17/03/2026
You may have seen the story by now.
A bride went viral on TikTok after cancelling her wedding when she received a $26,000 food and beverage invoice — for just 70 guests. She thought she had a $3,000 food and beverage minimum.
She did. That wasn’t the problem.
The problem is that most couples don’t understand what a food and beverage minimum actually is — and venues don’t always rush to explain it.
Swipe to see exactly how $3,000 becomes $26,000, and what to ask before it happens to you. 👉
Here’s the truth: the F&B minimum is the least amount you must spend on food and drinks before a venue will book you. It is NOT a package price. It is NOT a cap. Per-person pricing, service charges, tax, bar packages, and cake cutting fees are all added on top.
On 70 guests at a typical Chicago-area venue, that math moves fast.
I’ve been a wedding planner and coordinator in Chicago for 15 years. I’ve worked at The Congress Hotel, The Old Post Office, Lacuna Lofts, Crystal Tree Golf Club, the Morton Arboretum, and venues across the suburbs. I have had this exact conversation more times than I can count.
This is not a scam. This is how venue pricing works. And the couples who understand it before they sign are the ones who don’t get blindsided.
The question to ask every venue — and get in writing:
“Can you give me an estimated total per person, including service charge and tax, for my guest count?”
If they hesitate — that’s your answer.
Save this post before your next venue tour. 📌
And if you want me to walk you through all of it live — contracts, hidden costs, the questions to ask before, during, and after your tour — join me for my workshop:
Before You Book Your Venue 📅 April 2 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM | Live on Zoom 🎟 $37 — includes a free venue prep guide
🔗 Link in bio to register.
