Alcohol at your wedding - Wedding Supplies

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Cost of Alcohol

Q. I need to know what is more affordable. I want to have my reception at a banquet facility that includes the following:

Buffet dinner (salad, 3 meats, veg., potato, rolls, cheese and meat tray)
wedding cake
full bar (5 hours)
set up and clean up
linens/china
champagne toast
they don\'t charge if the reception runs over.
fully decorated bridal table
they will also cater to all of the details (florist, photographer, limo services) at no additional cost.

We tell them what florist, etc we want to use and they make the arrangement and see that those vendors follow through with their contract so we don\'t have to have that worry.The cost is 35.99 per person

My mother, feels that it would be cheaper to rent a hall, bring in our own cater, alcohol, linens, decorations, etc. Everything would have a separate cost in doing this. Plus, we would have to decorate ourselves and clean up. Along with tending to the different service vendors to assure everything is delivered on time.

I need to know which way is more affordable and where where I can find the average cost of doing everything separately. I am not sure how to convince my mother that 35.99 a person is not an unreasonable price

thank you for any advice you could give me

A. If you want to compare prices, contact a banquet hall and ask for their prices, then contact a rental store (look in your phone book) and ask them for prices for linens, decorations, champagne fountain, utensils, etc., then you would have to contact a caterer.

You can always find things that are less expensive if you work at it, however, I agree with you. You have to look at cleaning up, setting up, making sure the food continues to be distributed among the guest. Even if you brought in your own caterer, he or she will still charge per person or per plate. You are right about the rental too, you have to RENT EVERYTHING and that can get pricey!!!

Sounds like you have found a great deal at this reception site that you have chosen. The main idea is this is your wedding. Do you like the reception site and is that what you want? Or, do you want to take the time to pick and choose among different caterers, pick out the utensils, plates, linens, napkins, decorations, etc.? Also, if your mother does not want to have to take the time to worry about setting up and cleaning up then you should go with the place that is all inclusive. (I personally love those places because the responsibility is with them).

Finally, you actually will save cost and have more fun by choosing a place such as the one for $35.99. I do not live in your area so I do not know the prices around there but it sounds reasonable. With the reception site taking care of everything, you will not have to hire a wedding planner, pay clean up cost, set up cost with your florist, etc.

As a professional, if your budget allows, sounds like you have found a great deal!!!! But again, this is YOUR wedding day!!

Best wishes,
Patty Hansen
ForeverWed.com Wedding Consultant