So we've FINALLY found a wedding venue (yes, we've only been engaged for five months and we've got over a year to go, so there isn't much finally about it. But still, I'm an epic procrastinator, so I want to get all this shit done as fast as possible. Bear with me. FINALLY.) We're going to use the Museum of Ventura County. It's really pretty in sort of a mod-Spanish style way, it has indoor and outdoor options, it's totally decorateable, and it's (for Ventura county) fairly affordable.
We just have one issue--food!
The venue has 3 recommended caterers, which is to say, 3 caterers you can use without having to pay a $500 fee. This is the only issue I have with the venue--the only reason I agreed to go with it is because they have three caterers you can choose from, not just one you're required to use. Having good food at the wedding is a pretty high priority for me, but I'm worried about how much the catering is going to cost. We calculated the cost for the mid-level caterer to do a meal for our guest list and it totaled up to the remainder of our budget. So we'd have photographers, a venue, great food, and no decorations, invites, clothing, gifts for the bridal party, rentals... you get the picture. That ain't gonna fly.
We're waiting on a quote from the "value" (AKA, cheaper) caterer, but I can't imagine it's going to be less than $3500. So, here are our options:
We just have one issue--food!
The venue has 3 recommended caterers, which is to say, 3 caterers you can use without having to pay a $500 fee. This is the only issue I have with the venue--the only reason I agreed to go with it is because they have three caterers you can choose from, not just one you're required to use. Having good food at the wedding is a pretty high priority for me, but I'm worried about how much the catering is going to cost. We calculated the cost for the mid-level caterer to do a meal for our guest list and it totaled up to the remainder of our budget. So we'd have photographers, a venue, great food, and no decorations, invites, clothing, gifts for the bridal party, rentals... you get the picture. That ain't gonna fly.
We're waiting on a quote from the "value" (AKA, cheaper) caterer, but I can't imagine it's going to be less than $3500. So, here are our options:
- Swallow $500 and self-cater. I absolutely don't want to self-cater, but it's the cheapest option. I don't trust myself, Nate, or our fridge to stand up to preparing food for 150 people the week before we get married, so this is pretty much off the table, but it is, technically, an option.
- Move the wedding to Friday, rather than Saturday, and pay half as much for the venue, freeing up extra funds for catering. I'm okay with this option, but I'm worried it would be really inconvenient for our families and half of Team Bride, which is coming from 5 hours away--they'd have to take more time off work/school, and that could very possibly suck for them in terms of time, money, and getting behind on work. We'd also have to do the wedding in the evening, and with a lot of folks coming north from LA, would all the guests make it? Traffic's pretty heinous on Friday afternoons, and I'd hate for any of the folks I love to miss the ceremony... or to have to leave work early to make sure they make it at all.
- Move the wedding to Saturday afternoon, rather than evening, and do tapas/appetizers instead of a full meal. This is another option I'm fine with, but I'm worried my more traditional father would freak out at the idea that we wouldn't be feeding our friends a full meal.
Aren't the caterers flexible on budget? $33/head is a hell of a lot, even on the assumption that includes booze.
ReplyDeleteWhen we worked with our caterer we fine-tuned the menu and wine selections to hit our budget and my desire for a quality full meal.
If the 'approved' caterers aren't flexible that way a) they shouldn't be in business and b) you can probably hit your budget target by going with an independent caterer even if you have to eat $500 on top of their fee (also, too: a $500 deposit I can see, but a $500 fee is highway robbery).
I know, right?
ReplyDeleteBooze-wise, I'm thinking mediocre wine, beer, and signature cocktails. We're more of a beer-and-liquor crowd anyway. We hope to be providing that.
I'm thinking I'm going to call up the caterers and say "Look, this is our budget. This is our guest list. What can you do for us?" If they're not interested, fuck 'em--we'll pay the fee and hire Sir Jamal to do it. ;)
Good idea. Any caterer worth using should be able to work with you on a budget. *Nobody* in that industry (who isn't associated with a Michelin-starred joint, anyway) gets away with take-it-or-leave-it prices and menus.
ReplyDeleteEliminating booze from their quote should save a lot, although double-check doing that yourself is cool with the venue; many are tetchy about that.
Also, going for buffet service rather than plated can save a ton on catering without compromising the menu too much.
Totally--we've been planning to DIY booze from the beginning, and all the venue requires is that a licensed bartender serve it. We can either hire one or find a licensed friend.
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely planning buffet, although I'm not averse to the idea of doing tapas/appetizers instead of a full meal if we did the reception mid- to late-afternoon.
Ben and I did tapas too, so clearly I think the that idea is a good one. The caterer should be able to work within your budget, but they all have limits. When Ben and I were investigating caterers, the average price for a full meal was $40-45. A good spread of stationary and passed apps is a) much more flexible for a budget, b) can provide more than enough food and c) is very chic these days for a cocktail reception. Plus, an earlier reception time is easier on those with small children to get home to. : )
ReplyDelete