Recently, in the same week, I was visiting with a caterer and a venue. They both shared with me a problem that is common with other area caterers and venues that serve food and alcohol.
Problem 1: In trying to save money, brides give the caterer or venue a false and low number. They may only have enough money to serve 100 guests so that’s the number they give the caterer. In fact, the bride has invited 200. Even if half the invitations replied that they are attending, most bring a spouse or date which means the bride can expect 200 guests at her wedding.
This puts the caterer/venue in a bad light. The bride has said 100 and will only pay for 100. Guess what? They run out of food. Of course the caterer looks bad and gets blamed for running out of food. It’s not right to ask these people to make up the difference for free. Food costs money; the staff costs money; yet the bride is too cheap to pay.
My word of advice: if you can only afford food for 100 guests than cut your guest list. It’s not up to the caterer and venue to make up the difference at their expense. Most of these are small business owners. They can’t afford to feed your guests and take that loss. What if every bride or event did this? Be fair to your vendors and be respectful of them as business owners.
Problem 2: The bride wants liquor at her reception, but doesn’t like the cost. If you want this for your guests, then budget for this. Don’t ask your guests to go to their cars or hotel rooms to have a drink. And certainly don’t have a cash bar! How ungracious! Want to save money? Then limit your alcohol to wine, beer and a signature drink. There are ways to save and stay within your budget. But, again, be fair to your wedding professionals and respectful of them as business owners.
The wedding professionals I know and deal with daily want you to have a glorious wedding. The wedding professionals I know are fair and will work with you and your budget. They will do everything they can for you to have a beautiful wedding and the wedding of your dreams. All it takes is a little respect and cooperation on both your parts!