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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Revelry Invitation Studio

If you’re looking for a way to class up your invitations, you simply must check out Revelry Invitation Studio! The pictures we have here don’t do these beauties justice! Thick paper covered in silk and accented with a bit of sparkle – perfect for an elegant event.

I got to sample a gray and plum invitation set which included the invitation itself, reception enclosure and RSVP card (and envelope), and the envelope that held everything together. Not only are the pieces assembled wonderfully, but they simply feel luxe. Once you get your hands on one, you won’t want anything else!

You can get some really fab stuff from Revelry - silk invitation boxes, DIY invitation supplies, birth announcements, occasion cards, and even a sample before you buy. And if you can’s find something that fits your style exactly, you can always build your own silk invitations!

Check out the site for more inspiration and information! Or, send an email to info@revelryinvitations.com to communicate with Glory, the fabulous creator, directly.

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The Green Bride Guide

“Going Green” is not just for a select group of people who care about the earth anymore. It’s “catching on”, so to speak, with everyone (well, perhaps not everyone, but a lot of people). And one particular event people are paying particular “green” attention to is, you guessed it, weddings.

With this interest in green lifestyles and green weddings, a wealth of information and resources have popped up - and thank goodness for that! Today I am so excited to share with you a fabulous new book on green weddings, by environmentalist and recent bride, Kate L. Harrison - “The Green Bride Guide”.

The book was officially released on December 9th, so if you haven’t already picked up a copy, get to it! I’m a big fan of books (and websites) with valuable information and ideas in them. Information that I can actually use, ideas that I can execute using the resources I have, resources that will actually lead to other valuable information and ideas, and generally useful. This is exactly how I would describe “The Green Bride Guide” - valuable.

Kate does a great job of helping earth-friendly couples put being green at the top of the wedding planning to-do list. Her book includes a monthly time line, tons of great, doable ideas, and one of my favorites, “Sustainability Worksheets”. She also includes a recommended reading list as well as a few resource page - all with valuable information on them. Some other features of the book include:

**Price indicators ($, $$, $$$) to help you get an idea on how much things cost
**Markers by information that is expanded upon on The Green Bride Guide website
**Side notes with FYI and idea-sparking tidbits and traditional wedding alternatives
**A whole chapter on “Planning an Eco-Fabulous Honeymoon”

So, if you’re a green person through and through and in the process of planning a wedding, I’d definitely recommend this book. But, I’d also say it’s a helpful resource for the “green” environmentally friendly couple, new to the idea of leading a green lifestyle together or planning an eco-chic wedding. You can go wrong with showing a little love for the earth!

Before you go, check out The Green Bride Guide website to find even more ideas and advice. You can also find eco-products, peruse real green weddings, learn from the lessons of current and recent brides, and grab a list of great reads.

To get a copy, check out Amazon or Barns & Noble!

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Terra Keramik

Hello hello! Today, while freezing, has been a very good day so far. Good days are made up of good things. Some of my favorite “good things” are … well … anything that could be considered “housewares items”. Furniture, decorative lighting, paint swatches, window treatments, home accents. I love them all. So just imagine my delight when I was told about Terra Keramik, an amazing collection of handcrafted tableware items from Switzerland.

Terra Keramik’s pieces have vibrant colors, simple yet visually appealing shapes, and incredibly smooth textures. Who could resist? To make the company and its products even better - the functional designs of Terra Keramik are eco-friendly, accented with platinum, and hand-signed by the artist. In addition, all ceramics are finished in lead-free and cadmium-free glazes (so they are food-safe!), and crafted using renewable energy and energy efficient clays. They are dishwasher safe to boot! Let’s take a glimpse at these simply fabulous pieces!

Lisa from Terra Keramik tells me that in the last 18 months, pieces of the collection have been featured in over 26 regional and national magazines including Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Natural Home, Domino, Metropolitan Home, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and Elegant Bride magazines. Not too shabby!

But why do we like them so much? If you’re fond of the collection, you can register for them online. Simply create an account, click “Add To Registry” for the items you like, and your guests can hop onto the site and purchase something just for you. It’s a super simple way to get some really nice tableware to start your new life together with your honey.

The collection consists of espresso and cappuccino cups and mugs, coffee mugs, a striking teapot and mugs, plates, bowls, serving pieces, candleholders and fondueware.

If you really want more info about the company and it’s practices, read about the artisans and their eco-friendly methods! Then, get to setting your table with Terra Keramik’s plates and bowls and other fabulousness!

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Eco-Tools

Looking for some earth-friendly ways to make your skin and makeup more fabulous? Let me introduce to you Eco-Tools, a line of skin improving products and makeup brushes!

The line includes facial and body loofahs and a full set of makeup brushes. They are all “eco-chic” with the use of natural loofah, bamboo, cruelty-free hair, and other natural and recycled materials. You just can’t go wrong!

Some wonderful pieces:

Bamboo Bath Sponge

Bamboo and Loofah Facial Buffs

Bamboo 5-Piece Brush Set

I absolutely love the brushes - they can be used for more than just “the natural look”, too, making them versatile (always great). Check out the Eco-Tools site to shop for some goodies of your own.

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Artisan Soap Shoppe

I feel like there has been a burst of wedding-related products that smell and look so delicious you could eat them…but if you did they would taste awful. The Le Viette products are a fab example of this. And another example definitely has to be Artisan Soap! Let me tell you a bit about the company and it’s fabulous creator.

The Artisan Soap Shoppe was created by soapmaker extraordinaire Sarah Bogle about ten years ago. She personally creates and cuts each and every single piece she produces. Talk about a labor of love (or…passion for soapmaking)! Even better is the fact that Sarah take a personal, detailed, and customized approach with each client, assessing her (or his) needs and producing something that is unique to that person. Whatever scent, shape, size, or color you desire, my guess is that Sarah can make it.

I received a little box of goodies from Sarah and Oh. My. I am in love! To start off, every piece was perfectly packaged. Along with the soaps themselves, Sarah included a fabulous written letter AND explanation of each sample! Talk about thorough. I can just imagine the service and perks her clients get! Included in my box of treats were soaps with names like Bluebonnet Fields, Outlaw, Rosemary Mint & Lavender, Cinnamon Hazelnut Java, Salt Rimmed Margarita (second favorite), Coconut Lemongrass, Mocha Java Latte, and (my absolute favorite), Fruity Sangria. Each bar or favor-sized sample smelled delicious and moisturized like none other. They were definitely a treat to receive and would make a tres luxe gift to give.

Here are a few favor ideas/examples, heart-shaped soaps and an ocean rain sea salt bar:

Because Sarah is so awesome, she is offering all WeddingFanatics a special BOGO 50% off SALE for all orders purchased before December 31st. All you have to do is mention “WeddingFanatic” upon checkout to receive the discount. These would make such good gifts for wedding guests or for the holidays.

We also have a special offer for all of you Dallas area readers! You can meet Sarah in person on October 26th at an area wedding show. See the picture below for more details.

To contact Sarah, check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe website (and blog), or give her a ring at (214) 941-9722. If you’re looking for classy, upscale favor or gift ideas, definitely check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe!

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Movie Review : Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding

Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. The show that’s been a hit for years has been turned into a movie that, if you need a few good wedding-related laughs or want to be scared out of marrying into an Italian family, you should definitely check out. I’ve never seen the show live, which I have heard is hilarious, but the movie staring Joey McIntyre and Mila Kunis is quite the spectacle.

Tony and Tina are just two young individuals that want to tie the knot, but their families always unintentionally find a way of getting IN the way. The mixing of the two clans is quite the site to behold - and I believe if I were either Tony or Tina, I’d just want to pull out all of my hair by the end of the day. But, even after the crazy day, insane families, and lots of madness and mayhem, Tony and Tina get what they really want.

In my honest opinion, the movie was at least somewhat interesting. I wouldn’t put it at the top of my favorite wedding movies list and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to couples that are going through a rocky wedding planning patch (I seriously think my blood pressure rose just watching it). But, for those love birds out there that have just gotten engaged, maybe you should check it out and take notes on the things you might want to avoid. And if you have recently gotten hitched, you would probably appreciate the satirical wedding day craziness - more so if you readily admit that you wedding day was indeed an “insane” one.

Thanks Emerging Pictures for the flick!

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Let’s Get Labeling {GIVEAWAY}

Opening Note: Don’t forget to check out the bottom of the post for a GIVEAWAY!

If you’re an organized bride, you know how important true organization is! It’s one thing to have your vendors “organized” (aka just booked) and something completely different to have every wedding detail in its proper place. And even better, have them in such a way that in case of an emergency, someone else can step up and know where to find everything. This means current contact lists, well organized information (in binders, folders, etc.), and easily accessible wedding day items.

That’s where the DYMO Personal Lablemaker comes in. Not only does it fit perfectly and comfortably in the palm of your hand, but it has a 13 character display, a color-coded keyboard, 5 font styles, 7 print styles, 8 boarder styles, 195 symbols, and the capability to print on two lines. Phew! In addition, what you see on the screen is exactly what the label maker prints out!

I’m not one for reading too deep into directions. So of course as soon as I got mine, I cut open the package and got to labeling. I figured I would have to do some sort of setup or programming process before I could begin using the machine, but all I had to do was press “On”! So naturally, it was love at first button.

Check out this bad boy!

Yeah. It makes my heart beat a little faster.

DYMO has teamed up with the Clutter Queen for some helpful wedding planning/organizational tips. Here they are, from the Queen herself:

1. Make a detailed shopping list of all of the organizational supplies and tools you’ll need to plan your wedding. You’ll need things like file folders, a three-ring binder, albums and boxes for cards and photos, and a DYMO® Personal Labelmaker – these will help keep you and your fiancé organized while planning the big day.

2. Create a binder with sections labeled for calendar, dress ideas, guest list, registry, shopping lists, showers and parties, thank you cards, gift lists, bridal party schedules, and so on. Take the binder with you on appointments and meetings. Everything will be in one place for easy reference.

3. To help keep track of the landslide of wedding gifts you receive, use file folders and label them by category – gift cards and certificates, receipts, returns, etc. Also, consider labeling the outside of the box a gift comes in with who gave it to you. This will help when writing thank you notes later.

4. Designate a table in a low-traffic area of your home for crafting wedding favors, invitations, note cards, etc. Use a DYMO® Personal Labelmaker to clearly label boxes for RSVPs, cards, ribbons, table-setting cards and more.

5. Instead of letting wedding cards and photos pile up, store them in an album or photo box. Be sure to label the backs of cards and photos with names, dates, and location for quick and easy reference.

6. Make multiple copies of photos and other special memorabilia to create one-of-a-kind “brag books” for your mom, grandma, and soon to be step-mom to show-off to their friends later.

7. If there is something you need only for the wedding, consider borrowing from a friend or relative. A family heirloom – like your grandmother’s cake knife or your mother’s cake topper – will not only add sentimental value to your wedding but save you shopping time and money.

8. If you plan to provide a special CD for the DJ to use during the reception, clearly label the disc case with the song name and track number using a product like the DYMO® Personal Labelmaker. For a more personalized disc, use the DYMO® DiscPainter™ CD/DVD printer, which will print text and photos directly onto the disc. This way there aren’t any slip-ups during your special dance.

So, now that your mouth is watering and your organizational gears are turning, don’t you just want to get your hands on one? HERE IS YOUR CHANCE! We are giving one away! All you have to do is leave a comment and we’ll randomly pick a winner at the end of the week. We’ll send you an email asking for your mailing address and you’ll get the labelmaker sent right to your doorstep. So get to commenting! =)

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Rosey

Music plays a huge part in the over all reception vibe, so be picky when choosing your playlist! That being said, I wanted to introduce Rosey to you.

Rosey, I’d dare to say, could almost be called a female Michael Buble, with her smooth sounds, jazzy undertones, and absolutely wedding-worthy music! Her music is glamorous and sexy and she has a number of tracks on her newest album that could tie into the wedding day perfectly.

If you’re looking for something beyond Etta James and Frank Sinatra for first dance music, check out Rosey’s “Hand in Hand” or “First Time” (see below for some lyrics). Every other song on “Luckiest Girl” would make great music for dinner and dancing, so listen up!

If you really fall in love, Rosey and her band can perform at your wedding (as long as you can foot the bill)! Want to know how to find her? Check out her website and MySpace page, where you can look and listen all day long (which I’ve done a number of time!). You can also find her on YouTube, so take a look! You will fall in love!

From Hand In Hand: You take my hand with a promise and a ring, my life with you begins. And I take your hand and the tears fall down my face as I take your name. And here we stand, together hand in hand, shining like the sun. And I knew it from the start, you would have my heart and I would be your love.

From First Time: Do you think it’s okay if I say awhile. You could make me smile like this for such a long time. I’ve got a feeling about you. I’ve got a feeling I can’t loose. First time, first time I’ve looked into someone’s eyes and I knew, I knew. First time, the first time I know you feel the same way that I do.

All in all, I would definitely agree with how her website describes her:

There is something undeniably seductive about jazz music – its glamour, its sex appeal, and its earnest, soulful roots all appeal to a comfortable, old-fashioned music sensibility. There exists a select few who appreciate jazz on another level, people who see one step beyond the classic image and recognize jazz as an entirely fresh form of pop music. Rosey is one of these rare characters.

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Pose Prints!

Oh. My. Goodness. TOO CUTE!

Hello lovely readers! I have something fabulous for you!! Jennifer from PosePrints.com contacted me just today about the super cute invitations, announcements, and stationary they offer. What makes them so chic? You simply go to their site and design a cartoon you (or of you and your love), pick the background you like, and voila! Check out some examples below.

BUT THE BEST PART IS: From now until May 15th, you can get 10% your purchases with the discount code, “weddingfanatic”. FABULOUS! Check them out! And Happy Shopping.

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