We hired DV Caterers for my brother’s wedding, and while the food was undoubtedly excellent (credit to the chef), the overall experience left much to be desired. In the initial stages, everything seemed fine, and though we faced some minor challenges in deciding where to place the food counters, that was not a major issue.
However, the biggest disappointment was the lack of hygiene and cleanliness. The cutlery was not clean at all, and despite multiple requests for it to be properly washed, no real effort was made. The serving counters were also not well maintained. During lunch, instead of the promised bone china bowls, plastic bowls were used, which was completely unacceptable given the standard we were expecting. The water was served in a plastic dirty container, and we agreed on Kulhad cups for chai but was not made available.
The mock-tail drinks were also served in paper cups with half quantity, which was embarrassing for us.
The staff’s appearance and hygiene were another major concern. Many waiters wore dirty gloves, some were without caps, and their uniforms were unkempt. The overall presentation did not reflect the level of professionalism we were assured of before booking.
Additionally, the person managing the event on behalf of DV Caterers, Param, was uncooperative throughout. Rather than helping streamline the service, he frequently approached me with problems, despite knowing I was already handling multiple responsibilities. On the final night, there was a remaining payment of ₹95,000, but due to my UPI transaction limit, I requested to make the payment the next morning. However, Param was adamant about receiving it immediately, around 11:30 PM or midnight, which, in my opinion, was unreasonable. As a business owner, some level of flexibility and understanding toward the client should be expected, especially given the circumstances.
It was evident that Param lacked both zeal and professionalism in his work. Most of the other vendors we worked with demonstrated a high level of professionalism without needing to be told what to do—they simply ensured that everything ran smoothly. However, with Param, there was no such initiative. He was never open to feedback and, instead of addressing concerns, would counter by saying he had complaints about me as well. But as a business owner, it is his responsibility to listen to client feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve for future events.
A prime example of this lack of attention to detail was during the Haldi event. Lunch was being served on the first floor, but there were no water bottles available on the second floor. It’s basic courtesy to anticipate guests’ needs—people were looking for water, and none was arranged. A truly professional vendor would have taken care of such details without being asked. In fact, many vendors go above and beyond to ensure that everything runs seamlessly, but in this case, even the basic promises were not upheld, let alone any extra effort.
This lack of commitment and professionalism was one of the biggest disappointments in our overall experience with DV Caterers.
Overall, while the food was great, hygiene and service were serious letdowns. I would not recommend DV Caterers to anyone who prioritizes cleanliness and professionalism.
11 months ago
