Catering Tips For Recessionary Weddings

Marilyn Chapman shares some fantastic tips:

The good news is that weddings are recession proof and couples are getting married in record numbers. The bad news is that current trends in weddings still reflect the downturn in the economy. Gone are the lavish weddings that many industry professionals now presume were fueled by Home Equity Loans and credit cards with low or nonexistent interest rates The reality is that weddings are now smaller and simpler in both size and concept. This creates a challenge for the Catering Salesperson who wants to close the sale with the increasingly skittish consumer.

The Catering Company must remain sensitive to client budgetary restraints while keeping a sharp eye on profit margins with increased costs on every front. This requires both flexibility and creativity in designing menus that do not compromise standards of quantity of food, service and presentation. Generally this means minimal upsells and surcharges which create mistrust. Under the current economy we are now encouraging Bridal Couples to save money by renting their own specialty linens, tents and other rentals privately rather than upselling these items. This allows us to concentrate on the Catering while continuing to support our network of vendors. This change has increased Catering Sales by creating goodwill and referrals while saving time for our Sales Staff. The Client savings often go immediately back into food sales so there is no net revenue lost.

When budgets demand a lighter meal we establish a firm protocol with the client. Lighter menus such as Dessert Buffets or Light Hors D' Oeuvres are acceptable only if the time of the event and the Invitations sent to the guests appropriately reflect the menu. It is important to value these smaller events because they often expand into a full menu as the event grows closer and the families step up to help with expenses.

Lighter menus require more props and decor to get a comparable effect. We have found an additional source of revenue is renting from our own supply of specialty props and glassware as the Brides as still looking for special touches that make their event unique. The advent of Signature drinks has significantly increased our glassware rentals so we encourage that idea. We also have taken the time to design creative beverage stations which add a wow factor at minimal cost to the client while still profitable to the company.

Quality product and service is even more important in an economic downturn. Sales People with confidence in their product will remain the most successful in a recessionary climate. High pressure sales tactics are inappropriate and you can expect more comparison shopping. A continual review of the competition's menus and services will go a long way toward staying on top of the game in a today's tight market..

Most of all it is important to remember that weddings remain a celebratory event regardless of the budget. All Bridal Couples want to feel special and be treated with respect. Often the less expensive weddings represent a huge proportion of a couples' income as more and more couples pay for their own weddings.



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Marilyn Chapman
Wedding Event Coordinator

Delectables Fine Catering, Inc.
"The Bay Area's Most Prestigious Caterer"
969 Virginia Avenue, Inc.
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

E-mail: info@delectablescatering.com

http://www.delectablescatering.com

Phone: 727-781-1200
Fax: 727-789-3401