Is an up charge typical in wedding catering contracts for increasing food prices?

Question

First: Upcharge is likely not the actual term.

My Aunt brought this up and I'd never heard of it. She says if you sign contract for set price of catering, that it will include a max. percentage upcharge should there be a substantial increase in the price of food served between the time of the signing and the event. I thought when you signed the contract, that is what you pay. Is this actually common and, if so, what would the percentage normally be? I don't know if the place we are considering has this, but forwarned is forarmed, as they say.

We are currently leaning towards having our wedding and reception at a restaurant due to some health problems of some family members.

Answer 1

Like she said, it'd be in the contract... just read the contract carefully before signing... and if there's any doubt in your mind, ask.  If there's wording that you don't understand or like in the contract, ask for it to be redone before signning.

Answer 2

Some refer to it as an escalation clause and most establishments do have them in their standard contracts.  However, please keep in mind that everything is negotiable, so be willing to haggle (nicely) with your venue over the individual pricing prior to the reception.

Best wishes!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

The price in the contract is what you should pay and should they try to up the price, you point out that the signed contract is a legal document! Our caterer did not try to pull any of that with us but has raised her prices $2 a plate since we signed the contract due to rising food and fuel costs but we are paying the lower rate. Our photographer raised his price by $400 and the DJ by $100 but as we signed the contracts at the previous price, that is what we are paying. They can not chnge the price one you have signed the contract!

Answer 4

It would have to spell it out in the contract.  Once the contract is signed, without a clause in it saying they can increase prices, they can't.

Answer 5

If the caterer does in fact charge an "upcharge" like this then it would have to stated clearly and distinctly in the contract.  You are only obligated to pay the price that is state in that document based on the number of people that you contractually agree to or that you feed (if that # is higher than what's on the contract).