whatever u do, check with the BBB before you book!!!

Tips on booking a Hall?

You should always try and bargain with them, even if its for a discount on the per person price, like the free Vienese that I got as well. I also got them to drop the per person price for a Sat night in August. Remember that they need to book the room as much as you do, and dont let yourself fall victim to the 'book now or else' sales pitch (as hard as that is)! My FH was ready to jump at any deal, but I comparison shopped and got them to drop the initial price, its easy, you can do it too! :)

To add to what has been said...

I agree with the person who said to mention other places you have looked -- but it is more then simply dropping the name. I was able to negociate down my price by an honest statement of: I want to use you, but location X which is very similar to you will do it for $Y less per person. Can you help me out? I really really would rather have my wedding here.

It is important you are comparing a similar location - if you try to tell Oheka you can get dinner for $100 less at Chuck E. Cheese it won't be compelling! Best of luck to you!

Thanks!

Thanks everyone. Now that I know it has been done, I definitely going to try to work a deal. Thanks!
Amy