A wedding cake is an important part of your reception. Here are some things to consider: Visit various bakeries and wedding shows and sample their cakes. The pictures can be wonderful but the taste uninspired. Some bakeries offer a variety of flavors, fillings and frostings in one cake, it is nice for guests to have a choice. Ask for recommendations from your friends and your caterer. Determine your budget and inquire about additional charges for delivery or return policies on accessories such as mirrors, stands, pillars, etc. Is there a fee for cutting the cake? Some clubs, hotels and caterers do charge a cake…

When planning a menu to serve your guests, one of the first things to consider is the time of day and the season of the year. For a morning event or early afternoon, a brunch, tea party or luncheon can be served. Later in the day, a full meal dinner should be offered. For those events taking place late in the evening, a dinner buffet or a hearty hors d’oeuvre menu can be planned. It is nice to state on the invitation “Dinner Reception Following” so that guests will know what to expect. In the spring and summer, lighter foods…

You can mix, match or add items as your budget and taste buds dictate from the formula below: Assorted Cheeses and Crackers on the Bar One Additional Appetizer to self-serve on the Bar One Tray-passed Appetizer Entrée or Two Starch Salad or Two Vegetable Selection Bread and Butter Selection Signature Fruit Display We are experts at helping you select foods that have a wide appeal to people as well as being experienced as to what will serve large crowds. Duplicate buffets and food stations can be set up to help accommodate bigger receptions and make sure the event flows smoothly. This is your party and we want you to relax…

An experienced caterer can help with all aspects of party planning. Finding just the right caterer can make your reception a dream come true. We recommend you get bids from several caterers, talk to each at length and inquire about the following: Budget – What services are provided for the amount you wish to spend? Experience – What is their training and background, the largest group they have handled? Licenses – Do they have the proper licenses, health permits, insurance and facilities? Food – Have you asked about quantity, style and presentation, leftover policy, and head-count deadlines? Support – Do they provide linens, silver, serving…

Name, address and contact information Hours of access to building, emergency contact Rental arrangements and security, delivery and pick up dates Electrical panel location, circuit breakers, location of light switches Garbage location/clean up rules/cleaning supplies/ trash bags Set up responsibilities and duties/janitor or manager on site Where to put coats Where to put gifts/Security for gifts/Taking gifts home Number of refrigerators and freezers Number and size of ovens Ice on site Smoking rules and regulations Alcohol Permits Parking Facility rules and regulations Cake Delivery Time Name DJ Arrival Time Name and Phone It is now possible to purchase wedding insurance. View the web site at Wedsafe

Time Caterer is to arrive at the Venue: Number of guests: Number of Children Wedding Coordinator’s name/ phone number Bar is serving: Kegs (Cooling, Tap, Cups?): Hard Alcohol: Signature Drink: Who is in charge of taking home food/alcohol after the event? Who is in charge of gifts/gift table or cards? How to take gifts home:

RSVP People on the West Coast seem to be notoriously ill-mannered when it comes to responses to wedding invitations. I have found that approximately 75% of guests invited will attend, whether or not the wedding party receives the corresponding RSVP. Some brides will put the word “only” on the outside of the invitation envelope to discourage bringing an uninvited guest. Others send out an invitation with the phrase “We will miss you if you cannot RSVP by ______” and suggest a date that will allow for time to communicate effectively with the caterer. Other bridal parties rely on the telephone and…