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Master July 2018

How to Politely Ask for a Menu Change

RZ_ToBe, on January 17, 2018 at 4:57 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 7

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I've been procrastinating on this email for a while now. A few months back, FH and I went to a food tasting for our venue as they provide the catering. We had a few menu options for Hors D'oeuvres to choose from. We tried a few of the options we were really looking forward to, but the fact we had to look up what every single item was should have been a red flag. Don't get me wrong, these people are professionally trained and specialize in French food. But to be honest... I hated it. FH wouldn't touch half of it. And there was. So. Much. Goat. Cheese. All in all, the food was just too upscale and meant for the upperclass people that live on the beach. I come from a simple redneck town and we tend to enjoy much simpler, cowboy cuisine, and home-y types of food. Not mint leaves and goat cheese.

Basically, I just need some help. Our venue has been really kind and we love our almost-paid-off venue other than the food. I'm trying to send an email to our coordinator to request a menu change, but I just don't know how to word it without feeling like I'm saying "your food sucks, gimme something better."

Help!

As a side note, we cannot ask for an outside caterer and our package does not allow us to have a sit down dinner. This is because the reception area they provide was not made with a sit down in mind. However, food will be passed around constantly until the end of the reception.

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Chantal, on December 2, 2018 at 1:16 AM

November 2018
happeningmom · on January 17, 2018 at 5:03 PM
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When you talk to the venue I would ask them if they have other options that do not have goat cheese? Explain that most of the guests are not used to upscale, french food and you were wondering if they had some other options to appease them.
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Dedicated October 2018
FutureMrsM · on January 17, 2018 at 5:05 PM
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"After further consideration, I think we'd like to make some adjustments to our menu. While we loved X, we thought Y and Z wouldn't have as broad of an appeal for our guests. Would we be able to substitute them for something simplier/without cheese/a meat option?" Feel free to be a specific or general as possible. If you want meatballs, sliders, bacon wrapped whatevers, ask for it! Be professional and polite and remember, they want to make you happy! I'm sure they'd be willing to meet you in the middle on menu options.
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Master October 2016
Mrs. Fall Bride · on January 17, 2018 at 5:21 PM
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Mmmm goat cheese is the GOAT. And I don't live anywhere near a beach. Didn't you know what kind of food they served before you booked them? @Lindsey said it nicely, just tell them that.
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Master July 2018
RZ_ToBe · on January 17, 2018 at 5:25 PM
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No, FH was the main one speaking with them a d he did not give me a menu until after we booked. I didn't think much of it, honestly.

But yes, I will be taking Lindsey's advice as it can also address some of my special diet guest.
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Champion December 2017
earias · on January 17, 2018 at 5:59 PM
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I'm sure the venue will be happy to accommodate you. Don't be shy about it since you are probably spending the most money on food in one day than you ever have. I was very candid with my venue's coordinator about the menu and what I expected, liked, disliked, etc. As long as they are familiar with what you're asking, and it fits within their style/quality of reputation of serving certain foods, etc., they will most likely be pleased to work with you on your menu.
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Dedicated May 2018
NoraBoraXD · on January 17, 2018 at 6:15 PM
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I also think Lindsay said it best. The earlier you ask for the menu change, the better and they will be more able to work within a budget, figure out what ingredients they will need to get and which suppliers to use, etc.
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Savvy July 2020
Chantal · on December 2, 2018 at 1:16 AM
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How did the menu change go? I love the catering hall I want to book with but the food is very...bland. We can have a sit down with the chef and discuss some menu changes.
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