B.C.’s Civil Resolution Tribunal has ruled a caterer can expect nothing more from some newlyweds who have paid their bill in full.
Shannon Baron claimed she provided wedding catering services for Ada Else and Craig Evans, according to tribunal vice-chair Kate Campbell's Sept. 6 decision.
Baron said the couple has not paid the final invoice. She requested an order for payment of $1,769.60 but later amended that to $988.81.
Else and Evans said they’ve paid in full.
The couple paid a $1,250 deposit before the event with Baron’s final invoice being for $3,980.40 after the deposit, Campbell said.
Else and Evans disputed the invoice, saying there were charges they did not agree to.
“They paid $2,460.40 on July 9, but refused to pay the remaining balance,” Campbell wrote.
Baron submitted that the amended $988.81 amount consisted of $838.81 for dish and equipment rentals and a $150 “onsite chef fee.”
Baron said the chef fee was because the couple wanted a buffet-style meal.
“I find it was reasonable for the respondents to assume that the price for a hot buffet was $40 per plate, and included no additional chef fee,” Campbell said.
She said there had been no mention of a chef fee.
Campbell also found that correspondence between the parties showed the couple never agreed to pay for any equipment rentals, and that no charges or price were ever discussed.
“I find it was reasonable for the respondents to assume that any rental fees were factored into the applicant’s quoted price for catering the event,” Campbell ruled, dismissing Baron’s claims.
