Help me choose between caterers...

kitad05

Food is really important to me and my FI for our wedding and every day life but so is saving money! Neither one of us can make a decision between a mediocre caterer with great prices or thebomb.com food at not so great prices. Please help us choose!

Caterer #1. http://www.bantaas.com/Event_Catering_Packages.php

Caterer #2 http://www.labayoubistro.com/ordereze/Content/8/Summary.aspx

Caterer 1 does not charge gratuity and #2 charges 18%.

What would you choose?

Trinired

I personally would choose Caterer #2. Food is important to us as well. They seem to have a wider variety, better food choices, the prices are slightly higher, but, maybe negotiable??? If caterer #1 does not INCLUDE gratuity, it should still be expected and projected for. To cater for any significant event I wouldn't expect any less. It's like eating out in a restaurant, it's simply customary to tip your waitstaff.

kitad05

Thanks, Trinired. I certainly understand the concepts of tipping service workers. I worked as a server for many years in college. I was simply laying out the prices. I have an allotted amount that will go to vendors who did not include gratuity in the prices.  Gratuity being included in the price simply affects when the gratuity is due. I plan to tip all vendors the day of based on actual service provided.

fancywright2

I like caterer #2. As Trinired said, there seems to be more choices with that one. Good luck!

keysmit

I agree with PP.. Why was one so cheap.. it came with a lot of stuff but quality is better.. Maybe they will work with you and your budget as well.. Especially if they want your service.. You know.. Hope it all works out.

ichoosethesun

I would go with whoever is the most flexible when it comes to food i.e. willing to customize your menu or add unique touches and pricing.  That's what I found to be most important.

kitad05

All great advice, thanks a lot. I have to make my mind up by Thursday! 

kitad05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_help-me-choose-caterers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:347d2ea5-4810-4f0e-acc3-a844c8593de8Post:53732f0c-82b5-424f-935a-2d9f875cd2d1">Re: Help me choose between caterers...</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP.. Why was one so cheap.. it came with a lot of stuff but quality is better.. Maybe they will work with you and your budget as well.. Especially if they want your service.. You know.. Hope it all works out.
Posted by keysmit[/QUOTE]

<div>IDK why so cheap but I was wondering the same thing. My only guess is that the caterer is located in a smaller city/rural-like area. They have been in business for many years and they recently increased their prices to $15 from $12. </div>