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October 27, 2009
Guest Savings
Hello out there, to the budget minded among you—meaning ALL of you. That’s the ongoing trend in weddings these days, and wedding planners are coming forward with so many helpful suggestions to help you achieve your goals. Lori Stephenson, owner and senior event consultant with LOLA Event Productions (lolaeventproductions.com), offers words to the wise:
“The trend toward smaller wedding size will continue into 2010,” she says, “with a guest list of 150, on average, as compared to 200–250.” Smaller wedding sizes, she says, open the opportunity to look at “creative venues like galleries, restaurants and lofts spaces, not just traditional hotel ballrooms.”
We’re on the same page with Lori when it comes to guest comfort—happy guests are the heart and soul of a wedding. She says that “amenities for guests can be added to make it more economical for those traveling to attend. For example, secure a range of price points for accommodations and ensure hotels offer features like a complimentary breakfast or a mini-kitchen. For guests traveling with a family, all-suite accommodations are a welcome option.” Lori adds that, with fewer people attending, you can “maximize little touches like hotel amenity gifts or inviting out-of-towners to a pre-wedding cocktail party. Another nice touch is to add interest with a complimentary sightseeing outing, like a museum visit.”
P.S. Before signing your venue contract, Lori advises reviewing your guest list in detail. “Take into consideration the number of out-of-town guests when negotiating your food and beverage ‘minimum’ with the hotel or other vendor. Nobody wants to pay for upgrades just to reach their food and beverage goals. If it looks as if you’re falling under the minimum, try to parlay this into a post-wedding brunch.”
Posted by Susan at 11:19 a.m.
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