The Event Group Catering Blog

May 27, 2010

Event Updates

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Shellie @ 9:40 am
Photo courtesy of Focused Exposure

Photo courtesy of Focused Exposure

Well, it has been a busy May–so hard to believe it is almost over.  Some of my favorite moments of the month have been as follows:

  • Feeding over 1000 people on graduation day.
  • Dealing with weddings, rain and mud–but everything turning out beautifully.
  • Helping dismantle an entire tented reception with china, glassware, etc., in 30 minutes. 

Such is the life of a caterer!  We love it–and wouldn’t have it any other way.

June brings several weddings that we are looking forward to–beautiful brides and interesting locations.  More updates on that later…

Our next posting will feature different candy station ideas.  Stay tuned!

May 20, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 7: Honeymoon Travel

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: — Shellie @ 9:29 am

When I have any travel questions, I always call upon my own, personal agent, Tracee Williams of Destinations.  Tracee has a firm grasp of all things in the travel world.  Her co-worker Sarah Gladstone is also an excellent resource. 

Before our talk, Tracee sent a few interesting facts about the wedding travel industry, courtesy of Conde Nast Bridal.  Did you know that honeymoons are an $8 billion industry?  That is staggering!  Also 99% of all wedding couples take some sort of a honeymoon.  Just some things to keep in mind…

Now for the good stuff.  Here are some of my questions and Tracee’s informative answers:

Shellie:  What is THE hottest honeymoon spot for 2010?

Tracee:  Riviera Maya of Mexico, St. Lucia in the Lesser Antilles and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Shellie:  I have heard of all of those spots–they sound fabulous.  Now, about destination weddings–what is the advantage of having a destination wedding versus a traditional wedding and reception?

Tracee:  A destination wedding is less stressful than a traditional wedding and usually quite a bit less expensive.  Many resorts will include a free wedding if the guest stays for a specific length of time.  The primary role of the travel agent is to make the couple’s wedding and honeymoon dreams come true in such a way that the couple never has to sweat the details.  The agent becomes the surrogate mother of the bride, family counselor, conflict resolver, liaison between the couple and the on-site wedding coordinator, keeper of the wedding timeline and lastly, the one who books all the travel.  This all saves the bride and groom time, money and mostly a lot of stress and worry.

Shellie:  I can see that being the case in a lot of instances.  What are some travel issues/tips that brides and grooms should think about?

Tracee:  The time of year and budget.  The time of year is essential.  Certain times of the year, the weather in the Caribbean or Mexico will be affected by hurricanes and/or the rainy season.  A good rule of thumb is to take a travel protection plan, which will allow for you to reschedule or cancel your trip if bad weather is imminent.  In regard to budget, there is a nice honeymoon available for every budget.  The most important thing is to consult a certified travel professional who can match you up with a destination that works well within your budget.  All-inclusive trips are by far the BEST value for a honeymoon.

Shellie:  What if the couple doesn’t drink or doesn’t drink a lot.  Is the all-inclusive package still the best option?

Tracee:  I think the all-inclusive option is always the best way to go for a honeymoon.  You’ve already paid for nearly everything before you ever arrive at the resort.  You don’t have to sign for drinks, your meals are included and some resorts even offer scuba diving, water skiing and spa credits as part of the all-inclusive package.  There are no hidden surprises, and the worry of how much everything will cost is no longer a factor.

Shellie:  Do you recommend paying for excursions in advance or upon arrival at the destination?

Tracee:  They can always be done in advance, and at certain busy times of the year, we recommend doing this.

Shellie:  Well, thanks for all the great info.  I know that many times, we have receptions for the happy couple after they have had a destination wedding.  This way the family and friends that couldn’t attend the wedding can still celebrate the couple’s new life together.  It’s a nice combination of the two options.

Tracee and Sarah can be reached at Destinations, 479-582-1900 or www.mydestinations.travel/
travel-picture

May 13, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 6: Videography

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: — Shellie @ 10:29 am

We are almost to the end of our wedding aspects series.  It has been a fun process–finding out more about the other vendors necessary to a wedding and/or reception.  Today–had a great conversation with Nic Howard of Nilo Production Company.  Nic and his wife, Lori, own the company and provide first-rate videography for weddings and events.

Here is just a small part of our conversation.

Shellie:  Why is video an important part of a wedding?

Nic:  Lori and I believe video to be a very important aspect for every wedding.  We always tell our potential clients and friends that not hiring a videographer is a huge mistake.  We even go as far as telling potential clients that even if they don’t decide to use NILO, just please use somebody!  Your wedding video is your opportunity to re-live your most special day…any day.  Your video is the only way you can transport back to your complete wedding day–tears, laughter, vows, dances and well wishes–decades after.

Shellie:  What are the important elements a videographer should capture on the wedding day?

Nic:  We believe the entire day is important to capture, and that is why we show up extra early and stay until the event is over.  The day goes by so fast for couples…she will be putting on her dress one minute, then next thing she knows, she is down the aisle as a new wife.  For this reason, we do not have time restraints for how long we stay nor hourly charges for wedding day coverage.  However, if we have to pick something, the vows are probably the most important thing for videographers, because it’s not something you can preserve with still photography alone.

Shellie:  Do most churches allow video in the sanctuary?

Nic:  Most churches do allow video.  As a matter of fact, we have not filmed at a church yet that hasn’t allowed video production.

Shellie:  Do you have special lighting requirements for the ceremony and/or reception?

Nic:  Lighting is always a very important aspect we discuss with our couples and coordinators.  Dim lighting is great and romantic for the moment, but not so good for the video and most photography.  We understand that some couples might be really set on a candle-lit ceremony, so Lori and I feel a great responsibility to be very upfront with the them and let them know that the video quality will be grainy.  In most situations, we try for a “meet-in-the-middle” alternative…almost always we work something out, and it is great for both of us.

Shellie:  What is your favorite part about capturing a couple’s special day on film?

Nic:  I love weddings!  I love that for most of the friends and family involved, it is one of the most important and special days of their lives.  For me, my favorite part of any wedding is during the ceremony as the couples are saying their vows.  I guess I would consider myself an emotional guy…I always get a little choked up during that moment.  It always takes me back to when Lori and I said our vows, and how important those words really are.  I love it that my job can help a couple renew those sacred promises that they made to each other and to God.

Shellie:  I think you said it all…thank you for your insightful information.

For more information on Nilo Production Company, contact Nic at 479-420-3915 or www.niloproductions.com.

nilo

   

 


May 4, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 5: DJ Services

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: , — Shellie @ 4:29 pm

I recently had a great conversation with local DJ, Todd Rudisill of Groove Productions.  Todd and I have worked together for many years, and I always breathe a sigh of relief when I see him set-up at an event or wedding reception.

Here are some great questions/answers between the two of us:

Shellie:  If a bride is trying to decide between a DJ and a band, what should she consider and why?

Todd:  We know brides have a tough choice when choosing entertainment. There are only a few bands out there that can play a wide variety of music from the 60’s til today and do it well. With a DJ you get every genre and more flexibility on what music you want played at your reception.  Bands have a certain list of songs they know, so that does have limitations. Ask the band to provide their entire song list for review prior to booking.  

Also, with DJ’s there is more ability to customize your song list. We can play you and your fiance’s special song, the original, the one that has a special place in your heart and the one you know. Also DJ’s do not take breaks, so the party keeps going non-stop.   Make sure you understand how many breaks the band will take before booking them.

Shellie:  That is such good advice.  I know that I have run across some of those issues before.  What details or duties should the bride expect the DJ to handle at her reception?

Todd:  We highly recommend you have a wedding coordinator- or at least someone that is there to work with us to keep the night moving. You will really depend on your DJ to help with the flow of the reception–we have the best seats in the house and have learned to read the crowd. We can give you advice on when is the best time to cut the cake,  the best time to do the first dance,  and announcements etc.  Lean on the DJ’s experience at receptions, with over 15 years of experience- we know what works and what doesn’t.

Shellie:  That is good advice.  So many times we have worked with a bride and she has given a schedule/timeline to us and then a different timeline to the DJ.  Now, I always check with the DJ, first thing, to make sure we are both on the same page for the cake cutting, toasts, etc. 

Shellie:  What technical needs/criteria does a facility need to have for your equipment?

Todd:  At least an area that is 20 feet wide x 15 feet deep for our lighting and sound equipment.  Also, preferably a dance floor three feet from the front of our table.  Plenty of power (2 separate outlets on different breakers).  Also, make sure the DJ can easily run electrical cords to where they are not visible to your guests or in the path of traffic flow.

Shellie:  What are the most popular songs for the first dance, father/daughter dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, etc.?

Todd:  The first dance for the bride and groom is usually a special song that means something to them.  For the father/daughter dance, one of our favorites is “The Way You Look Tonight” by Steve Tyrell.  Very classy.  Others include “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman and “I Loved Her First” by Heartland.

Bouquet toss–of course the last year or so the favorite has been “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.

Garter toss–we do something special that you can only find out when booking us.

Shellie:  Anything else that a bride should know or ask a potential DJ vendor?

Todd:  Ask how many units/DJ’s they have.  Some big companies have multiple units, so you may or may not know who will be assigned to your wedding.  Make sure you meet the DJ that will be handling your reception, either in person or over the phone (preferably in person).  With Groove Productions, you are getting the owners of the company, who care about your big day and are guaranteed to be your DJ’s the day of your reception.  Also, be sure to ask for a contract with all the details in writing.

Shellie:  Todd, thanks so much for this great advice.  Todd and his brother, Brian, are co-owners of Groove Productions.  They can be reached at        479-200-1313 or www.djgrooveproductions.blogspot.com.


 
groove-productions   

April 28, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 4: Photography

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: — Shellie @ 4:44 pm

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks now that wedding season has started, but dear readers, I have not forgotten my promise of covering all things wedding related.

Recently I spoke with Brittney Carlton, owner of Focused Exposure Photography.  Here is just a small part of our conversation:

Shellie:  What do you think is the most popular style of photography for weddings and why?

Brittney:  Editorial photography is the perfect blend of candid and directed images.  In other words, the photographer takes a mixture of traditional shots along with more photo journalism-style pictures.

Shellie:  I do love that look!  I think it is important to have a little bit of both and not just all traditional group shots or just all trendy and artistic-type photos.

Shellie:  What are some great local sites for shooting formal bridal sessions, engagement pictures, etc.

Brittney:  There are so many great locations around Northwest Arkansas.  I keep my best places “hush hush” so that each couple has unique and special images that reflect their love for one another.  Besides, when you have a professional photographer, a parking lot can be a great backdrop for marvelous images!  In my opinion, the couple is the focus, not the location.

Shellie:  You are so right about that!  But come on, you have to give me something!haha

Brittney:  Ok, the Legacy Building (off Dickson Street) has great natural lighting and a fabulous staircase.

Shellie:  This is a big one.  Every year, I have a few brides tell me that they are going to use a family member or friend to take their wedding photos.  This scares me to death!  I have heard of so many horror stories.  To me, the photographs are the only thing that you have left to document your special day.  What do you say to brides that are thinking of going this route?

Brittney:  Brides need to have their family be “a part of the wedding” NOT “working at your wedding.”  If the reason for having a family member or friend photograph the wedding is due to budget constraints, the solution is to have a professional photographer (Focused Exposure) take the formal portraits and the ceremony shots only.

Shellie:  So the family member or friend could then take candid shots at the reception, etc. ?  That makes sense and is a good compromise.

Shellie:  What can a bride do to make sure the wedding photos runs smoothly and fairly quickly, especially if she and the groom choose not to see each other before the ceremony?

Brittney:  Experienced wedding coordinators are a fabulous asset for keeping weddings run smoothly and according to a tentative schedule.  Also, the week of the wedding, I meet with the bride to go over the photography timeline as it fits in with the wedding day schedule.  Communication of expectations and feasibility is crucial between the bride and the photographer.

For more information, contact Brittney Carlton at 479-521-3686 or www.focusedexposure.com.

 focused-exposure-photos1

 

April 12, 2010

April E-Newsletter

Filed under: Events, Newsletter, Weddings — Tags: , , , — Shellie @ 8:36 am

Graduation Parties

The spring season can mean a lot of different things.  Here at The Event Group, we are gearing up for Graduation Parties.  Whether it’s for a high school or college event, your graduating student will appreciate a party to commemorate this special occasion. 

Don’t try to do all the work yourself—you need to bask in this special day.  Hire The Event Group to take care of all your food and beverage needs.  If you don’t require staffing and would like to handle most of the details, our Hors d’oeuvres & More—Parties To Go division is the answer for you. 

Check out our menu.



New Facility: Creekwood Gardens

If you are searching for a great outdoor wedding and reception venue, Creekwood Gardens just might be the place for your one-of-a-kind wedding.  The beautiful garden setting, is perfect for the bride that wants to show up and have all the details handled.  Chairs, tables and linens are included.  There are also several all-inclusive packages from which brides may choose.  Those packages include catering (by The Event Group), flowers (Jules Design), DJ services, décor items, parking attendant and more…

Lisa Rose, local wedding planner, handles all bookings and is available for coordination services, if desired.  For more information or to make an appointment, contact Lisa at 479-586-1548 or CreekwoodGardenEvents@gmail.com.

 

Wedding Flowers: Do’s and Dont’s

Recently, I spoke with Jennifer Schnetzinger of Country Gardens (Springdale).  Jennifer and her husband Glenn are owners and designers, and they are the “go-to” shop for many local brides and social clients.

Here is what Jennifer had to say about brides, budgets and more…

Question:  Why are flowers so important in the overall scheme of the wedding?

Jennifer:  First, nothing signifies romance and love more than flowers!  The dress and the bridal bouquet are two of the most essential elements to make the bride shine on her special day.  One of the most important functions of the flowers is to enhance the wedding photos.  The photos are what they get to keep from their special day, so it is very important that we make them look as good as possible.

Question:  What are some money-saving ideas for the budget-minded bride?

Jennifer:  Reuse the attendants’ bouquets as reception decorations, use less expensive flowers, mixed strategically with luxurious blooms and lastly, petals, petals and more petals.  Petals are inexpensive but bring the romance of flowers to the event. 

Question:  What problems can occur for the DIY (Do It Yourself) bride if she uses a box retailer for her flowers?

Jennifer:  The nightmares are really endless.  We have bailed out many brides who were trying to do the flowers on their own.  People always underestimate how difficult it is to do the flowers themselves.  It’s much better to choose a vendor who cares about you and your day, than to trust such an important area with someone who sees you as a number.  Product can arrive late or not at all, or it can be completely wrong.  The DIY bride doesn’t factor in the time it takes to open a rose bloom so it looks perfect that day.  Nor does she have the facilities to keep the flowers cool and fresh.  The unknown and lack of experience to deal with the unforeseen can ruin her day.

Thanks to Jennifer for her invaluable advise.  For more information, contact Country Gardens at 756-5531 or www.springdalecountrygardens.com.

 

Recipe of the Month:
Dress Up Your Potato Salad

Do you get tired of the same old potato salad recipe that was passed down to you from your great-grandmother?  Try some of the following tricks to dress up a traditional potato salad: 

 

~ Hard-cooked eggs and
   aioli (garlicky mayonnaise)
~ Green peas and fresh mint
~ Green beans, peanuts and
   a spicy Thai-style dressing
~ Roasted potatoes with
   roasted garlic, red bell
   pepper and fresh red onion
~ Crumbled bleu cheese, green
   onions and toasted walnuts
   in a walnut oil vinaigrette
~ Green beans, feta cheese
   and a lemony vinaigrette

Tips courtesy of www.colincowie.com.

April 6, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 3: Flowers

Filed under: Events, Uncategorized, Weddings — Tags: , — Shellie @ 10:40 am

Well, here we are at the next installment for brides planning a wedding.  Our subject this week is flowers.  This is a favorite topic for many brides who have always dreamed about their perfect wedding day.

I had some great input this week from three local florists in our wedding networking group.  Today, I will feature Julie Mendenhall of Jules Design in Fayetteville and Shelby Shy of Shirley’s Flowers in Rogers.  On my e-newsletter coming later this week, I will feature Jennifer Schnetzinger with Country Gardens of Springdale.

Why are flowers important?  Imagine a wedding without flowers…I can’t, it would be impossible.  Flowers are so important–they reflect the mood of the wedding and the personality of the bride, according to Shelby Shy of Shirley’s Flowers. 

But what if the bride is on a budget, and she has to make some concessions to her wants?  Shelby encourages brides to concentrate on what is most important to her on that day.  It could be the ceremony decor or the reception flowers. 

Julie with Jules Designs has another great tip.  “If you only have $300.00 for the flowers at your reception, don’t purchase 10 arrangements at $30.00 each.  Instead, have one large arrangement for $300.00 to place on the buffet table and make a statement that will be memorable.”

That would be a WOW factor.

Shelby and Julie both agree on the wedding colors they are seeing this year.  Blues, purples, navy, peacock feathers, vintage jewelry, etc.  Julie has many clients that want an eclectic look–using antique milk glass, antique sterling silver, mason jars, birch and bark baskets and birds nests.  All of those ideas reflect the bride’s personality.

I know in many wedding areas, we are seeing a lot of the DIY (Do It Yourself) brides.  Sometimes DIY can be a dis-service to the bride, especially if is causes extra stress or time constraints on the wedding day.  I asked both ladies what problems can occur for the bride if she uses a “box retailer” for her flowers.  Here are their answers, which I think are extremely important:

Shelby (Shirley’s Flowers):  “The challenge the DIY brides have is they limit their flower choices and their color choices.”  To combat that problem, Shirley’s Flowers introduced a wholesale division last year.  They have a satisfaction guaranteed policy.

Julie (Jules Design):  I would highly recommend ordering flowers in bulk through a local florist instead of on-line or through the box retailer.  There will be no time to re-order if there is a mistake on-line.  If you purchase locally, the florist will make sure to correct any problems with blooms or substitute with a flower in your color of equal or greater value.

Ok, just for fun, here is my last question:

Shellie:  “If you had a bride with an unlimited budget, what are the top items you would suggest she incorporate with flowers?”

Shelby:  “Individual flower arrangements for each place-setting, spheres that hang from the ceiling or archways made out of all flowers (luch and WOW), and a monogram made of flowers for decor (see included picture).”

Julie:  “Good lighting.  What is the purpose of budgeting thousands of dollars for flowers if you can’t see them?  Spotlighting or “pin lighting” is key to large spaces.  Flowers get lost in a room, no mater how fabulous the arrangment if the room is large and dark.”

All great advice from two great professionals.  Shelby Shy can be reached at Shirley’s Flowers at 636-0118 or 800-624-7225.  Julie Mendenhall can be reached at Jules Design at 263-1133. 

christyjohn0071

April 2, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 2: Rentals and Decor

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: — Shellie @ 10:25 am

Last week, we had a great conversation with Camille Breeden, with Inscriptions, regarding invitaitons.  This week our focus is rentals and decor.  Lori Bova with Festivities, located in Springdale, AR, graciously sent some great information my way.  Here is our interview:

Shellie:  What is the latest trend that you see for 2010 weddings?

Lori:  The most fun trend that we see is the total customization of the wedding and reception.  The decor has truly become laser focused on the details, details, details.  One of my personal favorites is the monogramming of the table runners and napkins.  What a fun keepsake for the couple to use in their home after the wedding.

Shellie:  I totally agree.  It is all about personalization.  What are the most popular colors that you see brides choosing this year?

Lori:  As far as strong hues, shades of purple, yellow and turquoise are strong for 2010.  We have seen a re-emergence in the monochromatic scheme of white, ivory, champagne and taupe as well.  Texture will also play a big role in linens, including burlap, pintuck and dupioni.

Shellie:  Why are rentals so important to weddings?

Lori:  Rentals truly set the mood at the reception.  They are typically the largest and most dominant pieces in the space.  The selection of key statement pieces can clearly communicate the overall vibe of the party.  The quality of the rentals is critical.  Well-mainted chairs, linens, tents, etc., can ultimately make or break the aesthetic.  If a bride is on a tight budget, I would focus on some fantastic table linens for the maximum splash.

Shellie:  I agree!  What is your company’s specialty?

Lori:  We are pleased to offer a full-service menu of rental items, retail accessories and event design services.  We stock the areas largest inventory in ballroom chairs, which have become a staple for weddings.  We take pride in delivering the highest quality product and service possible.

Shellie:  What is your favorite part of your job?

Lori:  I most enjoy the varied clients that we serve.  They enable me to participate in a wide range of aesthetics from cool and casual to chic and sophisticated.  I love that every day is different.  I get great satisfaction in getting my hands dirty and seeing the final product–the dream wedding.

Shellie:  Thanks so much, Lori.  For more information, you can contact Festivities at 479-750-8981 or www.efestivities.com. 

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March 22, 2010

Wedding Aspects Part 1: Invitations

Filed under: Events, Weddings — Tags: — Shellie @ 3:10 pm

For the next few weeks, our blog postings will discuss the various aspects of a wedding.  First, we are going to discuss invitations.

Invitations can be traditional or contemporary–even a bit whimsical.  Camille Breeden with Inscriptions (located in Fort Smith and Fayetteville) is today’s expert.  Here are just a few questions that I posed to her:

Shellie (The Event Group):  Camille, I know we have all heard different answers to this question, but how many months out should a bride order invitations and “Save the Date” cards?

Camille (Inscriptions):  Invitations should be ordered four months prior to the wedding and “Save the Date” cards should be ordered six months prior to the wedding.  That gives ample time for proofing, addressing and any problems that might occur.

Shellie:  Is it pretty common to send out “Save the Date” cards?

Camille:  Yes, they have been popular for the past four years or so.  They give out-of-town guests plenty of time to make travel reservations.  The most popular cards are actually magnets with a picture of the bride and groom.  They are also relatively inexpensive.

Shellie:  How cute!  Ok, this is a tough one.  What in the world can we do about guests not sending in their R.S.V.P. cards?

Camille:  Yes, R.S.V.P. cards is a hard topic to cover.  Although with the stamped return envelope it does make it easier.  I think people do respond better to wedding R.S.V.P.’s than party invites. 

Shellie:  We must hear about the problem more since we are on the food end.  I always tell brides they will probably have to make some telephone calls.  A great way to cushion the conversation is to say that you are checking to make sure they received their invitation.  It saves embarrassment on both ends.

Shellie:  What are the latest trends for invitations?

Camille:  Less on tradition and more on color.  For instance, the pocket invitation is very popular now with backers three deep, sometimes layering with colors and the pocket holding the R.S.V.P. card, direction card and reception information.

Shellie:  What are some average costs for invitations?

Camille:  For traditional, the average is $2.00 each.  For specialty invitations, anywhere from $3.25 up to $7.50 each.  I still have many brides on a budget, and invitations are where they tend to cut back.

Shellie:  What other materials are a “must have” for brides?

Camille:  Monogrammed napkins for the cake tables, programs and favors.  Although brides have been cutting back on favors the past couple of years, too.

Shellie:  Any final words of wisdom?

Camille:  When you come into the store to order your invitations, make sure you have all of your information (she does help with the various invitation wording styles).  I love my work–total strangers come into the store and by the time they leave, I give them the comfortable feeling that they can depend upon me to get the job done.  And I’ve made a new friend.

Thanks again to Camille Breeden with Inscriptions.   Camille can be reached at 479-484-5559 or 479-287-4190.

March 1, 2010

Expanding to Fort Smith and More…

Filed under: Events, Fort Smith, Weddings — Shellie @ 4:59 pm

0243Here is the latest news at The Event Group Catering and Event Planning.  We are expanding our catering and event planning services to the Fort Smith area this year.  Hoping to work closely with the local vendors and our own vendors to create additional offerings for the area.

Next week, I will travel to Las Vegas for the annual Catersource conference.  I try to go to this conference at least every two or three years to catch up on the latest and greatest ideas and equipment.  There will be lots more information coming your way.

Wedding season is upon us.  We are booking Fall weddings and just booked a May 2011 wedding/reception.

P.S.  I love the above photo from the Hubbs/Dorey wedding last June.

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