Archives for March 2017

 

It’s easy to get caught up in planning your wedding. People working on a tight budget often think “DIY” is the way to go and that a Wedding Planner will ruin their tight budget. Before you make the decision to do it all on your own consider that fact that a full service Caterer can provide the same functions as a Planner but maybe more cost effective. Full service caterers have ins with venues, photographers, florists, D.Js, and other service providers that they work with regularly. Which means they’ve already done the legwork so you don’t have to. They are also professionals when it comes to working with budgets. They understand your bottom line means your bottom line and will find creative ways to fulfill your wants. Before you do any other planning start with your caterer, find out if they offer full service wedding planning. Finding a caterer who can off set the time, stress and money associated with your big day with will never be a choice you’ll regret

 

But don’t take my word for it, check out what some of our newly weds had this to say about the assistance we provided:

“I could not imagine a better catering experience for our wedding. Heather Casto and The Chocolate Mousse Catering staff were professional, flexible and very personable. The food was varied, fresh, and delicious. Our wedding cake was so gorgeous and tasty. Heather was easily accessible and extremely patient with the entire process, including her full coordination of the rental items needed, as well as numerous day-of details. We had a very tight budget, and Heather took the time to go painstakingly through every detail to help us balance cost with the quality of our reception – which was an absolute success. She made the whole wedding experience so much easier — beyond what we expected from a caterer! I recommend Chocolate Mousse very highly!!”

– Heather and Jon Whitman

“I idea of getting married thrilled me, the reality scared the living daylights out of me! Ican not lie I’m a high maintenance girl. I like what I like and I wont settle for anything less than perfect. I didn’t think I could get everything I wanted on the tight budget I was working with. Heather didn’t just provide an incredible meal (which my guests’ still rave about) she provided me peace of mind as well as priceless contacts with venues, photographers, DJ’s and florist who were able to make my vision of a romantic rustic wedding a reality without the need to rob stage coaches to fund it all. If you need a caterer I recommend Heather because her jack-of-all trades versatility and go to attitude were my winning combination”

-Brittany Smith

 

For more wedding tips and tricks give me a call at (845) 518-6533.and when you think perfect food for your perfect day think of The Chocolate Mousse Catering

 

FLOWERS ARE EXPENSIVE! Flowers are generally a must at weddings and I fully agree they are an essential part of setting the mood. However, rather than paying thousands for flowers everywhere consider limiting the amount of real flowers and using a bit of creativity. Vines, twigs, tall grasses, and even live planted shrubs, vegetables, fruits and herbs can be used to create beautiful centerpieces. Many brides like the idea of keeping their wedding bouquet after the big day. If that sounds like you consider a none-traditional piece composed of only a few flowers or be really edgy and try the bouquets below with no plants at all. If you’re thinking table center pieces choosing live planters can also double as great gifts for your guest.

 

If you want to get your hands “dirty”…I crack myself up….consider growing your own ferns, rubber plants, herbs, etc for use instead of floral arrangements. If you decide to DIY your plants it will also double as a great Bridal Shower event, a.k.a use your bridal party for free labor.

 

 

One of the first decisions a Bride and Groom often consider before anything else is whether or not they will be having a bar or a dry wedding. If alcohol is your desired choice, there are several things to consider.

1. Open bar or cash bar? If you’re planning on having a bar make sure you work it out with your venue/caterer accordingly. Make sure your venue and/or caterer has the right insurance/license. If you plan on having a cash bar be warned that there is licensing required (unlike an open bar) and the added cost of using a venue or bringing in a provider with a liquor license may completely off-set the money you were trying to save. Understand that an open bar means your guests probably be a little more liberal with their drinking, meaning you will most likely go through a bit more alcohol. If you’d rather run out than pull Aunt Sue off the dance floor for her drunken antics then plan for whatever is within your desired beverage budget. However, if want the party raging all night but concerned and unsure of what is a responsible amount per guest I suggest you speak with your caterer. They should be very knowledge about the alcohol-to-guest ratio and may have suggestions to keep the drinks flowing with out flooding the budget.

2. Where will it go? The bar is generally the center of your wedding event and will have heavy traffic as guests go back and forth throughout the night. It is important to consider the layout of the venue, table set-up and number of guests. You should work with your caterer to determine if one bar or multiple will be the best for flow and service. The next consideration should be placement of the bar (or bars). The bar should be positioned so that it is easy for your guests to access while not hindering the movement of other guests and more importantly wait staff. Working out these details will help to avoid long lines and longer waits. Remember, grandma is old if she’s going be on her feet it better be on the dance floor not waiting for a gin and tonic.

3. Will you be serving specialty drinks? Right now themed drinks are very trendy but will add additional cost to the budget. Take that into careful consideration when planning the bar. There are ways to add customization and still stay on budget but it will require early planning and should not be put off to the last minute. If budget is not a concern then consider carefully what you would like served and make SURE you have all the ingredients, garnishes, decorations, cups, etc that you need. I suggest putting this in the hands of your caterer and not relying on friends, family or the bridal party. All it takes is one person rushing out the door with out the skittles to ruin your love rainbow.

4. Be clear with your guests about tipping. Whether you’re planning on having an open bar or cash bar be sure you’re clear on whether not your guests should or should not be tipping their tender. Typically bar tenders hired for open bars at weddings are paid hourly by the caterer and this cost has
already been rolled into your catering bill. If you do not want your guest providing tips be clear with the bar tenders that they are not to put out tip jars nor are they to accept tips if offered. If you are not sure how the bar tenders are being paid or you plan on providing tip directly speak to your caterer before the event so everyone is clear.

5. TRASH! No matter what type of it is bars will result in trash build up. Your wait staff should take care of the trash around the venue but make sure there is garbage receptacle located by each bar. This will help bar tenders keep the area clean and tidy without leaving their stations. It is important to make sure you are clear with the venue and the caterer about how many bars you would like prior to the big day. Venues often have a time limit as to how long you may have the room and this should be outlined in your contract. You could face additional charges if you cannot get the room cleaned and empty in the allotted time. Providing your wait staff with easily accessible trash receptacles will help them keep on top of bar trash throughout the night which will ensure that your guests and not the venue are the only thing “trashed” when you leave.

6. Glassware! If you are trying to keep the budget down by ordering limited glassware be advised you should speak with your venue to ensure that there is an area to wash and sanitize glasses for reuse. I’ve seen to many couples make the mistake of believing their guests will “reuse” their glassware. Although this would be ideal most guests do not stick to the same drink throughout the night, If they deiced to change up their order chances are they’ll want a fresh glass. Additionally, you can’t sharpie your name on the side of crystal….I mean you can but I don’t think the rental company will be too happy…. Guests are likely to put their drinks down and forget which glass is theirs and return to the bar empty handed. Remember to keep your options open, you can always start with glassware and switch to disposable. Now-a-days there are some really lovely disposable choices and your caterer may have some creative ideas available you have not considered yet.

7. Last, but not least transportation. Though transportation is not necessarily the Bride and Groom’s responsibility, if you’re planning on having a bar you should consider the fact your guests will need to get home…or you’re going to have one crowded Bridal Suite! Consider calling a local taxi services and discussing guests discounts with them. You may be surprised the positive feedback you receive from the local cab providers and your grateful guests. Going the extra little bit will let your guests know how much you appreciate them sharing your big day.

For more wedding tips and tricks give me a call at (845) 518-6533.and when you think perfect food for your perfect day think of The Chocolate Mousse Catering