 Here's a good one..
I have a wedding next weekend that was contracted for 200 guests. I used to work with the parents, so I gave the daughter a nice price for a big menu. Two weeks ago, she told me that she had rec'd RSVP's from 100. Now, mind you, Dad's paid for 3/4 of the cost of 200 at that point.
I met with mom and bride this week (one week prior to the big day) at the function hall they've rented and the manager there asked her for a firm seating count. They skirted the issue, so I hung back to hear what they said. They told her 140- "the kids won't need seats" . Huh? The mgr says that of course they'll sit and they'll sit in seats that are designated for adults and the adults will end up with no place to sit. Bride says, "well, we're not counting kids- they'll run around and not eat anyway". So I piped in and said that I charge 1/2 price for kids over a certain age and full price for kids over 12, so I'd like to get a firm FIRM count if you please. Mom then says that no, they're not counting kids because they won't eat. (It's been my experience that she's exactly right- they won't EAT, but they'll certainly TAKE a cartload of food off a buffet! Which food is mine if they've not paid for it...)
So I called the manager and asked a few logistical questions and then asked how many she's setting up for. She said 156! I'll do the math for you; that's 16 over the number for which she's intending to pay me. Even if they're all kids at half price, that's still money owed to me.
I'd love to place a server at the head of the buffet line and turn away ALL children. Maybe make an announcement that adults only may now help themselves to the buffet and are allowed only ONE plate. Send a server to each table and rip the food away from any unpaid minors? Maybe have my photographer taking pictures of children eating and send them to the dad with the final bill....
What a bi*ch.  |