Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)

TBee99

So my fiance and I have run into a little problem. When we were first looking at venues, in order to figure out what we could afford, we started to look at caterers at the same time. We had originally settled on another venue and we going to make a deposit, but then we started to worry about the size of the kichen (among other things). When we switched to the Branford House, we went back to the caterers we had originally asked for quotes, and one wanted to charge us 20% more! (even thought Branford House has a larger kitchen!) Has anyone run into this problem at Branford House? If you are getting married there, who is caterering? And does anyone have any recommendations for good caterers? Fiance and I would like to meet with AT LEAST three and right now we are down to one (David Alan). We are looking to stay under 100/per person. We have already recieved a quote from: Elements (which was 50% MORE than most of the other caterers so no thanks), Ocean Blue, and Cloud NIne. Are considering Ocean Blue and Cloud Nine, but haven't heard anything much (positive or negative) about both.

Vanessa630

I would highly recommend Coastal Gourmet Catering.  I'm pretty sure they do Branford House. We're using them for Mystic Seaport and they've been great. We just had our tasting and the food was delicious!

Good luck!

jesslovesdave

Strange, because Elements was very reasonable for us - make sure your quotes include servers, gratuity, linen rental, etc...

TBee99

jesslovesdave- they do (we were sure about that). we actually almost picked your venue, but elements told us the kitchen was too small and were going to charge us almost $2,000 for their mobile kitchen. are they making you rent it?

Vanessa630- if you don't mind me asking, do you know about how much Coastal Gourmet is per person?

jesslovesdave

Yes, it was $1500 for the mobile kitchen

CG was more than Elements...

I dunno, one thing we had to focus on was the open bar costs...not sure if that's a factor for you, but can make a difference

Carebear62584

I'm not sure how much they are, but I know Aqua Turf does catering.

MeaghanandMichael

TBH - prices change and it completely normal for prices to go up without a signed contract. It is frustrating but it is part of doing business. Honestly, wedding food is pretty important so often times a more expensive caterer means better service and better food quality. Of course, you could just be paying for a name too. I would encourage you to do a tasting and scour recs before making a cheaper decision just because it is cheaper.

Vanessa630

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_branford-house-bridesgeneral-catering-question-non-branford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:7053294e-2b6d-4aaf-a0c7-01bf4293f27cPost:658efc9e-ce1e-4dab-aff6-e8bcc249ae4a">Re: Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)</a>:
[QUOTE]jesslovesdave - they do (we were sure about that). we actually almost picked your venue, but elements told us the kitchen was too small and were going to charge us almost $2,000 for their mobile kitchen. are they making you rent it? <strong>Vanessa630- if you don't mind me asking, do you know about how much Coastal Gourmet is per person?</strong>
Posted by TBee99[/QUOTE]

They gave us so many options to choose from. Our plates per person range from mid $80s to low $90s and that includes 4 hours open bar and the cake.   We have add-ons too because we upgraded linens and are having pastries but those aren't factored into the per person that I just gave you.  We're working with Alyson at the Seaport and she's been really great as far as suggesting ways to save.  I was pretty happy with those prices, for the food that we chose, so I didn't ask if there were other dishes that could save some money. 

TBee99

I think I'll check in with Coastal Gourmet. Are they the ones affiliated with Mystic Market. (LOVE THAT PLACE!)  I realize prices could change, especially because the location did, but I was surprised considering it was a better location (from a catering standpoint). Maybe they figure we can afford to pay more? We are just super nervous because this is, by far, going to be our biggest expense, and we feel clueless!

MeaghanandMichael

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_branford-house-bridesgeneral-catering-question-non-branford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:7053294e-2b6d-4aaf-a0c7-01bf4293f27cPost:8d177b40-799b-4134-8e16-d32bddc031e8">Re: Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)</a>:
[QUOTE]I think I'll check in with Coastal Gourmet. Are they the ones affiliated with Mystic Market. (LOVE THAT PLACE!)  I realize prices could change, especially because the location did, but I was surprised considering it was a better location (from a catering standpoint).<strong> Maybe they figure we can afford to pay more? </strong>We are just super nervous because this is, by far, going to be our biggest expense, and we feel clueless!
Posted by TBee99[/QUOTE]

That would really stink and be pretty unprofessional of them. I would definitely ask them about it. If prices changed, then fine. BUT, if they change their pricing willy nilly and don't have a standard list on their website or something that is shady.

MeaghanandMichael

oh! also, I might mention that one reason for the price changing might be the hardware the venue is willing to provide. What I mean is, your original place might have been able to provide the caterer with all sorts of chaffing dishes, serving spoons, platters etc. If the caterer has to bring in heavy duty items to the Branford house like a convection oven or something that might be a good reason for the price change.

Vanessa630

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_branford-house-bridesgeneral-catering-question-non-branford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:7053294e-2b6d-4aaf-a0c7-01bf4293f27cPost:8d177b40-799b-4134-8e16-d32bddc031e8">Re: Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)</a>:
[QUOTE]I think I'll check in with Coastal Gourmet. <strong>Are they the ones affiliated with Mystic Market. (LOVE THAT PLACE!)  </strong>I realize prices could change, especially because the location did, but I was surprised considering it was a better location (from a catering standpoint). Maybe they figure we can afford to pay more? We are just super nervous because this is, by far, going to be our biggest expense, and we feel clueless!
Posted by TBee99[/QUOTE]

Yes!! That's who is providing the cake. Oh my god- DELICIOUS!!! 

jesslovesdave

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_branford-house-bridesgeneral-catering-question-non-branford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:65Discussion:7053294e-2b6d-4aaf-a0c7-01bf4293f27cPost:b22b4da8-b566-4c28-b5e6-3b300fe05945">Re: Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)</a>:
[QUOTE]oh! also, I might mention that one reason for the price changing might be the hardware the venue is willing to provide. What I mean is, your original place might have been able to provide the caterer with all sorts of chaffing dishes, serving spoons, platters etc. If the caterer has to bring in heavy duty items to the Branford house like a convection oven or something that might be a good reason for the price change.
Posted by MeaghanandMichael[/QUOTE]

This is sooo true - when I talked with CG, rentals were not included and even though we were between 2 venues, the girl I spoke with said the less expensive one would cost the same as the more expensive when it was all said and done, because i'd have to rent more.

lily784

TBee99 I sent you a PM

calindi

I don't have a caterer yet, but let me know your impressions on the different caterers as you finalize your decision, if you please!  This post has me nervous now, and I'm also a Branford House bride!!!

starrbuk13

i'm not much help, but i can highly rec the place that catered our wedding.  they're out of Torrington so i'm not positive about the travel to Branford, but it might be worth checking into.  

we gave them a budget and then they worked within it.  it ended up being about $75 per person for food, alcohol, service, rentals, tips, etc...everything.

we used Cuisine with Jill - http://www.cuisinewithjill.com/

TBee99

Thanks so much for the help ladies. I hadn't thought about charging me for equipment. I sort of wished now I asked to see the kitchen...oh well. And Branford House is located actually in Groton, but I'll still check with the caterers you all suggested! They probably cover all of CT, right?

Melissa603

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_branford-house-bridesgeneral-catering-question-non-branford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:7053294e-2b6d-4aaf-a0c7-01bf4293f27cPost:ad94e54a-b686-4550-b808-73d956c19c07">Re: Branford House Brides/General Catering Question (Non-Branford too!)</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm not sure how much they are, but I know Aqua Turf does catering.
Posted by Carebear62584[/QUOTE]

<div>Definitely check Aqua Turf - we are having our wedding there the food is FANTASTIC and we have found the pricing to be great!</div>

patmat1

I will second coastal gourmet they did a friend wedding and the food was great!

bmetz34

this is my exact dilemma too.  One caterer, I think it was culinary concerts, did tell us there would be an additional 20% fee on top of the service charge because the Branford House is a "tricky" venue to cater.  We discussed this with Katherine from the BH and she said she doesn't know why as there is an elevator etc to move food, and alot of the time, the caterer will cook outside if the weather is nice.  Another caterer thought this was kind of crazy too when we asked about additional fees.  We're still on the look for a caterer that can do under $100/pp.  We usually get quotes of around $55-$65/pp but by the time you add a dollar per person for a napkin and fees for glassware and open bar, we're at $100 or over.  Let me know if you have any luck!

TBee99

well at least it wasn't just us they upped the price for. wondering what culinary concert's deal is. we are meeting with david alan next weekend, but they are out of watertown. we haven't found anyone local who is under $100 per person with rentals

KLT0109

Just wondering if any of you other brides ended up going with David Alan Catering?  Thinking about using them but want some opinions on how they were first.  Thanks!

calindi

TBee and bmetz both went with David Alan, I believe.  They're both getting married at Branford House, as am I, and picked him separately.  Now I know that I have to add him to my "must meet" vendors list!

larlac22

I'm getting married at the Branford House next year, and I went with Elements. The quote was extremely reasonable and included everything down to the linens and silverware. They had a lot of options to fit the budget and were really open to basically doing whatever we requested. I feel very confident in the decision. I look forward to hearing some feedback from other Branford House brides this summer as to how their big days went!

good04fish

Hi! I'm  wondering if anyone could let me know how Elements ended up working out at Brandford house?

Thanks!

kendel99

so glad i found this post. My fiance and are stuck between Bill Miller's Castle & Branford House. So now trying to find a caterer/liquor/cake prices so we can see how much Branford will be.