Comparing costs....

[neebelung]

I've started a spreadsheet so I can log all the info I've received from various locations, and kinda "build" a wedding there (since we're planning on doing ceremony and reception in one location).

These are the categories/columns I've come up with so far (some of them, like chairs, etc.. I'm listing in case they're already included in a package price, or if there's an addl charge)... And I'm building it two ways, depending on the final size of our guest list.

Anything you can see that I'm missing?

Location/Address
Contact/phone
Ceremony fee
Reception fee/duration
Overtime? Fee?
Chairs
Linens
Dishes & Flatware
Tent
Heavy orders (avg pph)
Buffet (avg pph)
Sit down dinner (avg pph)
Beer & Wine (avg pph)
Service charge
Sales Tax %
Est total 50 people
Est total 75 people

[Heather]

Maroki and I posted our lists as a sticky thread in this particular area:

http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingf...ead.php?t=7394

[Julz518]

I also have:

set-up/clean-up fees
waitstaff/bartender fee (if charged separately)
and some places around here charge a fee for "cake serving" (usually costs more than the cake itself )

[Heather]

Originally Posted by Julz518

and some places around here charge a fee for "cake serving" (usually costs more than the cake itself )

Oh yes, absolutely. And if you bring in your own champagne or wine, there is also what's called a "corking-fee". Basically you pay them for opening the freakin' bottle & I've seen it up to $5 per bottle. Most places have that included, but make sure you ask if there is an additional charge for that.

[whiddle]

ouch....Our "cake cutting fee" was 35.00!

Your list looks pretty good.

[Julz518]

Um, since chairs are on there, what about tables???

Also, if you have to pay for ALL your rentals separately, here are a few more you'll need: (sorry if these are included in "dishes and flatware")

Cups/glasses for: water, mixed drinks, wine, champagne
Water Pitchers (optional)
Coffee Pot (optional)
champagne fountain (optional)

And will you need/want to rent sides for the tent? lights? a dance floor? Any other decorations (some places provide them, most don't) - for the reception OR the ceremony?

[NovemberGal]

Originally Posted by Heather

Oh yes, absolutely. And if you bring in your own champagne or wine, there is also what's called a "corking-fee". Basically you pay them for opening the freakin' bottle & I've seen it up to $5 per bottle. Most places have that included, but make sure you ask if there is an additional charge for that.

Maggiano's actually charges something like $15 per bottle corking fee. But they specifically are trying to discourage people bringing in wine, as they've got a very nice wine list (needless to say, we did NOT bring in our own alcohol). But the cake cutting and corking fees are two of the MOST irritating. They are also ones that are worth trying to get them to waive if you're haggling a bit.

[neebelung]

AHHHHHH, thanks so much ladies... I knew ya'll would help remind me of a ton of things I'd forgotten.... *phew*

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by whiddle

ouch....Our "cake cutting fee" was 35.00!

Your list looks pretty good.

That's nothin... I've seen some places as high as $1.50 - $2.50 per person!!! For us, that wouldn't be a HUGE amount, but if you've got a guestlist of 200+ that would add up!!!!!!