Extra charges for catering??

i had a party catered, and on top of the food charges , i got a bill for staff, rentals, delivery, flowers etc. is this normal?

Extra charges for catering??
As I am not an ex-caterer and don'thave the 'tude, I'm with you, partly. If you had a party catered, all the costs should be provided up front, and negotiated with you to decide what you want and what you want to do without. Food is only the half of it. Staff and looks are a big part. It should be right up front listed as a cost to you, though, and why. Not a surprise at the end of dinner. If I were you, I'd discuss my problem with the caterer and see about a discounted charge--not heavily--but fairly, for not representing the charges fairly and accurately, if that is indeed the case. Otherwise, eat it and learn for next time.
Reply:Whew.....no! I would say that is not normal. Most honest caterers I know do not add on so many extra charges. You'll probably see an extra tab for delivery, but definitely not for all that other stuff. That should be hidden to you in the cost of the meal. If chicken is costing them $5 per person and they've quoted you $10 per person, that should include all their expenses like hiring waitstaff, renting equipment, etc. If they're not making enough money, then they should raise their prices. THAT is how the caterer pays for staff, etc.





And unless you specifically ordered flowers, I would not pay for them. That's the one that sticks out at me like a sore thumb.
Reply:In most places YES, how do you think the caterer pays their staff. When you do your research for caterer's you need to ask about all the hidden costs. Some caterers' have them and some don't! You need to ask more questions before you book your parties!
Reply:Yes. the only thing the caterer supplies is food and sometimes waitstaff. But flowers, linens, flatwear and stemware, additional staff and other things are sometimes extra money. Be careful and not only read but pick apart the contract and interpret what it actually says in your head. Because they will offer you a service and you'll say yes and because you accepted it you are legally bound to pay for it and you can't say no because they will say it is in the contract that you signed that this service or product costs extra.