you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

I am finding that some catering halls are giving better packages than others and that there are some that cost less, give more and have a nicer facility. I've asked all the important questions such as ratio of waitstaff to guests, etc. and it just seems that some places want to book my wedding more than others. I am planning a November wedding...some places offered discounts only for Jan-March and some were very eager to add extras to entice me to book a November wedding. I am left to wonder whether price is really indicative of what you get at a catering facility. FYI, I have looked at cetering halls and Temples.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

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Posted by ssdbk

I am finding that some catering halls are giving better packages than others and that there are some that cost less, give more and have a nicer facility. I've asked all the important questions such as ratio of waitstaff to guests, etc. and it just seems that some places want to book my wedding more than others. I am planning a November wedding...some places offered discounts only for Jan-March and some were very eager to add extras to entice me to book a November wedding. I am left to wonder whether price is really indicative of what you get at a catering facility. FYI, I have looked at cetering halls and Temples.

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Having looked at many halls I think to an extent price is determined by the menu. Some of the less expensive halls we checked had a lot of 'basics' like chicken francaise, prime rib or something like that.

The more expensive halls tend to have more butler passed appetizers and maybe a choice of 5 - 7 entrees.

On a side note, if the hall was not eager to book a November 2005 wedding in mid January, I would not book with them. Most brides book a year or two in advance so any open dates for this year are usually what halls push first.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

As I was calling halls and speaking with people, I was realizing the same thing. I have no idea how I could land $75pp all inclusive for this amazing menu, when no place wanted to even look at anything under $100pp plus tax/grats.

Of course I was really iffy about booking with Med Manor at first, but after meeting with them and seeing the place I was like 'WOW!'

I've heard so much good things about this place that when I saw everything in writting, I figured it had to be true.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

The quality and preparation may be different of the food as well. Some places offer different sides with each entree, while others everyone gets the same potatoe and veggie regardless of whether they have steak, chicken or fish. And while there might be the same number of servers to each table, what each server DOES may be different. Some bring drinks, fold napkins, and serve while others just serve the food and its up to you to get drinks. Just some of my observations.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

Also the ratio of waitstaff to guests, how many bars, the overall service. These are all things that affect the price. Some are more 'popular' and have higher prices based solely on that, others are family owned and operated and may even only hold ne affair at a time, so the price reflects that as well. It all comes down to them making a certain amount by year's end...the one event at a time places will be more at times than the places that hold up to 4 events a night.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

I think there are a TON of things that go into price, and it all depends on what you want.

I know if there's only one wedding at a time that is HUGE in increasing the price.
there are less expensive places that can give you more food choices b/c they have a whole bunch of weddings going on at a time.

Then there's location, amount of servers, bartenders like you said, reputation of the place, and so on.

You do get what you pay for, BUT it depends on what you want. It doesn't mean more expensive is better - It just means everyone has different taste.

Re: you get what you pay for??? Re: catering halls

I agree with everything said above. Location is big too. If the hals is on th water, or if it's on the north shore, sometimes it's more $$. Also I think one of the biggest things is the quality of the food, and alos the quality of the service. Some places you visit will basiclaly wait on you hand and foot and other will only do what's 'necessary.' Specifically, one of the more expesnive halls, russo's on the bay, it's so much more than other halls and has no great grouns, but the food and service there are amazing