Entree selection

monbon11

Hi ladies,

We've selected our reception venue (Finally!) and are now in agreement negotiation.  I have narrowed the list of entree options down some (still waiting to taste) and was surprised to find out that the venue charges the highest price even if you are able to give them a list of how many of each entree two weeks in advance.  Perhaps this wouldn't bother me so much if the price disparity wasn't $15 between the beef and fish options.  Has anyone encountered this?

Also, how does everyone feel about the standard beef offering (filet or steak of some sort)?  Is it a must or is that out of fashion?

Thanks!

momo2210

We were charged based on the final meal choices we provided them a week before the wedding.  I think it is strange that they are going to charge you the highest price no matter what your guests choose. I would definitely try and negotiate that.   We paid for exactly how many beefs we eaten, fish were eaten etc.

We offered a filet, fish and chicken option to our guests.

Pesapenny

This situation was common in all of the places we looked at in Boston (our reception is in the city). I'd say it was standard, I doubt they'll negotiate on it.

We selected the beef option with a lobster tail side (a surf and turf thing), and didn't give people the option to select chicken or fish or whatever, because we didn't want to lose money like that (our disparity was about 25-30 dollars). They will have a vegetarian option for vegetarians (groom's sister is one), and will accomodate people with shellfish allergies. We've been to a few weddings now with no choice on the menu, and it was fine.

Neileo27

I'm booked at the New England Aquarium and they are charging based on the final guest count and their meal choices a week before the wedding. 

I have heard of places that charge based on the higher priced dish no matter how many you order.

Most weddings I have been to offer a beef dish and either a chicken or fish dish.  White meat and red meat.  Plus a vegetarian option for the veg-heads. 

michelle11988

It all depends on the venue and catering.  When I was looking I saw this.  I believe mine is an extra $1 per meal for 2 options and $2 for 3 options.  We are doing a filet and a stuffed chicken plus a veggy meal and accommodating other dietary needs. Just to let you know, I asked them about the extra charge its because if they prep 150 chickens its much easier than 75 chickens and 75 beefs.

bostonbride214

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_entree-selection?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:89Discussion:be19d5f9-3836-42f5-af2a-64647d6cd436Post:2459d2b3-68b3-4a7e-a70d-30796ddafb8d">Entree selection</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi ladies, We've selected our reception venue (Finally!) and are now in agreement negotiation.  I have narrowed the list of entree options down some (still waiting to taste) and was surprised to find out that<strong> the venue charges the highest price even if you are able to give them a list of how many of each entree two weeks in advance.</strong>  Perhaps this wouldn't bother me so much if the price disparity wasn't $15 between the beef and fish options.  Has anyone encountered this? Also, how does everyone feel about the standard beef offering (filet or steak of some sort)?  Is it a must or is that out of fashion? Thanks!
Posted by monbon11[/QUOTE]

I have never heard of venues doing this --- you are giving your final count based on the entree selections of your guests and you should be charged based on those numbers i.e. paying for the fish if that's what your sister ordered and not the filet.

I would review your contract again and also ask to speak with the Banquet Manager or even Hotel Manager, especially given the big price difference. This is going to put a dent in your budget as well b/c the higher food prices you are being charged are also going to affect your taxes, service and fees on your final bill.

BCBride2011

We had our wedding at a hotel and all of the hotels we looked at charged the higher price for all entrees. Luckily 70% of our guests chose the steak!

BCBride2011

We had our wedding at a hotel and all of the hotels we looked at charged the higher price for all entrees. Luckily 70% of our guests chose the steak!

kariemma

My venue said that they were going to charge the highest entree price for all of my guests as well. I thought it was odd too but figured it was just the price I had to pay for having a wedding in downtown Boston. But, in negotiating my contract with the bridal consultant at the venue she actually agreed to charge us at the mid-range option instead of the highest one (we are having a chicken, a fish and a beef - the fish is the mid-range price). I felt like it was a good compromise. 

My advice would be to try and negotiate with your venue. I found that when I asked for things and pushed back on their proposal I made progress. In the end, they don't want to lose your business so they will try their best to accomodate you. I got my venue to get rid of the cake cutting fee as well. Sometimes it just doesn't hurt to ask for what you want. 

Good luck! 

kariemma

My venue said that they were going to charge the highest entree price for all of my guests as well. I thought it was odd too but figured it was just the price I had to pay for having a wedding in downtown Boston. But, in negotiating my contract with the bridal consultant at the venue she actually agreed to charge us at the mid-range option instead of the highest one (we are having a chicken, a fish and a beef - the fish is the mid-range price). I felt like it was a good compromise. 

My advice would be to try and negotiate with your venue. I found that when I asked for things and pushed back on their proposal I made progress. In the end, they don't want to lose your business so they will try their best to accomodate you. I got my venue to get rid of the cake cutting fee as well. Sometimes it just doesn't hurt to ask for what you want. 

Good luck! 

Dayn070104

i agree with kariemma.  I found this to be one of the most negotiable parts of my package.  we got away with NO split meal fee. see what your venue can do for you. maybe they can waive the fee if you agree on something else, like an extra hors deourves or something for cocktail hour? even in that case, you might pay the same as you would for the meal fee but it's money better spent.