Transcript
A $20,000 food and beverage minimum does not mean your wedding costs $20,000. This may be one of the most misunderstood terms in the event industry. A food and beverage minimum is the minimum amount you're agreeing to spend on qualifying food and beverages with the venue in order to have the contracted space. So, let's say that your minimum's $20,000. If your dinner or d'oeuvres, bar, and other qualifying items total 18,000, you don't get to pay 18,000. You've committed to the 20,000 minimum. You'll need to make up that difference in order to not just hand over the extra $2,000 to the venue or caterer as attrition. You want to get something for your money. So, you could upgrade your bar package, add late-night snacks, signature cocktails, etc. But, here's the other important part. That $20,000 may not include service charge, taxes, room rental, AV, decor, other fees. So, your actual event total could be considerably higher. Always ask, "Exactly what counts towards my food and beverage minimum? And what charges will be added on top of that?" At the property that I sell, only food and beverage goes towards the food and beverage minimum. Bartender fees, audio-visual, upgraded chairs, they're all in addition to the minimum. As well as state and local taxes and the service charge. And don't forget if it's a service charge and not listed as a gratuity, it's taxed by the government. But, that topic can be saved for another video. Save this one before you start comparing venues. I'm Sarah and I'm your wedding and event insider.