With so many other details to plan for your wedding, the food you serve at your reception hardly seems to be a very pressing issue. However, many area caterers are booked for up to a year in advance, so it is important that you act upon this decision as early as possible to provide the greatest amount selection for you and your fiance.
The style of reception you choose and menu you select con tribute as much to the success of your party as the band or D.J. You want to make sure that the atmosphere you create is suited to you and your fiance's style, and is also enjoyable for your guests. Choosing the right caterer and working closely with him or her to make your dreams into realities is the best way to make sure that your reception is as fun and special as you are.
Before you can even begin to interview caterers, you and your fiance will need to decide what type of reception you want to have, whether it be a brunch, dinner, or just punch and cake. If you decide to go for the traditional dinner and dancing, will you choose a buffet-style, family-style, or sit-down affair?
The most expensive of these is the seated dinner, since you will have to pay for a very professional serving staff. Many couples choose the buffet style for the large proportions it allows your guests, as well as the variety of food that is avail able.
Once you decide what type of reception you want, you should book the site. Parks, reception halls, and homes are the most popular choices, but remember that some reception halls work with their own caterers, and may or may not allow you to hire a pri vate company.
When you begin shopping around for caterers, don't just rely on the yellow pages to show you where to go. Find out from family and friends whose services they employed for their wedding receptions, and whether they would use this company's services again.
Even a personal reference from a sister whose style you admire is not enough. An integral part of the selection process is the personal meeting, where you and your fiance will talk with each prospective caterer. This is the time to ask all the questions you can think of, as well as sample some of the delicacies you will be serving.
Find out if they have a licensed kitchen and the proper insurance. What services do they provide -- will they merely cook and serve the food, or do they provide set-up, clean-up, and equipment rental? Is there a washing charge for the dishes? Are the gratuities and taxes included in the fee, or are they extra? Are you allowed to take home leftover food, and will you need to provide your own containers? Asking questions such as these will show the caterer that you understand what you want, and know how to get it.
If you do decide to rent dishes from the catering company, make sure you know what you are getting. It would be disastrous if you assume that the price includes china dinnerware and glass es, when it actually includes paper plates and plastic cups!
Once all these details have been ironed out, put them in writing. Specify exactly what will be served, where, when, and by whom. Stipulate the deposit requirements and payment schedule, and make sure that taxes and gratuities are discussed so that there are no surprises.
Caterers do much more than cook wedding food. They are essentially professional party planners, and their services are valuable for any time during the wedding preparations when you need to serve a big meal and are short the day it takes to prepare enough food. Showers, bridesmaids' luncheons, rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties are all perfect opportunities to have your caterer cook up a meal that everyone will love. Having an event catered makes it elegant and special, and frees you up to take care of the other pressing details, or just relax.
Many couples are also employing the services of a caterer to prepare a post-wedding brunch. This get-together, which occurs on the morning after the wedding, gives you and your new husband time to be with family and close friends in a more intimate setting before you begin your honeymoon. Making this a catered affair allows everyone to get that extra sleep they need after such an exciting night -- and you don't even need to worry about cleaning it up!
For these and many more reasons, choosing a caterer is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make in planning your wedding, although it doesn't have to be one of the toughest. The mood your caterer brings to your reception will be invaluable, and if it is flavored with you and your fiance's personalities, it will be a true reflection of your marriage union.
Showing posts with label Catering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catering. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Selecting a Location and Caterer for Your Special Day
Many factors need to be considered when selecting a location for your wedding reception.It is important to first decide on the style of reception you would like and then determine your total wedding budget. The wishes of both the bride and groom need to be considered, and the blending of your two personalities should be present at the wedding ceremony and reception. There is only one rule that should prevail as you plan your reception ... make it your own!
The Capital District offers many interesting and historic locations that can be rented for your reception. These sites offer you the ability to provide a caterer of your choice. A professional caterer can provide a list of popular scenic and/or historic sites at which to hold your reception.
These "off-premise" locations need to be contracted for by the bride and groom, and this is done directly with each of the locations. When shopping for an off-premise location, it is important to compare the cost of renting the facility, the length of time your rental provides, and if any rental equipment is included. Rental equipment needed for an event includes things such as tables and chairs, linens, china, and glassware, as well as catering equipment such as cook tent and kitchen work tables.
An off-premise location provides the ability to customize your reception and have more control over the individual details of your day, but in most cases is a bit more costly than selecting a reception location that is managed by the caterer. It is very important to select an experienced caterer who can guide you through the details of planning your reception. The off-premise catering locations can usually provide you with a list of caterers who have worked at their facility. It is also suggested to ask for two or three references from each of the caterers you are considering.
The other option available to brides is to select a facility that is owned and operated by a professional catering firm. Throughout the Capital District, Saratoga Springs and Lake George Regions are many fine hotels, restaurants and catering halls, each of which provide a range of services as well as wedding packages. A packaged reception often offers the best value, while at the same time handling many extraneous details such as cake, flowers, place cards, etc. The primary advantage of selecting a facility that provides it's own catering, is the ease of planning for the bride and groom. Most facilities provide a wedding professional who will guide you through the planning of each aspect of your reception.
It is suggested that you begin planning as soon as you become engaged. The prime dates at the most popular locations may begin booking as early as two years in advance. If you can be flexible with your date and do not require a Saturday evening reception, there are great values available to you. Many facilities offer discounted package prices for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday receptions. Also, inquire about discounts offered for "same year" receptions . . . value-priced packages for currently available 2000 wedding dates. Terrific savings are also possible on receptions booked in January, February and March. There are definitely benefits of booking an "off-peak" date or time.
Once you have narrowed your selections, it is important to have a face-to-face meeting with the wedding professional at each of the catering or reception facilities you are considering. An essential element in the enjoyment of your wedding reception planning is feeling comfortable with the wedding professional who will guide you through the details of your special day. You will want to select a location, menu, and special details that represent your personal style. Once you have decided what you want, sit back and enjoy. Let the wedding professional create your special day!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Meeting Guest's Dietary Needs
One of the most enjoyable parts of a wedding is at the reception. It’s a time to eat, drink and be merry, while celebrating with your loved ones. But before you begin planning your menu, consider the ages, dietary needs, food likes and dislikes of your guests. You can get a general idea of a guest’s food preferences by asking them to indicate on the wedding response card what they like.
Be sure to discuss your meal options with your caterer and become familiar with the ingredients in the food.If possible, work with a caterer familiar with many dietary needs. Tell the chef if you need many special foods, or just one or two items. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but you need to make sure there are plenty of things available that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are having a buffet luncheon or a sit down dinner, here are some points to consider while working on your menu:
1. Vegetarians. There are two types of Vegetarians: those who will eat some animal products, and those that will not. A sure way to please everyone is to offer fruit and vegetable platters as part of the meal. Dips made without dairy products and light hors devours such as cucumber sandwiches are a light and tasty treat. Vegetable soup or bouillon and lush salads are also good ideas.
2. Diabetics. Diabetic people usually have very strict diets, and must watch their sugar intake. While it is possible to have a sugar free wedding cake, another alternative for your Diabetic guests is a choice of sugar free desserts such as gelatin or fresh fruit and cheese.
3. The Elderly and Children. Older people have vastly different tastes from children. While your kid brother would probably love a reception table full of pizza and nachos, your grandparents might not.
Some elderly people may be Diabetic, on salt restricted diets, or have a tough time chewing hard foods. Some kids may be too little to eat foods such as grapes (a choking hazard). So how do you find a happy medium? If you are offering a sit down dinner, you can give your guests a choice between meals that are “kid friendly” or “adult friendly.” Your caterer probably makes meals specific to each age group,such as spaghetti for kids and a meat dish for adults.
Inquire about salt free meals, soft foods, and recommendations for children’s fare. If your caterer can’t provide what you want, consider bringing in treats from another source as a backup plan. If you are hosting a buffet or heavy hors devours, you can pick and choose as many items as you want (and that fits your budget). So feel free to have those nachos, if you want them!
4. Religious Diet Needs. If your guest requires a kosher meal, find out what your caterer can provide for them. There should be many choices available. Again, working with a caterer familiar with specail dietary needs will be helpful.
These tips should help you, but they should not make you worry about making everyone happy! It is impossible to know the likes and dislikes of every person present, and even if you did, wasting time and energy trying to please everyone will only end up pleasing no one. Think about the types of foods that you enjoy, and have them available. By offering a variety of choices and doing some advance research, you will have a lovely reception!
Be sure to discuss your meal options with your caterer and become familiar with the ingredients in the food.If possible, work with a caterer familiar with many dietary needs. Tell the chef if you need many special foods, or just one or two items. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but you need to make sure there are plenty of things available that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are having a buffet luncheon or a sit down dinner, here are some points to consider while working on your menu:
1. Vegetarians. There are two types of Vegetarians: those who will eat some animal products, and those that will not. A sure way to please everyone is to offer fruit and vegetable platters as part of the meal. Dips made without dairy products and light hors devours such as cucumber sandwiches are a light and tasty treat. Vegetable soup or bouillon and lush salads are also good ideas.
2. Diabetics. Diabetic people usually have very strict diets, and must watch their sugar intake. While it is possible to have a sugar free wedding cake, another alternative for your Diabetic guests is a choice of sugar free desserts such as gelatin or fresh fruit and cheese.
3. The Elderly and Children. Older people have vastly different tastes from children. While your kid brother would probably love a reception table full of pizza and nachos, your grandparents might not.
Some elderly people may be Diabetic, on salt restricted diets, or have a tough time chewing hard foods. Some kids may be too little to eat foods such as grapes (a choking hazard). So how do you find a happy medium? If you are offering a sit down dinner, you can give your guests a choice between meals that are “kid friendly” or “adult friendly.” Your caterer probably makes meals specific to each age group,such as spaghetti for kids and a meat dish for adults.
Inquire about salt free meals, soft foods, and recommendations for children’s fare. If your caterer can’t provide what you want, consider bringing in treats from another source as a backup plan. If you are hosting a buffet or heavy hors devours, you can pick and choose as many items as you want (and that fits your budget). So feel free to have those nachos, if you want them!
4. Religious Diet Needs. If your guest requires a kosher meal, find out what your caterer can provide for them. There should be many choices available. Again, working with a caterer familiar with specail dietary needs will be helpful.
These tips should help you, but they should not make you worry about making everyone happy! It is impossible to know the likes and dislikes of every person present, and even if you did, wasting time and energy trying to please everyone will only end up pleasing no one. Think about the types of foods that you enjoy, and have them available. By offering a variety of choices and doing some advance research, you will have a lovely reception!
Advice From A World-class Wedding Cake Desinger!
My best friend and matron of honor—Sarah —is the former pastry chef at an exclusive, four-diamond, resort in Vermont. While there, Sarah created one-of-a-kind weddings cakes for hundreds of couples—including the rich and famous.
Recently, Sarah sat down with me to give cake selection advice.
Caurie: “Sarah, what is the best advice you have for couples choosing a wedding cake?”
Sarah: “Don’t be afraid to choose something you like. If you like plain white frosting on plain white cake that’s great! But, don’t be afraid to be different. Your cake should be fun and a reflection of your personalities.”
Caurie: “How should a couple begin their cake search?”
Sarah: “Couples should sample cakes from several different places. If a bakery says they don’t offer samples, then that is a bad sign—opt away from them. A baker has no reason not to let you sample. Sampling is so important because you don’t want a cake that looks beautiful, but tastes like cardboard. You are spending a lot of money on a cake, make sure it is what you want.”
Caurie: “What is the most memorable cake you designed?”
Sarah: “One cake that really sticks out in my mind was an all chocolate cake for a couple getting married around Christmas. They wanted a Nutcracker theme, so all over the chocolate cake were unique fruits brushed with egg whites and hand-dipped in fine sugar. I used crabapples, baby pears, chestnuts, and lemon tree leaves. The base of the cake was round and the other four tiers were square—it was a really unique cake. Another really fun Christmas-time cake I did was a spice cake with a gingerbread bride and groom as the toppers.
Caurie: “You keep mentioning the word ‘fun’ How else can couples make their cakes fun?”
Sarah: “The easiest way to make a cake fun is the filling. Even if you have a traditional white cake with white frosting, you should go with a fun filling, because that is usually the last edible impression your guests will have of your wedding. Some fun fillings I’ve done are Tiramisu, chocolate moose, cream cheese, banana cream, peanut butter, and hot fudge.
Caurie: “Do you have any advice for couples that want a unique cake, but don’t have a lot of money to spend?”
Sarah: “A great idea would be a cup-cake cake. These are easy to make, and therefore cheaper. I did one Fall-themed wedding where the cupcakes were frosted either ivory or a dark chocolate brown, dusted with gold, and adorned with sugared leaves. They were quite striking. If money is a concern, couples can order plain white cupcakes from a bakery and decorate them themselves with fresh, edible flowers. That is a really nice option.”
Caurie: “Yes, I remember you made a cupcake cake for my bridal shower and it stole the show! By the way, how come you wouldn’t make my wedding cake?”
Sarah: “I believe strongly that any bride should stay away from having a family member or close friend make their wedding cake—even if they are a professional! There is so much emotion wrapped up in a wedding cake—it is more then just something you eat—it is part of the whole magic of the day. If it is not done exactly as the bride dreamed, it can be a very uncomfortable situation. Unlike the flowers or the dress, the wedding cake is very hard to change once its done.
Caurie: “You did make your own wedding cake, though. Tell everyone about that”
Sarah: “When I was thinking about what kind of cake to make my first thought was ‘I love chocolate, so, gosh darn it, I’m going to have a chocolate wedding cake.’ The cake was a five-tiered dark chocolate cake with a chocolate, caramel, and heath bar filling and a fudge like chocolate frosting. A lot of brides shy away from an all-chocolate cake because it is against the norm, but again, be true to your own personality and likes. Too many people forget that and then their cake becomes boring.”
Caurie: “Any final words of advice for couples on the hunt for the perfect cake?”
Sarah: “Always make sure you order enough cake—order at least twenty five slices or cupcakes more then the people you expect. It is very bad form to run out of cake. The only thing worse then a boring cake, is no cake.”
Recently, Sarah sat down with me to give cake selection advice.
Caurie: “Sarah, what is the best advice you have for couples choosing a wedding cake?”
Sarah: “Don’t be afraid to choose something you like. If you like plain white frosting on plain white cake that’s great! But, don’t be afraid to be different. Your cake should be fun and a reflection of your personalities.”
Caurie: “How should a couple begin their cake search?”
Sarah: “Couples should sample cakes from several different places. If a bakery says they don’t offer samples, then that is a bad sign—opt away from them. A baker has no reason not to let you sample. Sampling is so important because you don’t want a cake that looks beautiful, but tastes like cardboard. You are spending a lot of money on a cake, make sure it is what you want.”
Caurie: “What is the most memorable cake you designed?”
Sarah: “One cake that really sticks out in my mind was an all chocolate cake for a couple getting married around Christmas. They wanted a Nutcracker theme, so all over the chocolate cake were unique fruits brushed with egg whites and hand-dipped in fine sugar. I used crabapples, baby pears, chestnuts, and lemon tree leaves. The base of the cake was round and the other four tiers were square—it was a really unique cake. Another really fun Christmas-time cake I did was a spice cake with a gingerbread bride and groom as the toppers.
Caurie: “You keep mentioning the word ‘fun’ How else can couples make their cakes fun?”
Sarah: “The easiest way to make a cake fun is the filling. Even if you have a traditional white cake with white frosting, you should go with a fun filling, because that is usually the last edible impression your guests will have of your wedding. Some fun fillings I’ve done are Tiramisu, chocolate moose, cream cheese, banana cream, peanut butter, and hot fudge.
Caurie: “Do you have any advice for couples that want a unique cake, but don’t have a lot of money to spend?”
Sarah: “A great idea would be a cup-cake cake. These are easy to make, and therefore cheaper. I did one Fall-themed wedding where the cupcakes were frosted either ivory or a dark chocolate brown, dusted with gold, and adorned with sugared leaves. They were quite striking. If money is a concern, couples can order plain white cupcakes from a bakery and decorate them themselves with fresh, edible flowers. That is a really nice option.”
Caurie: “Yes, I remember you made a cupcake cake for my bridal shower and it stole the show! By the way, how come you wouldn’t make my wedding cake?”
Sarah: “I believe strongly that any bride should stay away from having a family member or close friend make their wedding cake—even if they are a professional! There is so much emotion wrapped up in a wedding cake—it is more then just something you eat—it is part of the whole magic of the day. If it is not done exactly as the bride dreamed, it can be a very uncomfortable situation. Unlike the flowers or the dress, the wedding cake is very hard to change once its done.
Caurie: “You did make your own wedding cake, though. Tell everyone about that”
Sarah: “When I was thinking about what kind of cake to make my first thought was ‘I love chocolate, so, gosh darn it, I’m going to have a chocolate wedding cake.’ The cake was a five-tiered dark chocolate cake with a chocolate, caramel, and heath bar filling and a fudge like chocolate frosting. A lot of brides shy away from an all-chocolate cake because it is against the norm, but again, be true to your own personality and likes. Too many people forget that and then their cake becomes boring.”
Caurie: “Any final words of advice for couples on the hunt for the perfect cake?”
Sarah: “Always make sure you order enough cake—order at least twenty five slices or cupcakes more then the people you expect. It is very bad form to run out of cake. The only thing worse then a boring cake, is no cake.”
Budget Wedding: A Guide to Catering Your Own Wedding
Every bride knows about budget constraints. Whether your budget is $50,000 or $5,000, you will need to adjust your plans based on your budget. This is geared towards brides with a smaller budget who may be considering catering their own wedding.
The first consideration is the type of reception you want. Do you want your wedding to be formal, casual, or somewhere in between? What time of day is your ceremony and reception? How many guests are you planning on inviting? All of these things will impact your menu and the preparation required. A sit down, three-course meal may be pretty tough to accomplish on your own, but you can create an elegant buffet.
After you’ve answered the above questions on size, style and timing you can start considering your menu. Your best bet when catering your own wedding is to keep it simple. You don’t need 6 salads, 3 meats, 4 side dishes and an array of appetizers. Select one or two salads that are easy to prepare and store, one or two side dishes, maybe mashed potatoes and a hot vegetable, and one or two simple meat options. You can fill out your menu with meat and cheese trays, which can be bought at Costco or any other bulk food store. You don’t necessarily have to do a hot meal, depending on the time of your reception. You can prepare several different types of salads; Caesar, tossed, coleslaw, Japanese Cabbage, pasta salad, potato salad with buns, cheeses, cold cuts and pickles for a simple afternoon reception. You can also take many Ethnic foods and prepare a fun buffet. Mexican can have make your own tacos, Ukrainian can be perogies and cabbage rolls, which can be prepared in advance and heated up that day. It’s essential to select foods that can be prepared in advance and easily reheated the day of your wedding.
Now that you’ve selected a menu, you need to find someone to serve it for you. Most brides want their families and friends to be guests, even though they may have offered to help out. It’s in your best interest to find a charitable organization that will be willing to reheat, serve and clean up your food for a donation to their group. Some places to start looking include church organizations, high school or college sports teams, sororities, girl scouts (with the assistance of parents), and any other group who is in need of a fundraiser. Ensure the group you hire is aware of food safety issues involved with reheating food. You’ll need to have a complete list of what this group will be required to do. Warm up and keep warm the previously prepared meal, serve the meal (buffet is easiest), ensure buffet is well stocked at all times and clear buffet tables and do the necessary clean up. You can also add additional duties as required, for example serving coffee and tea. There are several books and websites on do it yourself catering that are worth reading.
You will also be responsible for many duties that professional caters often include in their services. You will need to arrange rental of china, silverware and glassware, although you can find some lovely plastic options. You will need to ensure your reception site has the appropriate facilities to warm up the food and that they allow outside caterers. You will need to do all of the set up for the reception, including buffet tables.
Catering your own wedding is a major challenge, but can shave thousands off your wedding budget. With lots of advance planning and preparation, you can do this seemingly impossible task.
The first consideration is the type of reception you want. Do you want your wedding to be formal, casual, or somewhere in between? What time of day is your ceremony and reception? How many guests are you planning on inviting? All of these things will impact your menu and the preparation required. A sit down, three-course meal may be pretty tough to accomplish on your own, but you can create an elegant buffet.
After you’ve answered the above questions on size, style and timing you can start considering your menu. Your best bet when catering your own wedding is to keep it simple. You don’t need 6 salads, 3 meats, 4 side dishes and an array of appetizers. Select one or two salads that are easy to prepare and store, one or two side dishes, maybe mashed potatoes and a hot vegetable, and one or two simple meat options. You can fill out your menu with meat and cheese trays, which can be bought at Costco or any other bulk food store. You don’t necessarily have to do a hot meal, depending on the time of your reception. You can prepare several different types of salads; Caesar, tossed, coleslaw, Japanese Cabbage, pasta salad, potato salad with buns, cheeses, cold cuts and pickles for a simple afternoon reception. You can also take many Ethnic foods and prepare a fun buffet. Mexican can have make your own tacos, Ukrainian can be perogies and cabbage rolls, which can be prepared in advance and heated up that day. It’s essential to select foods that can be prepared in advance and easily reheated the day of your wedding.
Now that you’ve selected a menu, you need to find someone to serve it for you. Most brides want their families and friends to be guests, even though they may have offered to help out. It’s in your best interest to find a charitable organization that will be willing to reheat, serve and clean up your food for a donation to their group. Some places to start looking include church organizations, high school or college sports teams, sororities, girl scouts (with the assistance of parents), and any other group who is in need of a fundraiser. Ensure the group you hire is aware of food safety issues involved with reheating food. You’ll need to have a complete list of what this group will be required to do. Warm up and keep warm the previously prepared meal, serve the meal (buffet is easiest), ensure buffet is well stocked at all times and clear buffet tables and do the necessary clean up. You can also add additional duties as required, for example serving coffee and tea. There are several books and websites on do it yourself catering that are worth reading.
You will also be responsible for many duties that professional caters often include in their services. You will need to arrange rental of china, silverware and glassware, although you can find some lovely plastic options. You will need to ensure your reception site has the appropriate facilities to warm up the food and that they allow outside caterers. You will need to do all of the set up for the reception, including buffet tables.
Catering your own wedding is a major challenge, but can shave thousands off your wedding budget. With lots of advance planning and preparation, you can do this seemingly impossible task.
Accommodating for Special Dietary Needs
In this age of vegetarianism, diabetic awareness, and the plethora of other dietary specialties, the well-informed bride and groom know that in order to make their guests feel most comfortable, they must take into consideration their special needs. That is, of course, if you know what those needs are and how to properly accommodate them.
Vegetarians are perhaps the simplest, or at least the easiest to appease. Provide at least one main dish, perhaps a delectable pasta that contains no meat, no cheese, no eggs, no other conceivable animal by-product. This will put to rest both vegetarians and total vegans alike. Make sure at least some of the sides are also meat-free; you don’t want the vegetarians amongst your guests to have to go without eating!
As for the diabetics in your crowd, theirs is a problem slightly more difficult—one not of choice, but a matter of health. These guests, fortunately, know their diets well and can easily avoid foods that could prove detrimental to their health; they are used to having to watch their food carefully. However, it would be a kind and thoughtful gesture all the same for you to provide them with a well-planned meal. Avoid an excess of starches (noodles, potatoes, etc) and sugars. If there will be a considerable number of guests with diabetes at your reception, you may want to even consider having a sugar-free cake, or a sugar-free sheet cake set aside for them, or some other sugar-free desert in which they can partake. The foods you serve them should be low in fat, nothing fried. The main issue for most is the sugar, though, so just be sure to give them options.
Also keep in mind things like religious restrictions. For example, Catholics are not permitted to eat meat on Fridays during Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter). The Jewish religion prohibits the eating of any pork product, including bacon or ham.
Basically, if you can provide your guests with a simple variety, they know what they can and cannot eat. It is not your duty to facilitate their every requirement, but it is a compassionate gesture on your part to attempt to give them alternatives. Make sure you have an array of drinks, as well, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and plenty of water! It is not possible to foresee every guest’s needs and wants, but the more of an assortment you can provide, the better chance you have of making everyone happy!
Vegetarians are perhaps the simplest, or at least the easiest to appease. Provide at least one main dish, perhaps a delectable pasta that contains no meat, no cheese, no eggs, no other conceivable animal by-product. This will put to rest both vegetarians and total vegans alike. Make sure at least some of the sides are also meat-free; you don’t want the vegetarians amongst your guests to have to go without eating!
As for the diabetics in your crowd, theirs is a problem slightly more difficult—one not of choice, but a matter of health. These guests, fortunately, know their diets well and can easily avoid foods that could prove detrimental to their health; they are used to having to watch their food carefully. However, it would be a kind and thoughtful gesture all the same for you to provide them with a well-planned meal. Avoid an excess of starches (noodles, potatoes, etc) and sugars. If there will be a considerable number of guests with diabetes at your reception, you may want to even consider having a sugar-free cake, or a sugar-free sheet cake set aside for them, or some other sugar-free desert in which they can partake. The foods you serve them should be low in fat, nothing fried. The main issue for most is the sugar, though, so just be sure to give them options.
Also keep in mind things like religious restrictions. For example, Catholics are not permitted to eat meat on Fridays during Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter). The Jewish religion prohibits the eating of any pork product, including bacon or ham.
Basically, if you can provide your guests with a simple variety, they know what they can and cannot eat. It is not your duty to facilitate their every requirement, but it is a compassionate gesture on your part to attempt to give them alternatives. Make sure you have an array of drinks, as well, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and plenty of water! It is not possible to foresee every guest’s needs and wants, but the more of an assortment you can provide, the better chance you have of making everyone happy!
Deciding On Your Wedding Cake
The one thing that is universally served at all weddings everywhere is wedding cake, and you will be happy to know that the traditional, sometimes dry, white wedding cake is no longer expected. The creative confections provided by bakers and caterers today are a feast for both the eyes and the taste.
Many couples still choose a traditional-looking wedding cake, although what it tastes like may come as a surprise: carrot cake with cream cheese, pound cake with lemon filling, chocolate cake with mocha mousse, classic genoise with white chocolate icing, even cheesecake or ice cream. In addition, while most wedding confections are still predominantly white, fanciful designs and colorful accents can turn them into a visual and edible masterpiece.
A wedding cake large enough to serve 200 guests could cost anywhere from two hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on who designs it, who bakes it, and how elaborate it becomes. You can also have whatever kind of cake you want, as long as you can find someone to create it and as long as you are willing to pay for it. Tiered cakes could even have different flavors for each tier. It is all up to you, the baker, or the caterer’s creativity and desires.
Go to the baker prepared with specifics about the size and type of wedding you are having, as well as particulars about the reception location. Room décor, ceiling height, temperature, lighting, linens, and wedding colors all will influence your choice of cake. You should also bring the names and numbers of your caterer, florist, wedding planner, and anyone else the baker may wish to contact in order to consult to coordinate details and delivery.
Start shopping for the wedding cake three to four months before the date, even earlier if your requests are highly unusual, if the bakery you have chosen is very popular, or if you are being married in a peak season. Make sure that you are familiar with the style and quality of the chef’s work before you buy.
When you place your order and make your deposit (usually 50%), get a written agreement or contract that specifies the kind of cake, filling, and frosting, the number of people it will serve, the design details you have agreed upon, and the delivery date, time, and procedure. Also, put in writing any additional fees or rental charges, and ask how the final payment is to be made (cash, check, credit card).
Finally, if your cake promises to be the eighth wonder of the world, be sure you establish in advance the style in which it will be cut and served. Special creations call for special assurance that they will be expertly handled. You will also want to inform the caterer if any part of your wedding cake, usually the top six-inch layer, is to be set aside and frozen for you to enjoy on your first anniversary. Some couples prefer to have their baker recreate a fresh miniature version of their wedding cake for their first-year anniversary.
Many couples still choose a traditional-looking wedding cake, although what it tastes like may come as a surprise: carrot cake with cream cheese, pound cake with lemon filling, chocolate cake with mocha mousse, classic genoise with white chocolate icing, even cheesecake or ice cream. In addition, while most wedding confections are still predominantly white, fanciful designs and colorful accents can turn them into a visual and edible masterpiece.
A wedding cake large enough to serve 200 guests could cost anywhere from two hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on who designs it, who bakes it, and how elaborate it becomes. You can also have whatever kind of cake you want, as long as you can find someone to create it and as long as you are willing to pay for it. Tiered cakes could even have different flavors for each tier. It is all up to you, the baker, or the caterer’s creativity and desires.
Go to the baker prepared with specifics about the size and type of wedding you are having, as well as particulars about the reception location. Room décor, ceiling height, temperature, lighting, linens, and wedding colors all will influence your choice of cake. You should also bring the names and numbers of your caterer, florist, wedding planner, and anyone else the baker may wish to contact in order to consult to coordinate details and delivery.
Start shopping for the wedding cake three to four months before the date, even earlier if your requests are highly unusual, if the bakery you have chosen is very popular, or if you are being married in a peak season. Make sure that you are familiar with the style and quality of the chef’s work before you buy.
When you place your order and make your deposit (usually 50%), get a written agreement or contract that specifies the kind of cake, filling, and frosting, the number of people it will serve, the design details you have agreed upon, and the delivery date, time, and procedure. Also, put in writing any additional fees or rental charges, and ask how the final payment is to be made (cash, check, credit card).
Finally, if your cake promises to be the eighth wonder of the world, be sure you establish in advance the style in which it will be cut and served. Special creations call for special assurance that they will be expertly handled. You will also want to inform the caterer if any part of your wedding cake, usually the top six-inch layer, is to be set aside and frozen for you to enjoy on your first anniversary. Some couples prefer to have their baker recreate a fresh miniature version of their wedding cake for their first-year anniversary.
Budget Wedding: Make Your Own Cakes!
For today’s wedding cake designs, a wedding cake can easily run you anywhere from $300 to $500 – and sometimes higher!
None of that is necessary however, if you choose to make your own cake! It is easy to become overwhelmed or daunted by the task. They seem so difficult. But let me assure you, they are actually quite easy!
If you have made a cake before, you can make a wedding cake! Some of the easiest cakes are also the most elegant! Here are the basic steps you must take before you can begin….
Cake flavors. Believe it or not, cakes made directly from a box (gasp) are wonderful, especially with the right fillings! So do not be daunted. If you don’t have time or desire to make your cakes from scratch, don’t!
However, the same cannot be said about store bought frostings. Store bought frostings lack a consistency that is required to enable you to pipe borders and roses, and all the other fun decorating designs that you may want on your cake. The best recipes to work with are the standard butter cream recipe with all, or part Crisco, and part butter. It is widely available, from websites and most popular cookbooks as well. To ensure fantastic results, use a recipe that has more Crisco than butter. When you use a higher concentration of butter you risk having icing that is too thin, and may melt in the heat or sun.
Fillings are deceptively difficult. Simple, everyday items, such as whipped cream and jam can be a delightful filling. Other, easy and popular fillings are canned fruit, pudding, and mousse. All of which, can be purchased at your local grocery store in pre-made, or easy make batches!
The final step comes with the final frosting and decorating of the cake. There are a number of resources that you can consult to learn, practice and apply the designs of your dreams. In fact, most wedding cakes designs are simplistic and elegant like that listed here.
These cakes are surprisingly simple!
It requires the shell border on top and bottom, and the basket weave technique on the sides. Then simply tier using cascade tiers, arrange some beautiful live flowers, and you are done!
Now, you must be asking yourself… “Where do I learn these techniques?” Well, many craft and bakeries offer inexpensive cake decorating classes. Wilton, for example, offers several courses that run about twenty-five dollars each. They are fun, inexpensive and a great way to get you acquainted with the tools, and techniques, so that you feel confident and ready when it comes time to do your cakes.
However, if you do not have the time or resources to do this, there are a number of books and tutorials that will walk you through, step by step, on how to decorate. Wilton specializes in this area. They sell kits, books, and practice boards to walk you though the whole process on your own.
Once you have made your choices on amount, cake sizes, design, fillings and flavors I suggest baking a couple of cakes to get the hang of it. This will familiarize yourself with the process, and give you a great chance to practice frosting and decorating. This will relax your mind, and make it easy and fun when you do it “for real”.
So, now you are armed with all your newfound knowledge! Don’t worry! Many readers have done this, without prior experience, and so can you! Do not hesitate! Go forth and BAKE!
None of that is necessary however, if you choose to make your own cake! It is easy to become overwhelmed or daunted by the task. They seem so difficult. But let me assure you, they are actually quite easy!
If you have made a cake before, you can make a wedding cake! Some of the easiest cakes are also the most elegant! Here are the basic steps you must take before you can begin….
- Determine the amount of cake you will need to ensure all of your guests will get a slice if they want it.
- Determine your cake and filling flavors. Try going to bridal bazaar’s to take in all the free cake samples!
- Determine your design. Cascade cakes or suspended cake holders will be the easiest options, because you will not have to tier the cakes, but tiring or stacking cakes is not that much more difficult, so don’t panic if this is your dream cake!
Cake flavors. Believe it or not, cakes made directly from a box (gasp) are wonderful, especially with the right fillings! So do not be daunted. If you don’t have time or desire to make your cakes from scratch, don’t!
However, the same cannot be said about store bought frostings. Store bought frostings lack a consistency that is required to enable you to pipe borders and roses, and all the other fun decorating designs that you may want on your cake. The best recipes to work with are the standard butter cream recipe with all, or part Crisco, and part butter. It is widely available, from websites and most popular cookbooks as well. To ensure fantastic results, use a recipe that has more Crisco than butter. When you use a higher concentration of butter you risk having icing that is too thin, and may melt in the heat or sun.
Fillings are deceptively difficult. Simple, everyday items, such as whipped cream and jam can be a delightful filling. Other, easy and popular fillings are canned fruit, pudding, and mousse. All of which, can be purchased at your local grocery store in pre-made, or easy make batches!
The final step comes with the final frosting and decorating of the cake. There are a number of resources that you can consult to learn, practice and apply the designs of your dreams. In fact, most wedding cakes designs are simplistic and elegant like that listed here.
These cakes are surprisingly simple!
It requires the shell border on top and bottom, and the basket weave technique on the sides. Then simply tier using cascade tiers, arrange some beautiful live flowers, and you are done!
Now, you must be asking yourself… “Where do I learn these techniques?” Well, many craft and bakeries offer inexpensive cake decorating classes. Wilton, for example, offers several courses that run about twenty-five dollars each. They are fun, inexpensive and a great way to get you acquainted with the tools, and techniques, so that you feel confident and ready when it comes time to do your cakes.
However, if you do not have the time or resources to do this, there are a number of books and tutorials that will walk you through, step by step, on how to decorate. Wilton specializes in this area. They sell kits, books, and practice boards to walk you though the whole process on your own.
Once you have made your choices on amount, cake sizes, design, fillings and flavors I suggest baking a couple of cakes to get the hang of it. This will familiarize yourself with the process, and give you a great chance to practice frosting and decorating. This will relax your mind, and make it easy and fun when you do it “for real”.
So, now you are armed with all your newfound knowledge! Don’t worry! Many readers have done this, without prior experience, and so can you! Do not hesitate! Go forth and BAKE!
Meeting Guests Dietary Requirements
So, you’re getting married. You’ve got the dress, the church, the caterer, and the reception hall. Now your caterer wants to discuss the menu. Simple, right? Passed hors d'oeuvres or food stations? Beef or chicken? Rice Pilaf or Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes? Unfortunately, there’s more to planning your reception meal that that. As the bride, you are the host and therefore responsible for ensuring all your guests can eat and enjoy the meal. You should take into consideration your guests possible special needs. The most common are vegetarian/vegan and, diabetic. Vegetarian diets vary between each individual, but there are a few general guidelines. Vegetarians do not eat meat, although some may eat seafood. Some vegetarians do not eat dairy (including milk and cheese), or eggs, although they do eat other animal by-products such as honey. Vegans are very strict vegetarians. They do not eat any meat, dairy, eggs, or animal by-products such as honey, lard/butter. If you’re lucky, your caterer has experience creating meals to satisfy each of your guests needs. This isn’t always the case, so you should prepare some suggestions to bring with you.
First, you need to be aware that a vegetarian meal can be enjoyed by all your guests. Meatless meals can be varied and uniquely flavored; most people won’t even notice the lack of meat. Pasta with a tomato sauce, grilled portabella mushrooms, vegetarian lasagna are just a few options. You’d be surprised at the number of ethnic foods that are traditionally meatless. Most Ukrainian foods, like perogies, cabbage rolls, wheat salad are popular with meat eaters and vegetarians. Mexican foods offer meatless options as well. All will enjoy veggie burritos with refried beans, and fresh salsa. Middle Eastern food is delicious and usually vegan as well. Think samosas, lentil soup, basmati rice, pitas and falafel. You can use any combination of the above foods to comprise a delicious meal all your guests can enjoy.
Diabetics have some special requirements as well and account for about six percent of the population. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Here are a few guidelines for menus that are safe for diabetics. Look for the high fiber, low-fat dishes. Great choices are beans, peas and lentils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale. Choose whole grain foods such as brown rice, couscous, whole wheat bread and pasta. Luckily, these choices correspond with some of the vegetarian options above. You can use brown rice in cabbage rolls, couscous and pitas, bean salads. For your meat entrée, you can select grilled skinless chicken breasts, fish or another lean meat. As for dessert, fresh fruit like peaches, fruit salad, or melons are a refreshing choice. Everyone benefits from eating these foods, not just people with diabetes.
Here’s a sample menu that will provide all your guests with a great meal. The sample menu is in buffet format, but can easily be adapted to a sit down meal.
Lentil soup, with whole wheat buns
Bean Salad
Mixed Greens, with a variety of dressings on the side
Pasta Salad, with an olive oil and tomato dressing
Basmati Rice
Grilled Portabella Mushrooms
Ukrainian Cabbage rolls
Perogies, with a cottage cheese and potato filling
Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast
Filet Mignon
Fruit Salad
If you think all this sounds confusing, keep in mind your guests with special dietary requirements and how they feel at these events. They have made an effort to take part and celebrate your day with you and will appreciate the effort you’ve put into planning a meal they can take pleasure in.
First, you need to be aware that a vegetarian meal can be enjoyed by all your guests. Meatless meals can be varied and uniquely flavored; most people won’t even notice the lack of meat. Pasta with a tomato sauce, grilled portabella mushrooms, vegetarian lasagna are just a few options. You’d be surprised at the number of ethnic foods that are traditionally meatless. Most Ukrainian foods, like perogies, cabbage rolls, wheat salad are popular with meat eaters and vegetarians. Mexican foods offer meatless options as well. All will enjoy veggie burritos with refried beans, and fresh salsa. Middle Eastern food is delicious and usually vegan as well. Think samosas, lentil soup, basmati rice, pitas and falafel. You can use any combination of the above foods to comprise a delicious meal all your guests can enjoy.
Diabetics have some special requirements as well and account for about six percent of the population. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Here are a few guidelines for menus that are safe for diabetics. Look for the high fiber, low-fat dishes. Great choices are beans, peas and lentils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale. Choose whole grain foods such as brown rice, couscous, whole wheat bread and pasta. Luckily, these choices correspond with some of the vegetarian options above. You can use brown rice in cabbage rolls, couscous and pitas, bean salads. For your meat entrée, you can select grilled skinless chicken breasts, fish or another lean meat. As for dessert, fresh fruit like peaches, fruit salad, or melons are a refreshing choice. Everyone benefits from eating these foods, not just people with diabetes.
Here’s a sample menu that will provide all your guests with a great meal. The sample menu is in buffet format, but can easily be adapted to a sit down meal.
Lentil soup, with whole wheat buns
Bean Salad
Mixed Greens, with a variety of dressings on the side
Pasta Salad, with an olive oil and tomato dressing
Basmati Rice
Grilled Portabella Mushrooms
Ukrainian Cabbage rolls
Perogies, with a cottage cheese and potato filling
Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast
Filet Mignon
Fruit Salad
If you think all this sounds confusing, keep in mind your guests with special dietary requirements and how they feel at these events. They have made an effort to take part and celebrate your day with you and will appreciate the effort you’ve put into planning a meal they can take pleasure in.
Wedding Cake Charms And Ribbon Pulling Custom
One way to make your wedding cake particularly different and “charming” is to incorporate the custom of ribbon—or charm—pulling into it. Wedding cake charms date back to the Victorian era when the bride would plant small charms, attached to ribbons, in the layers or icing of her wedding cake. She would then have each of her bridesmaids and/or women closest to her in her life, pull a charm from the cake before it was cut. Each charm was an object that foretold the bridesmaids’ future.
Traditionally, there were six charms:
1. The Heart – “Love will come”
2. The Clover – “Good luck”
3. The Engagement Ring – “Next to marry”
4. The Anchor – “Adventure awaits”
5. The Flower – “Love will flower”
6. The Horseshoe – “Lucky in life”
Today, as wedding charms have become popular again, and, presumably since the bride has more than six women who are dear to her, other charms have been created. Some other charms you can find are:
The Wreath – “A happy home”
The High Chair – “Blessed with children”
The Rocking Chair – “Longevity”
The Airplane – “Travel and adventure”
The Satchel – “Good fortune”
The Mirror – “A Happy Life”
If you want to do the ribbon pulling ceremony, make sure you consult with your cake maker, who will most likely want to hide the charms herself when she ices the cake. I would not advise trying to “plant” the charms your self. The ribbon pulling should occur before the cake is cut and can be announced by your master of ceremonies. If you wish, each bridesmaid can read out loud what her charm means after she pulls it – usually they’re the charm’s meaning is on the ribbon.
If you like the idea of the ribbon pulling ceremony, but do not want to do it at the wedding, consider having a small cake made for your bridal luncheon/tea party and doing it then. Or, mention the idea to your maid of honor who may be willing to incorporate it into your bridal shower—that way you can get a charm too!
A very nice perk of doing the ribbon pulling ceremony is that the charms can provide very special gifts for your bridesmaids. Most wedding charms come in sterling silver so your bridesmaids can wear them on their charm bracelet or as a pendant after the wedding. If your bridesmaids' do not have charm bracelets, the charms are inexpensive enough that if you are not on an overly tight budget, you could also buy sterling silver charm bracelets.
Wedding cake charms are available in most bridal merchandise and invitation catalogs.
I did not know about this unique and historical custom until after my wedding. I wish I had learned about it sooner because I definitely would have used it! All of my bridesmaids have charm bracelets—and as gifts for participating in the wedding I did give them charms! This ceremony would have been very special and a neat addition to my wedding reception.
Traditionally, there were six charms:
1. The Heart – “Love will come”
2. The Clover – “Good luck”
3. The Engagement Ring – “Next to marry”
4. The Anchor – “Adventure awaits”
5. The Flower – “Love will flower”
6. The Horseshoe – “Lucky in life”
Today, as wedding charms have become popular again, and, presumably since the bride has more than six women who are dear to her, other charms have been created. Some other charms you can find are:
The Wreath – “A happy home”
The High Chair – “Blessed with children”
The Rocking Chair – “Longevity”
The Airplane – “Travel and adventure”
The Satchel – “Good fortune”
The Mirror – “A Happy Life”
If you want to do the ribbon pulling ceremony, make sure you consult with your cake maker, who will most likely want to hide the charms herself when she ices the cake. I would not advise trying to “plant” the charms your self. The ribbon pulling should occur before the cake is cut and can be announced by your master of ceremonies. If you wish, each bridesmaid can read out loud what her charm means after she pulls it – usually they’re the charm’s meaning is on the ribbon.
If you like the idea of the ribbon pulling ceremony, but do not want to do it at the wedding, consider having a small cake made for your bridal luncheon/tea party and doing it then. Or, mention the idea to your maid of honor who may be willing to incorporate it into your bridal shower—that way you can get a charm too!
A very nice perk of doing the ribbon pulling ceremony is that the charms can provide very special gifts for your bridesmaids. Most wedding charms come in sterling silver so your bridesmaids can wear them on their charm bracelet or as a pendant after the wedding. If your bridesmaids' do not have charm bracelets, the charms are inexpensive enough that if you are not on an overly tight budget, you could also buy sterling silver charm bracelets.
Wedding cake charms are available in most bridal merchandise and invitation catalogs.
I did not know about this unique and historical custom until after my wedding. I wish I had learned about it sooner because I definitely would have used it! All of my bridesmaids have charm bracelets—and as gifts for participating in the wedding I did give them charms! This ceremony would have been very special and a neat addition to my wedding reception.
Choosing a Wedding Caterer
It was Shakespeare who penned the phrase “Eat, drink and be merry”. If ever there were a goal for a wedding reception dinner, this would be it. The banquet that follows your exchange of vows is a celebration of family and friends sharing in your joy of the occasion.
As with other facets of your wedding plans, a little preparation goes a long way.
The first thing to do is seek out a suitable venue that pleases you. This means something different for all of us.
Things to consider are:
* The location – is there nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
* Is there a caterer on site? – This makes the rest of the preparations much easier.
* Is there ample parking? – Free parking is preferable when considering your guests.
* Is the pricing competitive and in line with your budget? - ask about the range of menus available
* Are there other wedding services available on site? – such as invitations or floral services
The best way to obtain this information is to make a few phone calls, have menus/brochures of the preferred locations mailed to you, check out websites and visit the establishments you’re considering. Once you have favorably answered all these questions, you have the necessary groundwork covered. The rest, figuratively speaking, is a piece of cake.
So you’ve found the hall you want and settled on a date – sometimes just getting these two things decided feels like an Olympic event. If coordinating a ceremony location is giving you grief, many halls are also great places to have your ceremony right on site. This can be a plus if you prefer not to have your guests travelling from one location to another.
Next is the standard stuff – you will be required to leave a deposit with the hall to confirm your reservation. After this has been done, you can make decisions about your dinner menu, bar arrangements and special requirements. The sooner this is done and out of the way, the better. As you approach the wedding day, a seemingly infinitesimal amount of last minute things will come up. If your basics – like choosing your linen colours, menu, and bar arrangements - are taken care of well in advance, you can be more relaxed when the last minute stuff starts coming your way. Most caterers are happy to customize menus to suit your event and your preferences so don’t be shy about your idea of an ideal wedding dinner. Once you’ve made your main selections, the fine tuning of your menu including special dietary requirements and changes in number of guests attending, can be done much closer to the wedding date. Typically, caterers can take changes in your number of guests right up until 48 hours before the event. This allows you to account for the last minute changes that can’t be avoided and get your final number as accurate as possible.
Now what to eat? There is no format answer to this one. This decision will be based on your personal preference merged with the ethnic backgrounds of both the bride and groom and important family traditions. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, it should be viewed more as an opportunity to make your event a reflection of who you are as a couple.
Bar arrangements will be based on these same criteria and also, budget. While many bridal magazines say a host bar is the only acceptable choice, this is not practical for many couples, nor is it expected. Many halls will work with you to customize a bar arrangement that meets with your preference and doesn’t break the bank. It could be a combination of a cash bar (guests pay for their own beverages) and a host bar. Punch (both with and without liquor) could be made available throughout the cocktail period in addition to a cash bar, with wine and champagne available throughout the meal. This could be followed by after dinner liqueurs offered to guests with their dessert and coffee. These are a few choices that offer a compromise, but many others can be tailored for your needs.
When in doubt about what will work and what won’t, ask your caterer. They have seen just about every variation on these things over the years and can give you some practical advice based on actual experience. What works in theory might not be so great in practice.
As for what to budget, that, once again, depends on you. No one can give you a magical number of what you are required to spend: there is no such thing. The important thing is to be comfortable with what you are offering your guests. Too often the reception becomes a stressful arrangement – you need not let this happen. You want to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. Nothing allows for this better than a little planning. Once you have communicated all the details to your caterer, you’ve done your part and you can relax. The wedding day is about a symbolic gathering of friends and family who have witnessed you pledge your love to one another and want to celebrate in that happiness with you. So eat, drink: you’re married!
As with other facets of your wedding plans, a little preparation goes a long way.
The first thing to do is seek out a suitable venue that pleases you. This means something different for all of us.
Things to consider are:
* The location – is there nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
* Is there a caterer on site? – This makes the rest of the preparations much easier.
* Is there ample parking? – Free parking is preferable when considering your guests.
* Is the pricing competitive and in line with your budget? - ask about the range of menus available
* Are there other wedding services available on site? – such as invitations or floral services
The best way to obtain this information is to make a few phone calls, have menus/brochures of the preferred locations mailed to you, check out websites and visit the establishments you’re considering. Once you have favorably answered all these questions, you have the necessary groundwork covered. The rest, figuratively speaking, is a piece of cake.
So you’ve found the hall you want and settled on a date – sometimes just getting these two things decided feels like an Olympic event. If coordinating a ceremony location is giving you grief, many halls are also great places to have your ceremony right on site. This can be a plus if you prefer not to have your guests travelling from one location to another.
Next is the standard stuff – you will be required to leave a deposit with the hall to confirm your reservation. After this has been done, you can make decisions about your dinner menu, bar arrangements and special requirements. The sooner this is done and out of the way, the better. As you approach the wedding day, a seemingly infinitesimal amount of last minute things will come up. If your basics – like choosing your linen colours, menu, and bar arrangements - are taken care of well in advance, you can be more relaxed when the last minute stuff starts coming your way. Most caterers are happy to customize menus to suit your event and your preferences so don’t be shy about your idea of an ideal wedding dinner. Once you’ve made your main selections, the fine tuning of your menu including special dietary requirements and changes in number of guests attending, can be done much closer to the wedding date. Typically, caterers can take changes in your number of guests right up until 48 hours before the event. This allows you to account for the last minute changes that can’t be avoided and get your final number as accurate as possible.
Now what to eat? There is no format answer to this one. This decision will be based on your personal preference merged with the ethnic backgrounds of both the bride and groom and important family traditions. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, it should be viewed more as an opportunity to make your event a reflection of who you are as a couple.
Bar arrangements will be based on these same criteria and also, budget. While many bridal magazines say a host bar is the only acceptable choice, this is not practical for many couples, nor is it expected. Many halls will work with you to customize a bar arrangement that meets with your preference and doesn’t break the bank. It could be a combination of a cash bar (guests pay for their own beverages) and a host bar. Punch (both with and without liquor) could be made available throughout the cocktail period in addition to a cash bar, with wine and champagne available throughout the meal. This could be followed by after dinner liqueurs offered to guests with their dessert and coffee. These are a few choices that offer a compromise, but many others can be tailored for your needs.
When in doubt about what will work and what won’t, ask your caterer. They have seen just about every variation on these things over the years and can give you some practical advice based on actual experience. What works in theory might not be so great in practice.
As for what to budget, that, once again, depends on you. No one can give you a magical number of what you are required to spend: there is no such thing. The important thing is to be comfortable with what you are offering your guests. Too often the reception becomes a stressful arrangement – you need not let this happen. You want to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. Nothing allows for this better than a little planning. Once you have communicated all the details to your caterer, you’ve done your part and you can relax. The wedding day is about a symbolic gathering of friends and family who have witnessed you pledge your love to one another and want to celebrate in that happiness with you. So eat, drink: you’re married!
Good Catering Will Make Your Wedding Memorable
Food and its proper presentation makes or breaks any occasion. Your wedding is the key day in your life and one that requires the best that any catering service has to offer.
The qualities that you should look for in selecting the food provider for this special day are:
A. Support: From the day you first meet, the catering company should be supportive, interested in your needs and ideas, reassuring and willing to work within your budget. If these qualities are not present from the beginning, your relationship will not be pleasant.
B. Honesty: The catering company should be able to provide a good menu within your budget. From the beginning, both the bride and the company should be frank about the budget for the food. A caterer cannot develop a realistic plan for you without knowing the cost and the image that you wish to present.
C. Great food: Always ask for a tasting. If a catering company will not let you taste the food-don't use them regardless of their reputation. After all, this is your day!
D. Presentation: A good catering company should be able to present the food and service in the way that will make your vision of your day come true. You will need a full service catering company if you plan to have china, linen, silver, flowers etc. Many catering companies have event planners who can design special table presentations.
E. Servers: A good catering company will have reliable servers that they have worked with for awhile. Always ask about the servers, if the catering company has a group they work with etc.
Food makes the work go around and a good cater will make your wedding memorable.
The qualities that you should look for in selecting the food provider for this special day are:
A. Support: From the day you first meet, the catering company should be supportive, interested in your needs and ideas, reassuring and willing to work within your budget. If these qualities are not present from the beginning, your relationship will not be pleasant.
B. Honesty: The catering company should be able to provide a good menu within your budget. From the beginning, both the bride and the company should be frank about the budget for the food. A caterer cannot develop a realistic plan for you without knowing the cost and the image that you wish to present.
C. Great food: Always ask for a tasting. If a catering company will not let you taste the food-don't use them regardless of their reputation. After all, this is your day!
D. Presentation: A good catering company should be able to present the food and service in the way that will make your vision of your day come true. You will need a full service catering company if you plan to have china, linen, silver, flowers etc. Many catering companies have event planners who can design special table presentations.
E. Servers: A good catering company will have reliable servers that they have worked with for awhile. Always ask about the servers, if the catering company has a group they work with etc.
Food makes the work go around and a good cater will make your wedding memorable.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wedding Catering Quick Tips
Catering Quick Tips
- Many area caterers are booked for up to a year in advance, so it is important that you act upon this decision as early as possible to provide the greatest amount selection for you and your fiancée.
- Some reception halls work with their own caterers, and may or may not allow you to hire a private company.
- Find out from family and friends whose services they employed for their wedding receptions, and whether they would use this company's services again.
- Find out if they have a licensed kitchen and the proper insurance.
- Will they merely cook and serve the food, or do they provide set-up, clean-up, and equipment rental? Is there a washing charge for the dishes? Are the gratuities and taxes included in the fee, or are they extra? Are you allowed to take home leftover food, and will you need to provide your own containers?
- If you do decide to rent dishes from the catering company, make sure you know what you are getting. It would be disastrous if you assume that the price includes china dinnerware and glasses, when it actually includes paper plates and plastic cups!
- Once all these details have been ironed out, put them in writing. Specify exactly what will be served, where, when, and by whom. Stipulate the deposit requirements and payment schedule, and make sure that taxes and gratuities are discussed so that there are no surprises.
- Showers, bridesmaids' luncheons, rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties are all perfect opportunities to have your caterer cook up a meal that everyone will love.
- Many couples are also employing the services of a caterer to prepare a post-wedding brunch. This get-together, which occurs on the morning after the wedding, gives you and your new husband time to be with family and close friends in a more intimate setting before you begin your honeymoon.
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