Caterer frustration

DFracassa · November 2012

I'm getting married in August of next year, and am trying to get as much done now as I possibly can, so there's less I have to do later. Right now, I have the venue, photographer, dress and basically have a DJ, and am working on event rental, party help and caterers. Here's the problem: I have a pretty simple menu in my mind, but the location of the ceremony and reception (Goldner Walsh nursery, in Pontiac) doesn't really have the best kitchen facilities. Plus, the wedding will be in August, and it's typically pretty hot in the greenhouses where the party will be. What caterer did you use? I'm planning an Italian-themed wedding, with light appetizers, lots of tomatoes and cheeses, olives, bread, pasta...you get the idea. I've gotten quotes that made my head spin ($7,900, are you freaking kidding me?) so I want to keep it manageable, especially since my parents are generously paying for the food.

chellekel · November 2012

I am using Dorsey Schools Culinary Academy. They are about half the price of professional caterers because they are just trying to cover costs and not make a profit. Their main goal is to give their students experience. Students will be making and serving the food, but they are supervised by professional chefs. I had my tasting about two weekends ago and everything was delicious! Also they are very good with communication so far.

The contact info is: Mathhew Schellig at 586-296-3225 (ext. 1128)

DFracassa · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_caterer-frustration?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:6513f922-bd6a-4d8f-93d6-07ab8045e83bPost:3cd4916c-92c7-40fa-9187-713071d4624c">Re: Caterer frustration</a>:
[QUOTE]I am using Dorsey Schools Culinary Academy. They are about half the price of professional caterers because they are just trying to cover costs and not make a profit. Their main goal is to give their students experience. Students will be making and serving the food, but they are supervised by professional chefs. I had my tasting about two weekends ago and everything was delicious! Also they are very good with communication so far. The contact info is: Mathhew Schellig at 586-296-3225 (ext. 1128)
Posted by chellekel[/QUOTE]

Thank you! I just sent an email, so hopefully I'll hear from them.

rach21613 · November 2012

Depending on the amount of guests, that could be a pretty typical number once you divide it per person.

Have you tried Genitti's in Northville? Their food is incredible and the owner is fantastic to work with.

http://www.genittis.com/catering.html

Good luck!

DFracassa · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_caterer-frustration?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:6513f922-bd6a-4d8f-93d6-07ab8045e83bPost:87a0ed68-de66-4c70-b197-eb245454676b">Re: Caterer frustration</a>:
[QUOTE]Depending on the amount of guests, that could be a pretty typical number once you divide it per person. Have you tried Genitti's in Northville? Their food is incredible and the owner is fantastic to work with. <a href="http://www.genittis.com/catering.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.genittis.com/catering.html</a> Good luck!
Posted by rach21613[/QUOTE]

I don't want to believe that that would <em>ever</em> be a good price. She'd included chair rentals, linens, 6 servers, a supervisor (all at $22 an hour), a whole bunch of foods I didn't ask for, a tent...I didn't ask her for any of that. I'm trying to keep my whole wedding's cost under $8,000, and with 150 people, I think that's more than possible. I will check out this restaurant you mentioned, though!

jsrosewedding · November 2012

I am considering the same location and tried to PM you, but doesn't work. Can I email you to find out how you decided on that location and other locations you considered? Thanks! -Stephanie

acaponi87 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_caterer-frustration?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:6513f922-bd6a-4d8f-93d6-07ab8045e83bPost:2bc7b3e4-7e18-41ce-8c76-9ca57524d97b">Re: Caterer frustration</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Caterer frustration : I don't want to believe that that would ever be a good price. She'd included chair rentals, linens, 6 servers, a supervisor (all at $22 an hour), a whole bunch of foods I didn't ask for, a tent...I didn't ask her for any of that. I'm trying to keep my whole wedding's cost under $8,000, and with 150 people, I think that's more than possible. I will check out this restaurant you mentioned, though!
Posted by DFracassa[/QUOTE]

You probably don't want to hear this, but that's actually not a horrible price. $53 a person, especially if it includes other things like linens, servers, chairs, etc is definitely competitive. Could you find cheaper? Maybe. But 150 people is a lot of people to serve. Food is almost always going to be the biggest expense in a wedding...usually it accounts for around 50% of a wedding budget.

If you are aiming for $8000 total budget, you should probably plan on spending $4000 on food. $4000 divided by 150 is like $27/person. Just some food for thought.

I think the Michigan version of the Knot Magazine has some good vendor guides in the back that gives average prices per head. That may be able to help you find something cheaper. Good luck!

Sue-n-Kevin · November 2012

We used Holiday Market Catering for our August wedding last year. In addition to the food, they supplied the linens and rentals (dishes, glasses, utensils).

I'd say get in touch with them. Because they are a gourmet market #1, their catering is not their sole profit maker. They will work with you if you give them a budget (cost per person). I'm a foodie, and we went in there and told them what we wanted. We chose some higher end items, but I'm sure they can meet your price point. They will charge you for servers/cleaners and a chef. That is the down side of an outside caterer.

For what it's worth, more than a year after our wedding I am STILL getting raves about our food.

Ask for Traci in catering. Their info is in my bio link below, click on the Vendor tab, and Holiday Market is there.

Also if you are serving alcohol, to to Champane Wine Cellars in Warren on 13 Mile Rd west of Van Dyke. We got 24 bottles of a great variety of wines for $220. Just go in and talk to the manager and tell him what you want to spend.

Good luck. If you have any questions, page me on here or send a Private Message.

shiravduncan · November 2012

WE are using Gary's Catering in Wixom. Very nice staff and great food. Their prices are competitive for the quality of food that you will recieve. If you look on their website, the prices are posted for you to see. I would ask if they can discount the formal china and that would give you a pretty decent price.

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