If I had a dollar for every time a bride and groom asked me about "hidden charges" I would be in a higher tax bracket. I can't hide charges-the estimate is clearly written and my services described in detail. What I find most brides and grooms are referring to are service fees such as a "cake cutting charge" or "corkage charge." I personally do not charge separately to cut a wedding cake, as my wedding "package plan" includes it. Some caterers may "a la carte" each part of the reception, especially if they do not own their own equipment and rent all of the tableware and serving pieces. Rentals can be costly so they must pass the cost on to the customer.
Corkage fees for the service of alcoholic beverages are necessary and generally accepted. If a caterer is asked to serve someone else's alcoholic beverages and provide the necessary glassware, ice, bar accessories and personnel a corkage fee is definitely necessary. Those glasses aren't free and someone will have to bus them up, wash them and put them away. Ice, chilling tubs and bar accessories must be provided. Hourly pay, workman's compensation and liability insurance also come into play -- bartending is costly and a liability for both the caterer and bartender. A bartender is legally bound to follow state law regarding the minimum drinking age and can also be held liable if an obviously drunk guest continues to be served. At times bartenders must contend with hostility when they ask for an I.D. or confiscate an alcoholic beverage which was given to an adult guest who then passed it on to a minor. It is surprising how many people believe the law does not apply to private events or who simply protest "But this is a wedding!"
If a cake-cutting charge or corkage charge is being applied perhaps you could avoid the charge if you purchased the cake and bar beverages from the caterer. Compare the caterers selling price to the bakery and liquor store, add the service charge and go with the best over-all price. Nothing on your final bill should be a surprise. Before you sign a contract think of everything you will need and see if it's included. Here are some items and services you may need to check on:
Insurance
Security Guard
Event Supervisor
Parking Attendant/Parking Fee
Extra Space/Overtime Charges
Dance Floor
Public Address System
Equipment and Tableware
Linens
Tables and Chairs
Set-Up Fees
Know what is included before you sign a contract so you will not later feel like a victim of "hidden charges."
Corkage fees for the service of alcoholic beverages are necessary and generally accepted. If a caterer is asked to serve someone else's alcoholic beverages and provide the necessary glassware, ice, bar accessories and personnel a corkage fee is definitely necessary. Those glasses aren't free and someone will have to bus them up, wash them and put them away. Ice, chilling tubs and bar accessories must be provided. Hourly pay, workman's compensation and liability insurance also come into play -- bartending is costly and a liability for both the caterer and bartender. A bartender is legally bound to follow state law regarding the minimum drinking age and can also be held liable if an obviously drunk guest continues to be served. At times bartenders must contend with hostility when they ask for an I.D. or confiscate an alcoholic beverage which was given to an adult guest who then passed it on to a minor. It is surprising how many people believe the law does not apply to private events or who simply protest "But this is a wedding!"
If a cake-cutting charge or corkage charge is being applied perhaps you could avoid the charge if you purchased the cake and bar beverages from the caterer. Compare the caterers selling price to the bakery and liquor store, add the service charge and go with the best over-all price. Nothing on your final bill should be a surprise. Before you sign a contract think of everything you will need and see if it's included. Here are some items and services you may need to check on:
Insurance
Security Guard
Event Supervisor
Parking Attendant/Parking Fee
Extra Space/Overtime Charges
Dance Floor
Public Address System
Equipment and Tableware
Linens
Tables and Chairs
Set-Up Fees
Know what is included before you sign a contract so you will not later feel like a victim of "hidden charges."