Wedding Blogs by Wedding Professionals
June 27, 2005
Choosing the Type of Service You Want At Your Reception
Choosing the type of service presentation you want at your wedding reception is a matter of preference and budget. Below you will find a brief description of the different service styles for you to consider and the associated costs that go with each type. I have included the costs, items, and services that we provide for each service style. Much of this information is standard, but it may vary from caterer to caterer.
Standard Buffet Service
Menu items are professionally presented on a buffet where guests serve themselves. It is often double-sided to expedite the meal especially for parties over 50 guests. Disposable plates, flatware, and napkins are provided free of charge. Buffet linens and decorations are also included.
Servers are responsible for setting up, replenishing, and tearing down the buffet. They also clear tables during the dinner portion of reception. Depending on the services offered at the facility you choose, you may need to coordinate a separate clean-up crew for the end of the evening (cups, napkins, left-behind favors, centerpieces, etc).
Labor may or may not be included in the per person price of buffet menus. If not, regular charges for each server averages $20 per hour with a four-hour minimum per server. A captain averages $40 per hour. A bartender averages $25 per hour. When comparing quotes of the same type of menu, always look to the bottom line after sales tax, labor charges (if applicable) and service charges have been included. After first glance, that higher per-person quote may end up being the lowest bid.
Option: Heavy -duty diposable ware is available and offers a step-up from basic disposables. A recommended package for a wedding includes: Dinner plate, salad plate, dessert plate, rolled white dinner napkin w/plastic flatware inside, dessert fork & white napkin for cake. Durable heavy-duty plastic available in black, white or clear. Cost averages $2.25 per person (plus tax).
OPTIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
Buffet with China
Menu items are professionally presented on a buffet where guests serve themselves. It is often double-sided to expedite the meal. China is rented and service staff is required at an average ratio of 1:30 guests.
Typical China Rentals for a Wedding: Dinner plate, dinner knife, dinner fork, salad plate, dessert plate, dessert fork, water goblet or champagne flute, & linen napkin. Average cost is $5.00 per person (plus delivery, tax, and damage waiver)
Seated Buffet Service
A seated buffet means that the salad course is served at the guest table (a basket of rolls and butter is also pre-set), and the main meal is presented at a self-serve buffet usually double-sided so that guests can serve themselves from both sides of the buffet. The advantage of this service is that while some of your guests begin at the buffet, your remaining guests can enjoy their salad while waiting for their turn at the buffet.
Compared to a plated dinner, the number of serving staff and back-of-house staff is less while still offering a semi-formal dinner presentation. China is rented and the ration of staff to guests is approximately 1:25.
Rentals Needed: Dinner plate, dinner knife, dinner fork, salad plate, salad fork, dessert plate, dessert fork, water goblet, champagne flute, linen napkin, and table accoutrements (baskets, shakers, B&B plates, etc). Average Rental Cost is $7.00 per person (plus delivery, tax, and damage waiver)
Plated Dinner Service (also referred to as Sit-Down Service)
Plated dinner service means that each course is served at the guest table. It requires the largest number of staff for serving, expediting, and back-of-house operations. The ratio of servers to guests is approximately 1:20 depending on the menu and the back-of-house staff includes expediters and stewards, and may include a chef.
Rentals Needed: Dinner plate, dinner knife, dinner fork, salad plate, salad fork, dessert plate, dessert fork, water goblet, champagne flute, linen napkin, and table accoutrements. Average cost is $7.00 per person (plus delivery, tax, and damage waiver)
We hope this information has been very helpful for you in deciding on the type of service you want for your reception.
We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Renata Cannon
Social Event Coordinator
(623) 580-4653
Fat Freddy's Catering
www.fatfreddys.com
Posted by on June 27, 2005 at 05:43 PM
Seattle fall wedding expo
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let everyone know that I have re-signed again this year to be a part of the Seattle wedding expo, September 10th and 11th! Last year I had an amazing response from both brides and vendors at the expo. I will be in booth 351, demonstrating my makeup techniques. I encourage anyone interested in bridal makeup to stop by and meet me. Also, look at my website for new bridal images from a fellow seattle wedding expoer from last year.
Dawn Tunnell
Makeup artist
(206) 491-9395
http://dawntunnell.com
Posted by DAWN TUNNELL - MAKEUP on June 27, 2005 at 03:47 PM
ahoneymoon.com
As honeymoon specialists, we plan the most memorable honeymoons possible.
A honeymoon is the most important time for newly weds, a memory that will last a lifetime.
Call us for your honeymoon dream.
Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Caribbean, and Mexico destinations are ideal honeymoon spots for honeymooners.
We are offering specials on all of these wonderful destinations.
Call one of of our travel specialists at 206-575-1150 or if you are out of town call 1-800-229-1165.
Doug Fox Travel and Cruise-Southcenter
381 Strander Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Locate across the street from the Southcenter Mall and in front of Target.
Posted by AHONEYMOON.COM BY DOUG FOX TRAVEL & CRUISE on June 27, 2005 at 12:33 PM
June 22, 2005
OAHU BRIDE joins with ALOHA HOTELS!
Oahu Bride - a full service wedding planner - is now expanding it's wedding operations into Waikiki. In addition to our outstanding wedding planning services, we now have excellent rates with Aloha Hotels. (For more information on available hotels, visit the Aloha Hotels website at www.AlohaHotels.com!) Call us today for more information about how your wedding party can benefit from Aloha Hotels' great prices, and Oahu Bride's great services.
Oahu Bride wants to be your wedding planner. Contact us today for a free consultation. We can meet your needs. And your budget.
Oahu Bride. Quality Service. Reasonable Price.
-Oahu Bride LLC
P.O. Box 1801
Waianae HI 96792-1801
Ph. 808-349-7369 or 808-393-7454
Fax 808-695-9086
Web: www.OahuBride.com
Email: Weddings@OahuBride.com
Posted by OAHU BRIDE, LLC on June 22, 2005 at 09:41 PM
Make your day last a lifetime with our Bridesclub Video Special - $895!
Aloha and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Weddings are our specialty, and we are committed to making your wedding video the best it can be. Our years of experience in video and film production enable us to provide you with the best service at the most affordable prices.
Our Basic DVD Package is just $895 and will record your complete Ceremony and Reception. After the day is done, your video will be carefully edited with music and titles and recorded on DVD. Your finished DVD will include custom menus and a chapter selection based on your wedding day!
Book your wedding video during the month of January and receive a complimentary upgrade to our High-Definition Package. This is a $400 value that you can receive as our gift to you. Email us at advancedvisualarts@gmail.com or call us today at 808.294.9422 to schedule an appointment and see how we can make your day last a lifetime!
Entertain your guests with a Video Presentation shown at your reception!
Our Ceremony Package Includes:
-Ceremony Only Coverage
-Video Slide Show
-Ceremony Highlights (shown at your reception)
-Custom DVD
Regular price is $1685, but for a limited time, we are offering this
package for only $995!
Our All-Day Package Includes:
-Classic DVD Package
-Video Slide Show (Ceremony Highlights available)
-DVD copy of your wedding video
The Classic DVD Package includes complete ceremony and reception, pre-bridals, interviews with family and friends and coverage of the photo session with your photographer. Fully edited with music and titles and recorded on a custom designed DVD.
Both packages include a video projector, screen and setup.
Regular price is $1790, but for a limited time, we are offering this
package for only $1495!
For complete package and pricing, please feel free to visit our website, www.advancedvisualarts.com , email us at: advancedvisualarts@gmail.com , or call us today at 808.294.9422 to schedule an appointment to make your day last a lifetime!
Posted by ADVANCED VISUAL ARTS on June 22, 2005 at 05:29 PM
June 21, 2005
NOT HER LAST NIGHT OF FUN...HER FIRST!
Too many times we think of a bachelorette party as the last bit of excitement before marriage. But, it doesn't have to be the end of fun for the bride-to-be!
By throwing her a Slumber Party, friends and bridesmaids can prepare her for marred life. Our adult products are designed to strenghten intimacy in every relationship. Help her add some exvitement to her honeymoon ad beyound with gifts from Slumber Parties.
For more information please contact one of the following ladies, for your exclusively women 18 and older bachelorette party and supplies.
Jennifer Carr
All of California
805.901.0016
jennifer.carr@slumberparties.com
www.slumberpartiesbyjenniferc.com
Sandy Rodarte
Santa Barbara, San Luis and LA Counties
805.478.3714
sandra.rodarte@slumberparties.com
Deana Borges
(805) 346~1294
deana.borges@slumberparties.com
Santa Barbara and San Luis counties
Mendi Hunter
626.799.0206
partiesbymendi@yahoo.com
Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Posted by SLUMBER PARTIES BY JENNIFER, SANDY, DEANA & MENDI on June 21, 2005 at 03:03 PM
see our building
We are so proud of our building,we would love to show it off! Stop in any week day or saturday and let us show you our rooms. You can then use your imagination to picture YOUR reception in this beautiful setting!
Posted by HEART OF ST. CHARLES on June 21, 2005 at 02:08 PM
June 20, 2005
Exquisite Affairs
Exquisite Affairs is a premiere design and event planning company that covers Southern California. Exquisite Affairs prides itself in providing affordable personalized service, allowing the bride to have the most elegant affair without breaking the bank. Whether it's a full serviced event, coordination or custom invitations we are sure to provide you with an Exquisite Affair.
Posted by EXQUISITE AFFAIRS on June 20, 2005 at 11:49 AM
June 17, 2005
Why you need a professional to help plan your wedding
As young women and men get engaged and start to plan their wedding ceremony and reception, they find out that there are many details involved in all of the planning. Here is a story of one mom who found out she forgot to order a main ingredient of the wedding: the wedding cake! OOPS! That's right, Mom forgot. The florist arrived at the hall to decorate the room. She placed flowers on the head table, then asked where the cake was. The mother replied, "It's over there". The florist asked again, "Where is the cake?" She said, "The cake table is over there", pointing to an empty table. The florist said, "I see a table, but where is the cake?" She looked, and then it struck her, she forgot to order the cake. Two hours before the wedding, and there was no wedding cake.
At the Banquet Center of the Little Hills, a situation such as this would never happen. Our great wedding packages include essential items; such as the wedding cake, disc jockey, champagne toast for the head table, and many others. The fantastic food at the Banquet Center of the Little Hills is created by our World-Class chef. In addition, we have a banquet director that will help plan your event & oversee your wedding from start to finish. You can be assured that your wedding at the Banquet Center of the Little Hills will be an event you'll never forget.
We would love for you to visit our facility at any time. Please call Jim Muehlbach at 636-940-7712 for an appointment to learn about the entire program we have to offer.
Posted by BANQUET CENTER OF THE LITTLE HILLS on June 17, 2005 at 02:22 PM
A Special Gift...
A special gift from us at Stand Alone Video Productions, to you, the bride to be: From June till the end of August, sign up with us and receive either a free package upgrade or $100 dollars off any package. Congratulations on your glorious event!
Posted by STAND ALONE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS on June 17, 2005 at 12:43 PM
Dazzling Divas
Did you know that August is National Romance Awareness month. Unlike Valentines Day, you have an entire month to connect or reconnect with that special someone in your life. Make romance a priority and start to create some passionate memories to last you a lifetime.
Indulge!
Jennifer
Decadence Lingerie
(253) 318-5225 or (800) 990-0095
www.decadencelingerie.com
Posted by DECADENCE LINGERIE on June 17, 2005 at 09:50 AM
June 16, 2005
Bridal BOOT CAMP.
Call or email us today! We offer:
The Courtship(6 Week Boot Camp), The Engagement(90 day Boot Camp), I DO(6 month Boot Camp), and The Commitment(12 Month Boot Camp)
We have relationships with many complimentary businesses that offer great discounts to make your Wedding day both memorable and affordable.
Posted by on June 16, 2005 at 08:09 PM
June Wedding Special
There are only two weeks left to take advantage of our June special. Call today for details!
314-781-4758
Posted by RAVETTA PHOTOGRAPHY on June 16, 2005 at 04:55 PM
New website... Check it out!
Good morning,
I just wanted to announce that our new website is up and running. Its still in the early stages so stay tuned and check it out often as we will be adding more features as they become available.
Let me know what you think or what you would like to see and we will try to incorporate these features where possible.
Thank you,
Posted by GRAND RENTAL STATION on June 16, 2005 at 09:21 AM
August Bridal Show
Hello,
We look forward to meeting you.
Stop by our booth at the August bridal show and say hello.
While your there enter our drawing to win a gift certificate towards your event rental needs.
Posted by GRAND RENTAL STATION on June 16, 2005 at 08:56 AM
June 15, 2005
Bridal BOOT CAMP.
Bridal BOOT CAMP Package
30 Day Custom Weight Loss Program
Lose Weight, Look and Feel Great!
Customized Meal Plans for Your Unique Body Type
program includes:
*Cellular Cleanse and Fat Burn System
*Customized Nutrition Plan
*Advanced Body Composition Test
*4 Calorie Burning Infrared Sauna Sessions
*Private Consultations with Nutritionist
*30 Minute Personal Training Session
Look and Feel You're Best for that Special Day!
We Can Help!
Bridal BOOT CAMP
Posted by FIT FOR LIFE CENTER on June 15, 2005 at 04:56 PM
June 10, 2005
About Who We Are @ Decadence Lingerie
Thank you for visiting Decadence Lingerie.
Decadence is the fruition of a long standing dream of mine to have a lingerie shop specializing in what I refer to as, boudoir lingerie. A place where women of all shapes and sizes could discover their inner goddess! We believe that every woman is a sexy and seductive creature and deserves to indulge in every way! We hope to empower women through liberating and enhancing their sexuality, and look forward to a society in which ALL women feel free and confident about their bodies.
Glamorous, sensual and sexy lingerie provides us the opportunity to express our most intimate emotions with that special person in our lives. Isn't it amazing that we can transport ourselves from the stress and dull routines of our daily lives, just by "slipping into something at little more comfortable?" Take the time to kindle or re-kindle romance and re-energize your batteries. In today's world, with our kids, our jobs, daycare, carpools, (you get the deal)....... time for just you and your lover is not only desirable, it's absolutely essential!
Are you tired of trying to schedule time in your already busy day to go shopping only to receive little or no customer service and limited inventory? . Don't see what your looking for, don't settle for "if it's not on the rack, we don't have it!" Sign up for our Concierge service, give us the specifics, and we'lll go to work for you! In addition, you'll also get our free newsletter and alerts for sales and special purchases! My desire is that you feel free to express your inner sex kitten and have fun in our online shop. Please enjoy your visit and check back with us often for special purchases and new and exciting additions to our inventory.
Remember in the 1980's, the catch phrase was that "women could have it all." The career, the home, the family and still have time left over to greet their love at the door ready for a night of passion and romance. HA! Guess what, if you were one of us that lived through it, you know that only existed on television with the perfect boss that never demanded overtime, the perfect home that never needed repairs, the perfect children that never got into mischief, and the perfect husband of 'Father Knows Best." Ladies... after a while we discovered it was an impossible ideal that very few of us could achieve. But I learned an important thing from living through that era, and that is, that we must create the time, it doesn't have to be every day, but we must make the time to indulge in our senses, our fantasies.... solidify the relationship with the one we love and truly enjoy life to the fullest.
Sincerely,
Jennifer <3
Posted by DECADENCE LINGERIE on June 10, 2005 at 01:14 PM
MEET US AT THE BRIDAL EXPOS!
Come meet us!!
Shop for SEXY Lingerie & Don't Forget To See Our Lovely Specials!!
Lingerie for all sizes!
We'll Show You All the Styles and Favorites...
See You Soon!
WHERE?
(2) Places:
The BRIDAL EXPO In Seattle @ Qwest Field September 10th & 11th, 2005
The BRIDAL EXPO This September 17th & 18th, 2005
@ The Tacoma Dome!!
****Ticket Discounts Offered Through www.Bridesclub.com****
Itﾒs Going to be So Much Fun, See You There!
Email Jennifer@decadencelingerie.com
for more info!
Posted by DECADENCE LINGERIE on June 10, 2005 at 01:09 PM
June 9, 2005
Destination Weddings Are Hot!
Wow, who would think so?? In an economy where the total number of formal weddings is down significantly, we are finding destination wedding locations enjoying their finest year. It seems that smaller, more intimate DESTINATION weddings are the hot thing this year. Places such as Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Port Gamble Weddings, Fort Worden, Rosario Resort and Cannon Beach are shifting dates trying to get everyone worked in. It just goes to show that elegance is desirable and affordable if you are willing to compromise the enormous expense of large weddings for more intimate destination weddings of 75 to 150 guests.
We have performed at or coordinated dozens of weddings of 300 and even 400 or more guests. What is our take?? We remember them for their burdensome procedures and slow pace and many of our clients didn't have much fun because THEY WERE OVERWHELMED by so many guests and so many details. Remember the "Runaway Bride"?? Who wouldn't run from a wedding that size!
The most memorable weddings we have ever done, those that stick out amongst thousands of weddings through the years, are always the smaller, more elegant destination weddings. I was married on Kaanapali Beach in Maui myself! No regrets at all and many brides tell me they wish they would have eloped and been married on a beach!
If you are beginning your planning stages, consider a wedding in paradise-- the place where others go to "get away" for a weekend, located throughout the Northwest. You will find incredible food,outstanding chefs & staff and lots of attention as they court you for this much desirable business.
Our favorites at the moment?? HIGHLY recommended are Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, The Freestone Inn in Mazama, Rosario Resort on Orcas Island, Port Gamble Weddings in Port Gamble and Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie.
Best wishes on your big day!
Sincerely,
Ed Waterman
President/CEO
Entertainment Northwest
Posted by ENTERTAINMENT NORTHWEST on June 9, 2005 at 11:00 PM
June 8, 2005
Welcome to Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Blog
Hello Future Bride!
Welcome to Carlson Wagonlit Travel's new blog. Let us first congratulate you on your upcoming wedding! We wish you a bright future full of joy and hope that we can get you started on your new life by helping you plan a fantastic honeymoon or destination wedding.
With almost 50 years in the travel business, we've planned hundreds of honeymoons, destination weddings and, because of our dedication to service, anniversaries too! We have several ways to help you, including a honeymoon planning timeline brochure, bridal registry service that lets your loved ones help with the costs of your honeymoon, as well as the experience to provide you with important information on how to handle the issues surrounding travel documents that changing to your married name can cause.
Please watch our blog for more information and, of course, travel specials to help you have a successful honeymoon or destination wedding. Please visit our website at www.travelcenter4u.com for the contact information that works best for you.
Posted by CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL on June 8, 2005 at 12:47 PM
June 5, 2005
Dancing With The Stars...
What do you think about the new ABC Dancing With The Stars TV show ? Can you see yourself dancing with the stars? Does the TV show inspire you to take dance lessons?
For information, articles,pictures and voting and show ticket links go to http://www.learn2danceus.com
Also orderaBallroom-Latin or Swing Dance Video
Thanks webmaster,
Jerry Neerin
Posted by WEDDING2DANCE on June 5, 2005 at 10:13 AM
June 2, 2005
wedding photography
as you can see from our photographs, wedding photography is fun. it's a delightful thing to hang-out with people that are in love and happy and create images for them that they'll treasure for their lifetime.
please be creative with your requests. we will be with your photography. we're artists and creating is the most aesthetic thing that a being can do -
email me if we can be of assistance in any way.
chris
kightphoto@aol.com
(916)484-1164
Posted by CHRISTOPHER KIGHT PHOTOGRAPHERS on June 2, 2005 at 10:20 PM
Your wedding pictures are important. So why pick a hobbiest?
That's right, You're about to drop a bundle on a photographer and the sales people are really nice and all the books look great so what am I talking about?
There are a few really large wedding companies out there who book 15-20 weddings a weekend. You probably called them already. They charge a premium for their services. One even claims to shoot 1,000 pictures during an 8 hour wedding shoot. They do all that stuff, so what is my point? They are nice an sweet too.
The point is they hire students and non professionals to shoot your wedding. Now there are some serious hobbyists out there and they sure sound knowledgeable but the point is they have to shoot 1,000 pictures to get a few really good ones. And if you are looking for something artistic, it'll happen more by accident than design.
Look here on Brides Club.com and you will find many wonderful photographers who are single operators and the person who owns the company will shoot your wedding. No one in their right mind will shoot 1,000 mediocre pictures in 8 hours because they know they can shoot 500 really good ones instead. And you should ask "what does your photographer do the remainder of the week"?
Why am I telling you this? Because you are the consumer spending good money on what will probably be one of the most memorable days of your life. You are here to be informed with good and valuable information that will help you make a qualified decision. Lets be honest.
The significant differences between single operators and the big operators is as a single operator I personally handle all your pictures, I follow through from the engagement session to delivery of your book and can adapt myself to to your individual tastes and personality. There are no sales people to mess with your pocketbook and up sell you on items you are entitled to receive at no extra cost. You will get a huge selection of pictures with unique qualities that will set them apart from all the other weddings.
Please look forward to more informational blogs regarding articles of importance to you. The digital revolution versus film, photojournalism, posed images, make up suitable for photography. colors and locations.
In the mean time if you have any questions you may personally contact me at (310) 403-70312, I am centrally located in Beverly Hills, 90212 - email George@GTFocus.com and please look at my website at Http://www.GTFocus.com
Best Regards
George Themelis
P.S. If I am booked on your wedding day I will refer you to another qualified photographer at no obligation to you or them
Posted by on June 2, 2005 at 01:49 PM
Remember to Budget!
While sitting and speaking with Brides and Grooms in the past one of my first questions are "Have you set a budget?" The reason for the question is SO many people try and force you to go "IN DEBT" for ONE DAY. Now don't get me wrong this "DAY" is one of the most important days in most of our lives. Just a hint though...Sit down with each other and look at the entire day that you are planning and think about what is going to last??!! In 50 years from now when we are old and grey...what will be remembered? For each person that will be different. Take each others response write those things down and then start figuring a budget based on each others most important items. The MOST important thing though is make this day the most beautiful day without "breaking the BANK"
Posted by PHOTOS BY HEATHER on June 2, 2005 at 12:49 PM
