I made an appointment for us to visit Vineyard Caterers next weekend. What are some of the questions you asked, some of the questions you wish you had asked and just any general information. Some info about them is obvious from their web site and other information I have to thank my fellow liweddings.com friends for sharing their experiences about the place. Thanks in advance for the tips and tricks.
september2004
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
one thing i am struggling with currently is the final cost and the 'service charge' which is really a tip that is included. do we get taxed on this or what? something to find out from the get go...
also, the minimum number of guests you state, does that include or not include the discounted vendors and kids?
lowball your minimum, it's always easier to add then to be responsible for plates you will not fill...
find out about insurance requirements for vendors - does the hall require proof? for how much coverage?
hope this helps
Bunnymonkey
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
Besides the obvious about price and taxes and what is incuded food wise, I asked:
Can you have a rehearsal there the night before?
Valet parking?
Aprox how many servers per person?
Tasting?
jill13bean
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
I was just at my hall and asked the question about the service charge.....
some catering halls write service charge in their contract so they can charge you tax on it.. yes this true it is their way of getting around not being able to charge tax on gratuity
dm24angel
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
I asked how much for kids and vendors....candle policy if your having them( open flame etc) Cake included?...what beers( how many types are included) ?
Finoflynn
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
Some of these are mentioned already: 1. Are vendors discounted? 2. Are children discounted and if so, is there a limit to number discounted? 3. Valet included? 4. How many bartenders at the bar? 5. Bathroom attendants? 6. Is liquor top shelf and what beers are included? 7. Will you have a bridal attendant? Reception hostess? 8. Champagne reception included? (if you are interested in that) I know I have more on my list but I don't have my binder w me here. (I'm a nerd, sorry... )
matron
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
Don't really have any questions for you, but one thing I'd like to tell you is, 'GET MARRIED THERE -- YOU'LL LOVE IT!' Can you tell I'm biased?
newbie
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
Some other questions I asked:
- What liquor brands are included in 'top shelf'? - If the location has more than one wedding at the same time, will the weddings share any facilities (ceremony location, restrooms)? - How much earlier than the ceremony can the wedding party arrive? - Will there be a vegetarian option for dinner?
The service charge sales tax issue was discussed on a previous thread. Some places do tax this and some don't. Service charges should not be taxed. I don't think it's an oversight that some places do not charge the tax. If they were required to pay this tax, the sales tax authorities would have enforced it and they would all collect it.
For the Vineyard - I went there and really liked it - but make sure you have the manger write down the price he quotes you. The manager wrote down one price for us, but told us another. We called back a few weeks later to book at the lower price, and he would only book at the higher price. I'm not very good at arguing about prices - but I don't plan on using him. It is a beautiful place though, just make sure he books you at the price he tells you originally.
Mrs.Ptobe
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Re: Catering Hall questions???
Posted by matron
Don't really have any questions for you, but one thing I'd like to tell you is, 'GET MARRIED THERE -- YOU'LL LOVE IT!' Can you tell I'm biased?
