We realized we were over-charged by (and over paid) reception venue

Normally I'm not one to nickel and dime over things, but feel like this is a significant enough amount that it should be made up for in some way.

Hopefully things go well on the phone and you won't have to fight, but if they fight, definitely don't back down-- that would be extremely unfair if they just stole all that money from you.

Good luck though!

Does your contract specifically say that you are paying the prices for each plate depending on what is getting served? Many of the contracts I've seen you have to pay the higher prices plate no matter what your guest chooses (so if 50% of the people choose the cheaper cost item, then it is what it is). I think that's what my venue would do if I were doing plated (that or doing a halfway price between the two plate costs).

Anyways. If it doesn't and you are indeed overpaying, I would call to see what they can do but not be pushy just yet (seeing as your wedding is 2 days away and you don't want to stress out). Just talk to them afterwards, and then be as pushy as you want. Make sure you get your money back or something.

Your contract should spell out all of the terms surrounding prices. Read through the contract and default to that if there is any argument or push back from the vendor. There is nothing wrong with demanding a refund for the amount overpaid at this point, nor should it be difficult for the venue to make this refund.

Thanks you guys. So the restaurant manager replied, he tells me that he forgot to tell us he rounds up to cover for "incidental costs" that arise throughout the night. Our contract is silent on what happens if you select different priced menu options, which to me means the price of the meals advertised is the price you pay. I am surprised to hear there are incidental costs that could arise because pricing was supposed to be all inclusive (contract is again silent on that too, but that is what he told us). I began respond but FH told me to let it be and not get in a pissing match with him right before our wedding, otherwise he'll blame us for every little thing, a stain on a table cloth, a broken glass, etc. and we will just revisit it after. Lesson learned get it all in writing.

I guess I can see where they may have been left high and dry by weddings in the past (there are some groups that will trash the place, or end up adding on more to the bar last minute in my experience), but at the same time, those charges should be added on after. I would make sure you have in writing that X amount of dollars will be refunded by x date just to cover your butt, and have him specify what is exactly constitutes an incidental cost.

So if there are no incidental charges will you get a refund back? If so, I think that is fair although it would've been nice if him to remember to tell you in the first place.

ETA: my venue charges incidental charges after the fact and have a credit card on file, but will inform me before any charges.

This isn't legal advice, but where a contract is silent, contract law generally skews in favor of the party who did not draft the contract. Assuming the vendor is responsible for drafting the contract, and the contract is indeed silent as to rounding up for incidental costs or differences in meal prices, then the restaurant has no legal right (and you have no legal obligation) to retain these amounts. Your FH may be on to something with the timing, but you should still be able to confidently demand the money back after the wedding. In either case, you should get a full, itemized list from the manager of all the "incidental" costs associated that he thinks it is acceptable to charge.