How to Choose a Caterer

So now that you have chosen the perfect space for your wedding, it's time to choose your yummy food!!!

It's important to pick food that compliments your theme.

Are you doing an elegant affair at a manor and having shrimp cocktail, succulant pan seared scallops and steak au' poivre with a rich demi glaze?
Or are you having a whimsical barn wedding with lots of  heart warming, comfort food, such as apple stuffed pork tenderloin with glazed carrots, cheddar mashed potatoes and baked apple pie with hand churned cinnamon ice cream?
Or are you going for a more rustic, country feel with crispy Fresh Tomato Bruschetta, perfectly Fried Green Tomato drizzled with Pesto, and Barbecue-Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Vinegar Glaze?
Whatever your taste is, make sure it reflects your theme!

There are many talented chefs to choose from but they may not be the chef for your wedding style and budget.  So narrow down your favorite chefs to about 2 or 3, schedule your tasting and have your questions ready!

I spoke with Christine Eichenmuller from Creative Cuisine and she gave me some great pointers."Food choices, presentation, and execution set the tone for a fabulous event. Work with a person that is innovative, creative, and willing to create a menu that meets your needs, vision and budget.  The single most important thing, other then the food of course, is feeling comfortable and at ease with your catering choice."

Another key point that Chef's Expressions made  is  "How many other weddings or events is your caterer involved with on your event date?" Chef's expressions states: "Unlike many caterers, we limit our calendar to ensure that each event receives the full attention of our staff. We don’t believe that a smaller event should suffer when a date or weekend is crowded with other events. Therefore, we do our best to only schedule three to four events on the same day depending on the size of the event and needs of each client." So this is a great question to keep in mind when you meet with your caterer!

If you have any questions or need a great caterer, call Party Plus for our very own favorites!

"How To's for I Do's- The Importance of Hiring Great Vendors!

Last blog I talked about "To do's for I do's!" Now, over the next couple of months, I want to help you understand "How to" get them done the best way possible and this starts with hiring great and reputable vendors!  And I couldn't think of anyone better then Karen Buck from the wedding magazine "Wedding 411 on Demand" to get her take on the subject! Karen has been in this business for years and knows the "ins and outs", the "ups and the downs."  She knows every type of bride out there as well as every vendor and knows what works with all of these different personalities.  She gave me all the information you'll need to start your planning off right!

1.How well do you both interact? They must listen and understand your vision and expectations instead of  just trying to sell you something.

2. How did you find the busines? By phone book or are they actively involved in the wedding community, doing local wedding events? Have you seen their ad in a wedding magazine or website? Make sure that weddings are a part of their core business and not just something they do on the side.

3.While cost is most certainly a big consideration, don't set yourself up to be dissappointed by saving $50-$100. Remember- you get what you pay for. You will never have the opportunity to go back and redo this day!!!

4. Referrals are great but not all vendors are for all engaged couples. Do your homework and learn all you can about a business before saying "yes."

If you keep these things in mind, you should be on your way to picking the right vendors for you!

From Shabby Chic.....to Sexy and Sleek

Many brides are looking for
inspiration and are searching for the answer to “what is cutting edge?” The
wedding themes over the past few years have evolved to both “sleek and modern”
or have gone backwards with time to a very “rustic and simple” feel. At Party Plus, we’ve perfected the two
looks!
In October we participated in a
styled shoot with some of the wedding extraordinaires at Bayside Bride. The setting- an old barn at Richardson’s Farm
that was turned into a whimsical space with twinkle lights dripping from the
ceiling and lanterns that kept it fun and up to date. The tables were dressed in pure white linens,
and at the center of each table was a gorgeous bright orange pumpkin that was
dug out to house the florals that represented every color of fall. On the back

of each chivari chair were shiny red apples that hung like a banner from one
side to the other, adding a country impression. There were also fresh cut logs
that stood in as pedestals for the delicious pies that took the place of a
traditional wedding cake. The “I do”
carved pumpkins at the barn doors topped it off!
A few days ago we took to the
other end of the spectrum and stepped into the modern world with photographer
Justin Price at The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf.
With elegant plush pewter linens draping the tables, mixed in with
touches of bold colors like cobalt blue and fuchsia, we made a statement!! Purple and blue perception glasses gave the
table just the right attitude, while the silver sprayed leaves on the white
roses and pale hydrangea flowers by Baltimore Florist, left the table somewhere
elegantly in the future. Our beautiful
bride, Amy Marie Hyson, gave the shoot the exact touch of sultriness that we
were looking for. Thank you to all of our vendors that participated! Without you we couldn’t make magic!