When booking a wedding or reception at a banquet hall in South Kolkata, many families hear one term that often leads to confusion and last-minute budget stress: Minimum Guarantee (MG).
Understanding MG is essential because it directly impacts your final payable amount, regardless of how many guests actually attend your event. In 2026, with rising food and venue costs, MG clauses have become stricter and more common across banquet halls.
At Sarabala Event Enterprises (Pradhan Banquet Group), we believe transparent pricing builds trust. This guide explains what MG means, how it is calculated, and how families can avoid common pitfalls.
What Is Minimum Guarantee (MG) in Banquet Halls?
Minimum Guarantee (MG) is the minimum number of plates (or minimum total food billing amount) that a banquet hall requires you to commit to while booking the venue.
Even if fewer guests attend, you are billed for the agreed MG, not the actual number of plates consumed.
MG is used by banquet halls to:
- Secure revenue for food preparation
- Plan staffing and inventory
- Reduce risk from last-minute guest count changes
How MG Pricing Works in Real Terms
MG is usually defined in one of two ways:
- Minimum number of plates
Example: MG of 120 plates at ₹1,200 per plate
Minimum food billing = 120 × ₹1,200 = ₹1,44,000 - Minimum food billing amount
Example: MG of ₹1,50,000 irrespective of per-plate pricing
In both cases, if your actual guest count falls below the MG, you still pay the MG amount.
Why Banquet Halls Use Minimum Guarantee in 2026
In 2026, MG has become standard practice due to:
- Rising ingredient and staffing costs
- Fixed preparation overheads for events
- Uncertainty in guest turnout
- High demand during peak wedding seasons in South Kolkata
For banquet halls, MG ensures operational sustainability. For families, it becomes important to plan guest lists realistically.
Example: How MG Affects Your Final Bill
| Scenario | Details | Amount Payable |
| Agreed MG | 120 plates × ₹1,300 per plate | ₹1,56,000 |
| Actual Guests Attended | 95 | |
| Plates Consumed | 95 | |
| Final Food Billing (as per MG) | Still billed for 120 plates | ₹1,56,000 |
In this case, the family pays for 25 extra plates that were not consumed. This is where many families feel the financial impact of MG.
Common MG-Related Mistakes Families Make
- Agreeing to a high MG based on optimistic guest estimates
- Not confirming whether MG is in plates or total billing value
- Assuming MG can be reduced after booking
- Not clarifying whether children’s plates are included in MG
- Ignoring MG when comparing banquet hall packages
How to Choose the Right MG for Your Event
When finalising MG, consider:
- Your confirmed guest list, not your invitation list
- Historical turnout for similar family events
- Drop-off rates for weekday vs weekend weddings
- Morning vs evening event attendance patterns
A realistic MG protects you from overpaying for unused food.
Smart Ways to Reduce MG Risk and Save Money
- Negotiate MG based on realistic attendance, not maximum capacity
- Ask if MG can be revised closer to the event date
- Opt for tiered MG slabs if available
- Confirm if unconsumed MG plates can be converted into takeaway or packed food
- Choose menus that fit within your MG budget to avoid per-plate escalation
MG vs Venue Rent: Understanding the Difference
Many families confuse MG with banquet hall rent. They are separate components:
- MG applies to food billing
- Venue rent is charged separately
Some banquet halls offer packages where venue rent is waived if MG crosses a certain billing threshold. Always clarify this before confirming your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About MG
Is MG compulsory for all banquet halls in South Kolkata?
Most banquet halls apply MG, especially during peak wedding seasons. However, the terms vary by venue.
Can MG be negotiated?
In many cases, yes. MG is often flexible for weekday events, morning slots, or off-season bookings.
Does MG include decoration or venue rent?
No. MG usually applies only to catering unless stated otherwise in the contract.
What happens if more guests attend than MG?
You are billed for the additional plates consumed beyond the MG.
Final Thoughts: Understanding MG Helps You Avoid Budget Surprises
Minimum Guarantee is not a hidden charge, but it becomes a financial burden when families commit without fully understanding how it works. In 2026, with tighter margins and higher costs, MG clauses are unlikely to disappear. The key is to negotiate clearly, estimate conservatively, and document everything in writing.
Families who understand MG before booking enjoy smoother planning and fewer last-minute financial surprises.
Book a Transparent Banquet Hall in South Kolkata
At Sarabala Event Enterprises (Pradhan Banquet Group), we follow transparent pricing with clearly explained MG terms, flexible packages, and practical guidance to help families plan within budget.
For enquiries and bookings:
Call: 81000280787 / 8017129924
Visit: www.pradhanbanquet.com