average $pp for reception dinner!

schowdhu

When people ask your budget, you don't need to be specific.  You can say, "Tell me what you charge for this, this and this."  or, you can say, "Show me three menus that are popular with your customers in the average price range (or lower price or higher price, depending on your preference.)"    Then, when you see something that looks acceptable to you, you can always ask again, "Is this your best price?" or "What can you do to lower this price."  I am pretty sure that the first quote is the opening bid and there is room for negotiation.

I believe that your budget is your business.  I also don't want to spend more than I have to for anything.  I think when you tell your budget, they will help you spend it - all of it.  So, even if your budget is $10K, if you can get it for $6K, you should.

Some of you may differ - I think some have shared their budget with a caterer and they helped the couple work within that.  I am always wary of that approach.