Venue contract - Prices subject to change

There were two places in our contract that stated prices were subject to change. We got married at a hotel and one place it stated this was about the cost of hotel rooms for guests. We got a discounted rate, but the rate could've changed if they wanted to. The other place was if we changed the agenda for the event which basically meant if we wanted the times for our wedding to change. Our contract specifically listed out how long we had use of the bridal suite for getting ready, the lobby, pre-function area (where cocktail hour was held), and reception so any changes could have changed the price. However, our contract specifically stated how much we were paying for food and beverages so that it couldn't later be changed. We also had a custom menu that we had them add to the contract that way they couldn't come back later and try to say we agreed to something else. If you aren't comfortable with the clause you could definitely speak with them and ask them if they could further explain.

A big bit of that depends on what all is included with that venue and any extra services they may provide. Our venue has that line in it and we're not worried at all. They're basically all-inclusive, so the final price will be largely influenced by how many guests we end up having. Our contract estimates a guest count of 75, but if only 60 guests actually attend we won't be charged the extra $45pp for the 15 guests that were estimated for but not in attendance. Same thing goes for if we have more people - an extra 12 people will add 12 more "plate charges". There's a similar thing for the alcohol charge. The quoted price was an estimate based on the average for weddings of that size, but if our guests drink more or less than average the final price will be higher or lower, respectively. Many venues also offer optional extras that can raise the price a bit. For example, they may provide tables and chairs for dinner, but adding cocktail tables or string lights or requesting a different color of table linens may be an additional charge. If any damage happens to the venue, there is definitely an extra charge for repairs, etc. And with many weddings being postponed because of COVID, sometimes venues will have an updated price list for the new date. That's especially true if it's postponed until the next year or if the original date is off-season and the new date is prime wedding season time.

Long story short, it's really not something to worry too much about as just about every venue will have that wording in their contracts. You'd honestly be hard-pressed to find one that doesn't. If you're worried about what that might mean realistically, the best thing to do is talk to your contact at the venue and see what "prices subject to change" means to them and by about how much they estimate prices might change.

I would ask them specifically what they mean by that line. So far in my vendor research I ask all of my vendors additional questions and have a lot of back and forth communication with them. Any weird wording I see or anything I'm slightly concerned about, I will ask questions! I definitely would not want to sign a contract and assume it means this when really they mean that.

I'm probably that bride that asks the vendors way too many questions, but it's my day and I want to make sure we are on the same page and things go mostly as planned!

That is in most contracts... and it sucks. Happened to my bridal shower at the Hilton and they did not disclose the increase until after so it was another couple of hundred dollars which was annoying because my mom budgeted $2,500 for the shower and went over. Most venues will have that in their contract, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask!

View Quoted Comment Good news the venue agreed to have the phrase removed from the contract and we are locked into the prices! (with the exception of alcohol which can't be discounted in our lovely state)

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Yay! That is wonderful news, it never hurts to ask! Now you can go in like a pro with the remaining vendors you have.

Our contract said the same thing. If we didn’t postpone we wouldn’t have been subject to any. But since we did a few things increased in price by $1-$2 per person which isn’t horrible. But we did negotiate to get the upgraded chairs at no cost since they are now included in the standard package. A little bit of five and take on our end. But I think it’s pretty normal.