So, What is the Minimum Spend Requirement?

A minimum spend requirement is an amount that must be met or exceeded for an event to take place on a certain date and at a specific location/space. Minimums are commonly based on either a required minimum dollar amount that must be spent on food and beverage services or/and based on a minimum guest count. These minimum requirements are increased on high demand dates like Saturdays in summertime, while less demand dates may offer flexibility on lower required minimums. So, maybe that Thursday Fall Wedding Date sounds good after all!

What does this mean for the wedding couple and/or the person paying for the wedding? If the food and beverage minimum requirement is $25,000, you will need to spend at least that amount on catering and bar services, before applied service charges and taxes. If you’re unsure of what you’ll need to spend money on to meet/exceed the minimum spend requirement, be sure to ask us questions like, “What products or items go toward the minimum?” and, “What happens if we don’t reach the minimum?”

I highly recommend that you ask me, your expert Sales Manager at Palisades Tahoe, to create an event estimate for you, so that you can see the details that will contribute towards the minimum spend requirement, as well as understand the additional costs associated. You can then use the provided event estimate as a tool throughout your wedding planning process, to help you stay informed, and to help you make the best decisions to stay within your comfortable budget range.

Details such as upgraded appetizers, hosted bar, late night snacks, dinner, cake, and a donut wall will all help you meet the food & beverage minimum spend requirement. Most Palisades Tahoe couples meet the minimum with no problem. Our Event Management team will keep you informed on your minimum status and can help keep you on track!

Are Minimums Unique to Palisades Tahoe Weddings?

No, this is an industry standard so if you do not see language about minimums included in other event agreements, be sure to ask about the ‘minimum’ before you commit. As event professionals, Palisades Tahoe strives to keep everything clearly communicated to make sure everyone involved has realistic and appropriate expectations.

A minimum is fair for everyone whether it’s based on the guest count or food services. As the wedding couple, you can make sure your money is working to create the event you want. Because Palisades Tahoe requires a minimum spend based on food & beverage services, you have full scope to invite the guest count you truly want or add the enhancements you desire. The best part about Palisades Tahoe minimum spend requirement and event estimate tool is that you go into the process with your eyes wide open, knowing the minimum spend requirement and the event cost expectations before you secure your date with a signed event agreement.

Blog created by our Wedding Specialist, Senior Sales Manager, Jenna Western