Gratuity?

[lentil]

Sometimes the bottom line scares me, too, Tiger!

I've got one now, an outside wedding for 80 that's only 6 weeks away. None of the details are set. I've given them until today to finalize the menu so I can complete the bill. They've only just hired a wedding planner this Monday, they have no JP, no cellist, haven't actually picked out the linens and won't let me... I have reserved tent, china, silver, stemware, floor, etc. They live in another state and had no idea how many details there were to take care of.

In essence, I'm doing much of the planner's work- have met with a minister, interviewed musicians, and met with the florist. I will be peeved when the "planner" takes over, arranges the place settings and tealights, and hands them a bill. The planner can't even be at the wedding as she's overbooked and took this one out of the goodness of her heart. (yes, she told me that) She asked me if I had time to direct the wedding and reception. Sure, right after I take care of all the food.... I was talking to the bride yesterday and was just about to question the whole planner situation when we were cut off. Probably a good thing as I may not want to be the middle. I don't want to sound p*ssy, but I hope she's not paying much for the level of planning she's received from the WP but don't quite know how to broach the subject of compensation for my time either.

I have 2 parties to get out for tomorrow, 6 next week and don't have time to talk to the danged musicians! This wedding is making me a little nuts because Iwake up thinking aobut all the things that still have to be done that don't have anything to do with my part of the job and that my company will look like the one who dropped that ball even if the food is wonderful.

My point in all this is that her bull is going to be high. Or at least I think that's what my point was. Thanks for letting me whine.

[shroomgirl]

find some boundries Lentil....and start communicating with the bride about your full service catering company that charges for planning weddings. THIS IS YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR INCOME....MAKE SURE THE BRIDE UNDERSTANDS THE PERIMETERS OF WHAT YOU DO.....AND THE CHARGES SHE'LL GET. AND FOR GOODNESS SAKES GET A GOOD DEPOSIT UP FRONT....INVOICE HER ASAP ON WHAT PLANNING YOU HAVE DONE.

[lentil]

Shroomgirl, you're absolutely right. My main problem is that I don't charge enough or for everything I do. I am still stuck being timid about charging enough because they might go elsewhere. Recently, I have had 2 parties where I've charged much more than the hostess thought she should pay, and on both occasions, they have still booked with me. I should learn from that. I do tell people I can't quote a price over the phone and assure them I'll call back later. This way, I don't feel pressured to come up with an amount and end up getting screwed.

I have a samll party tomorrow which started out as a pick up and grew to them wanting me to go there and cook the hot dogs and hamburgers for their 6 year old's birthday party. I said I didn't do that, but she was insistent. I have my DD and her BF doing it and told the woman they had the 2 of them for 1.5 hours and no longer. She said she'd pay them more than I asked ($15/hr each) but then balked at the $$ I gave her for the meal. I said it was no problem if she wanted to cancel as I hadn't started it yet, but she said NO!! Go figure. Strange that she'd pay the server and cook much more, but the actual catered food was too expensive. I did feel good about standing up to her instead of feeling afraid I'd lose the party. I probably wouldn't have minded losing this one.