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Tasting: Do you have to pay?????

We are having our ceremony & reception at a local resort and just started the BEO-Banquet Event Order--food and cake tastings.
I got the email today and noticed that there was a fee listed under the menu selection. We are having hors d's ($18/per) and our entree is chicken followed by cake tastings ($80/per). Granted we're tasting 3 different selections from each category, but I didn't realize we were supposed to pay for a tasting? That's $196 just for tasting! Is this right???

Posted On: Jul 2, 2009 at 9:18 PM | Vendors are allowed to participate

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Linda Z.

Wedding: 04/09/2010

13 Comments | Login or Signup to post a comment!

wowjunkie

Wedding: 06/12/2010

Posted On: Jul 02, 2009 at 9:30 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Good lord, for that much they better give you three full entrees! It's been my experience asking around that the bride and groom don't pay for the tasting, but beyond them it's at the discretion of the caterer. Ours is doing 2 other people, but other places I've talked to don't include anyone else. I've never talked to a caterer that didn't include tasting for the bride and groom.

Coal2

Married: 09/19/2009

Posted On: Jul 02, 2009 at 9:33 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I did have to pay for my cake tasting which was surprising because I thought that it would be complimentary since they already know that we are getting the cake from them. The fee wasn't much, only $15 for 8 small slices so it wasn't too big a deal. My sister in law did not have to pay for hers at all but originally they did want $50 for each person there. I think she was eventually able to challenge that though cuz she had a huge wedding. I think it all depends on the vendor. You should try to comprimise with the pricing or else you will be throwing money here and money there. Good luck.

newmant1

Wedding: 11/28/2009

Posted On: Jul 02, 2009 at 10:45 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Damn! I was just informed that the caterer I'm probably going to hire doesn't do an actual tasting until after the reservation but we can go try some stuff on their buffet on a Sunday. I guess we'll have to do that.

VegasBride

Married: 09/24/2009
Reviews: 6

Posted On: Jul 02, 2009 at 10:51 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Our venue had an open house that included tastings on everything they had available including the cake and the whole thing was free for myself, my FH, my parents, and my in-laws. I really can't say what the norm is but we didn't have to pay for anything.

lauren10

Married: 08/29/2009
Reviews: 5

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 6:59 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I didn't have to pay for a tasting. That seems odd if you've already invested money into their venue. I would call someone!

Photogirl

Blackburn Portrait Design

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 7:11 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I think it depends on how elaborate the tasting is. If you are tasting three different appetizers, salads, soup, main course and anything else, that is quite alot. I think it also depends on whether or not you have actually signed a contract. If you think about the time, effort and the amount of food involved in tasting possibly three choices of five courses, it is not unreasonable.

christy love

Wedding: 03/27/2010

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 1:58 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
That is ridiculous! I would call them and see if they work something out. As if you are not paying them enough. Now I can see if they chrge because you have NOT signed a contract yet. If you have given them a deposit it should be complimentary. And to charge that much for a tasting is a bit much. you are better of just going in eating as a reg cust. It will prob be cheaper.

cuteangelfan

Wedding: 04/10/2010

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 4:43 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
We have not been charged for any of the cake tastings..nor does our venue charge for tastings. I dont think you should pay for a tasting.

Jill

Married: 10/17/2009

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 5:32 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
If you have already put a deposit down for the caterer, then I would call them and say that it is not in your budget to pay for a tasting - I don't think that seems right at all. Both my parents came with my fiance and I for our tasting. They put us in a separate room, and treated us exactly the way they would for the reception so we would know what the service is like and there was no charge for any of this. Good luck!

Linda Z.

Wedding: 04/09/2010

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 7:07 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Thank you all for your comments!! I emailed my coordinator and I will NOT be assessed a bill for the tasting. Phew! Didn't want to draw out the guns, lol.

Not-A-Bridezilla

Wedding: 05/15/2010

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 7:42 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
While that does seem like quite a bit of money for a tasting, some places do charge for one. Have you officially booked the venue yet by putting down a deposit? If not, then many places will have you pay for the tasting-- otherwise they would just have a bunch of "interested" people coming in for a free meal. If you have booked the place, then they should add what you pay for the tasting onto your catering tab (aka--you get a credit of $196 for your food). But yeah.... if you're paying and you have already booked and they aren't giving you the money back then I would say that's ridiculous

Angela B.

Wedding: 07/31/2010

Posted On: Jul 03, 2009 at 9:43 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
That is crazy! Is it in your contract? That just seems wrong and way to much.

Linda Z.

Wedding: 04/09/2010

Posted On: Jul 04, 2009 at 1:01 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Yes, I've already booked the venue, read my contract, and put down a deposit. I was told it was information for the kitchen staff only and I don't have to worry about it getting charged to my account. I would recommend to all brides to read every line in your contracts and before signing ANYTHING, read it.