Alright. I have never had to hire caterers before and I suddenly have a new respect and appreciation for people who work in a capacity where they have to plan all sorts of events.

Things you have to think about:

1) What does everyone want to eat? Hors D’oeuvres? A real meal? Desserts?
2) And if there are beverages, what kind? Coffee, Tea, Soda, Juice?
3) We of course would want alcohol but do we go with a Cash Bar which requires a $400 minmum? Do we buy our own alcohol and just pay for a bartender? Do we just forget about the food and get a full bar?
4) What is my budget really? $1000? $1500 or is it really only $800?
6) Miss, would you like our rental pricing? Huh? For Linens and such? Oh.
7) And what about flatware, glassware, &$@*ware? Disposable?
8) How long will the event run? How much will we have to pay the servers even though I asked for buffet style?
5) And lastly, what is the cursing etiquette when you hear snickering on the other line from the owner who can’t believe you just suggested they cater your event in two weeks for a measly $800?

I have somehow volunteered myself to plan an event for work and our budget is tight (if unknown) and I had no idea going into this that caterers had all sorts of fees. I’ve been hoping to meet with my manager’s manager all day, but since she is a few steps up, she is inundated with meetings. So here I sit, dizzy with sticker shock now that all the proposals and bids have come in from all the companies I called, and I’m waiting to find out the inevitable. We just can’t afford it.

Which means I get to break the news to everyone that we may just have a potluck. But hey! At least that means more booze. And isn’t that what this is all about…really?

Is that my phone? Yes. Here I go. Manager awaits.