catering demands

#1 dry

Newbie

Group: Registered users
Posts: 3
Joined: 10-March 06

Ok...I'm following your advice and decided to close the deal with the catering. However, I haven't decided what I'm going to need to the bar(I'm provinding all sodas and drinks myself) and they told me that they can't assure me that they are going to be able to provide everything that I'll need, if I don't decide when I sign, because they have to know what they are going to need to provide, such as bar tools, ice, etc...Are they right? Isn't my right to pay the 50% for what I want right now and then all pay the rest later when I'm ready???? I don't want to be unfair...but I need to know what is right or not...

#2 Nancy Tucker

President, Coordinators' Corner

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Interests:Anything related to the wedding industry and my family. In my free time I love mysteries and my Kindle.

Dear Dry,

Your cost for the sodas should not be that much, ask them to estimate what you'll need for the number of people you are planning on and then you can pay that when you pay your deposit. Your deposit will go toward the bottom line and you'll only owe for what is actually used which could be more or less.

It does sound like you have a good caterer willing to communicate with you and that is not always the case. Cooperate with them to assure your best quality of food service.

#3 Guest_expertplanner_*

Group: Guest users

It is not your right to pay the company 50% now and then the rest when you feel like it. You are contracting professional services to be performed by this company at a later date, in this case your wedding day. The company is allowing you to pay a deposit for said services now with the balance to be paid on a date specified. They don't have to do that. They could have the business policy that clients booking their services pay in full.

It sounds like you are hiring professional caterers who want to do a good job for you. Where the problem seems to be, in my opinion, is that you don't want to commit to this right now. One component integral necessary prior to hiring any wedding professional provider is that you must trust that said professional knows what he or she is saying, and that you are comfortable that said individual understands what you want, and need, for your wedding day.

That isn't going to happen by waiting until later to provide the caterers the information that they are asking for. We have to remember in addition to your wedding they are also working on other ones and needing to plan and organize accordingly. And yes, the caterers are right to ask that at signing you let them know what you want. They have to make sure they can adequately meet your needs.

My advice is to work with the caterers now, and as much as necessary to make sure this reception is everything you dream it to be.