The budget: This is unfortunately the most important criterion to choose your wedding reception location … So, to best manage the financing of this big evening, here are some tips.
When you are thinking of getting married, you must also think of the budget that it will represent. In France, the average budget for a reception of a hundred people amounts to 13,000 euros. The reception meal represents around 30 % of the overall envelope.
Define a budget
Traditionally the wedding reception belongs to the category of “costs to be shared” between the two families. In this case, we divide the overall sum by the number of guests to obtain a “cost per capita” which allows families to pay each according to the number of their guests. But of course, fewer and fewer people respect this organization. It is often the newlyweds themselves who get their hands on the wallet. The whole thing is to explain these intentions to everyone from the start to avoid misunderstandings. In order to manage your nest eggs intelligently, set yourself a maximum amount for the “reception position”. As a benchmark, be aware that the average price per person with a catering service amounts to € 75. More generally, Count between 40 and 100 euros per guest for a seated meal (without drinks). The buffet costs between 30 to 80 euros per guest. The most advantageous solution is the Dinatory cocktail that costs between 25 and 60 euros. But note that prices vary a lot depending on the geographic location and the standing of the reception room, the quality and the quantity of dinner but also of the services included in the service. Remember what considerably increases the addition: the exclusivity of the premises and the cost of additional schedules. Note: the “All inclusive” formulas are generally more advantageous, unless you have personal a way to pay less or such a service: caterer, decoration, wine, animation …
Lighten the addition
To succeed in organizing the wedding of your dreams with your budget, do not hesitate to use a few tips.
Say yes in low season: That is to say between October 15 and April 15, apart from the great rush of weddings! The prices are on average 15 % cheaper! You will have the disadvantage of less favorable weather but fall and winter can bring a different charm to your wedding, not to mention that at these periods, all providers are likely to lower their prices …
Party on weekdays: It is also a good way to obtain preferential rates. Indeed, the rooms lack people outside weekends and agree to work on other evenings for cheaper. Of course you must absolutely warn the guests in advance so that everyone will make their arrangements. Please note, Friday evening and holiday watch are more and more often considered as weekend days …
Marry in the countryside: Indeed, the more we move away from major agglomerations, and in particular Paris, the more the prices drop. You just have to plan a plan to slip into your announcements so as not to lose your guests on the way and voila!
Avoid unnecessary expenses: Of course, what may seem unnecessary to some is essential to others, but know that in general, the fresh flowers in table centers, the bottles of mineral water, the illumination of the torchlight park does not leave an imperishable memory and increase the addition without being noticed.
Redouble imagination: If you unbundle the services of the reception, nothing prevents you from bringing your furniture or even your meal yourself! Do you like creative hobbies? Do you take care of the decor of the room and tables! Finally, if the service is expensive why not call on students from hotel schools who work at low prices?
Establish the contract
Once your decision has been made, you will have to sign a contract. But before, check that you have asked all the essential questions with our checklist. Be aware that you will pay deposits: from 10 % to 50 % of the total price. The rest of the payment is generally made in twice: a party a few months before marriage and the balance on D -Day. A deposit check is often requested from the couple in the event of possible degradations of the equipment. On this contract, everything must be specifically stated: the price and the date of the service, the provision schedules and the price of overtime, the surface of the room, the number of rooms, access to the garden and the parking lot, the detail of the equipment. The services included (caterer, caretaker, servers, cleaning, decoration, animation), payment terms and penalties in the event of withdrawal must also be included. Cancellation insurance and another against breakage or theft can also be taken out, unless an extension of your home insurance is sufficient.
