Upon Reflection: Why Are Wedding Venue Estimates Given at "Minimum" Levels?

2019.01.11 published

Estimates for Wedding Venues Received at Bridal Fairs

When searching for wedding venues, you typically attend bridal fairs and venue tours, right?＊

Bridal fairs allow you to tour beautiful chapels and venues, showcasing glamorous productions and serving delicious food; sometimes, you can even try on dresses.

In the end, you'll receive an estimate from the wedding venue, but this 'initial estimate from the venue' is famously known for having a huge gap from the final amount you end up paying.

It's common knowledge among women that the costs increase dramatically with each meeting... especially for those who are about to become brides.

@mnts.wd0923

Wedding Venue Estimates are the Minimum Rank

The reason why estimates tend to increase is that most initial estimates provided at wedding venues indicate the minimum rank for holding a wedding,

from which you can customize options according to your preferences, which is considered the "norm."

While there are some brides and grooms who opt for the minimum plan presented in the initial estimate, keep in mind that modern, stylish weddings often seen on social media are hardly achievable without additional options or upgrades.

@im.r___wd

What Costs Extra?

Additional costs that are not included in the initial estimate may include,

for example, upgrading food, dresses, and gifts, or adding performances like balloon releases and candle services, as well as photography and video services.

It's a fact that most brides want or are having various performances and services.

Brides often complain, "If only they would provide an estimate with various options included from the start!"

This complaint holds some validity, as it seems better to receive a more stylish wedding estimate that could be feasibly achieved rather than just the minimum.

@marrie0715

Indeed, if more brides opt for stylish weddings with lots of options, it might feel more beneficial to get an estimate that reflects that from the beginning.

So, why do wedding venues provide only the minimum estimate?

However, there are reasons why wedding venues initially provide only the minimum estimate.

Reason 1: [Difficult to Compare]

While brides are comparing various venues, if each venue adds options based on their own judgment, the items become inconsistent, making it difficult for brides to assess their options.

Reason 2: [Aligning with Other Venues]

If other wedding venues are offering minimum-level estimates, then presenting a standard-level estimate may make it appear more expensive, reducing the likelihood of being chosen.

These are the two main reasons for this practice!

Indeed, depending on the venue,

☑Venue A: Estimate for minimum-level wedding + additional photography and video

☑Venue B: Upgraded food, flowers, and gifts, plus a balloon release

☑Venue C: All standard-level estimates

If venues present various patterns of estimates like this, it can be challenging to determine, "How much would it be for the same level of service??"

Therefore, it's quite logical for wedding venues to provide estimates at the minimum level. It is not meant to be unkindly misleading, suggesting, "You can hold your wedding here for this low price!"

@st.wedding0811

Moreover, the Couple's Preferences are Not Yet Solidified

Additionally, one of the biggest reasons an accurate estimate cannot be provided is that brides and grooms are still undecided about what they want for their wedding.

They haven't yet determined what kind of bouquet they want, what flowers to use, or what dress to wear, which can all affect the cost.

The choices for performances, flower types, and wedding cake designs often evolve and expand after selecting a venue, as themes and ideas develop in the planning process.

The final amount paid for the wedding will reflect the choices made and the deliberation that occurs afterward.

Therefore, at the stage when you're just beginning to visit venues and haven't fixed decisions on specific aspects such as guest lists or gift choices, it’s natural that an accurate estimate cannot be provided.

When Getting Estimates, It's Reassuring to Receive Both Minimum Level + Your Desired Options

Thus, if you attend a venue tour and say nothing, you'll only receive the cost for the minimum plan.

This is because the planner does not know what kind of wedding you desire and what particular preferences you have.

Therefore, it's important to make a list of what you want and what you cannot compromise on before requesting estimates during your visit!

After communicating these to each representative, you should aim to receive:

☑ A minimum level estimate

☑ An estimate that incorporates your desired options.

These two patterns of estimates will provide peace of mind.

An estimate that includes desirable options contains all the items and performances you’d like based on your current thoughts.

For example, a minimum-level plan plus photography, albums, video, end roll, and dessert buffet.

Gathering images for bouquets and flowers and showing those to each venue can help identify price differences among locations.

Of course, you can add or remove items from the estimate after deciding on a venue, so asking for a preliminary estimate that includes everything you currently want will give you a clearer picture of the wedding costs.*

@__g_wedding__

Skillfully Getting Venue Estimates to Decide on Your Ideal Venue＊

☑ The estimates provided by wedding venues are reference points ➡ but remember, that’s to be expected!

☑ To avoid confusion, you should list what you want specifically before the venue tour.

☑ Aim to receive two types of estimates, ensuring items are aligned with those from other venues ➡ a minimum-level estimate and one containing all your desired options.

We discussed these three points!＊

Understand how the venue system works, get wedding venue estimates wisely, and choose your ideal place to hold your wedding.♡

@asu_0423