Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

M
Just Said Yes September 2018

Venue wants me to sign contract before I'm given their exclusive catering rates?

Mike, on September 27, 2018 at 7:23 PM

Posted in Wedding Reception 29

Hi I'm wondering if anyone has experience with venues asking you to sign a contract with them before you get their exclusive caterer prices. I got an email back recently from a venue I was excited about and they only provided me their caterers sandwich pricing which is worlds apart from wedding...

Hi I'm wondering if anyone has experience with venues asking you to sign a contract with them before you get their exclusive caterer prices. I got an email back recently from a venue I was excited about and they only provided me their caterers sandwich pricing which is worlds apart from wedding reception pricing. The catering company itself is basically unreachable and only does catering for the places owned by this venues company. The letter is copied below:

"When it comes to catering that info isn't usually given until the event is confirmed.

Once a contract is signed and a deposit made, then and only then can we can then move forward by assigning an Events Coordinator who will assist you with the specifics in catering along with any other details that would be needed to host your special day.

We have attached a menu for outside clients, sandwich buffets. This is not a reflection of the menu for your type of event, but it's the closest that we can find that had a pricing on it to give you an idea. Please do not take this for what your event would be priced as well.

Let us know if the date work for you and how you would like to proceed."

29 Comments

  • Lady.ghoulica
    VIP October 2027
    Lady.ghoulica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    No, that is wrong. They need to be upfront with their pricing - how do they expect people to fall for this???!

    • Reply
  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    That's insane. How are you supposed to know if you can afford the catering?

    • Reply
  • Kat
    Expert May 2019
    Kat ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    That’s insane. Who would sign a contract without knowing the pricing? Super shady, run away!
    • Reply
  • DC Wife 10.27.18
    Master October 2018
    DC Wife 10.27.18 ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would not do this.

    • Reply
  • S
    Dedicated October 2020
    Shauna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would even risk it. This feels like a trap to me.

    • Reply
  • Andrea
    Master January 2021
    Andrea ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Run, and run fast! That sounds like it cannot possibly have a good ending. Look for a different venue.Smiley smile

    • Reply
  • FutureStephD
    Super March 2019
    FutureStephD ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Agree with PPs - that's ridiculous!

    Have you checked the reviews for the venue? (WW and others)

    Could you post locally and ask about their prices and reviews? I'f you're in love with it, I would ask the venue to tell you the AVERAGE price and insist on seeing a catering menu. Seems fishy.

    • Reply
  • Lynnie
    WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
    Lynnie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Definitely a red flag!! I would not advise signing a contract with them until you have a full scope - or a least a general estimate - of the catering pricing!

    I like 2d bride's wording as a reply! Just stay kind but firm and clearly point out that you are "obviously unable to commit to a signed contract for wedding services with unspecified pricing". I would let them honestly know that you are interested in moving forward and obtaining more information but wary of entering into a contractual obligation without a clear idea of how much the services could end up costing you.

    My venue required that I use their in-house catering, and I signed my venue contract months before having a detailed and final catering quote. However the minimum food and beverage spend was clearly outlined in the contract, we received pricing estimates of example wedding catering packages ($120 per person buffet option, $130 per person plated option, estimate of average per person cocktail hour pricing), and there were very specific deposit and cancellation dates outlined in the contract!

    • Reply
  • M
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Mike ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Thanks everyone for the comments and advice. I messaged the venue and said it was not acceptable for me to sign a contract without knowing the catering prices for a wedding reception. I then linked this thread to them to show them I was not the only person who felt this way. They messaged me back the following day and said they had "a lapse in judgement" and showed all the wedding reception catering prices, which proved to me they had the prices available all along. Despite them coming clear with the prices, the whole experience left me with a bad feeling regarding the venue and caterer and so I will not be pursuing the venue any further.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Explore how we embrace diversity

Groups

WeddingWire article topics