Is it bad to leave out the fact that it's a wedding?

lizm336 · August 2010

I've been told a two people now that when you are talking to caterers to leave out the fact that you are having a wedding because their prices are more expensive for weddings then they would be for a large party.

Is this wrong? I haven't done it yet, I don't know if I can I would feel like I'm lying

It makes sense though, some places are more expensive for weddings. If we're doing a buffet or Hors d'oeuvre they would have the same options for a wedding or large party right?

Has anyone done this?

mmskaric · August 2010

Good question. I didn't have the courage to do it, but kinda wished I would have. From events I've planned for work, I know area caterers are pushing up prices. Then again...it could be more for any weekend function.

It may be worth a shot if you're just calling around to see menus. Once you get into negotiations, you should be upfront. If nothing else, they may have a wedding package that includes some of the extras.

ehathewa · August 2010

It made a difference at one bakery for the cake. A tiered cake for a party was less than a tiered wedding cake.

portialoveschris · August 2010

It's not wrong at all. If you can get away with it. The mark-up on weddings is OUTRAGEOUS! Simply because they know they've got their hooks in you. My friend had a plausible excuse though because she got married over the 4th of July weekend. She just told everyone it was a family BBQ. She saved a TON! I say go for it.

steta4506 · August 2010

I say go for it as well. Purchasing things for weddings is way more than purchasing things for a large party, and when you think about it the wedding is the ceremony and the reception is the party- so technically- it is a large party. You could save a ton and the other huge way to save is having your wedding on Friday instead of Saturday, most places don't get a lot of requests for Fridays so thier rates are reduced, and if money really gets tight you can have a late afternoon wedding and do "snacks" durring the dance and skip the dinner. If it is done right it's not 'tacky" as some people say.

SweetCharade · August 2010

I am apparently in the minority on this one, but I would be upfront with all of your vendors that the party you're planning is a wedding. They'll find out eventually, and the last thing you want is to p*ss off a caterer on the wedding day...they spend way too much time unattended with the food you'll be serving to guests!

portialoveschris · August 2010

I hear ya' on that one. Don't want to make vendors upset. There is that risk....

msteph82 · September 2010

I think the best thing is to be honest and tell them up front. I know that we have gotten a ton of discounts because of the wedding. And you have to live with yourself after the fact, but that's just me, and I'm weird! LOL Good luck!