Dinner Options

bdpbride · February 2013

So our venue put out a new menu about a month ago. The meal we were planning on serving our guests is now $4-$5 more per person. Plus they raised the appetizer prices and keg prices too. I'm bummed, we were on a tight budget and booked this venue partially because we could actually afford a decent meal for our guests. Their menu did say "Prices subject to change" but I didn't think anything of it and figured we were kind of locked into the menu we were initially given.

So now I'm considering only offering one protein instead of two which would put us back closer to our original budget. I hate to do that because I think most weddings I've been to have had at least two options. So I guess my question is would you feel put off if you were given a chicken dish with no other option?

allychase · February 2013

That's REALLY odd that your venue could change like that, I personally wouldn't have signed a contract that was subject to change at any time.. what if they raised it 10 more dollars a person? You're totally at their mercy. I've never heard of something like that.

As for only offering chicken, I like chicken so I wouldn't mind. As long as it's GOOD chicken. I went to a wedding in october that served me basically cooked chicken breast with no seasonings or even salt and pepper. It was gross and definitely not worth the check we wrote the bride and groom. I'm a firm believer in properly hosting and making your guests comfortable.

I'm sure you'll come across SOMEONE who prefers steak over chicken, but I'm sure they'll get over it. It's definitely not an optimal solution but if it keeps your budget where it needs to be it's not a dealbreaker to me.

[Deleted User] · February 2013

I wouldn't be upset over the chicken-only thing. Have you called the restaurant and asked them if they can compromise on something for you? You might be able to pull the "oh gee...I don't think we can afford this anymore" and see if they can strike a deal for you. Maybe they could at least use the old app and beer prices.

tiny speck · February 2013

Do you mean that you won't offer guests a choice of meal at all and just serve chicken? I think you need to at least have a vegetarian option too and make it known it's available. Otherwise some vegetarians might just try to eat around the chicken to be polite, and might go home hungry.

vk2204 · February 2013

I would talk to your venue about the prices. When we signed our contract we were locked in at those prices that were offered on the day we signed; even though the menu said 'prices subject to change'. That was basically for those who hadn't signed a contract yet.

I would be fine with just chicken, like PP said, as long as it is up to par. Like everyone would get a chicken breast, not a leg/thigh/wing etc. What else are you serving with your protein? If you are offering a pasta with no meat sauce, veggies and potatoes I think you would be okay with the vegetarians.

Christine9866 · February 2013

Ditto pp. Talk with your venue. If a contract was signed you should have been locked in with those prices.

Spunky414 · February 2013

I'd try to negiotate the prices down with the venue first. Otherwise I think just chicken is fine, that's usually the most popular option anyway as long as you can offer something vegetarian for those that need it too.

ChiGirl2013 · February 2013

I wouldn't mind just chicken - I think that's a pretty safe option for most people who eat meat. I would ask to speak with the banquet manager about the price change, though. Once you sign a contract, that usually locks in your prices. Tell them your budget is X and you can NOT go over it, and ask what they're willing to do to work with you to keep you on budget.

How many appetizers are you doing? Can you cut one out to save some money? Are you doing a full open bar or would you be OK with cutting down to just beer and wine? Think up a few suggestions before you call the banquet manager - hopefully they'll be willing to work with you. If not, I'd make sure to include the price increase when you do your online vendor reviews.

adawn1981 · February 2013

I would be just fine with your menu choice and I am a strict vegetarian and have been for almost 18 years. No fish, no chicken, nothing with a face. I would just eat the salad, vegetable sides and bread and give the chicken to my FI. If there were no sides or bread, I would still be ok and nibble on appetizers or cake, wahtever you have! The way I look at it, me being a vegetarian is not on everybody's mind when planning their wedding. It's not a big deal. I could always put a protein bar in my purse and sneak and it in in the bathroom if I was starving!! I would prefer not to eat in the bathroom, but it would be rude to whip it out at the table and it would be even more rude of me to tell you to order something I can eat at YOUR wedding. I think you will be just fine with chicken, but do see if they can't adjust the cost to what it was when you signed the contract. Maybe they will split the difference with you? It's worth a shot.

bdpbride · February 2013

Thanks everyone! There are a few different sides, bread and a salad regardless of how many meats. We are only doing a fruit and cheese platter for cocktail hour because cocktail hour is really more of a cocktail 45min. I'll try to push the price issue once more I think, maybe there is a compromise we can agree on.

I am quite certain that the only vegetarian is my cousin and he is the most bizarre 'vegetarian' there is. He basically eats macaroni and cheese and cheese pizza.....no he is not 5, he's 25. He may eat salad now but he doesn't like most vegetables?! Lucky for him there will be macaroni and cheese served for the littlest kids, I've just asked them to make an adult portion for him....

adawn - I appreciate your thoughts about being a vegetarian and I wouldn't find it rude if you suplemented your dinner with something. I would hate for you to eat in the bathroom or be hungry! Of course I would prefer just to get you a vegetarian friendly meal but I think you have kind perspective on it.

Thanks ladies, I'm hoping we can figure something out. 85% of his guests are coming from out of town and I don't want them to feel like they got a lack luster meal. But it's a little comforting knowing that if it has to come down to one option, it will still be seen as adequette, not great, but at least adequette.

Oh how I wish I could have talked my FI into eloping! I can't wait to marry him, but I'm so over the stress and planning! :-)

adawn1981 · February 2013

No problem

It will all work out! Sounds like you guys will have plenty to eat!

Dinner Options

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