Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. I recently became married and had a wonderful celebration reception that included an hour of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for our guests. During that hour, the wedding party, including myself and the groom, were at another location with the photographer. We left the next day for our honeymoon. After arriving home, a very close friend and I were discussing the wedding and reception. She then informed me that it didn’t appear that the venue staff supplied everything that we had agreed upon concerning the cocktail hour. For instance, I paid for five rounds of Brie cheese and only two were offered to the guests. This make me wonder what else I may have been shorted. How can the Bride and Groom be assured that they are getting what they paid for when they are not there the entire time to oversee things? G.S., Newtown
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A. There is no foolproof way to know that the caterer is supplying all that you have ordered. It makes it even harder when you are not there for that hour in question. One suggestion would be to have someone you trust at the cocktail hour who will oversee that hour for you. Have this person go with you to the caterer’s when ordering the hors d’oeuvres. Let the caterer know that this person will be overseeing that hour while you are not there. If items are not offered to your guests as ordered, your overseer should immediately contact the caterer and correct the situation.
In reference to the possible shortage that your friend referred to during your reception we would recommend the following; send a letter to the caterer outlining your concerns and how you would like for them to resolve your complaint. It is always a good idea to reach out to the business first. They may acknowledge their mistake and offer you something to compensate for the difference. We strongly recommend that this is done in writing. If you are not satisfied with the response the business offered (state in your letter that you would like them to also respond in writing) and wish to make your complaint formal through our office or another agency, we will require that a letter to the business is your first step.
For additional educational, consumer brochures and information, please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
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