Charging for folding napkins?

Question

We're having our reception at a country club and it really can't be beat for price. We're paying no facility charge, and only per meal, the max being 29/person if we chose filet minion.

However, when I went in today to pay the downpayment, he talked about some of the other costs. For instance, if I want the napkins folded any way other than standard folded in a rectangle, I have to pay 1 dollar per napkin "because it takes a lot of time and is tedious"

Is this normal? They also wanted to charge me 5 dollars per chair if I wanted chair covers. They told me I can decorate however I want and come in anytime that day (or my family) to do so, so I'm thinking of just renting the damn linens myself and folding the napkins and covering the chairs for much, much less.

Another hidden charge: 1 dollar per person to cut and serve the cake. That might be normal though.

Answer 1

All these are normal which is why you need to look into all charges before you sign the contract. Ask for a price list of extras then compare to what you can get on your own.

Answer 2

All of these charges are normal. Is there a particular reason you want a different napkin fold, if not then just go with the rectangle. There also isnt really a reason to cover the chairs as it not a big deal, but if you absolutely want that then you'll still be spending less than if you had to pay a rental charge. Ask if you can have someone else cut and serve the cake, if that is acceptant, then get a couple of family members like cousins, younger siblings, etc. that you would like to add to the wedding and all you'll have to spend is the money for small gifts of thanks, which will cost less than the $1.00 per person charge.

Answer 3

All of those charges sound normal to me because you are not being charged for the room rental. You have to remember that all of the outlandish fees are for stuff that takes time for people to do. The club usually sets high fees for stuff that is a pain the the butt becasue some bride with no budget doesn't care about how much it costs she just cares that the napkins are folded like swans or her entire day will be ruined!!

The club is letting you have the linen napkins so do you really care if they are folded in a rectangle? You can do without chair covers (or try to find them cheaper, if you rent them though you have to take them back the next day, or find someone to do that for you) The cake costs also includes cake plates and serving.

Also see if there is a clean up fee hidden somewhere in the contract. Clubs usually charge that if there is no rental fee.

Answer 4

This is how the country club is making up for all the extra charges. My husband and I leased a restaurant which was also part of a country club. Generally, we charged for the room rental (if you were not a member), we charged a certain amount per server, and a linen charge. The linen charge is because the linen companies charge the restaurant for use of their linens. The server's fee should include the folding of the napkins, covering of the chairs, setting up the room in any style you want, cutting the cake, and cleaning up afterwards. After all that is what you are paying the servers to do. No I would not say this is normal just another way for the country club to make some extra dollars.

Answer 5

Normal to have hidden fees somewhere. My location charged $1 to lay out anything...favors, menu cards, or programs. I'm happy to report, however, that they did the napkins for free. We just went around & did the other things ourselves & saved more money than I could imagine by doing that. The $5 for the chair covers, does that include the use of the cover or is there a sperarate fee? Because $5 a chair cover is pretty reasonable. Plus, it's actually a pretty big pain to try to do yourself, so unless you have alot of time & expierence doing the chair covers, the $5 a cover may be worth it. The cake cutting is normal as well. My location does wedding cakes, they charge by the slice & factor in the serving charge to the price. However, if I got a cake anywhere else they would have charged $1.50 per slice to serve the cake. I also have to say your meal prices are very good. We got the room rentals for free due to how much we spent on food, but stuffed chicken breast cost $32 per plate.

Answer 6

I worked in a country club and that's damn cheap for the food. I've seen receptions at clubs were is was $250 a person.

As for the decorations, I believe in the folding charge. I've worked receptions at clubs before. I've had to come in hours before the party started (it starts at 7, I was there at 2) for folding napkins and setting tables. So, it makes sense. They are paying there staff for time that is not spend serving or tending to your party.

Also, the chair rentals and linen costs are normal. The club probably has a contract with a certain company. It's easier for them to use this company b/c they are able to get certain items quicker or on short notice. At a country club, people usually don't work within a budget. So, having a cheap rental company is not a priority for them. You may have to check with the club about using a different company. They may not allow it. The club often likes to have control of that, b/c once you leave the party, you leave the linens there. The club has them in there hands until someone picks them up. They don't want to be held responsible when you come to them and say that some of the napkins are missing.

The cake thing is very normal.

Answer 7

A cutting fee is normal in many clubs and locales.

I don't know if the napkin thing is common, but it is understandable. I've been a waitress at an upscale restaurant, and even the basic fold is tedious. A fancier fold is even more so.

It sounds like you were hooked by the supposed "low" price, and you really should have asked about ALL possible fees upfront.

If you've signed a contract there isn't much you can do, since it's your responsibility, not theirs, to be sure you know all fees.

If they'll let you do it, rent your linens elsewhere. I doubt they will.

Otherwise, see if they'll allow YOU to fold the napkins. If not, pay the fees or have what the base cost covers.

And feel free to let them know you'll let others know about how upset you are. THE NUMBER ONE WAY these places or vendors get clients is through referrals. They know that brides know other future brides and WILL talk.

Answer 8

All of that is normal. You are paying dirt cheap rates for your wedding anyway. I had trouble throwing a small bridal shower in a local restaurant for less than $30 a person. The fees are normal if they are outlined in your contract. If not you may be entitled to the services.I have heard of all of these fees.

Save your time and money - have the napkins rectangular folded. Ask about the chair covers. You may not be allowed to bring them in because they offer them. If you can do a search on google - I have seen some for as low as $2/chair. Or if the chairs look OK do without them. The cake charge is what it is but it doesn't seem that much.

Answer 9

The cake charge is normal. The other costs, I guess thats why they "dont have a facility charge".
The napkins dont need to be folded specially. A centrepiece will be decoration enough. I think they are just planting a seed in your head that you need some other fold, just to make money.
If you decide to rent the chair covers, may I make a suggestion? Ask someone else to take care of it the day of. What seems very simple now, will become a major stress while you should be getting yourself ready! Congrats!

Answer 10

Actually $5 per chair to cover chairs is very reasonable. Just have the napkins folded the standard way; that is usually very nice looking. The cake charge is fairly standard even though it irritates me when someone charges it.

Answer 11

Absolutely, these extra charges are normal. Don't sweat the napkins....the attention will be on the bride and groom, not on how the napkins are folded. If you want to wow people with your table settings, purchase some fancy centerpieces, or place some really nice favors at each setting. But honestly, I think the best place to spend your money is in the band or DJ. The quality of your DJ/band can make or break a reception.