Eating your money - Making the most of your event catering bill

Believe me, as an event planner I have seen that it is EASY to blow through $20,000+ by feeding (and giving alcohol to) 185+ people. For privileged couples this type of budget allowance is available. But, for those unable or unwilling to shell out that much money, may I suggest the following tips:

• Understand the correlation between the cost of catering and the number of mouths that you feed. Although the ‘quality’ of food that you serve your guests will increase or decrease the cost of catering for your event, you must first understand that the number one factor for enormous food bills is number of mouths that you are feeding.  If you are planning on inviting 100 guests to your reception then you need to plan to feed those 100 people.

If after doing the numbers with your caterer you do not have the funds to feed everyone on your invitees list, then it is time to re-evaluate your guest list. When it comes down to it, if you don’t have the money you don’t have the money. There is nothing to be ashamed about. However, you will need to modify your list to include only the most important persons.

"But we HAVE to invite everyone on our list to the reception!" Not true. Consider throwing a party where hors d’oeuvres and drinks can be served. When it comes down to it, a big reason that hurt feelings happen may be because people want to have an opportunity to share in your moment and in your joy. Creating a moment for those that you cannot afford to have at the reception is perfectly acceptable.

• Go heavy on the hors d’oeuvres . Although you may be serving a meal at the reception, consider adding a one-hour long cocktail party to allow guests to quench their post-ceremony hunger. Guests that eat before dinner will eat smaller portions and are less likely to go back for second portions. Go "fancy" and have butlered hors d’oeuvres passed to the guests, alongside "do it yourself" hors d’oeuvres stations.
• Filler, filler, Filler. Filler foods are foods that fill stomachs fast and for little money.  Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that first serves bread? Bread is an excellent filler. As for class, try using an exotic pasta, bruschetta + toppings, and other such foods that will take-up room in a guest’s stomach. Another helpful tip is to have the filler foods waiting at guest tables for the guests, so that they can get started with their eating before the food line opens or wait staff begins their service.
• Control your guests’ portions. Even (and especially) if you are offering a buffet, ask your caterer (or volunteers) to stand behind the foods to dole-out portions. Portion control is an easy way for you to save big dollars on large amounts of food that would otherwise not be consumed because most guests would not eat so much unless it were free.
• Post-dinner pickins. Especially when serving guests alcohol you may wish to consider erecting a few small hors d’oeuvres stations posted throughout the ceremony space. Guests that are dancing and drinking are likely to search the venue for a few crackers and cheeses, fruits, or sweets to munch on. As a bonus, giving guests reason to munch will allow for [slightly] less alcohol consumption. Keep in mind that for convenience sake you may not want to serve foods that require refrigeration or constant heating. (Food poisoning guests = icky.)
• Plan for the staff gratuity. In many situations the gratuity for the wait staff, bartenders, and food captains will be directly added to the food bill that you endorse from the caterer or venue. However, some companies will allow you to add-in your own gratuity based upon your experience. In either case make a decision that you are going to plan for the staff gratuity instead of being shocked or put-off by it. After all, the staff gratuity helps the people behind the wait staff uniforms to feed their own families.

Happy eating!

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can e-mail AFS at: studio@enterlaruche.com

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Winter Wonderland

Only recently has “winter” officially begun. While I do prefer cooler weather - icy roads are no fun! Regardless, with the crisp air and falling snow comes some wonderful wedding inspiration. Here is a wedding from Brides that I ADORE and it reminds me of a perfect winter wonderland (yet it’s definitely warm and inviting at the same time). And best part about this beautiful event? It doesn’t have to be chilly outside for a wedding to have similar elements! Whites, creams, and golds can easily be used in a wedding of any season!

This article, Crystal Ball from Brides was photographed by Jeff McNamara. Isn’t it fabulous?!

Merry Christmas (Eve)!

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Plum Purple & Apple Green

Here is a fabulous inspiration board from Brittney. Love the plum purple and apple green!

Credits:
Invitations: Invitation Consultants
Bridesmaid Dress: Watters (Midori)
Purple Calla Lilies: found on webshots
Boutonniere: The Knot
Green Color Block: created in photoshop by me
Purple Dendrobium Orchids: Purple Bears, Purple Flowers and Plants
Bridal Bouquet: The Knot
Cake: The Knot
“M” Monogram: Font - Brock Script
Shoes: Bellissima Bridal Shoes

Don’t forget to turn in your inspiration board for the Jaime Kae Paper Studio giveaway to weddingfanatic{at}gmail{dot}com.

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Pumpkins!

I adore pumpkins - tiny and massive, whole or hallow, I love them all! And since autumn has recently begun and I’m seeing pumpkins EVERYWHERE, why not share these marvelous ideas with you!?

So where can you tie in pumpkins on your big day?! Here are just a few ideas.

Centerpieces :: There are so many things you can do with pumpkins, just on the top of your tables! Bring in large pumpkins and surround them with flowers. Carve them up a bit and fill with flowers or candles. Or, try incorporating mini pumpkins into arrangements or making arrangements completely from mini pumpkins (put them in a rustic basket and leave a few scattered around the table).

From Better Homes and Gardens’ 9 Fabulous Fall Centerpieces

Line the aisle :: Group pumpkins on the aisle-side of pews or rows of chairs. Pair with over-sized lanterns filled with candles or floral arrangements. Carve them up and let them glow to meet you as you walk down the aisle!

This pictures is from Fall Bio, a page on which you can find a lot of other fall-themed wedding ideas.

Monograms :: Carve (or have someone else do it for you) your monogram into the side of your pumpkins! Place them below and around the alter, on your reception tables, line the isle with them … put them everywhere (beware of overkill)!

Of course, these are from Martha Stewart’s Translucent Pumpkins . Oh I do love the things she and her staff come up with!

Place Card Holders :: Cut a tiny slit in the top of mini pumpkins and place them on the escort card table and/or use them as place card holders on the actual tables. Or, try sticking a wire in each one, stretched out to hold the little name cards!

These little pretties are from Ranasalame’s Flickr account. Love them!

On the Altar :: If your ceremony site allows flowers or other bits on the alter, consider placing a few pumpkins up there, along with any other memorial, decorative, or traditional floral arrangements.

The image is from Chicago Bride, though she seems to feel strongly about NOT using fall-ish items for fall weddings, but if that’s what you want - go for it. After all, the whole point of this post is “pumpkins”…and it’s kind of hard to not think of fall when I think of pumpkins. (But as a side note, we agree - just because your wedding is during the fall season does NOT mean you have to use oranges, browns, yellows and creams as your colors. There doesn’t need to be a single leaf, pumpkin, or a piece of wheat anywhere on your big day!)

If you’re looking for some more pumpkin ideas, check out these fabulous places!:

Toasts and Tables :
Favor Ideas
Living the Swell Life

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Also! Don’t forget to check out this week’s GIVEAWAY from NameBirdie.com.

Lastly ~ Interested in blogging with the WeddingFanatic team? Shoot us an email to weddingfanatic{at}gmail{dot}com and we’ll send you some more info!

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Light Pink & Apple Green

Sorry for posting so late in the day! I hope you enjoy. I LOVE this color combination and I think I always will! This color scheme also works well for bridal shower (and baby showers)!

Vida Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier, Frill Collar Tunic from Forever 21, Rodarte Pleat Chiffon Dress from Browns Fashion, Light Pink Ombre Beaded Dress and Light Pink Side Sash Dress from Debenhams, Ballet Pink Stretch Linen ‘Mikka’ Shift Dress from Bluefly,Sunset LA Pumps in Green from Raffaello Network, Green Patent Buckle Mary Jane Heel Pump from Ami Club Wear, Kiwi Green Satin ‘Wrap’ Ballet Flats from Bluefly, Topiary Banner from Martha Stewart, Mens’ Suits from Jaeger, Four Tiered Wedding Cake from Enchanted Wedding Cakes, Apple Green Flower Girl Dress from Pink Process, White Lilac, Green-and-White Parrot Tulip, and Ranunculus Arrangement from Better Homes and Gardens, Dandelion Dream Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Silver Glass Charger from Zara Home, Polished Iron Chair from Design Within Reach, Shades of Pink Rose, Lily, and Carnation Arrangement from TeleFlora, Glittra Set of Three Scented Candles from IKEA, Peonie, Fritillaria, Hyacinth, and Sweet Pea Arrangement from Belle Fleur for Vivre.

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Fabulous White Cakes

I am feeling like cake today… white cake, to be exact. So, here is some eye candy, or should I say eye “cake”, for your viewing pleasure.

Creative Cakes By Donna

Pieces of Cake

Buddy Valastro at Carlo’s Bakery

Michelle Doll Cakes

The Cake Atelier
(NYC, 646-244-9754 or 347-886-6606)

Note: above photographs taken by Gabrielle Revere

Baked, photographed by Alexandra Grablewski

Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet , photographed by McLarty Photography

Note: All images from Brides

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Blogs We Love : Snippet & Ink

You know those bits of inspiration that you don’t quite classify as “inspirational” when you first see them. And then your heart starts to beat just a bit faster and you start feeling a little giddy? Then you realize you can’t stop staring at whatever it is you’re looking at and you realize you have found something… well… something fabulous?

I find myself in these gazes of amazement when I’m clicking through the little piece of wedding inspiration heaven that is Snippet & Ink. In fact, I’ve probably drooled a few times…

Kidding. No drooling.

BUT! Snippet & Ink is undeniably full of delicious eye candy that I simply can’t get enough of. Here are a few samplings of the fabulousness!

White & Lime

Magnolia & Fuchsia

Vintage Pink & Green

Rocker Love

I know! Drool worthy, right? But alas, there is more to the blog than just yummy inspiration boards, most noteworthy, imho, are the fab Real Weddings. Check out the fabulousness for yourself!

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Navy & Apple

It’s preppy. I love it. Check it!

”

Sources: Men’s Suits: Jaeger, Merona Bar Stripe Necktie: Target, Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Cake: Martha Stewart, Green Dresses: kaboodle, Bellas Florida, Net-A-Porter, Liz Claiborne, Navy Shoes: Kate Spade, jildorshoes.com, Candy Says, Dorothy Perkins, Headband:Target Lilly Pulitzer, Stationary: Crane & Co, Tiny Prints, Grosgrain Ribbon: mohop, Vintage Car: Tweed Limousines, Bouquet: Chestnuts in the Tuileries, Candle Arrangement: Crate & Barrel, Chivari Chair: 1 Stackable Chairs, White Flower Arrangement: teleflora, Gold Charger: Crafts Etc!

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Wedding Dresses : Retro to Modern

Vintage. Classic. Timeless. There is just something about [some] “old stuff” that I find irresistible. This especially holds true in the world and history of weddings. I saw a post over at Peonies and Polaroids about retro swim wear (which I really wish could come completely back into fashion) which has inspired this post. I hope you like it.

The retro “Princess Bride”:

*From Millie Motts

The modern dress:

*From Michelle Roth

The retro “Full Skirt & Bolero Jacket”:

*From Millie Motts

The modern dress (minus the jacket):

*From Vera Wang

The retro “Dress with Sleeves”:

*From Millie Motts

The modern dress:

*From Badgley Mischka

The retro “Glam Dress”:

*From VAM.ac.uk

The modern dress:

*From Hannah Hartnell

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Fruity

Fruit - it’s delicious and nutritious. And even better? Fruit can give you some great decorating ideas for your wedding and reception (though, I seem to find fruity ideas fit into the reception category a bit more easily). So here are some things we’ve dug up to give you some “sweet” ideas.

1. Filling tall, slender glass cylinders with whole fruits then adding water is very visually pleasing. It would work especially well for a reception during daylight hours so guests can see them clearly.

2. Same idea, but cut the fruits in half or into slices. This works best with fruit that has a colorful inside, as well as its outside (think limes, lemons, etc). If you decide to go this rout, beware of fruit juice! Once you cut the fruit and place it in the water, it make leak juice into the water, making it cloudy and not-so-fabulous looking.

3. Try working fruit into a flower arrangement. Use them like you would a flower. They can be large and take up a lot of space, possibly saving you a few bucks here and there.

4. Place an arrangement of fruit in a nice bowl, glass container, or on a pedestal. Dress them up a bit by adding a few random flowers or leaves.

5. Give your guests that “just returned from the market” feel for a summer or spring fete by placing fruit in nice, coordinating baskets. You could then give the baskets away as favors or thank-you’s for those who helped out with the wedding.

6. And you can even tie your cake into your fruit-filled reception. Take the cake below as an example for a citrus-theme reception. Real fruit would probably cost you lest, but marzipan fruit can be used instead, to give your cake a little something extra.

Here is a nice little summary of all of the above!

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