Can venues charge both a Price Per Head and a minimum F&B spend?
I thought venues would have a minimum spend baked into the cost of the PP because most packages do include a 4-5 hr drink service and also food? So why charge both
Question Asked: 6/03/2025
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
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Answered by: 6 Experts
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We are a DIY venue. Our charges are only for proprerty hire (which includes accommodation and use of all of our props). You will need to hire your own caterer and bar service (we provide you with a list of preferred vendors). Our property hire price is the same whether you have 50 guests or 150 guests.
Venues can apply any pricing method that they wish as every business is different. At Grampians Park Station, we have a set venue hire fee and then you are free to book any of the following optional packages: Catering, Flowers, Band, DJ, Celebrant, Photographer, Transport so that you can tailor your perfect wedding day.
Our minimum spend for food and beverage is 15000.00. However always reach out and discuss options.
At Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, our minimum spend is built into our packages based on a minimum number of adult guests for your big day. However, if you choose to create a custom package, the venue may implement a separate minimum spend for food and beverage to ensure all event costs are covered.
Additionally, some venues may include room hire as part of their minimum spend, while others may charge it separately. It’s always a good idea to clarify these details with your venue to avoid any surprises. Don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown of how their minimum spend works, what’s included, and if there’s any flexibility to tailor the package to your needs. Transparency is key to making sure you get the best value for your special day!
Yes, but I think it should just be referred to as a minimum spend; this avoids any confusion by adding F&B
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Yep, some venues charge both a per-head price and a minimum spend, and here’s the deal:
So if you’re only 50 people, your PPH might be $5K, but the venue’s minimum could be $12K — that’s just to make sure the space is worth opening for the night. Bigger weddings usually hit the minimum automatically, so you’re basically just paying the PPH.
Think of it as a safety net for the venue, while still letting you customise your dream day.