When to pay the caterer

bluemeanie999

Hi all

Just wondering when people actually paid for their catering ??

Only asking because our caterer as asked to be paid upfront before the wedding (which I can understand so they can get all the food and everything), but my folks (who are paying for the food) are a bit wary of this and think they might do a runner and have no food for our reception.

What are other people's experiences??

Violetta_2

My venue need the money the week before when we confirm numbers , I was planning to pay by credit card (which I'll pay straight off when the bill comes in) , it's also what I used to pay the deposit, not sure completely, but I thought that gave me some kind of protection if there were any problems. Which surely with your previous venues will not happen.

rinroo

We had to pay a deposit to secure £150, then they require 25% of the final balance 6 weeks before with the remaning balance to be paid the week before the wedding.

i think most, if not all companies require payment before hand.

shelovestobuystuff

My caterer needed 50% as a deposit last month and the final 50% plus some money to cover corkage 2 months before wedding(so thats due in 2 months time).

MsChazzer

We had to give 50% of the food costs a month before then they invoiced for everything else (rest of food, corkage, operational costs) afterwards.

*Louise*

I paid a £5 deposit per head 6 months before when we booked, then the balance a fortnight before the wedding.

Simstwins

Is it normal to pay for everything before the event? Or do you hold a bit back?

My daughter's wedding is in 6 weeks, and we are confirming numbers before the end of this month, and am then going on holiday for 2 weeks. Does the reception get paid for upon confirmation of numbers, along with the wine and welcome drinks, or is it done in dribs and drabs?

We are holding it at the local golf club, which is a new sideline for them too, so no-one seems particularly sure of what gets paid when - LOL!

shelovestobuystuff

Most places need a small deposit to secure the date etc,then usually a further deposit per head or half payment once numbers are confirmed.Remainder usually 2 weeks -a month before the date.Some venues take the remainder of payment on the actual day but most need full payment a bit before.

I have just booked an anniversary party for next year,july, at a big hotel.The deposit to secure the facilities for the date is just £100 due now.Then we have to confirm numbers and pay 50% of the cost per head for the food early next year.Final payment of the remainder of the food bill plus a drinks package to be paid at least 4 weeks before the party date.

My wedding caterer needed 50% deposit on expected numbers when we booked,the remaining money with confirmation of actual numbers 2 months before wedding.Staff costs and corkage will be paid in advance too.