AAWP's Weekly Words of Wedding Wisdom™
A $aturday Night Alternative...
Copyright 2009 Deborah McCoy, all rights reserved.
Hi Jane Skarosi
Today we'd like to talk to you about alternatives to a Saturday night reception. After all, Saturday is premium wedding night and is the most sought-after night for brides, grooms and their families.
Sure, Saturday night is terrific! Guests and family members have all day to prepare for a sumptuous, elegant evening affair-and when the reception starts everyone can party till the wee hours because Sunday is a day of rest. The problem with Saturday night is that it's in demand and it's expensive.
Catering facilities are well aware of this fact and are most times not open to negotiation when it comes to price. And to make matters worse, they probably have a waiting list of anxious brides and grooms who are more than willing to take that Saturday-night date if you're not.
The same holds true for the limousine service, and the band or DJ, and the other vendors you may hire. So what are your options? How about Friday night, or a Sunday afternoon or early evening? Friday and Sunday are less easy for caterers or catering properties to book so for that reason, they are more open to negotiation. Many places will discount 10% or more across the board. Others may throw in premium upgrades to get your business.
The key is: Negotiation. If you're a good negotiator, you will prevail. And there's nothing wrong with asking. All they can say is "NO." It's been our experience, however, that limos will discount to you, so will bands and DJs, even florists, who will be very happy to get your business.on an off night.
Don't worry about family and friends not making it on a Friday or Sunday. The people who mean the most to you will come. after all, what's one more day off?
There's another advantage. Weddings held on Friday or Sunday may mean that you may get more TLC than you would receive on Saturday night since many facilities handle more than one reception at once, which stretches them thin.
Open your mind to alternatives; it can save you $$$ with a little extra TLC to boot!
HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!