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i jsut noticed how busy your ceifling is. random color extension cords... the lights looking loosely hung for no reason.

My take on a few details:

- get rid of the clock. Shouldn't have guests looking at the time waiting to leave.
- get rid of the ceiling stranded lights. Looks too busy, not coordinated, and takes away from the clean ceiling lines. If you're gonna do any lights, at the very least have them go in the direction of the trussing, not opposite.
- dont do drapery everywhere. the space is not large enough to have it look good... if you wanna do some across the top in between the trussing, and having the christmas lights act as accents, then i think you're ok. You can also do nice greenery as seen in some of the pics.

I attached a few pics for inspo.
1742861425390.jpeg1742861514214.jpeg
1742861377401.jpeg
1742861391632.jpeg
1742861591370.jpeg
 
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djtaso said:
i jsut noticed how busy your ceifling is. random color extension cords... the lights looking loosely hung for no reason.

My take on a few details:

- get rid of the clock. Shouldn't have guests looking at the time waiting to leave.
- get rid of the ceiling stranded lights. Looks too busy, not coordinated, and takes away from the clean ceiling lines. If you're gonna do any lights, at the very least have them go in the direction of the trussing, not opposite.
- dont do drapery everywhere. the space is not large enough to have it look good... if you wanna do some across the top in between the trussing, and having the christmas lights act as accents, then i think you're ok. You can also do nice greenery as seen in some of the pics.

I attached a few pics for inspo.
View attachment 55927
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input, and the photos. I just ordered my first section of ceiling drapery today. Will do one segment and if I like it will go on and do the others. I also hung my first couple of hanging greenery today and really like it. I've ordered 6 more pots that will be here tomorrow. Good point on the clock. It's gone. On the stranded lights, didn't realize how old this pic was. Those lights have been gone for a while. I have rope strands that follow the trusses with lights 2' apart. I also have 5 chandeliers. A big one in the center and 4 more mid-size units towards the corners. This is a better shot:
1742868127129.png

I met with my 2nd planner today. She's also a solid prospect. I've spoken with both of them to start pitching my package on their social media and have offered a commission off any leads that book.
 
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Proformance said:
I wouldn't do a detailed price list.
I would just list rates as:

  • Event space and catering for up to 50 starting at: $ xxxxx.00
  • Event space and catering for up to 200 starting at: $ xxxxx.00
Everything else should be named as an available option without a listed price.

If you're goal is to raise prices and the quality of user then you need room to negotiate for better outcomes. There is no reason to be locked into fixed rates - you should instead be making recommendations and quoting prices given the conditions and reality of that time. Given that you pricing options look like a menu your meetings are going to inevitably devolve into an order placing session of piece by piece nit-picking.

The best way to sell events is sit down with a customer and create their ideal package (without any reference to price) and then price it out for them and work backwards to what they can actually pay for. This way, we can suggest effective cuts that preserve our appearance and profitability while appearing fully professional and dedicated to their satisfaction.,

A person willing to spend $30,000 over-all will pass you over if your fixed pricing suggests you are only interested to run them through your standard mill of fixed price options. Don't try to predict for example - how much someone would be willing to pay to add a photographer or a DJ to their wedding package. Leave those doors open until you have a clear view of the person's own expectations.

If you consider one of Taso's recent posts - the real take away isn't that he stood his ground on price - it's that the prospect knew he was the most expensive and she called him anyway. Then she called him again, That proves right up front that what people are really shopping for is demonstrated competence backup up by confidence. When people know what they want - and find it, the price doesn't matter all that much,
Click to expand...

While you make some good points, no, I won't be doing custom-priced everything. What I'm doing is working and the prospects tell me over and over again how much they love that we handle everything and the pricing is clear and up front.
 
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rickryan.com said:
While you make some good points, no, I won't be doing custom-priced everything. What I'm doing is working and the prospects tell me over and over again how much they love that we handle everything and the pricing is clear and up front.
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Which is fine.
There's nothing wrong with a "Price Check" business model. Just understand it's origin - it is the Walmart, Target, Amazon major retailer model.
Restaurants and hospitality venues don't operate this way because it constrains us comparatively on price alone irrespective of our qualitative differences.

Brides shop comparatively for hosiery, but qualitatively for wedding venues,
If this were untrue - Taso would not be able to position himself as he has.
You too, have positioned yourself - albeit unwittingly in a comparative position.
 
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Proformance said:
I wouldn't do a detailed price list.
I would just list rates as:

  • Event space and catering for up to 50 starting at: $ xxxxx.00
  • Event space and catering for up to 200 starting at: $ xxxxx.00
Everything else should be named as an available option without a listed price.

If you're goal is to raise prices and the quality of user then you need room to negotiate for better outcomes. There is no reason to be locked into fixed rates - you should instead be making recommendations and quoting prices given the conditions and reality of that time. Given that you pricing options look like a menu your meetings are going to inevitably devolve into an order placing session of piece by piece nit-picking.

The best way to sell events is sit down with a customer and create their ideal package (without any reference to price) and then price it out for them and work backwards to what they can actually pay for. This way, we can suggest effective cuts that preserve our appearance and profitability while appearing fully professional and dedicated to their satisfaction.,

A person willing to spend $30,000 over-all will pass you over if your fixed pricing suggests you are only interested to run them through your standard mill of fixed price options. Don't try to predict for example - how much someone would be willing to pay to add a photographer or a DJ to their wedding package. Leave those doors open until you have a clear view of the person's own expectations.

If you consider one of Taso's recent posts - the real take away isn't that he stood his ground on price - it's that the prospect knew he was the most expensive and she called him anyway. Then she called him again, That proves right up front that what people are really shopping for is demonstrated competence backup up by confidence. When people know what they want - and find it, the price doesn't matter all that much,
Click to expand...
I totally disagree with saying he shouldn't have packages with set prices. When the customer as you put it sees a set price it let's them know if they can afford to have their event there. Also besides what's in the packages, he can also sell separate add ons to increase the price. For example a DJ can have a base price and start from there. That DJ can if possible have extra things they can sell if a client wants to buy a certain add on item. Having prices the way he is doing it right away let's a potential client know how much is the lowest price they have and that way they can decide if they want to book his venue or not.

Without a price list for the venue he will find himself with what we call tire kickers. Those are the one looking to pay a ridiculously low price. So low that if they only booked those kind of clients he won't be able to stay in business.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I totally disagree with saying he shouldn't have packages with set prices. . . . For example a DJ can have a base price and start from there. That DJ can if possible . . .
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Therein lies the problem: It's a venue - and the approach being used is for a DJ.

There's a disconnect with what is actually being sold, and sourcing the highest and best revenue.
 
Proformance said:
Therein lies the problem: It's a venue - and the approach being used is for a DJ.

There's a disconnect with what is actually being sold, and sourcing the highest and best revenue.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree. Giving flat rate, easy to comprehend pricing and it helps to pre-qualify the prospect, before they ever step foot on the property. During the tours, we always sit down at the end and have a chat. The most common question is "Are there any other charges we missed?" It appears to be comforting to them that I'm not playing the add-on game, like my competitors. From what I've observed, it appears that the sale is practically made before they walk in and all they're doing is to do an in person look-see. I think my biggest challenge in moving forward is to find the sweet spot on the pricing level. My gut tells me I've been missing a lot of prospects because I'm too cheap. To date, I've had virtually zero push-back on the price being too high. I believe if you're not hearing at least some of that then you have a problem. I'm hoping to correct that this year and simultaneously increase the number of bookings along with the margin of profit.

Keep in mind, there is no mortgage to meet. My only debt (at all) is a HELOC that I'm banging on now. It should be cleared within the next year or so. Not too bad for my 4th year of operation.
 
Bob when you go on a website and someone is trying to sell you something, don't you want to know how much it costs? If you don't see a price, how long will you stay on the site? Most people will be quickly gone on to another site.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Bob when you go on a website and someone is trying to sell you something, don't you want to know how much it costs? If you don't see a price, how long will you stay on the site? Most people will be quickly gone on to another site.
Click to expand...

I think Bob has an outdated mindset. In the past, wedding vendors did not post pricing and always gave a custom quote at the sales meeting. Everything I'm reading these days says that bridal prospects want to see prices posted publicly. It saves them tons of time and hassle.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Bob when you go on a website and someone is trying to sell you something, don't you want to know how much it costs? If you don't see a price, how long will you stay on the site? Most people will be quickly gone on to another site.
Click to expand...
That's true of products - not customized or personal services.
I can find a price online to have an oil burner's annual cleaning done - but that won't include any parts or repairs that are needed.

Rick has not listed a starting price - he has listed the TOTAL price and at worse that's called: gambling. At best, it slams the door on expanding the invoice because an immovable ceiling is now in place. I think the worst thing we can do in a service business is to box ourselves into a process that requires us to repeatedly say: "no." We can evidence that by the number of threads in which we find Rick complaining about customer demands, or characterizing prospects as a PIA. You don't find that in business models that allow for dynamic sales expansion.

Every event I've ever hosted be it a wedding or funeral or anything in between - ends with us settling up the bill. This means any balance still due on the original estimate, bar tabs, additional food, or credits for estimates not reached. I go into the event knowing this wedding is presently projected to be $29,000.00 then, perhaps at the end since we didn't require the total provisional options, or reach the projected bar tab, it turns out to be only $27,000.00

If the goal is to do receptions for under $10,000 then perhaps this is the only way. But $60,000 is a fairly average total cost of nuptials that include a catered reception. Even a tent rental can be be $10,000 - $20,000 or more all by itself.

The point is, that whether the end price is slightly higher or slightly lower than what we originally put on paper - the event has room to breathe, to inhale and exhale as required to provide the best overall guest experience.
 
rickryan.com said:
I think Bob has an outdated mindset. In the past, wedding vendors did not post pricing and always gave a custom quote at the sales meeting. Everything I'm reading these days says that bridal prospects want to see prices posted publicly. It saves them tons of time and hassle.
Click to expand...
By seeing what a price is that let's a person know what it cost and if they can afford that price.

The thing is and this is serious. If you post prices, will you stick to the price posted or will you be willing to negotiate on the price?
 
Proformance said:
That's true of products - not customized or personal services.
I can find a price online to have an oil burner's annual cleaning done - but that won't include any parts or repairs that are needed.

Rick has not listed a starting price - he has listed the TOTAL price and at worse that's called: gambling. At best, it slams the door on expanding the invoice because an immovable ceiling is now in place. I think the worst thing we can do in a service business is to box ourselves into a process that requires us to repeatedly say: "no." We can evidence that by the number of threads in which we find Rick complaining about customer demands, or characterizing prospects as a PIA. You don't find that in business models that allow for dynamic sales expansion.

Every event I've ever hosted be it a wedding or funeral or anything in between - ends with us settling up the bill. This means any balance still due on the original estimate, bar tabs, additional food, or credits for estimates not reached. I go into the event knowing this wedding is presently projected to be $29,000.00 then, perhaps at the end since we didn't require the total provisional options, or reach the projected bar tab, it turns out to be only $27,000.00

If the goal is to do receptions for under $10,000 then perhaps this is the only way. But $60,000 is a fairly average total cost of nuptials that include a catered reception. Even a tent rental can be be $10,000 - $20,000 or more all by itself.

The point is, that whether the end price is slightly higher or slightly lower than what we originally put on paper - the event has room to breathe, to inhale and exhale as required to provide the best overall guest experience.
Click to expand...

The average total wedding price in Alabama is $22k. It's also well known that the average bride wants prices listed on the website (not just "beginning at" prices) and I can understand why. I cannot imagine being a bride who has 10 tours and every single one of them is a long, drawn out process of defining all the moving parts. It would be mind-numbing and not necessarily productive either. Is mine, more cookie cutter style? Sure, I guess. But the girls I'm dealing with have a finite budget and it's helpful to just have everything at one place and without everything having to be customized. I keep hearing, over and over, that my all-inclusive approach is exactly why they're calling me. They like how easy it is and how inexpensive it is.

You may remember a couple of months back I was moaning about how low my closing rate was. Someone finally made me realize how messy I'd let things get. I'd have boxes and stuff laying around. I had empty tables in the room with no sample place settings. Since I've cleaned things up (inside and outside), put linens on the tables and put out some example place settings it's done a 180. I've booked the last 3 tours in a row. I don't think that has ever happened in the past 4 years.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
By seeing what a price is that let's a person know what it cost and if they can afford that price.

The thing is and this is serious. If you post prices, will you stick to the price posted or will you be willing to negotiate on the price?
Click to expand...

If they want to pull items out of the package which has a potential cost savings to me (cake/food/coordinator), sure, I'll discount. Besides that, no, I do not just discount the price on any package. The price is the price and I'm already lower than my competitors.
 
rickryan.com said:
Since I've cleaned things up (inside and outside), put linens on the tables and put out some example place settings it's done a 180. I've booked the last 3 tours in a row. I don't think that has ever happened in the past 4 years.
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LOL. Yes, now we're pushing you to clean up the front office, so to speak., :)

Keep in mind it's March - so, the rush is on for anyone who has not locked down their venue for a wedding this season.
 
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Rick you said a slight price increase. How much of an increase are you considering and do you think it will work in your favor?
 
Proformance said:
LOL. Yes, now we're pushing you to clean up the front office, so to speak., :)

Keep in mind it's March - so, the rush is on for anyone who has not locked down their venue for a wedding this season.
Click to expand...

Don't give yourself credit. The cleanup changes were due to a lady friend who noticed it and said something.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Rick you said a slight price increase. How much of an increase are you considering and do you think it will work in your favor?
Click to expand...

I've already made the change on my website and have new brochures that will be here Friday. I'm removing the base rental option and going all in on the all-inclusive options. If someone asks for a DIY option then it's a custom quote (I'll still do venu-only rentals). I'm bumping the prices by $1000 and adding a 3rd, more premium option, which includes full Planner/Director.
1743005066454.png
 
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rickryan.com said:
I've already made the change on my website and have new brochures that will be here Friday. I'm removing the base rental option and going all in on the all-inclusive options. If someone asks for a DIY option then it's a custom quote (I'll still do venu-only rentals). I'm bumping the prices by $1000 and adding a 3rd, more premium option, which includes full Planner/Director.
View attachment 55932
Click to expand...
Idk I’m so against this package thing... it's like the antithesis to everything I'm personally about. Silver gold diamond… extremely generic 1990’s terminology for packages… you’re taking personalization and customization out of the experience, in an age where that’s all couples want. Yes, you’re closing those who are coming in to your space, but boy are you steering people away from your place at the same time who will never inquire.

We're in an age where if something is not clearly laid out (in this case the ability to adjust the packages accordingly or do a single day option), couples will not reach out to see if it's possible, they'll just find someone who makes it clear that it is possible. You're dealing with 25-35 yr olds making decisions, many who don't know how to negotiate, are afraid of picking up the phone, just want to see things as black and white. They also don't wanna be generic (hence my steering away from silver gold diamond, especially when someone may want bronze level). They're not event real packages... each option is just an inclusion of 1 more option.

If this was me... and I know it's likely too late, which is why pricing should be emailed up front in PDF form or printable, not included in a brochure. The brochure should be all about your venue. Not pricing. Pricing needs to be flexible. It is always a separate sheet.

Back to my point... If this was me with how I run my business, this is how I would present your options:

"The Essentials" - $8500
- Venue Rental
- Overnight Lodging
- Table Chairs w/ choice of black or white linen
- Food/Beverage for 50
- Cake for 50
- Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony
- Charger Plates
- Use of our Decor
- Notary Public
- On-Site Assistant
- Climate Controlled

"A La Carte Options"
- DJ/MC for ceremony/reception - $1000
- Photography - $2000
- Wedding Planner/Day of Director - $2750
- Sparklers - $300
- Photobooth - $700

Ryan Acres "Signature Experience - $13,500
All Inclusive of The Essentials and all A La Carte Options (a savings of $1750) (you can write out every item if you want)

** For guests counts above 50, a food/beverage fee of $25 per person applies. Guest Count must be finalized one week before the event.
** Discounted single day rentals available for open weekends less than 6 months out.
 
djtaso said:
Idk I’m so against this package thing... it's like the antithesis to everything I'm personally about. Silver gold diamond… extremely generic 1990’s terminology for packages… you’re taking personalization and customization out of the experience, in an age where that’s all couples want. Yes, you’re closing those who are coming in to your space, but boy are you steering people away from your place at the same time who will never inquire.

We're in an age where if something is not clearly laid out (in this case the ability to adjust the packages accordingly or do a single day option), couples will not reach out to see if it's possible, they'll just find someone who makes it clear that it is possible. You're dealing with 25-35 yr olds making decisions, many who don't know how to negotiate, are afraid of picking up the phone, just want to see things as black and white. They also don't wanna be generic (hence my steering away from silver gold diamond, especially when someone may want bronze level). They're not event real packages... each option is just an inclusion of 1 more option.

If this was me... and I know it's likely too late, which is why pricing should be emailed up front in PDF form or printable, not included in a brochure. The brochure should be all about your venue. Not pricing. Pricing needs to be flexible. It is always a separate sheet.

Back to my point... If this was me with how I run my business, this is how I would present your options:

"The Essentials" - $8500
- Venue Rental
- Overnight Lodging
- Table Chairs w/ choice of black or white linen
- Food/Beverage for 50
- Cake for 50
- Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony
- Charger Plates
- Use of our Decor
- Notary Public
- On-Site Assistant
- Climate Controlled

"A La Carte Options"
- DJ/MC for ceremony/reception - $1000
- Photography - $2000
- Wedding Planner/Day of Director - $2750
- Sparklers - $300
- Photobooth - $700

Ryan Acres "Signature Experience - $13,500
All Inclusive of The Essentials and all A La Carte Options (a savings of $1750) (you can write out every item if you want)

** For guests counts above 50, a food/beverage fee of $25 per person applies. Guest Count must be finalized one week before the event.
** Discounted single day rentals available for open weekends less than 6 months out.
Click to expand...

I (think I) understand where you're coming from. My world is very different from your world. This is rural Alabama and the bride here is much less sophisticated from the brides you deal with. The packaged approach, and even the dated naming just seems to work in this area. Alabama is a much poorer state(s) than the areas you work in and my clientele are a much less sophisticated group than the ones you deal with. I very much doubt there is anyone in this area who is working with the level of events that you see everyday. From everything I see, the level of events that I'm pulling off is above that of most of the venues here, even in the Birmingham (large city) area.

I also have to look at the realities of my personal situation. I'm already stretched pretty thin, and I simply do not have the time/energy to put towards the high end, customized events that are commonplace for you. My brides have limited budgets, and the large majority have no interest in sitting for hours/days to custom design their event. They want an inexpensive and easy option that will produce a quality event that their family/friends will rave about. I think I'm hitting that mark. In a few years, I anticipate retiring from my day job and expect that I'll transition to being a full-time wedding professional. At that point, I'll likely revisit my marketing and very well may start leaning back towards the level of customization that you're talking about. For now, I'll just be satisfied to increase my profit margin per event and to increase the number of bookings that I'm doing per year. Hopefully, this will be a step in the right direction.
 
rickryan.com said:
I (think I) understand where you're coming from. My world is very different from your world. This is rural Alabama and the bride here is much less sophisticated from the brides you deal with. The packaged approach, and even the dated naming just seems to work in this area. Alabama is a much poorer state(s) than the areas you work in and my clientele are a much less sophisticated group than the ones you deal with. I very much doubt there is anyone in this area who is working with the level of events that you see everyday. From everything I see, the level of events that I'm pulling off is above that of most of the venues here, even in the Birmingham (large city) area.

I also have to look at the realities of my personal situation. I'm already stretched pretty thin, and I simply do not have the time/energy to put towards the high end, customized events that are commonplace for you. My brides have limited budgets, and the large majority have no interest in sitting for hours/days to custom design their event. They want an inexpensive and easy option that will produce a quality event that their family/friends will rave about. I think I'm hitting that mark. In a few years, I anticipate retiring from my day job and expect that I'll transition to being a full-time wedding professional. At that point, I'll likely revisit my marketing and very well may start leaning back towards the level of customization that you're talking about. For now, I'll just be satisfied to increase my profit margin per event and to increase the number of bookings that I'm doing per year. Hopefully, this will be a step in the right direction.
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It's not the world, and it's not sophistication. Your bride thinks the same as an nj bride as does an Nc bride... budgets might be different, but they envision the same feeling of personalization. In addition, I kept all the essentials (literally called the package essentials), but took out the extras that don't make or break the expereince. It also increases profits, and shows savings and enticement towards the top tier package. This is simply business. Again, you're looking for bundles to throw everythign as if that's gonna entice them. Trust me, if they didn't care for a photo booth, just bc you threw it in for free, doesn't make the experience any better, nor would they pick you over someone who doesnt include one. At the same time, if they didn't care for a photo booth (or sparklers if they never heard of it), or they have a friend who is a dj... but it's in the base package, they're not gonna ask you to take it out... if anything they're likely not calling you for a tour. Again, these are not core items that affect the VENUE experience. I literally just restrcutured your packages to be more enticing to modern brides, more inviting to get more people to come through the door, and more profitable for you actually.

There is literally nothing I did that makes you do more work or stretching you further. If anything, I made your life easier unless you're compensated properly.

I really think you missed everything I tried to point out.
 
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