Loading...
The Citizen, 1999-02-10, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1999. PAGE 15. Consideration given to site can create perfection Soon after the engagement is announced, another important task begins - the search for the perfect location for the wedding and reception. • Many sites are booked at least a year in advance, so it's best to begin early. The most desirable locations will usually be reserved first. If the location of your choice is booked Saturdays, check the possibility of having your reception on Friday evening or Sunday afternoon. • Many couples prefer to have the ceremony and reception at the same place. This lessens the '.ime spent traveling to the reception and reduces the chance that some guests may get lost or not attend. • Guests enjoy watching the couple get their wedding photos taken. This also provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests to chat together and sample hors d'oeuvres and beverages. • You should try to visit as many location sites as time allows before making your final choice. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time so you get all the information you need during your visit. Visit your chosen facility when it is set up for a wedding. Get all details in writing, and check the expiration octe of the cost estimates. • Take into account any additional items or lime charges that could be added io your bill. • Be sure to ask the facility how many weddings it books at one lime. If two wedding receptions are taking place at one time, it may take away from your special event. You may also find people wander­ ing into the wrong reception. • Consider how much service the staff at the site will offer you. Be sure to ask this question when considering a site for the reception. • Will a personal coordinator from the staff be present during the event to be sure things are running smoothly? • How should you contact the staff if they are in another reception or down the hallway in the ballroom? Be sure to ask lots of questions concerning the avail­ ability of assistance from the staff. Finding a caterer to suit style Summer is a time of weddings and social events and many of the people holding these events will look to caterers to provide food, beverages and service. Here are some tips from the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations to help you find the right catering company to suit the occasion at an affordable price. The first step to choosing the right catering company for your event is to make notes on your expectations and the tastes of your guests. As well, ask friends for recommendations, then do some research for yourself. Local hotel managers, restauranteurs and specialty-food shop managers can ail offer , suggestions on menus that will give you a firmer fix on price ranges. Try calling your local community college or vocational training school too. Many of these schools - - and some high schools with advanced culinary-arts programs - provide catering services at very competitive rates, because the food is prepared by students as part of their course requirements. Some people say they're afraid to hire a caterer for fear they won't like the dishes prepared for them. If this is a problem for you, look for some of the many catering companies that will provide the opportunity for you to sample their foods. By the time your research is complete, you should have spoken with about a dozen potential suppliers and gained a rough impression of their competence, specialties and flexibility. You should also have a clear idea of the type of menu you want. The next step is to reduce you potential suppliers to a short list of three candidates. Before you interview them, resolve not to hire any firm on the spot. Each caterer should be told you'll want to discuss four topics. 1. References. A competent caterer should be proud of previous work and happy to provide letters of recommendation. Ask for the names of a couple of recent clients and call them to ask for details on the quality of food and service. 2. Written outlines of previous functions. Generally, a caterer will show you several outlines of the responsibilities they've assumed for various functions. These will often include the menu, photos taken just before the event -- if they've provided the service as well as the fare - and a floor plan with notes about the service, feed and beverage stations. What you're looking tor here is an indication the firm has dealt with events similar to yours and that their planning appears to be thorough. 3. Sample menus. Now you're getting down to the fun part! The caterer should ask you for as many details as possible about your tastes and desires and then start to make suggestions. Often they'll use a few sample menus to get things started, before asking you for ideas on specific details. If you don't start to sense that the company is a reliable firm you can trust at this point, look elsewhere. Whether buffet-style or sit-down, menu prices are usually quoted on a per plate basis. Ask up front if you're not sure whether the price includes appetizers, coffee or dessert. 4. List of responsibilities. What exactly do you expect from a caterer? If you’re renting a hall, will it come equipped with dishes, serving trays, or a bar? Many caterers are familiar with local reception halls, but you should know what will be needed before you meet with them. If their food looks wonderful but you think their taste was all in their mouths when they picked their china, ask if you can provide your own. Many caterers will have no objections to you bringing in your own props, such as extra tables, trays, glasses and silver. Party­ supply rental shops can provide an amazing array of goods from fine chinas to table linens. However, it's sometimes a condition of a caterer's contract that their services be used. Everything the caterer will provide should be clearly spelled out on the list of responsibilities, with a price list attached. Visit our retail showroom or call today. OPEN: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hwy. 4 South of CUNTON (directly across from Huronview) 482-1232 Come To Tastebuds for » Chocolate Wedding Favour* * Shower, Wedding & Honeymoon Baskets ea Party Trays ♦ Cheese W Vegetable ** Fruit • Sandwiches * Sweets W Gift items * Hand-dipped Chocolates * Specialty Coffee & Tea Our Services Are Irresistible!Hairstyle test runs If you don't like to have anything left to chance, try out your hairstyle before the wedding. About a month before the wedding, make an appointment with the stylist who will be doing your hair. Use this appointment to experiment with different styles and don’t leave until you are satisfied with your look. To help your stylist remember what you both liked and agreed on this day, get someone to take pictures of you before you leave. This will make it easier for the stylist to recreate the look on your wedding day. {And, because you look so great, invite your fiance out for dinner afterward.) Offering today’s brufe & groom outstanding valu&tmd quality Trust Picture It Photography to preserve jOj all your memories Blyth 523-9892 T Call 523-4440 to make an FREE CONSULTATION count on • Traditional or contemporary We will create elegant bouquets, centerpieces & corsages to suit your style & budget VJe have a nice selection of wedding gifts RENTALS AVAILABLE Queen St., Blyth 523-4440 Luann's Country Flowers to provide you with gorgeous flowers & gifts • Fresh or silk appointment for your Howers