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Just Said Yes May 2018

Catering cost breakdown

boxerlover, on January 9, 2018 at 1:23 AM Posted in Planning 0 2

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I’m trying to book a caterer for a wedding and I’m not sure what are the “normal” charges to expect. On my quote, they have the subtotal for the food. Then they have the subtotal for the serving staff ($1,000 already). Additionally they charge a 20% service charge on top of both subtotals I mentioned. Am I crazy to think the service charge should only be applied towards food if I’m already paying them hourly to come out? Is this a normal thing?

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Latest activity by AllieB25, on January 9, 2018 at 8:42 AM

Super November 2018
Susan · on January 9, 2018 at 1:27 AM
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Hmmmm, as far as I know you’re right. The 20% (or whatever they decide, ours is 24%) service charge should cover their staff as well.
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Expert October 2018
AllieB25 · on January 9, 2018 at 8:42 AM
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As far as I know you are correct as well. Service charge should only be applied towards things like food and other items provided. Service charges are meant to account for the labor that comes with things like ordering, preparing, transporting, etc. If you are already paying an hourly rate for the labor at your wedding, then they would be charging you a service charge on a service, which does not make sense. I would ask them about that charge and why it was calculated like that. My first catering quote included a $300 'room charge'' that disappeared after I asked about it.
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