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February 7, 2007 |
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In this issue:
- Catering Ideas
- "To Dos"
- FAQ: Rehearsal Dinners |
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Welcome back!
Sorry to have missed all of you last week! We are working on
a minor "facelift" to RIWeddingGuide.com. First to be released
is our new newsletter format. Stay tuned for new
features to our site in the upcoming weeks - including easier
navigation and a special offer section!
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| Catering
Ideas |
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Catering takes an average of 45 to 50 percent of your wedding
costs, so be sure to choose a caterer carefully. |
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After deciding on a caterer, make an appointment
to discuss the menu. Let the caterer know whether you would
prefer a buffet, sit-down dinner or cocktail and hors d’oeuvres
reception. At a sit-down dinner it is easier to control the flow
of events (cutting of the wedding cake, dancing, etc.). A buffet
dinner allows your guests to mingle - it isn’t necessarily
cheaper than a sit-down dinner because the caterer must prepare
more food per person to keep the buffet looking presentable. |
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Not only is the taste of the food important but the presentation
of the food is equally important. A good caterer knows how to
present and garnish foods. |
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To cut down on catering costs, avoid foods that require
time-consuming kitchen preparation or foods that require carving
at the table. |
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Selecting a Caterer
Ask your friends for referrals. It is a good idea to meet with
at least three caterers and sample their food. |
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You may hire a caterer who will tailor the menu specifically to
your preferences or you may choose a caterer that lets you
choose from a specified list of dishes. This tends to be
cheaper. A caterer will work within your budget so don’t
choose a caterer on cost alone. |
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Questions to ask the Caterer |
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How
long have you been in business?
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Where did you receive your culinary training?
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Can
we request a specific menu or do you work from a set menu or
package?
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Are
you licensed to serve liquor?
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Is
the cost of the service staff included in the price?
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What will the servers wear?
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Do
you require a guaranteed number of guests?
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When is the deposit due? When is the balance due?
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When is the final guest count due?
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Have you ever catered a wedding reception at the reception
site that we have chosen?
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Are
there any extra fees for cake-cutting, linens, corkage, rental
of furniture, setup charges, bar setup?
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Do
you handle the cleanup and rental return?
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Do
you provide the flowers?
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Do
you provide the wedding cake?
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Do
you supply the linens, china, glassware, silverware, tables
and chairs?
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Find a
list of local wedding caterers.
Learn the different service types.
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My
in-laws are planning our rehearsal dinner at a function hall
with a caterer, decorations, etc.
I feel like they are planning a wedding rather then
a rehearsal dinner. What should I do?
If the rehearsal dinner seems to be getting a bit on the
extravagant side, you should have your fiancé let his
parents know that he appreciates their thoughtfulness but
you would both rather that the rehearsal dinner didn't
outshine the wedding day itself.
Find a
list of wedding tasks for parents.
Use our Reception Site Finder to find a spot for the
rehearsal dinner. |
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Featured "To Dos" |
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