Twelve Top Tips for Choosing an Outside Caterer

This weeks Top tips are coming to you from the "Super Cool Team Twelve"

Twelve Top Tips for Choosing an Outside Caterer

1. There are many things that are remembered about your big day but the one thing that absolutely everyone on your wedding day is involved in is the food. It’s the one thing that everyone will have an opinion on and therefore it’s got to be the very best and the most memorable. It is vital therefore that the caterers you select are going to serve excellent quality food, presented stunningly that tastes amazing whether it be fish and chips or foie gras.

2 Decide a catering budget. There are many types and styles of receptions to choose from. Catering costs are determined by a few factors: the number of guests, the number of courses and food choices you offer, the cost of ingredients, the way the food is served i.e. buffet style of seated service, walking tray service and finally the caterers level of expertise. The more flexible you are about these variables the more your chosen caterer has room to create the best menu for your budget.

A good caterer will want to build a relationship with you. They will always take a brief on what you are looking for, the types of food you are considering for your wedding and they will then try to understand your day, your plans and your wish list. This helps the caterer to create and bespoke menus unique and personal to you. The caterer will want to build this relationship with trust so it’s important that they get to know you. This ensures that on the day you are comfortable with them, their style and how they are going to present themselves and their team to your expectant hungry guests.

4. Efficiency in communication – a good caterer will be in constant contact with you by email and or phone, updating information as it changes and decisions are made so that your records are always up to date.
5. A caterer should be flexible, they should be prepared to move things around for you and work with you to create your perfect menu.

6. Always take a caterers advice they are generally giving it to you for a good reason. Not everything works and they will know what does and doesn't translate well to large parties. A sign of a good caterer is one that is honest with you.

7. Try before you buy – always request a tasting before you book a caterer. Any caterer wanting to gain your business will be happy to offer you a complimentary tasting of your proposed menu, whether the catering is in house in a hotel or outside caterers. It’s imperative you see the exact menu, presented on the crockery in the exact style that it will be presented to your guests on the wedding day. You can then access, the quality of the cuisine, the produce used, the balance of the menu and the portion sizes.

8. If at all possible try to do the tasting at a similar time of year your wedding is booked for – your body feels differently about food in different seasons. You might think a menu is perfect trying it on a hot summer’s day, but will it work the same if your wedding day is on a crisp winter day with snow on the ground?

9. Understand the different styles of service available from caterers and decide what is right for you. At team Twelve our staff our praised for their energy, skill and diplomacy. Whether the occasion is formal or informal, we offer a peerless standard of service delivered in a friendly, attentive and efficient manner.

10. Seek other supplier’s opinions about caterers. Suppliers will see your caterers at work behind the scenes so ask your photographer or your florist their opinion of a caterer you may be considering they will be able to tell you things the general public never see – but if they are a good caterer they are things that they wouldn't mind showing on a giant screen at the top of Blackpool Tower.

11. Ask to see customer testimonials there should be plenty, if not what is this telling you.

12. Attention to detail. Look at photographs of your caterer’s previous events, not just their
Stage managed web sites. Are the table cloths straight especially on top table, are they
Beautifully pressed? Is the cutlery perfectly polished and position straight on the tables? Is
Everything symmetrically arranged, or arranged to look stunning. How is the food presented?
On the plate? All these tell you one very very important thing about your caterer – THEY CARE.

But most importantly they care about every wedding because every one is unique
and equally important.

Have a great day
From a bunch of self confessed foodies

Caroline, Paul and Team Twelve
Marsh Mill Village
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 4JZ
01253 82 12 12
http://www.twelveeventmanagement.co.uk/

I really love working with Caroline, Paul and all the team from Twelve, they are truly passionate about their food, service and overall management of an event, their particular brand of catering is innovative, imaginative and totally immaculate, (I love the white gloves when they are laying the tables, my flowers certainly look better on a table laid with such precision!).

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But most of all these people are really, truly cool, the staff always look and behave in such a graceful way almost choreographed, sounds a bit crazy I know, but I love it, the point is this, when I'm working with them or when I'm a guest at one of their events I feel "cool" by association, I've just tried to explain this last paragraph to Sarah here in the office in order to gain some clarification of what I'm trying to say....

She said the look is "Effortless Perfection" and I think she's got it spot on!

Wedding Secrets Part 3. Top Ten Wedding Tips for Selecting the Right Venue For Your Wedding

Top Ten Wedding Tips for Selecting the Right Venue For Your Wedding

by Adele Yeomans of The Great Hall at Mains (21 years experience in running weddings and events)

Compare – The internet has become a wonderful tool – use it! When you first start looking for the venue of your dreams, it’s good to compare several to get a good feel of what each offers and how each venue deals with your initial enquiry. After all, if no-one gets back to you within 48 hrs or more, it could be a sign of things to come. A good venue will be in contact with their clients regularly by email or telephone.

Roger Yeomans owner of The Great Hall at Mains

Exclusivity - Look at the ‘Exclusivity’ of each – do you really want to be one of several brides on the day at the same venue.? This can happen a lot, especially if you choose, say, a hotel environment.

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TGHM Dressed by Creative Cover Hire & Flower Design

Budget - Your budget and price is a major factor, so shop around and see who is offering any ‘deals’ on late availability or special packages which help bring the price down considerably.

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Capacity - Think about what sort of wedding you want – small intimate, large numbers, themed, etc. Can the venue offer exactly what you want in terms of your special day?

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Wow factor - - Look at the photographic opportunities in and around the venue - after all, this most important day will be captured forever on film. Are there any unique features which stand out? How will your wedding breakfast layout look? Is there a ‘WOW’ factor? Is there an attention to detail that surpasses all other venues?

TGHM Civil Ceremony

Viewing - Most important – do go and look around the venue as soon as you can. Websites do not always do justice to the venues and there is nothing like getting a ‘feel’ for a place as soon as you walk in!

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Staff and Management - On that same vein – how are you greeted by their staff? Do they make you feel comfortable, confident and enthusiastic about your wedding day – or are they simply ‘going through the motions’. Getting a good team to run your wedding is vital, as is building up a good relationship and rapport with the people who will ostensibly ‘make or break ‘ your wedding day.

The TGHM Team from left to right Gemma, Melanie, Adele Yeomans (Owner) Chriss (Manager) & LizzieLizzie organising the brides gown
Suppliers -Does the venue offer to coordinate for you between suppliers etc.? This can take an enormous amount of pressure of you if you have someone liaising between florists, photographers, entertainers, transport people, caterers [ if applicable] and whoever else you may need to be involved in your big day. Do they have a list of recommended people that they use who are ‘tried and tested’ for outstanding quality, service and reliability.

Gail from The Astbury Studio , Chriss (Manager TGHM) & Stephanie Ashton from Ashton Photography

Food / Menu - Food is important these days. Gone are the days when people will ‘put up’ with mass catering at a wedding if it is not as good as one would eat out at a restaurant. We are all becoming more and more discerning about what we eat and standards at some venues are higher than ever before. But beware, not all are the same and a badly cooked or presented wedding breakfast can ruin your day. If the venue has their own chef, say in a hotel or country house, eat in their restaurant first if possible. If they use outside caterers, do some research on them, ask questions, do they offer food tastings prior to your wedding day, can they bespoke a menu exactly to your requirements. As we say, things have moved on considerably and we all know what we like to eat!

Thomas from Twelve Event Management Dulcie & Caroline from Twelve Event Management

Recommendations - And finally, do go on personal recommendations if at all possible or testimonials from other past clients. Impartial wedding sites such as Hitched, Foreverafter, Confetti and Tying The Knot to name but a few, have an extensive list of venues in your area and often show past clients’ testimonials. Ask your chosen suppliers if they have heard of the venue, or worked there. What do they think of it?

Regards
Adele Yeomans
Mains Hall & The Great Hall at Mains
Mains Lane
Little Singleton

Part 2. Wedding Advice from My Favourite Wedding Professionals: Steve & Stephanie Ashton's Top Tips for Choosing your Wedding Photographer

I'm really enjoying this, it's a bit like having guest writers on my blog, so this is the 2nd part in our series "All about Weddings, Top Tips" last week Howard Wing told us about selecting the very best wedding singers, this week we have the totally wonderful Steve & Stephanie Ashton telling us about selecting the very best Wedding Photographer for you, I hope you'll enjoy...

Ten Top Tips for selecting the perfect photographer for your wedding day

by Steve & Stephanie Ashton of Ashton Photography

1. Your wedding photographs are very important, after your big day, they are all you will have left to bring back those fantastic memories, so don't take chances. Ensure the photographer you choose is a full time professional . Wedding photography is not just about photography... many factors play a big part in being a good wedding photographer. These skills come with experience are the sign of true professionals

2. Ask to see samples of complete and full weddings which your photographer has photographed. It's very easy for non professionals to photograph models in stunning locations with nothing to get in the way of photography. A true professional wedding photographer will have many examples of full wedding at many locations.

3. Consider the style of pictures you like and want. Photographers all have a style and way of working which is almost like a signature. Choose a photographer who takes the type of images you like. Also take into consideration your venue and what type of pictures can be taken.

4. When considering a photographer, don't worry if they have not worked in your venue before. As with any profession photographers enjoy and produce their best work when working in different and new locations.

5. Give some thought to the time you want to dedicate to posed or formal photographs on your wedding day. Large numbers of group pictures take time, so keep them to a minimum and spend more time with your guests than the photographer.

6. Look at the quality of albums produced by you shortlisted photographers and make sure you fully understand what you will be getting for your money.

7. Make sure your chosen photographer is fully insured , all professionals will be and will be able to produce proof of their insurance.

8. Many photographers offer the option of two photographers. Make sure the second photographer is a real photographer not just an assistant who takes some pictures on the day. Ask to see samples of the second photographers work.

9. When planning your wedding, take into account the light conditions at the specific times of the day. It goes dark early in winter, so outside pictures will not be really possible. Just use some common sense and if unsure ask you photographer.

10. Finally ask to see past client thank you letters and testimonials from you photographer. This will give you a good idea of how satisfied past clients have been.

Wedding Secrets Part 1. Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Singer

I thought it would be an excellent idea to get my very best wedding professional friends to share some of their top tips of how to get the very best from their particular service, so this first one in the series is supplied by the very wonderful Howard Wing Wedding Singer Extrodinaire......

HOW TO HIRE A WEDDING SINGER

Here are Howard Wing's tips on hiring and getting the best out of your wedding entertainment.

TIP 1. Book Directly with the Artist

It's much better to deal with the artist directly rather than booking through an agent or company.

Reasons why

You can get to know your artist personally.
You will be cutting out the middleman.
You will get a better picture of what they do.

You will get a better more personal service including private consultations etc.

You will build up a nice relationship before the event ensuring a relaxed atmosphere on the day.

Howard Wing performing (Image Courtesy of Jonny Draper)

TIP 2. Homework

If you have an artist in mind do some homework on them. Ask other suppliers or friends if they have seen them perform and get their feedback.

Google them.

Check the Internet, most artists have a website that will give details of their service, quite often a naff website can mean a naff artist.

TIP 3. Website.

What to look for on their site?

Demo music is a must so you can hear how they sound.
Video clips are also good so you can see the act performing

Look for feedback or testimonials from past clients, this is the service history of the act. Would you buy a car without service history? If you do you risk the car not being reliable, it's the same when booking singers.

Howard Wing performing (Image Courtesy of Jonny Draper)TIP 4. Volume Levels and Professionalism (Important)

If you are bringing in an artist to perform during the wedding breakfast (recommended) it is extremely important to make sure they set their volume levels correct. The last thing you want is to blast the ears off your guests! They should be professional enough to know how to handle this situation.

It's not their day, it's yours, they are there to enhance the day, not dominate it.

This point is important and needs consideration, an inexperienced artist could get this wrong and risk messing up a crucial part of your day.

Tony Benedict performing (image Courtesy of Jonny Draper)TIP 5. How to Book

If you like what you see on their site get in contact and ask for a brochure or demo CD.

Once you are happy with the site, brochure and demo CD the best thing to do is arrange a meeting.

When you meet up listen to what they are offering and have some questions ready.

Questions to ask.

1. How long have you been singing?
2. Terms of booking i.e deposits etc
3. Do you come with your own PA music system
4. Ask about volume levels
5. Ask if they have liability insurance, some venues won't accept artists without it.
6 Ask if their equipment is Pat tested (electrical safety test)

TIP 6. BARTER

Don't be afraid to barter, you could end up with a better deal. This is another reason to book direct.

Everything is negotiable.

Paul Guard Performing That’s it; these tips are designed to help you on your quest to creating a fantastic wedding day.

By employing these tips you will be one step ahead and have confidence that you are bringing in quality on the biggest day of your life.

Good Luck

Best Wishes

Howard Wing

http://www.blogger.com/www.howardwing.co.uk