Negotiation on Venue

samv

Hi,

Has anyone negotiated there cost of there venue?

I would love to have my wedding here in Oaks Farm http://www.oaksfarmweddings.co.uk
But its going to cost £3,900 for the day, was wondering if anyone had any tips?

Thanks

Horace

As you will be getting the venue to yourself and not sharing it judging by their website £3900 is not a bad price to pay.

You could try asking for a discount for cash or look for a venue that is more in keeping with your budget. Or you can cut back in other areas e.g. less guests, cheaper dress, or getting married mid week as opposed to weekends as this will bring the price down even more.

Ianna

Hmmmmmm. I've not negotiated on a venue but I've done sales so I'd guess you could try the following

1) Offer to pay cash, sometimes you'll get a discount
2) Go for off peak days e.g. weekdays, outside of school holidays and so on. There'll probably be a discount cos they're less likely to sell the space
3) See what you can offer them....if they have a bar if you can guarantee them a certain amount of guests they'll make more money so are more likely to knock a bit off the renting cost when they'll make more back. Alternatively if you're lucky enough to have any relevant contacts or anything you could try dangling them as a carrot.

A lot of successfully bargaining is down to how you say things. If you go in gushing about how much you desperately want to get married there then it's clear that you'll pay the full whack and they don't need to offer a discount. Act like you'll go elsewhere and you're more likely to get something. Also remember that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar so have a nice rather than an aggressive approach adn you'll do better

It is a really, really gorgeous venue. Really stunning. I hope you get it!

skintbutsmiling01

i was thinking the same thing about negotiating! One of our venues didnt add vat to the prices- it was mentioned in tiny writing at the end of the booklet, I had added everyting up and it was JUST affordable- adding the VAT means its not now

skintbutsmiling01

Update- I went back to them and said I really like it but it was over my budget and they reduced it by £1500. So its worth having a go-even if they dont redcue the cost they may throw in some extras!

Ianna

That's great skintbutsmiling, I'm really happy for you!

samv

Thats brilliant, I might at least ask! If not, then extras would be lovely!

Thank you!

skintbutsmiling01

I basically said how much we loved it but it was x amount of punds over budget, she came back with a much better quote. You have nothing to lose guys ! they can only say no!

bumblebee87_2

well done!!! thats fab, you dont get if you dont ask do you! the worst you can get is a no, and in the current financial climate im sure everywhere is used to being asked, and wont be offended