Need your advice...

csquared21

We got married August 22nd and for the most part the day went perfectly!  I didn't find out about any problems untli the next day.  Then I found out from several different people that we ran short on food.  I actually paid for about 15 people more than actually attended our reception.  The last two tables had to get rationed portions of food (some got like one tablespoon each of potatoes!).  Along with this the caterer made us get bottled beer instead of kegs because it is "easier".  I just gave into all the requests to make her life easier... which come to find out was easier for them but harder on us.  At the end of the night she told our parents that they had to take all the bottles (empties and the leftovers).  Our agreement was that she would clean up and dispose of the bottles... regardless though, her people put full OPENED bottles in the boxes they sent with my parents which then of course spilled all over their car.Anyway, I asked her for a refund of $300 (10%) of the bill because I felt like the contract was breached and not all of her obligations were fulfilled.  She wrote back and agreed to pay the money but was very short and tried to tell me they didn't charge me extra (I saved a total of $50 b/c of this) for the children's meals and I should consider that .  Now I'm feeling incredibly guilty.  Do I take the money and just cough it up to the fact that she's just trying to make money or do I give into my guilt and not accept it?  I'm a huge push over and I don't think I was firm enough with some things but I don't want to make anyone mad.  The woman that runs the place is incredibly sweet but I just feel slighted on the food... especially since we ran out and we had less people there than I paid for!  Oh, and she told me she's never seen people take portions that large... but she didn't want her people to serve the food, she wanted it to be a buffet... sooo usually people take a lot?Help!!!

nataloo314

1st of all - you should not feel guilty at all. The biggest faux pas a caterer can make is running out of food. Yes, people tend to take more at buffets, but as the professional, she should know that and should have planned accordingly. I have a hard time believing that this is the first time she has run into the problem.2nd of all - by her staff putting open containers in your parent's cars, they subjected your parents to potential open container tickets, damage to their car, etc, etc, etc.3rd and finally - Don't expect her to be Miss Mary Sunshine. She is probably pissed at herself and her staff and that is why she is short with you. You need to stand your ground and get the refund. Make sure to save any documentation (emails) in case she fails to refund the money. Be firm!!!

bethyann75

I agree.  My mom is a caterer and she knows that you prepare much more for a buffet than what you do for a sit down dinner.  Not only do people take bigger portions, but they waste more.  It was a huge error on her part, especially since you were actually expecting more people.  You should understand that you had a contract and this is a business transaction.  If you went to the store and bought 100 pairs of shoes, but when you got home you only had 85 pairs, then you would expect a refund.  The event is over, so the only way for you to be compensated is to receive a refund.  I think it is also worth pointing out that she is so willing to give the refund.  It seems to me because she was so quick to refund you, she knows she did wrong.  You should not feel a bit guilty, especially since she did not fulfill her obligation in the contract of cleaning up.  Again, I know this is a hard situation, but I think the best way to think of this is as a business transaction.  She was providing a service and she did not complete her part of the deal.  Stay strong! 

kellidanae

I agree with prior posts. So you saved a hole $50 and in the whole picture of a wedding that is change....I feel she owes you the refund as  obviously your guests were shorted on food. Given that you paid for more people than you had and still ran short on food, I think 10% is less than I would ask for.

MrsEmJay

Oh Crystal, that stinks! I am a pushover too, so listen to Nataloo's (and others) advice and be firm. What a poopy thing to deal with!

flugulbinder

I'd also make a report to the Better Business Bureau so other people know that they need to ask this vendor more questions than they would ask other prospective vendors.

allyheartsbill

I can't believe her staff thought it was ok to put open beer bottles in someone (anyone) elses car!!  If that were my staff....I would be pissed off!!  She needs to know about that as a business person.  I agree with pp's.  When providing the food is your business.....you should not run out.