We're having a tiny wedding ceremony (just 4 guests) on the Thursday and then a huge friends-only party with a blessing on the Saturday.
I'm in the process of sorting food for the party. We're having a seaside picnic catered by a small seafood restaurant. I emailed confirming the order and asking about how they'd like us to make a deposit/payment. The owner - who seems lovely - has replied saying "I don't need a deposit. You can pay on the day by cheque/cash or bank transfer."
Is it just me or is that really weird? I'm more than happy to pay a deposit and the balance up front - in fact, that helps with our budgeting and makes me feel more secure that the catering is _definitely_ all sorted. Plus, I certainly don't want to be fussing around paying people on our big day!
Do you think it's a bit odd? Perhaps there's a way to insist they take payment in advance? Help!
CommentAuthorWhovianbride
maybe just say to them what you have said above, that you would prefer to pay in advance so you don't have to mess about on the day, and you know its already sorted. make sure you get some kind of receipt and contract
Met June 2009 on my Birthday,Met again July 2009 and got
together, May 2010 Moved in,Jan 2011 got pregnant,
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CommentAuthorGlitterfairy
They are very trusting, not everyone would be like you. Maybe just point out that you'd rather get it out of the way before hand so no hiccups on the day.
Our wedding day - 6 October 2012
CommentAuthorMrsC2bee
I completely understand your feeling, we had a bouncy castle hire for daughter birthday and they never asked for deposit it made me worry til they turned up on the day, I'd ask them for a contract to protect you both and then ask if you can pay in instalments as will be easier for you. And maybe ask if you can pay by cheque day before or something as you don't want to be worrying on the day x
CommentAuthorRebeccaH689
Thank you all for your advice.
Thinking on it a little more, I was wondering if it might be something to do with them not wanting a paper trial for VAT reasons. Who knows!
MrsC2bee - you're right, it's that general feeling of nervousness. Like, will they actually turn up with food for my guests or will I be scrabbling round in my wedding dress for cash to send someone to the chippy?!
I reckon I'll do as you've all suggested and email her back tomorrow making it clear that paying in advance is our preference.
Make sure you get a contract written up too so you have protection x
CommentAuthormichgib
Yes definitely get a contract.
CommentAuthorCatherineR
We are paying certain people on the day like the hairdresser, make up artist, band, caricaturist etc. so sounds normal to me x
Married my wife on 15.08.15
Honeymooned on the Isles of Scilly :)
CommentAuthorFlossie
I think because it is a 'party' it seems more normal to pay for it on the day. You would assume they'd want a deposit but I don't think it's completely un-normal that they aren't asking for one. There will be certain things that we will need to pay for on the day/when we check out the next day x
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorAprilS61
Think of it as going to a resaurant as a party of 6. You would pay at the end of your meal wouldn't you? I wouldnt worry about it.
Mr & Mrs Swan 04/04/15
CommentAuthorFlossie
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorIrishbride2be
I agree with the girls above if it was for 65 people then they would need a deposit to buy in the food etc and Incase you cancelled it covers the extra cost of the food but it is only 6 people so if you cancelled the day before on them it wouldn't affect them food cost wise so I wouldn't worry about paying for it but I would get something in writing about timing and the order etc just to cover yourself xx
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CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
i have been to several wedding where the band was pain on the night etc .... to help with your budgeting just have it all ready as though you were going to pay before and then just put it in an envelope and give to someone you trust to hand over on the day .
is this food for the day of the ceremony or the huge friends party?
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorRebeccaH689
Sorry if I wasn't clear, Irishbride and April - the food's for the reception (the party with 50 friends, no family). That's a lot of hungry people if the plans fall through!
I've emailed to insist they take a deposit, just for my peace of mind so I know we've got them locked into the deal. Hopefully they'll be OK with that.
I feel so silly being all like 'Please guys, just take my money!!!"
CommentAuthorInDreamland
It's a contract that I'd be wanting.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorAprilS61
Oh I see! Well then yeah, you've done the right thing to insist :) fingers crossed.