Caterer giving me a hard time about taste testing

[Deleted User]

We rented a venue that has its own caterer. We have to pay $50 to taste test three entres. We have been trying to schedule a testing and they seem to be totally unwilling to work with our schedules. We have asked about taste testing on the weekend because we do not live in the state our wedding/reception is going to be in. Is it not normal for people to taste test on weekends? I didn't think I was asking for a huge favor, but that is what she is making me feel like.

LauraT25

Our venue doesn't do tastings on weekends, because they're usually having events.  It's their policy - I don't know if they might make an exception for someone OOT, but they can't really plan far in advance because if someone suddently wants to book an event that weekend, they would rather have the income from that and cancel your tasting.  I understand that it's inconvenient for you but it makes sense from a business perpective.

[Deleted User]

Our venue only asked us to schedule a testing on a day that the chef was already going to be there (the day of the event). The woman in charge of catering just seems to not want to work on the weekend.

BlueBoxBride

Our venue would only schedule us during regular business hours. We're also planning from OOT. We're flying in for a tasting on a Monday (so we can fly out that night).

cai0311

We had to schedule our tasting Monday - Friday also.  It was a pain because we both work full time Monday - Friday, but that was the policy.

kgrunow

Our tasting had to be the day of an event because they want you to taste real event food, not just something made for the tasting.

lizzi97

Our venue prefers to do tasting on the day that the chef will already be there, which is usually on the weekend. However, had we only been able to come by during the week, they would have tried to accomodate us. Clearly, each venue has its own set of operations, but you are not out of line to make a special request.

cassandrae913

Our venue told us the tasting would be from 2-4 on a Tuesday, end of discussion. I am an attorney and now have to trials starting the morning of the day we picked and have to ask the judge for permission to leave for my tasting.

StephieBow

Our tasting has to take place on a Monday through Thursday.  Mainly because members of the golf club are using it more Thursday to Sunday.

They might be able to make an exception since your are OOT and you're paying for your tasting (most places throw in the tasting for free so, you're at their mercy)

[Deleted User]

I understand that some staff members at the reception site only work monday-friday 9am-5pm...I was hoping that there could be some compromise or exception in order to accomodate out of town renters and hectic schedules. Not only do we not live in the state but I work and go to school and my fiance is in the middle of busy season. With all of the money we are spending there I am sure the site can pay a little over time!!!!! A staff member sent me a rude email basically just very unwilling to accomodate...so I just had my dad handle the catering from then on. My dad made a phone call and that day I got my appointment on a Saturday....maybe I should have him help me with other negotiations or appoint him to "wedding planner"?!?!?

Thornws

yay for awesome dads!

Milsey32

That's not fun! Our caterer does free taste testing.. our first one was on a Saturday because they were having an event that evening and that was just to decide if we wanted to go with them or not, which we do, and so now when we finalize the buffet menu we'll be able to taste test that menu.. 

Don't let them own you, missy!! YOU are the one giving THEM business. They should be helpful and kind!  ;-)

Best regards, honey! xo

makumba25

We are actually having our tasting tomorrow ( saturday). My venue was pretty good with helping us out. We could only do tasting on the weekends due to FI and I's hectic work schedules during the week. They just asked us to give them a week in advance so they can have everything ordered and prepared for us when we come. 

As for your venue not being reasonable to help you out, is BS! Sorry hun...in my opinion your venue should help you out in a small little favor ( for instance out of town bride and groom tasting on the weekend) because they are getting thousands and thousands of dollars from you!!! GL!

kaesha

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_caterer-giving-hard-time-taste-testing?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:de72681c-978c-4c01-9748-a15d86dba2c7Post:dfaf3816-52a6-4ecb-97fa-9bf9f5b65530">Re: Caterer giving me a hard time about taste testing</a>:
[QUOTE]I understand that some staff members at the reception site only work monday-friday 9am-5pm...I was hoping that there could be some compromise or exception in order to accomodate out of town renters and hectic schedules. Not only do we not live in the state but I work and go to school and my fiance is in the middle of busy season. With all of the money we are spending there I am sure the site can pay a little over time!!!!! A staff member sent me a rude email basically just very unwilling to accomodate...so I just had my dad handle the catering from then on. My dad made a phone call and that day I got my appointment on a Saturday....maybe I should have him help me with other negotiations or appoint him to "wedding planner"?!?!?
Posted by Tarin5506[/QUOTE]

Or, you could learn some negotiation tactics from him and step up and do it yourself! I'm all about the empowered bride.

pinkhorse

Ours had us come in on a week day.

kimberlygo

It seems ridiculous that they won't let you taste on the weekend when you're paying for the event. Is there someone above your contact at the venue you can speak to?

FutureJilliannD

I feel like it is also weird that you have to pay to taste the food. I have never heard of that before.