Perfect Weddings:
Five questions to ask a wedding caterer 1. Will I be your only wedding that weekend? If not, how many other weddings are you and/or your company handling?
2. Extra catering costs: Are set-up and clean-up included? How much do you charge for overtime if the reception runs long? Are gratuities included?
3. Who will be my catering point of contract up and until the wedding and on the wedding day? Will that person be on-site at the wedding to answer my questions?
4. Can I review a copy of your standard wedding contract?
5. What deposits are required and when do you request that the balance be paid?
Special Events:
Tips on Selecting a Catering Company
Ideally the hunt for a caterer begins right after you secure a location for your wedding, corporate event or party. However, it's not uncommon to be strapped for time, which makes an even more invaluable tool for finding the right caterer for your event fast.
Caterers should be able to propose menus and make estimates of cost. Be specific about your needs when filling out your form. You should receive quotes fairly quickly. These proposals are almost always on a price-per-guest basis and specific to your individual requests. It's not uncommon for a caterer to give you a list of optional catering extras, but keep in mind these are just that - optional. Always be sure to clarify with your caterer what is and is not included and for simplicity sake, it's best to look at
similar menus and services when comparing quote to quote.
The experts say you should do the following when choosing a caterer:
• Check the caterer's Better Business Bureau rating.
• Make sure the catering company is licensed and insured.
• Review pictures of past events to see how they present food and integrate with your design and aesthetic taste.
• You and your caterer should create a number of events - arrival time, set-up time necessary, length of event, tear-down process and clean-up.• Review the event site with your caterer. Most qualified caterers have strong ties to venues, but it never hurts to walk through the site together and nail down details in person.• Look at samples of linen, china and glassware rentals. You can do this at the caterer's office and sometimes in your own home or at the event venue. • Ask if the food is prepared at the venue site or at an off-site kitchen and delivered. Neither option is necessarily good or bad. A qualified caterer is proficient at his or her task and can provide ultimate quality. It's just good to have an idea how things are functioning on the back-end. • What is the policy for leftover food? Some hosts and hostesses want those leftovers. Don't be afraid to ask. • Ask about the staff's attire to make sure it fits the occasion. If it's a black-tie event, you're going to want suitable presentation from the servers. • Ask how gratuities are calculated. Tipping is a part of life, so don't hesitate to ask. • Things happen. Events cancel. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy. • Find out when you are required to submit a final head count. Don't make the mistake of ending up with too little or too little food. While most caterers are flexible, it's best to weigh on the safe side. • Have fun! It's your event and you should have some time to sit back and enjoy your success.
Food Tastings:
Choosing the right food for your event
Virtually every wedding advice book these days recommends you taste food before you choose your event menu. Many caterers offer tastings prior to booking, while others will only prepare a tasting once the event is confirmed with a deposit. Here are some things to know:
1. Tastings give you an opportunity to try dishes prior to the actual event. They are a great way to spend time with your caterer, sharing your likes and dislikes and discussing other elements of your wedding. Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is your time with your caterer.
2. Plate presentation can be as important as the food. Ask questions about service. Is the dressing included on the salad or served on the side? Will the courses be delivered in succession or at once? How often will the buffet be refreshed?
3. Caterers see tastings as an opportunity to improve their food and presentation by gaining honest feedback from clients. Be sure to share questions, comments and concerns, as well as honest opinions on the food.
4. Most caterers charge for tastings (though this cost may be absorbed into the overall charges for the event). Be sure you understand the charge before you schedule the tasting, so you're not shocked later on.
5. While food is no doubt a big consideration, don't forget to also base your decision on other factors such as the services included and the chemistry between you and the caterer. You will be working together, so it's important that you get along.
6. If a certain caterer isn't the right fit, it's nice to send a short note thanking them for their time and offering feedback. Believe us: the caterer will appreciate your input.
Holiday Planning:
Catering your office or home holiday party
Want a few pats on the back from your family or coworkers? Considering having your holiday party catered in your home, in your office or at a special location. There are even catering services for the discerning homemaker who wants to spend special days like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas with their loved ones, instead of in the kitchen.
Many caterers offer set traditional menus for the holidays at special costs and, of course, almost any order can be customized to your family's traditions.
Here are some tips to get you started planning your holiday party:
* Make a list of what must be done in advance and after the party takes place.
* Decide what kind of menu you want as far ahead as possible. You need to nail down whether you want a sit-down or a buffet-style dinner. Discuss every course with your caterer from hors d'oeuvres, to appetizers, salads and dressings, breads, entrees, vegetables, desserts and beverages.
* Utensils and napkins should be available everywhere there is food and/or drink. Tie your silverware and napkins together with festive ribbons and a candy cane or a sprig of cinnamon.
* Buy paper napkins personalized with your name or initials. If it's a company party, use your corporate logo.
* Decorate tabletops with spray-painted gold pine cones, holiday ornaments and candles. In a work setting, be sensitive to different religious cultures. Don't focus specifically on Christmas, unless that is appropriate to your business.
* For parties in the home, place cloves, cinnamon and orange peels on a baking sheet in the oven. Set on a low temperature for an hour; the heavenly aroma will fill your house for hours.
* Serve mulled spiced cider from a large pot on your stove for a warm winter drink with a holiday fragrance.
* Another great idea for a family holiday party or a party for co-workers hosted in the home, is to line the driveway with luminarias and decorate the front of your house and lawn to set a celebratory mood.
Family Holiday Parties
Make the party interactive - ask guests to make a personalized ornament for your tree. Use childhood photos as place cards for a sit-down dinner. Share family recipes with your guests in a personalized family cookbook. Have a special family tree with small pictures for ornaments.
Holiday Parties For Your Neighbors
These are usually best done as an Open House. Invite your neighbors to take part in a community activity that everyone will benefit from, in lieu of gifts. Make it clear to your neighbors that everyone is welcome, that it is a time for all the meet and make the neighborhood stronger. Be inclusive. Don't limit the party to one religious orientation unless that is appropriate to your neighborhood.
Holiday Parties For Co-workers
So you got the big job - organizing the holiday party for your office. Believe it or not, the old standards are still the best. Organize a "Secret Santa" giveaway or ask your co-workers to bring funny gifts for a grab bag. The holidays are a good time to meet the families of co-workers - it will build morale and everyone likes to show off their kids.
Corporate Events:
How to get promoted
There are several types of corporate events – charity golf tournaments, employee appreciation parties, sales meetings, trade shows. You may want to consider hiring an event planner if you've been handed a task you feel may be above you. But if you feel you have the tools, know-how and drive to take it on yourself, here are some helpful hints:1. If the focus of your event is team building, you want to encourage your staff to work as a single unit. A good way to achieve this is to provide an atmosphere that allows your employees to enjoy the company of their peers. Provide games and group activities that encourage interaction.2. Company picnics are a good way to increase bonds between coworkers. Be sure to provide guests with amenities a bit beyond what you'd expect from a family picnic. Comfort and ease are the goal.3. Use local resources. Many cities have a flavor all their own. Think about local fare and facilities and celebrate your hometown. If you're planning an event where people are coming from all over, focusing on the theme of the event city is a good way to encourage conversation.4. Start planning now. You have a lot of choose from – catering, photography, floral and decorations, venue, etc. You also need to consider what's going to happen during the event, like interactive team building and games and presentations. Make sure you've made all the necessary technology and supply preparations.
