Wedding Reception v Christmas Party

random8

Hello all,

Just needed a bit of advice/ opinions from you all really.

We recentley got engaged, and would like to get married next year between xmas and new years day.

The dilemma I have is the fact that as soon as you mention the W word prices seem to double. One place we have looked at and love, is £129 per person (for the wedding package) including arrival drink, 3 course sit down meal, chair covers cake stand, 1/2 bottle of wine with the meal and sp. wine for the toast.

But they also do a private Christmas partys, (exclusive use) which includes canapes and arrival drink, 4 course meal 1/2 bottle of wine table centre novelties crackers bacon rolls at midnight chaircovers photographer disco for wait for it £69 pp!!!

Now I'd like to go for this option (all I'd have to pay extra for is the wine for the toast) but I have tried doing this with other hotels and they are just not having it, they want me to buy their wedding package.

Do you think it would be risky just to book as a christmas function then once deposit is paid/ contract signed tell them its a wedding???? What do you think?? Anyone else been in this situation and ideas opinions would be gratefully recieved!

PS (sorry this is so long)

littleredhen

well firstly i think i would ask them to explain what is the difference other than £60 pp and tbh it sounds a bit expensive either way!
i personally would not book it and then tell them its a wedding but i would be interested to now why there is such a huge difference in cost

Horace

I would also be asking why the huge difference in cost. Do you plan on getting married at the venue or elsewhere and are just using the venue for your reception?

Between Christmas and New Year is a busy time with parties etc (it is probably the most expensive too), the cheapest month to get married in is January. Don't book anywhere yet, talk to them and find out the whys and wherefores and perhaps consider marrying in January - ask them for January prices too whilst you are at it just so that you get an idea (I bet their prices will drop dramatically).

random8

Thanks for your responses so far! We will be having a church wedding and then on to a hotel. Unfortunatly between £90 - £120 pp is the norm for wedding packages in my area.

The hotel has all the dates inbetween xmas & new year this year and next year free, 27,28,29 & 30. As a rule I didn't think that this was a v. busy time as xmas residential stays leave on the 26th normally and then next big event is new years eve.

Could possibly look at Jan, but ideally wanted a xmas thmed wedding as we both love this time of year.

Also I did used to work in the industry (as an events co-ordinator) unfortunatley I don't have any contacts! The sad truth was that as soon as the wedding word was mentioned it was straight into the wedding package which was always extortionate! I'd like a nice day but not prepare to be ripped off!

bubbles0169

Do you know if there is a clause in the contract that says it mustnt be a wedding?if not then book it but i wouldnt feel comfortable id also not feel comfortable with a venue that didnt want to help me have my dream wedding so try to haggle is my advice!

random8

thanks guys, think ill just have a chat with them about difference in cost as deep down I don't feel comfortable just doing it secretley, also I'd be worrying the whole time!