Wedding Which Catering option?

[mintve]

My FI and I''ve triend the food of two potential caters. The overall costs are very similar
Which would you choose?

Option 1
the food was excellent
the menu is just for dinner, no apps included
its a restaurant, so they do not do a ton of outside weddings (They have an onsite venue, but it was too small)
the man I am wokring with is the owner''s son and eager to tackle a new project (ie an off site wedding) and will be hte "event coordinator)
they charged is a lot for the tasting that this PO''d by FI
his salesmanship and follow-up is not great

Option 2
the food was not as good, but it was OK
the menu includes dinner and cheese/crackers/fruit/veggies before dinner
they are a caterer and do all sorts of events
the lady who would be my event coordinaotr would be there on site and willing to help me
no fee for the tasting
my FI liked them, as they were really friendly people?



So, basically do you go for better food w/ a man who might not be the most agreeable, or OK food, but more ot it w/ a really nice catering team???

HELP!!

 

[marchswallowbird]

Is there another option? Personally, neither of these sounds like the perfect choice. I wouldn''t hire someone who has never done a wedding before if their follow-up is not good. This would make me REALLY nervous.

On the other hand, cheese/crackers/fruit/veggies as an appetizer is pretty boring. And I would want the food at my wedding to taste amazing. I wouldn''t hire someone just because they are nice people.

 

[FrekeChild]

Food. Because they should be able to make great food, it''s their job. If someone doesn''t make great food, they probably shouldn''t be in that business. Doesn''t matter how nice you are.

But I''d look at some other caterers too.

 

[newbie124]

Honestly, I would also seek out other options as neither of these sound ideal. Both food AND customer service are very important, especially considering that this it probably going to be one of your biggest expenses (if not the biggest).

 

[Mediterranean]

Ditto the third-option-seeking advice.

Also, is there a possibility of a follow up meeting with #1. Since you did love the food, it might be worth talking with them again. They could have been having an "off" day. This doesn''t excuse the behavior you found questionable, but a second meet up might allay your fears?

At any rate, if it were me? I''d take #2 off the table. The food was "just OK" during a presentation where they are supposed to be trying to "wow" you, and win your business. As nice as they may be, this kind of tells me that what you''ve seen represents the top-end of their skills, and you weren''t impressed.

So, yeah. Research a #3 and re-schedule a meet w/ #1 to see if you get a better vibe.

 

[pjean]

Date: 11/21/2008 4:04:53 PM
Author: Mediterranean
Ditto the third-option-seeking advice.


Also, is there a possibility of a follow up meeting with #1. Since you did love the food, it might be worth talking with them again. They could have been having an ''off'' day. This doesn''t excuse the behavior you found questionable, but a second meet up might allay your fears?


At any rate, if it were me? I''d take #2 off the table. The food was ''just OK'' during a presentation where they are supposed to be trying to ''wow'' you, and win your business. As nice as they may be, this kind of tells me that what you''ve seen represents the top-end of their skills, and you weren''t impressed.


So, yeah. Research a #3 and re-schedule a meet w/ #1 to see if you get a better vibe.

Yep, what she said. I think it would be totally ok to approach #1 again and say you have some concerns about the off-site catering, and ask for a detailed proposal (# staff, where the dishes are coming from, etc.). It''ll give you another opportunity to interact, plus possibly allay your fears about his inexperience.

I will say that I ruled out at least 2 locations because the managers irritated me or weren''t responsive, but then I was picking venues on the strip in Las Vegas, which is like shooting fish in a very very crowded barrel.

 

[mintve]

thanks all. Very valid points. I think I will reach out to some of the caterers I originally contacted and I may touch base w/ the first guy again.