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Leonormorrow
Dedicated September 2020

Stretching 15k budget to 18k for caterer — reasonable?

Leonormorrow, on November 6, 2019 at 4:51 PM Posted in Planning 0 14
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I really wanted to keep costs down to about $15,000 for everything, but I’m having trouble finding a caterer for a reasonable price.

Right now my options are $~4000 for beer/wine bar and food, but then having to get a wedding cake in addition and own linens. OR $4900 for everything from the same venue. I’m leaning towards the latter just so it’s easy but this is way above our budget by almost two thousand.

is it reasonable to increase budget to make sure we get a good caterer? I’m already over budget on dress and photography too which isn’t helping, but I really want to keep costs as close to $15k as possible.

Hops this makes sense! Basically, is an all inclusive caterer worth spending more on? Thanks for any advice.

14 Comments

Latest activity by Melle, on November 7, 2019 at 1:32 PM
  • N
    Master January 2015
    null ·
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    If you're already overbudget, I wouldn't go overbudget an additional $2,000. If it was just the $900 difference you mentioned, maybe. But since both options are overbudget, I would consider looking into an alternative. What kind of meal are you having at that price?

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  • Leonormorrow
    Dedicated September 2020
    Leonormorrow ·
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    The 4900 option would put us at $18k and the other option would be around $17.3k or so.

    We would have a cocktail hour either stationary or on stations, a buffet of chicken and fish plus sides, a beer/wine bar plus champagne toast, and a wedding cake. Linens/tableware/setup is also included.
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  • Mcskipper
    Master July 2018
    Mcskipper ·
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    Reasonable is in the eye of the beholder. “Budget” for some is “all that I *want* to spend” and for others it is “all that I have that I can spend” so the answer to your question really depends on where you fall in that spectrum. I wouldn’t go into debt for it; but I might up my spending and spend more of my savings than I had hoped for it. I do think catering is important though— we made some sacrifices elsewhere to get everything we wanted when it came to catering.
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  • Julie
    VIP February 2020
    Julie ·
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    Catering was twice as high as my next highest vendor. That and flowers blew my mind. That said, I'd go for the all inclusive, unless you've priced out and included all of the extras (linen, tableware, cakes are expensive) as well as whomever you'd have to pay to deliver all that stuff. And you have to make sure everything you rent gets back to them or you'll be charged even more. If you price all that out, the less expensive option might not be *that* much cheaper, considering the difference in price
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  • Alejandra
    Super November 2021
    Alejandra ·
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    If the taste is right for you, I’d say all inclusive would be great. If it’s not, and they’re not accommodating, I wouldn’t bother with it. You say you’re over budget for dress and photography, can you cut the budget anywhere else?
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  • Cristy
    Master May 2021
    Cristy ·
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    Food was one of our highest priorities, so I would do it. It seems that both of your options have you going over budget. Looking at it that way, you can pay $900 more to have everything included, versus $900 less, and still have to spend money on the non-included items. That by itself seems like a no-brainer. Guest experience is very important to us, and that means great food.

    But to stay on budget, I'd be looking for another caterer, one that is less expensive (try Mexican, Italian or BBQ), and has linens/dishes, etc. included.

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  • Leonormorrow
    Dedicated September 2020
    Leonormorrow ·
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    We got a pretty good deal on flowers and I plan to use shoes/jewellery I already own for the big day. Invitations will also be less than I think. So that’ll help! I think all inclusive will be easier, but I do also have a DoC who might be able to help with getting everything set up anyway.
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  • Leonormorrow
    Dedicated September 2020
    Leonormorrow ·
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    That’s true! I want to make sure if we’re paying more anyway guests really like the food. I’m still looking for other caterers, but our venue has a set list and I’ve reached out to almost all of them. I don’t think we’ll find one that’s much cheaper. If we choose an off-list caterer, it’s $500 more.
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  • Cristy
    Master May 2021
    Cristy ·
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    Ok, so it sounds like your venue has "preferred vendors" but that you are allowed an outside vendor, for the extra $500. So, if you find a caterer that is significantly cheaper, then that could offset the $500 fee you have to pay. I would look into it, since you want to stay on budget.

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  • Mrs. S
    Master November 2019
    Mrs. S ·
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    I’ve gone way over budget because things cost more than I ever thought. I’ve been able to save the extra money over time. Then with the number of declines we had things ended up costing less than our original estimate. If you and your fiancé agree to it I think it’s fine.
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  • Krista
    Dedicated April 2020
    Krista ·
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    I would do it! It’s not much different then the other options which has the “what if’s” costs to be added! You time and energy should be considered as money too! If it reduces the time and stress to do all inclusive then it seems worth it!
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  • Future Mrs. B
    Devoted August 2020
    Future Mrs. B ·
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    I would spring to overspend the extra $700 to not have to worry about the linens not coming or whatever. That’s just an extra vendor and an extra hassle. I would rather pay the little more and have an ease of mind that there should one less thing to worry about. Good luck!
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  • Leonormorrow
    Dedicated September 2020
    Leonormorrow ·
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    Thank you! I have a tasting scheduled with the all inclusive caterer next week. I am also thinking we might decrease the guest count to save on catering but still have quality food and experience.
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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    I think it's reasonable if it's truly in your means. That happened to me aha. I was $1k over budget because I added more alcohol and upgraded my menu
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