To think this can't be the only option for a buffet lunch?

[painpaingoawaycomeagainanother]

Hi there I'm getting married this August in our town reg office, only our families can fit so we've been offered by DP's parents, a buffet lunch for both sides of family to get to know each other in walking distance from reg office then later on we'll have a buffet tea and garden party.

The lady at our local hotel has emailed that a buffet lunch would be £12.50 per head, so £375 in total and the room hire is £200 for the hour And wants 200 deposit! I am flabbergasted by this cost! I would be happier to just have a glass of wine and a sandwich and sit in the general pub area even though Dp's parents have offered to pay I think this is extortionate for a simple buffet and that's without drinks! Any advise?

Find a decent pub and ask the landlord/landlady if you can bring your own buffet.

That way they make money out of the drinks being bought, and you get to shop around for a better buffet and price.

They want you to pay them £200 to hire a room to give them trade?

Choose a different venue

If you mentioned wedding when booking that will be the problem. Get someone else to ring up to book a family lunch and you'll probably find the room charges disappear.

£12.50 a head reasonable for food I am afraid, but I am surprised they also want to charge you for room hire. I would try local pubs that do food, you may well find they will do a buffet and throw in exclusive use of a room.

I agree with just booking it as a family lunch not wedding and it will probably be cheaper. I know someone who actually did this. They booked their wedding, with everything they wanted, as a conference. When they fessed up to the venue after a price had been agreed and deposits paid the venue tried to back out of it but couldn't come up with any reason why exactly the same function should cost more of it was a wedding. Cunts, Imho.

Thank you that's a good idea I will just say a family gathering.
I like the idea of bringing a buffet and then they'll guarantee 30 customers buying drinks thanks.
Yes I'd say they're cunts too yellow!

We had a buffet when we married and that was 15 a head (eight years ago). But that was including hot food and tons of choice.

Hotels always seem to charge more. Find a local pub with a function room and you'll find its much cheaper.

I agree that most pubs, with function rooms don't charge for room hire, unless it is on a "Sporting event" day.

For example, I'm in Liverpool, around the Races, Main Match or Mathew Street Festival Saturdays, room hire is charged.

So price around, but on a Saturday, depending on the date/where you live, there may be a charge and cheap buffets aren't always worth opting for, go on a recommendation.

For £200, you would expect some colour co-ordination etc, though.

Wrong venue, keep looking.

Some venues will let you book the room and then look for a catering company which can work out cheaper, or some venues buy in from a catering company they use regularly which also tends to be cheaper. The one I use locally for work does all kinds of events and their prices start from £5.50 a head (and that's lots of different sandwiches, wraps, crisps and fruit).