She served raw chicken at my wedding😡
Our experience with the caterer was pleasant until we received services on our wedding day. She was hired in June to cater our wedding 9/21/24. We’ve had numerous conversations with her almost weekly leading up to our wedding. She called me the morning of my wedding asking if our wedding was that day or the following the weekend of September 28th. Which let me to know that she forgot about our wedding day. She proceeded to call back and say everything is ok we’re good our dinner starts at 5,
so that would be enough time to cook. She was supposed to arrive at our event by 12 noon, she was over an hour late which pushed our start time back. Later after the wedding our guest started reaching out to us to let us know their chicken was uncooked and pink and that it wasn’t the flavor chicken we chose for our dinner which was suppose to be bourbon. We chose only a few pieces of salmon to be served for two of our guest she showed up with a full pan of it and our meatballs were salty. Our guest were denied servings of all the food and due to cancellation of guest that shouldn’t happen because there should’ve been more than enough food. We’re in agreement to have a water station setup by her for our guest, which she stated in a later conversation she forgot and proceeded to provide cases of bottled water which we didn’t want at the event. We spoke to her on 9/27 with these concerns about the uncooked chicken and how our services provided were rushed and it showed. She was defensive, rude, and over talking us about what was presented to us at the wedding. She called back and admitted that the food was probably rushed and that she wasn’t the one cooking because she was at the venue setting up. She offered $400 to be refunded for the chicken and we would move forward. We agreed! We are now learning that she is refusing to keep that agreement, through an email stating services she never provided which was cleanup of tables after our guest were done eating. Not to mention she claimed to be fully staffed, but our event was catered by her and two kids ranging from the ages of 10 and possibly 14 years old. A wedding day is a day you can’t redo and to have an experience like this is so unfortunate..Instead of giving us the refund that she promised us she said she will give us a 10% discount when we book with her again..WE WILL NEVER USE HER SERVICES AGAIN!
What would yall do in this situation?
Planning a wedding involves intricate details, and catering is often a focal point that can make or break the event. When searching for a caterer, it's crucial to vet potential vendors thoroughly by checking reviews and asking for references. A professional caterer should communicate consistently and remember the key details well in advance of the big day. In this unfortunate incident, not only did the caterer forget critical details, such as the event time, but the quality of food served was unacceptable. Raw chicken can pose serious health risks, leaving guests in discomfort and ruining the celebration. This situation underscores the importance of a successful tasting before the event, ensuring that the food meets your expectations. Moreover, poor service can diminish the wedding experience. Staffing levels, such as being attended to only by young, inexperienced staff, lower the quality of service offered. Always confirm staffing details before finalizing a catering contract. After an initial agreement on a refund or compensation, follow up in writing to ensure that there is accountability for what was discussed. Always safeguard your interests with clear communication and documentation. In final reflections, couples should prioritize finding caterers with strong reputations, proven records, and confirmed menu items. Research extensively and opt for professionals who prioritize customer service, such as timely follow-ups and offers of support. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves care and excellence in every aspect—especially in dining.
