You have a list of the top wedding venues that fit your style and guest count. You’ve carefully set your budget. You’ve handpicked top contenders that check off all the boxes, and you’ve spent hours touring locations in person. You’ve seen the bridal suite, asked about farm-to-table menu choices, and inquired about local hotels that provide complimentary shuttles. You’ve done your homework and are ready to decide on your dream wedding venue.
But have you asked the ONE question that many couples often overlook? Here it is:
Does the quote include taxes and gratuities?
In the wedding industry, this is commonly referred to as “plus-plus.” And now that most venues are also charging an additional administrative fee, this has become a “plus-plus-plus.”
What Does This Mean?
Some venues include these fees in your quote, so there’s no worry about added costs. But many do not. And with 7% tax here in New Jersey, 20% admin fees, and gratuities ranging anywhere from 5% to 20%, these additional fees can quickly take your venue from “affordable” to “out of budget.”
If you’re wondering what an admin fee is, you’re not alone. Again, it’s different at every venue! Some don’t charge an admin fee at all, some admin fees include gratuities, and some admin fees are entirely separate, solely meant to cover operating and marketing expenses. In order to fully understand your total out-of-pocket spend, you need to clarify with every venue you’re considering exactly which fees are included in their contract…and which are extra.
Why Is This Important?
In order to truly compare apples to apples when deciding between different locations, you need to know what your quote includes—or cleverly omits. Since these fees can add up to another 40% to your final bill, what you thought may be affordable no longer is.
You don’t want to fall in love with your dream venue, only to find out when you receive the contract that your total cost is way over budget. Or even worse, the week of your wedding you think you’re paid up in full but receive an email explaining that gratuities were not included in your payments—and you now owe a few more thousand dollars!
Example
Here’s an example that walks you through the costs for two venues that both charge $150 per person:
- Venue X charges $150 per person. This all-in price includes taxes, gratuities and admin fee. Your total bill for 150 people will be $22,500.
- Venue Y charges $150 per person. But taxes, gratuities and admin fee are additional—and may not even be mentioned until you see the contract. This adds 7% for taxes: $10.50. A 20% admin fee: $30. And gratuities can range anywhere from 5% to 20% (always tip on just food and beverage, not on top of admin fee or taxes). Let’s use 10% for this example, which adds another $15 per person. This comes to $205.50 per person. Your total bill for 150 people at Venue Z will be $30,825.
That’s a sizable difference…especially when you initially thought both venues were going to cost the same.
Other Details That May or May Not Be Included
There’s also a huge range of other details that may or may not be included in your contract, which will have a substantial impact on your bottom line. Some venues include them in your package, while others charge for each additional item. And if they are included in the price, make sure that your contract specifically lists what you’re receiving. If it’s NOT included in the written contract, it may not happen. Don’t take a salesperson’s word that they’re waiving the ceremony fee unless it’s specifically stated in the contract.
These details may or may not include:
- Cake
- Food tastings
- Specialty desserts
- Premium bar selections
- Centerpieces
- Place cards
- Signage
- Lanterns/candleholders
- Specialty lighting
- Linens
- Specialty or Chiavari chairs
- Farm tables or specialty tables
- Overnight stay for bride and groom
- Ceremony space
- Ceremony set-up and break down
- Ceremony décor
- Bridal suite
- Catering in bridal suite
- Wedding coordinator (coordinators at some venues will set up all of your details; at others you’ll need to hire a day-of planner)
- Tented spaces
- Lounge furniture
- Porta pottys
- Early access to venue
- Valet parking
I know this can complicate what should be a fairly straight-forward calculation of a venue’s price per person. But unless you understand the “plus-plus-plus” factor and exactly what your specific venue includes in their pricing, there’s the potential for misunderstandings and a drastic underestimation of total costs.
