Loophole or Lawsuit??

I would check with them to see the difference in what is offered at a “wedding reception” vs “private party.” Places do tend to charge you extra when they know it’s a wedding, but 12x the amount seems pretty extreme, so I’d guess that a “wedding reception package” probably includes much more than what they’d offer for a private party.

Definitely speak with them about the difference. Our venue charges $150 per plate for “wedding reception” meals, but they also offer less expensive options for “luncheon packages.” Since our wedding is during lunchtime, they let us choose a luncheon package even though it’s a wedding. It does include less food than their traditional wedding package though. So given that, I’d say there’s probably a big difference in what this venue offers at a party vs at a wedding. But you’d probably be ok with the party package. I wouldn’t lie and say it’s not a wedding, (they’d probably figure that out...) but more than likely they’d let you choose the private party package.

It’s mostly a staffing and liability issue. I would never lie to a venue. I have a friend who is in charge of the catering department for a popular venue in the Bay Area. Someone lied to them and said they were throwing a surprise birthday party when it was really a quinceanera. Those people that lied had their membership revoked and had to pay several thousand dollars for breach of contract. A lot of venues will give discounts for off season, brunch, or weekday weddings.

I agree that you should contact them and ask. It’s common for vendors to charge more for weddings but that difference just seems ridiculous to me!

Maybe the private party price is just for the space and wedding reception includes tables, chairs, linen, etc. It’s just something you have to flat out ask about.

I agree with Kelly. Do not lie to the venue. If they find out, you could spend a lot more on court costs/ other fees for breach of contract. We all want to save money, but lying isn't the way to do it. Contact the venue and bluntly ask them what makes the pricing so different for the two types of events. A lot more is probably included with the wedding package.

Also, be honest with vendors about your budget. I would email them and say:

"We are interested in your venue. We noticed your website says the cost is $500 if it is a private party, but $6000 if it is a wedding. We were wondering what causes the large price jump between the two types of packages? We have a budget of $3000 total. Is there any way we could make this work?".

They may offer you the space for somewhere in the middle, but with less included than their traditional wedding package.

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I know it wasn't a surprise, but isn't a quince' a sweet 15 party? So what was the issue with that event?

View Quoted Comment Apparently they are on the same scale as weddings. And a lot of drinking and liability issues. This venue apparently doesn’t do them anymore because they’ve had so many issues with people getting out of hand at them. These people knew that and took advantage by lying.

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You're right, most of them are very elaborate and sometimes cost more than a wedding. I wonder if the specified in the contract or brochure that they were on the same scale? Probably not. But I have seen (on tv only lol) that people have picked the wedding package for a quince'

View Quoted Comment I’m not sure! I just know it was a large production and he said they needed more staff than what they had on hand for the “birthday party”

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Wow! Well it was a surprise to somebody! (maybe a bad joke)

Depending on the venue. Wedding guest tend to be a bit more louder then others. Check out vfw halls you'll have to put in more work with decorating but you won't break the bank. Check in with family members who can help out with catering. For decor you can check with other bride who are selling there's from there recent weddings.