"Is it True That Payments Will Increase by 1 Million Yen? Find Out and Benefit: A Comprehensive Guide to Smart Estimation"

2016.09.30 published

Is it true that wedding estimates can exceed 1 million yen?

The serious issue of "money" when it comes to weddings. Have you ever heard stories of brides who had disagreements with venues over the high costs or that the final expenses exceeded their initial estimate by more than 1 million yen?

It is true that wedding estimates can exceed 1 million yen!

It is quite common for wedding costs to exceed the initial estimate by over 1 million yen. This is often because the wedding cost estimates received during bridal fairs or venue tours are typically provided as the "minimum amount required for the wedding" unless explicitly specified otherwise. The phrase "minimum amount required for the wedding" is key here. The estimates are presented based on the lowest cost for what can be done at the venue, rather than what the couple ideally wants, which often results in an increase of over 1 million yen when they wish to add in their desired elements.

To avoid significantly increasing estimates, it is important to understand the breakdown of the wedding estimate. Since weddings are a first-time experience for everyone, it's natural to be unsure, so it's essential to learn how to receive proper estimates and compare wedding venues.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ① Clarify what you want

The most essential element in obtaining an estimate from a wedding venue is the "number of guests." As long as the number is determined, you can receive the estimate at the "minimum amount required for the wedding," but this can be very dangerous! This is because within that estimate, there are items that "almost everyone needs but are not included, such as group photos and photographers," and "items that many people do not need but are included, such as tablecloths and invitation calligraphy fees."

Additionally, these estimate items can vary significantly between wedding venues. Even if you later compare estimates from multiple venues, it will be difficult if the items are not consistent. The initial estimate can also change significantly based on the number of guests provided. Therefore, when obtaining an estimate, it's crucial to align the "number of guests you want to invite" and "basic items such as meals and flowers."

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ② Don't assume the lowest rank for food and drinks

Food is a major item that is heavily influenced by the number of guests. Since the unit price increases with more people, this is also a significant factor for increasing costs. However, many venues provide estimates based on the lowest rank for the first quote, so it's advisable to ask for "the middle rank" or, for those particular about food, ask for "the highest rank." It’s more comforting to have them come down in price later rather than go up!

For drinks, it’s correct to include a free-flowing menu. There are a number of plans available, but it's also recommended to choose the middle plan.

Also, beware that the cost of the wedding cake and toast drinks may not be included in the food and drink items! If they are not included, make sure to ask for them to be added.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ③ Don’t forget about sound, lighting, and video usage fees!

Most places incur costs just for using sound, lighting, and video. As videos are often used nowadays, it is good to include these items just in case. For sound and lighting, if the basic music and lighting are included, there's no need to worry much in the initial estimate stage.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ④ Pay attention to costumes and hair & makeup!

Costumes are an important point. The number and grade of costumes may vary significantly based on the venue’s plans, so caution is needed. Many brides find there aren’t any cute options in the lowest grade available, so it may be wise to select a rank above the middle grade. If you're planning to wear traditional attire, be sure to include that in the estimate as it can greatly affect the cost.

Hair and makeup can also change significantly depending on the number of outfit changes and hair changes. Even if you don’t have specific requests, it's comforting to include at least an outfit change, a hair change, and rehearsals.

If you plan to bring your own dress, it would be helpful to confirm any additional fees beforehand.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ⑤ Exclude flower-related options!

Venue decorations and bouquets can often end up being very minimal when included at the minimum level. Therefore, it’s advisable to either see the lowest rank for table flowers or ask for the middle rank.

The flower items include a variety of elements like main table decorations, guest table flowers, bouquets, cake knives, microphones, ceremony venue flowers, and reception flowers! It’s best to first include only the main table, guest tables, and bouquets/boutonnieres in the estimate, and then consider additional options later for clarity.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ⑥ Cameras and videos are necessary items!

Cameras and videos are often not included in estimates. Unless you are absolutely certain you won't need them, it’s advisable to include them at least at the middle rank. This will be a useful reference when comparing venues later.

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ⑦ Consider the going rate for thank you gifts!

Thank you gifts are often included at the lowest rank. It’s rare to give a catalog gift worth 2500 yen to family or superiors. It’s safest to include around 3000 yen for friends and 6000 yen for family, couples, and superiors in the estimate. Also, it’s good to include around 1000 yen each for sweet gifts and auspicious items. Don’t forget to ask for the cost of any small gifts as well!

How to get accurate estimates from wedding venues ⑧ It's important to communicate your requests early!

The key to getting an accurate estimate from a wedding venue is to "choose the necessary items during the initial quoting stage and align the ranks of the selected items to a normal level." It's natural for some items to increase or decrease later. However, if the initial estimate is not aligned, it will prevent you from making comparisons, and decisions will be difficult.

It’s normal for the amounts in wedding estimates to change. At this point, selecting necessary items and aligning their ranks may lead to new considerations, such as "I want to increase the rank of the thank you gifts!" "I want to create a video!" "I want to do three outfit changes!" However, situations like "I just want to have a normal wedding, but the initial estimate was too low to be considered normal..." can be avoided.

Get proper estimates and have a wonderful wedding!

You don’t want to have disputes over money during what should be a joyful wedding. Make sure to obtain thorough estimates and take the first step towards a beautiful wedding!