Can't make a decision on caterer

jaycee7389

So I need some WR advice. We have narrowed our choices between 2 caterers. The first of the two is very reputable, and our wedding planner has worked with them on numerous occasions as well. They are a little over 1k more expensive than our second option. The problem is, even though the second caterer has been very professional I can't find much information about them.

What would you do? Spend the extra money to have a better chance of no problems?  MB has been struggling the past few years and plenty of businesses have gone out..which is my big hesitation.

SeaTea02

MB? Myrtle Beach? Aw I didn't realize you were getting married there. 

I would use the more reputable one or use the other caterers lower quote as a bargaining chip. Maybe he will meet you in the middle so he is only a few hundred more. The worst he can say is no. 

jaycee7389

SeaTea- Yep! That is what I was thinking as well. I'm so not bridezilla though and don't know how to go about asking for them to negotiate.

Yaga- Lol..I wish you girls would come, it would be awesome!

Yaga/Buggle- Because they are so far away we won't be able to have a tasting from each to compare. We are most likely going to fly down in March for a tasting to decide the menu choice (which doesn't affect the price).

SeaTea02

Dear Caterer #1, 

I enjoyed talking with you about/meeting with you/our phone call. I am very interested in using you as our caterer. Your reputation is pristine and I loved your food. We are also considering Caterer #2 and received a quote from them for a comparable menu as yours for $x,xxx. We would really like to work with you on this and were curious if you would be interested in matching their quote or meeting us in the middle at $x,xxx. We would be happy to show you Caterer #2's quote for comparison. 

FI and I would really prefer to work with you and your company, but are trying to stay within out budget. What can we do here? 

I would send something like that. Flattery, but not afraid to walk either. 

[Deleted User]

In my opinion, I would feel more comfortable with the more reputable caterer, especially since you are planning the wedding long distance. I have heard too many horror stories about missing caterers/florists around the time of the wedding.  I would find a way to make spending the extra 1K on the caterer work. 

jaycee7389

SeaTea- Thank you! I'm going to send them and e-mail now.

Buggle- Good call. Maybe I'll just ask if they would be willing to negotiate the proposal??

SeaTea02

Yeah, I tought about that too. You could just leave out the options and ask what they are willing to do for you. 

SeaTea02

Let us know what they respond with!