I don’t have checkbook anymore, ran out of checks for a while. I’m not sure what I would do either.
Our credit union will print 4 checks for free, if needed.
1 Like
I have HELOC checks, I get them for free, if I need to write a check I will use them and then pay them off, but I don’t carry my HELOC checkbook with me. In fact never.
I like checks and get free boxes of check upon request. It’s handy. When I’m nervous about whether “no gifts” really means “no gifts,” I bring the checkbook and s card in case of need.
2 Likes
Enough about checkbooks please.
4 Likes
Went to a friend’s daughter’s wedding a few years ago and recently learned the plate cost was 250 bucks! (Beautiful in all regards). Nope. I’d never be “covering” that expense but was never asked to.
3 Likes
Dear friend of mine asked that instead of gifts, attendees give a donation to your favorite charity in honor of their wedding. No suggested amount, and no specific recipient.
2 Likes
DH and I went to his niece’s wedding last weekend. It was a very laid back wedding. It was lots of fun. It was catered by a Taco Food Truck!!! (I had a Korean Beef Taco.) I have absolutely no idea as to what “the plate” would have cost. I went in with other DSL’s for some of her good china to the tune of $150.
RELATED to the thread….I have to admit I’m curious - what does different “per plate” costs get you around the country? I mean, a $250/plate better give very fine and frequent food! But what does $50/plate get you? Less? More? Are drinks separate from food? Just curious if anyone wants to share.
I just looked this up for fun. Location is LA, $116 for elegance menu(middle price), add $30 for wine, $12 for non alcoholic beverages. All online. My daughter said it’s a nice place.
I thought it’s pretty affordable X100 person is less than $15k.
FWIW there are lots of expenses involved in a wedding other than the cost of the “plate” – ex. band, flowers, invitations, open bar, clothing (ex. wedding gown, tux) and more. Nobody should throw a wedding with the intent of making money or even breaking even. My feeling is hosts should do what they want within their budget and guests should give whatever gift they can afford and feel is appropriate.
11 Likes
Totally agree. I just thought since the thread is about the “per plate cost” - it made me wonder -as someone mentioned a $250/plate wedding 
, what do different “per plate” costs actually get you (in various parts of the country)
One thing I’ve noticed is that there are different approached. Some venues (especially those where wedding is also on site?) charge a venue fee of several thousand dollars separate from the catering-etc fees. Other venues are more like the restaurant where we held our receptions, with venue/catering per head fee combined (with options or liquor, dessert etc). And of course whichever method there is usually a service/tax adder… I think about 25%(?)
2 Likes
Do you include the cost of the venue rental in the “per plate cost”?
Some places are ‘free’ for the venue but you must use their catering and bar service, so the real cost of the food on the plate isn’t $75 or $250, but all inclusive of the room, alcohol, linens, service, etc. I think the wedding my daughter went to at the Four Seasons the ‘per plate’ fee, which was really high, also included some of the flowers and the cake. I think it is easier for destination weddings to offer a full package so the bride/groom/family don’t have to arrange everything from afar.
1 Like
DD was married in 2017. She had many ways to keep wedding costs low while having a wonderful wedding.
The two outdoor weddings/dinner reception were with a semi-permanent large somewhat ‘deluxe’ tent on a permanent concrete pad - both at golf/country clubs. I am pretty sure the cupcakes instead of wedding cake were to save on the ‘plating’ charge. One was with ‘top of the line’ food, the other was not. One had extreme flowers; the other had only the bridal party bouquet placed in appropriate glass vases at their head table.
All 3 brides had very nice white full length wedding gowns and veils - with nice looking bridal party and nice bouquets of flowers.
One of these two had a more generous open bar of alcoholic drinks, while the other had beer and wine. One had wedding video (already seen on Facebook); both had professional photography.
I am sure pretty big difference in overall cost of wedding of these two.
The third wedding was ‘top of the line’ in all aspects. Did not have video, but very high end photography.
Nice weddings - glad we attended.
I don’t know - do places do this often? Which makes the whole “gift the cost of your plate” even more absurd!!!
There are places that rent the venue for a set fee, and the couple can choose from a selection of approved caterers ranging from food trucks to fancy plated dinners.
Right. My daughter was at a place with a venue fee, and then you could order open bar through them, if you wanted one, and they’d subtract the event fee from that. The site itself primarily had a different use, and so events at it were sort of ad hoc.
Food was through a separate caterer, which they offered us a choice of three for. We didn’t love the choices offered, but were thrilled to get them to approve a local restaurant that we preferred, who were subsequently able to join their preferred list.
2 Likes
So true!
As far as “no gifts” goes. I go by what the host or bride and groom want. If a bride and groom request “no gifts” I don’t give a gift. Why would anyone be insulted by that? Maybe they really don’t want or need anything. It saves me money. Same with a birthday, where they request “no gifts.” I follow directions and don’t bring a gift.
2 Likes