Buffalo Bride - Venue changed food pricing last minute

If your contract says that it could change then they're not in breach of it. Could you possibly change out one entree for another with the same protein that's less expensive?

Our catering company told us a ballpark number and said that depending on market prices our cost could change a bit.

View Quoted Comment Hey Jessi,


Thank you for your response. We feel guilty changing the good option even in the same food category. The Filet went from $34 to $49. I get a few dollars but that is a significant change in price. They should have given us more than a 40 day notice. Knowing we already had the invitations out. I almost feel like they are price gouging us.

Are the prices listed in the contract you signed with them? If so, then they shouldn't be able to change it.

I would look for a clause in your contract to see if it states anywhere that prices could change at anytime. When looking for caterers, I did notice that a few put something along the lines of that in their contract. If it doesn't state that however, then they should honor the original dinner prices!

View Quoted Comment Hi Lisa,


Yes we have the specific contract with pricing we received when we put down our deposit. The contract does say subject fo change. However that significantly is crazy. We would have never chose that mealOption now at $49.00 vs $34.00 pp. not in our budget. I just wondered if legally they could change the pricing to be so much higher and that short amount of time.

View Quoted Comment Hi Yasmine,


The only thing stated is “subject to change”

Top one is when we signed contract last July and the following is what we just got 40 days befits our wedding for our plated options.

View Quoted Comment Since it states "Subject to change" in the contract, and doesn't specify how much the pricing could change by, I unfortunately don't think that there's much you can do about it (though I'm not a lawyer). I agree that it seems excessive to raise the price that much from the original amount agreed upon. Can you contact the company to see if they're willing to work out a deal to lower the price a bit or allow you to choose a different meal based on the price increases? They might work with you to keep everything in your budget.

View Quoted Comment We are meeting with the venue next week and will be bringing this to there attention. Just hoping for some advice as this is very stressful.

View Quoted Comment

Unfortunately if it states 'subject to change' then I think that they have every right to change the prices. I do agree with you though, that's a significant price change. I would try to talk to them and see if you can come to a common ground somehow.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Yasmine agreed.

Unfortunately, the cost of meat has been on the rise. I can see that the new menu and prices are dated for 2021-? (2022 I assume). When did you sign your contract? Here is an article that better explains it: https://www.businessinsider.com/beef-pork-prices-rising-inflation-when-food-costs-could-fall-2021-7?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=topbar

Unfortunately subject to change means they are legally allowed to change prices, Regardless of how close the wedding is. It sucks but the only thing I can suggest is that in the future keep in mind the wording subject to change on contracts.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for the article Natalie. We signed in July of 2020 and our wedding is 9/18/21. Just wish they gave us more notice on this change.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Katie.

It’s worth asking, but of course per contract they’re not obligated to help. Still worth a conversation if there was anything they could do or would be willing to help with to keep costs affordable (ex take away or change an app, downgrade somewhere else , or maybe they’d even be willing to throw in an extra app to keep you happy)


Also for what it’s worth I know someone else mentioned keeping the protein but swapping out the dish for a cheaper option and you’re not into that BUT I will say, I went to a wedding recently and could have SWORN the box I ticked was “fillet” but ….I’m not CERTAIN, though, bc it was weeks prior and I didn’t pay a ton of attention. At the wedding, we were served short rib for the beef dish. I had a brief moment of “this isn’t what I was expecting” but then moved on and ate my meal and it was delicious, and no complaints from me ! 🤣

View Quoted Comment Lol thank you for the update. We really want to see if they will either work with us on pricing or substitute something. I appreciate your post.

As people mentioned the contract does state "subject to change" and while the price increase seems excessive, it probably does line up with current market value.

I know that you mentioned that your contract was signed July 2020, but they couldn't order food for the wedding at that time, they are subject to the market value as well, and they couldn't have predicted the % increase amount that food prices would go up - most companies use CPI increases for year over year to help, but if prices are above the factor rates, new prices have to be established.

I am not a lawyer, but the contract is probably legal standing, as it's probably within market value - so no price gauging. If a company would increase the per plate rate over market value than you could probably argue "bait & switch,, or "price gauging,,.

It definitely stinks - just considering all sides.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Kellyann. I do know a friend getting married next year same venue and she received the new pricing 2 months ago. I’m just confused why they chose to wait 40 days prior to our wedding to send it to us.

I just hope you all had some money saved up for emergency. Because stealing has been going on for centuries and you just have to prepare yourself for these types of things. It's sad to say you can't get too caught up in a good moment in these days and times. Sorry for your lost. I hope you all can enjoy your wedding day. God bless.