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Don't Be Fooled When Shopping for Wedding Caterers

Understanding the Real Costs and Hidden Fees of Wedding Caterers

By , About.com Guide

When you're shopping for wedding caterers, it's easy to be fooled into thinking they're more affordable than they actually are. Many wedding caterers will tell you their average cost per person, but what they don't tell you is that there are many hidden fees, or that their per-person costs don't include alcohol. When you're shopping around, be sure to ask for a quote that includes rental charges, staff fees, and gratuities. Frequently, these costs can double the total price.

However, you may also find a few caterers who own the tables, chairs, and/or dishes, so the markup is not nearly as high. And, some caterers charge a per-hour staff fee, a service charge, AND a gratuity. But by requesting a full quote, you can anticipate these added savings or extras, and really be able to compare different companies.

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