Guest Blogging with The Good Life Special Events
While attending the Wedding Bootcamp in NYC that I wrote about in the previous post today, I met up with the husband and wife wedding planning team, Aleah and Nick, of The Good Life Special Events. They are based in San Diego, CA with a satellite office in Seattle, WA, so it was such a pleasure to be able to meet up with them while they were on the opposite coast of where they live. This was the week that I wished I lived closer to the city so I could have attended all the amazing events that took place (including the Eco-Beautiful Weddings launch party and the Preston Bailey book launch party).
Today, Aleah and Nick are joining me to share with your their top 5 tips for picking and booking a wedding reception venue. To see each tip in more depth, please visit their "Monday Coffee" post here. {photos showcased here are from weddings that Aleah and Nick have planned}
1. Make a list of your favorite places in your wedding town. Maybe it's a favorite hotel, a little inn, or even a restaurant. Be sure to check with these places to see what they can handle in regards to your estimated guest count.
2. Discuss Budget. Most of the time, there's will always be room to negotiate the minimums. For example, you can ask the catering manager what they could throw in. Maybe chivari chairs? Maybe waive the cake cutting fee? Some places will even waive the ceremony fee if the reception is being held at the same place.
3. Talk about minimums. Be sure you understand what a food and beverage minimum is. The minimum is the minimum price you agree to pay. So, for example, if your minimum is $15,000 but your guests/food/drink count only reaches $12,000, you are responsible to pay the $3,000 difference (plus tax/gratuity).
4. It's all about location. Be sure to have your location close to hotels for your out of town guests (or just a short taxi ride away).
5. Check with your venue. You will want to know how many weddings they have going on at one time.
Thank you to Aleah and Nick of The Good Life Special Events for sharing these great tips with my readers today. To read each tip in more depth, please be sure to stop by their blog.
About The Good Life Special Events
Known as the dynamic duo, husband and wife Nick and Aleah Valley plan and design weddings and events along the West Coast, nationwide, and abroad. With a company in Seattle and one in San Diego, they've been bringing their strengths and resources together since 2003 to create truly amazing events. Visit Aleah and Nick online here: The Good Life Special Events in Southern California and Fine Line Management & Events in Seattle