We find that brides and people planning large, catered events fail to ask the most important question when talking to vendors.
Never ask: "How much does it cost?"
Always ask: "How much do I need to write the check for?"
Let's look at some examples of what we found in our area:
When pricing food buffets, be sure to ask about the service or mandatory gratuity fee. Many caterers add an extra 15% to 20% to their price for these fees. How much does that add up to? Let's say you budgeted $15 per person for your food buffet and you are planning 150 guests. That total approximately $2250 for your reception. But when you add the 20% Service Fee, your total is now an extra $450 dollars.
One person told us that when she asked a caterer "What exactly does the 20% cover?", she was told one of things it covered was the use of their plates and silverware. I was immediately confused by this! Did they mean that they would sell you food for X-dollars, but if you wanted a plate to eat it off of, it would cost extra? Hmmmmm!
Be informed about what to ask....a $5,000 reception with a 20% gratuity will add another $1000 to your bill!
One wedding cake provider's website listed a list of fees:
- Delivered: Up to $100
- Refundable Deposit: $200
- Non Refundable stand/fountain rental: $50
- Stair Rental: $30
How much is the cost of the cake? We didn't even get that far once we realized that a customer would write a check for $380 just to walk in the door....you haven't even thought about the cake yet!
With Cater It Simple, you don't have to worry about tying up your cash in deposits, refundable or otherwise. Our package includes everything you need for a simple but elegant reception. Your Wedding Professionals at Cater It Simple are on site at your wedding or event, eliminating the need for any security deposits.
One of our brides pointed this one out to us. According to this caterer's website:
- Price for the buffet is $14.95.
- Add 18% gratuity ($2.69)
- Add 6% delivery fee ($0.90)
- Under 100 guests? Add $2.00/person
The REAL price for the buffet? $20.54
So don't be fooled by a low "introductory" price per person. Ask good questions and find out what ALL of the charges are, then ask the caterer to total it up so you will know the REAL price you are going to pay.
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