Talking down caterers??

I used to work in catering and talking them down isn't really easy. You are right, though, about the price going up once you mention the word wedding. Try changing your menu options - like an extra veggie and one less starch. Give only 1 or 2 entree options instead of 3. Without seeing the menu they gave you it is a little difficult to give suggestions.

The reason a buffet is more expensive than a plated meal is because the caterer has to make more food since portion can't be controlled. With a buffet meal, Uncle Joe might not like potatoes while Aunt Flora might love them so she is going to go back 3 times for more. While a plated dinner everyone gets the same thing and the portions are controlled by the kitchen. More food is not an option. Your staffing might be cheaper with a buffet, but the food will cost more and since it can't be reused the caterer has to make up the cost in the end.

Buffets consist of several "hot and cold" items . . a dinner usually composes of a meat, a vegetable, and a potato.

When you go to the grocery store and put several items in the grocery cart doesn't it cost more than just three items?

Buffets are NO LONGER less expensive than having a sit down dinner . . and it has nothing to do with your guests serving themselves at the buffet tables. It's all about the amount of food and the quality of food and the service expected.

The average price for "food and drink" at a wedding reception in the US is $185 per person.

Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Buffets are always cheaper than served meals. Go with the information you have from your mom's party, and have the caterer go over the differences between food for that, and food for your wedding - and why there is a higher charge for the wedding.

There's always another caterer....

You have to try to understand, I was a wedding photographer and videographer for over 25 years, like the food industries, it is seasonal kind of work, we do not get a lot of work year round, yes we have our peak seasons over the holidays and we have a lot of off time but we still have to pay our bill's and guess what, the government or banks will not help us out when their is no business coming in or to help us out but if I do not pay my bills on time! it cost a business thousands and thousand of dollars a month or a year or more to run! then your credit is no good any more! that is spells MAJOR DISASTER for a company!

I will give you some good sound advice to save money all the way around!, if your going to have a wedding or a party at a reception hall' book it way in advance! and mention to them that they will be holding on to your down payment for X amount of month's, BE HONEST WITH THEM! TELL THEM THAT YOU HAVE ONLY X AMOUNT TO SPEND, what can you do to help me out? tell them that you have talk with the competition here in town and that they will be getting back to you with a price by the end of the day! I mean here in Connecticut if you book a wedding or party in the off season you can save as much as 25 to 30 percent on the cost! Most places will work with the price!

Sorry for being a little rude about this answer but it is a very sore topic in the industries!

Good luck!

Thank You,

Bob

hmm, sound like your caterer is pulling a fast one on you. buffets are almost ALWAYS cheaper than sit-down. i have not come across a SINGLE place that had a buffet that was more expensive! second of all, you need to be very clear with them that you KNOW what you paid for your mother's party, and you would like them to explain to you exactly what MORE you're getting for that extra price since it's your wedding. also. check out other places, and don't be afraid to tell them you have looked at "such-and-such place" and they are cheaper. it worked for me. i got a HECK of a deal on my caterer!

dont let them dictate you a price u need to dictate a budget to them or they will charge u so much more. go into the caterers and tell them u have a budget and then set a price they will either work with u or have to adjust their pricing to meet your needs. I hope this helps and god bless u...

You have the best ammunition right at hand. You already used them and now they're trying to triple the price. Tell them.