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Hi girls,

My finacee and I are having a hard time finding the perfect venue but we've fallen in love with Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh - stunning. I just wondered if anyone else found the food and drinks packages really expensive? It is especially frustrating because they are the only venue we have seen that does not include VAT in their prices so it's an extra 17.5% on top. If you'e been married here, I'd love to hear whether they were willing to do anythying on the prices of food/drinks! Here's hoping . . .

Hi, I know your pain, I was in your position a few years ago. I had been to Mansfield Traquir for an event through work and fell in love and even though at that point i wasn't engaged i wanted it for my wedding. fast forward a few months and i got engaged. I of course contacted them to get a price and was gutted but wasn't that surprised. The hire of the hall is by venue and the catering is done by another external company thats the reason for the VAT, Saltire catering has a good name as does cater for really big exclusive venues. I think (this is from memory so don't quote me) they were flexable on drinks, not so felxable on food.

but all you can do is ask, I was looking a few other venues at the same time.

Royal College of Physicians which is also stunning but has same problem with outside caters and cost.

In the end I didn't want to comprimise on a few other details of my day - dress, band etc so we had our wedding at Napier University - They have a stunning function room, lovely grounds, the food was fantastic and price was very resonable.

my advice now after my day
do try to get a amazing venue with great food as this does make the day - extras like favours and fancy stationary, fancy cars really dosnt matter and i would happily cut this in place of a fab venue. however make a list of things you don't want to comprimse on and how much you need to spend there to ensure you can afford the wedding and venue you want.