Wedding Day Checklist: Tips on Getting Wedding Venue Deals

Birchwoods Banquet FacilityLet's not kid ourselves. There's a lot to consider when choosing a wedding facility. Any couple preparing to walk down the aisle wants to make sure their special day is truly special. This means finding the perfect wedding facility. Of course, one of the things that can make a wedding facility perfect is getting the facility at the right price.

There are ways to save money on your wedding venue. One thing to be aware of upfront: If you want to save money, you need to allow for flexibility. One of the easiest ways to save on a wedding facility is to opt for an off-season wedding. When you plan your wedding for January, February, March or November, some banquet facilities will give you a nice discount right off the top.

It's also a good idea to remember that practically everything is negotiable. Ask the people at the venue how you can get the best discount off normal prices. Don't assume they won't be cooperative. There may be some wiggle room available. Ask questions about discounts. You may like the answers.

Here are some other ideas:

  • It may be ambitious, but see if you can plan and schedule your event within 90 days. Many facilities book events several months in advance, yet there are chances they will have an unsold day and are willing to offer discounts to fill that day.
  • Choose an "off-day". See above. An unsold day is not likely going to be on a Saturday. Saturday is the most common day to get married. True love can't read a calendar but cost-conscious couples can. Talk to a wedding venue about a Friday or a Sunday reception. You may find yourself presented with sizable discounts.
  • The early bird gets the worm (or in this case, a discount). How about a morning wedding? It may not be the easiest thing to pull off, but there's a good chance your early ceremony will keep more money in your pockets.
  • Pay up front. If you can pay up front, some venues will give you a discount.

It's not just wedding venues. Florists, wedding photographers and DJ's may also have similar deals like the ones listed above. The important thing to remember is this: You gotta ask to save.