After going around and around with my budget and getting scared that my parents won't be able to follow through with the money they said they'd give us, I decided to explore less traditional food options. I thought about dessert only, but wasn't able to get much concrete info, more of just a "we can discuss prices". Then, I saw that some of the caterers offer BBQ menus for WAY less and this is more FI and I's style anyway. I emailed Puff 'n Stuff, Levan's and River City about their BBQ menus. Most start at about $12-14, so I was super stoked. Granted, I know it will be more with linens and real plates, etc. Anyway, I got kind of excited about Levan's because they will bring a smoker and cook onsite and their menus were $12pp and $13pp. Duane emailed me a quote that included linens, china, and servers of $26pp. WTF?? It costs MORE than the food for linens and servers? And, I got a full menu quote from them that included 4 hor d'ouevres for $29pp. River City's menus that included linens and china were $22-26pp. Needless to say, we're still going to set up tastings with all of them. Anyone have an idea of standard break downs for this stuff (I think John Michael's charges $3pp for upgraded linen/china)? How much can I really bargain? Can I say "Other Catering Company is offering us all of this for $XX, can you match it?" Should I just chill out til we've met with everyone? I'm just so frustrated.