Wedding Choosing caterers

[newbie124]

I was just wondering what the process has been like for others in selecting a caterer (assuming your venue didn''t have an exclusive company).

Our venue gave us a list of 6 caterers to choose from. I got proposals from 4 and had my sister go out and do tastings with 3 of them. Following that, we''ve narrowed down our preference to 2 companies.

I decided not to try to do too much negotiating/tweaking up front and wait until we were more sure about who we might want to go with. So now that we''re down to 2 companies, I was going to have them both send us revised proposals that are more closely aligned and include everything we''d like to have. Then I was going to compare the quotes and maybe see if the place we like slightly better (but are also more expensive) is willing to come down on anything...if so, then we go w/ them...if not, we go with the 2nd choice. It *sounds* simple enough to me, but then everything I''ve thought that was going to be simple has so far turned out not to be

.

I''ve heard some good things about our 2nd choice, but they''re a little on the more casual side. We''re not planning a super formal, black tie event or anything...we do want to try to keep with the laid back atmosphere of wine country, but it''s still a wedding and at the very least we want it to be a semi-formal event. For instance, their servers wear jeans instead of slacks (although they said they can do white shirts, black ties and black aprons...(that hopefully cover up the jeans well enough)). I guess the upside, though, is that they don''t charge quite as much and throw in a lot of things for free such as votives for the tables, menu cards, tables, and vendor meals. My sister preferred the food slightly more from the other place and their presentation is a bit more refined, but I just haven''t heard that much about them and they''re also a little more expensive.

Anyone have any tips to share about negotiating w/ caterers? Sucks that we have to do this at a time when it''s reported that food prices have increased by the highest percent since 1991!

Also, is it just my experience or is it frustratingly impossible to find consistently responsive catering reps? I''m trying to bring them business and it''s like pulling teeth sometimes trying to get a response!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

Frankly, it concerns me a little that you are having trouble getting them to help you. We narrowed it to two caterers and one of the many reasons we chose the one we did is because he was willing to work for our business while the others didn''t seem to care one way or the other.

My first recommendation, check the better business bureau. I have read horror stories of various vendors and in almost every case, when they went to complaim to the BBB, there were already complaints there. For a particularly dramaitic example, http://www.uglydress.com/uglycakestory.html. So that would be my first stop for any vendor, but especially something like a caterer.

Next, talk to the more expensive one about getting more for the money rather than spending less, you will usually have more luck that way.

Also consider hidden fees that might make the difference. Is there a corkage fee? a cake cutting fee? can one get you a better deal on rentals you like?

If there are any vendors you have and really like, you might also ask them. I know one girl who learned through the florist she really clicked with that one of the cake people she was looking at is always rather late, and so went with the other and had no problems.

 

[newbie124]

Thanks! These are all really good tips. Although I did ask for references and have been checking for reviews online, I hadn''t even thought of the BBB (DUH!) Am going right now to take a look...

Yeah, basically they all seem nice enough and willing to accommodate us...WHEN I''m actually able to get a response. (At least they generally respond quickly after 1 follow up). Maybe I''m just spoiled growing up in the Internet age and wanting instant gratification...and maybe they''re just a little more laid back out in wine country, CA. But yeah, it does get to be aggravating.

 

[newbie124]

You know what...I just had a moment of deja vu and remembered that I did try to look them up w/ the BBB awhile back. I think I only managed to find one of the 6 companies listed. I can''t seem to find our two top choices...

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

That''s not a bad thing. If there were complaints, they would show up, so they haven''t done anything so terrible to warrent being reported. Some also show up because they are registered with the BBB, but none of mine are and they all have good reputations. Just so long as there isn''t a major, problem there, you should be fine.