In any holidays, a host may tend to book a caterer especially for large celebration. Weddings, corporate events, parties and family gatherings, and any type of celebration calls for and may need a good caterer.
Here are some steps on choosing a good caterer:
Listen around.
Hearing positive reviews of a caterer by word of mouth is one indicator when looking for a good caterer. Check out your friends or acquaintances for recommendations of caterer’s they contracted and thought were excellent. Think about parties you have attended where everything’s “right” in terms of food, service and display. Find out who catered each event that you showed up for as a guest.
Schedule a food tasting.
It may seem as the fun part but your choices have direct impact on budget. Before thinking of the menu, check how you want your food to be served. Buffet or plated sit-down? Caterers needed to prepare 10% more food, just in case some guests comes back for seconds. Keep in mind, however, that this taste samples will be the very best product the caterers can produce. There’s also often a huge difference in quality between preparing a meal for 2 compared to 500.
Consider the caterer’s specialty.
Some caterers specialize in large scale events and they can provide staffing and equipment for such. They were experienced and can professionally handle large number of guests. Other caterers specialize in smaller intimate events, cocktail parties, or even just delivery of catered food. Remember to weigh the caterer’s ability and the party you’re hosting.
Consider the services you need.
Does the caterer’s price include staff or do you need to pay an extra hourly rate? Some caterers will only prepare and deliver you the food you ordered, but not to set it up. Feel free to ask the caterer if their staff comes from a temporary agency or if they are employees of the catering company. Staff that comes from a temporary agency can mean that the catering company doesn’t often handle large, staffed events.
Ask for references.
Request referrals of several recent events they catered. It is essential that you ask directly those event’s hosts who’d experienced their services. Take heed those low points as well so that you can come for options.
Select food quality.
Many caterers cut corners in food preparation by using frozen products. Fresh is always best and they’re charging you as though it were made fresh. Insist on only using a caterer that uses fresh food, not frozen. Check out those ingredients that might trigger allergies also. It can help your guests choose what to eat and not.
Licensed for the service.
Any business is subject to licensing and regulation by their local health department and catering companies are not in exemption. There will be records on any prior complaints, issues and inspections. This is usually considered public information. If the catering company you’re considering has had violations or complaints, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Ask for a quotation.
Asking to see the total price is the first step in hiring a caterer when in fact, it should be the last. If your caterer is dropping their price, might as well be assured they’re dropping their quality.
Read the contract.
Never hire a contractor without a firm contract in place. This protects your interests in any case the agreements were not followed. Once you’ve decided with your caterer and agreed upon a price, sign the contract after reading it through carefully.
A well planned wedding will become so memorable if you personally exerted effort to make it successful. If you have that goal, below are ten steps to guide you in planning.
First, set a budget. The rule here is to spend what you can. Going beyond will lead to debts, which is not a good start for newlyweds. Besides, real life happens after the marriage. If you save now, you will be very glad you did so.
Second, think of all the people you want to invite. In making an initial list, include the most important guests first before others. Consider the possible number of kids parents will bring too.
Third, find a venue where you can have the ceremony and wedding reception . Also, it is important to check the location’s accessibility. Make sure that guests will not have a hard time finding it. A function hall located at the first floor of a building will be best for everyone.
Fourth, contact a known officiant. You can ask recommendations from your close friends and the people around you. This is to make sure of the religious officer’s ability and authority to preside the wedding. Some actually have the tendency to forget the name of the parties involved. Look for a famous, recommended, and young officiant.
Fifth, search for the best catering services available. Choose a caterer who offers a complete service, including food and drink packages, wedding cakes, tables and chairs, light and sound, bridal car, and even decorations. With their help, all your guests will have a great time.
Sixth, look for in demand photographers and videographers. Capturing this very special day with quality and efficiency means so much. You can look back to that romantic moment through the images and videos.
Seventh, secure everyone’s clothing. This includes bridal gown, bridesmaid dresses, groom’s tuxedo, and groomsmen suits. Except for the bride and groom’s clothing, the rest can be rented to save money.
Eight, look for sought after makeup artists and hairstylists. They can make you even more beautiful on that day. They have quality makeup and modern techniques to improve your beauty.
Ninth, secure the most stylish and durable yet affordable wedding rings. Remember that it is the ceremony itself that is most important and not these things.
Tenth, get your marriage license. This is one of the essential requisites for the ceremony to be valid under the law. Without this, no ceremony will happen. If you go on without this, your marriage might be declared void or without effect. So, all your efforts will only be wasted.
These are only the basic steps. This means you can add more depending on the type of wedding you want.
There are no excuses when it comes to your cute chikitings, and we surely understand that. Especially when it’s their birthday, you want to give everything for them to enjoy it as well as your guests. Here are a couple of ideas to help you organize and celebrate your kids party.
The tradition of birthday parties originated from Germany. During someone’s birth, evil spirits are said to lurk around, and to protect the baby loved ones are called to surround the baby. This also happens during the celebration of his or her birth, which is in short the birthday, that’s why many people are invited and a colorful, fun, and happy celebration is held. The people who will come are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good tidings and best wishes for the birthday celebrant. Up until now, birthday celebrations are still held but with more and more twists.
Planning that big birthday party is not that easy, been then and done that. But that’s what we’re here for, to make it easier for you. If you want to level up your birthday party or if it’s your first time doing it, then we strongly suggest that you visit a catering service near you. It’s not bad to seek help, plus you’ll have more options to choose from whether it’s food, venue, decorations, etc.
So to help you with, let’s make breakdown of what you need and have to prepare for before you head out to your catering service planner.
First, the theme. What does your child love most? Spongebob? Adventure Time? Super heroes? Or do you want a more formal environment like Angels? Everything Blue? The theme is very important, because it will affect everything else in your list. If you are having a hard time choosing a theme, do some searching over the internet. Try looking at Kiddie Party Themes at Pinterest, or go ahead and ask your catering service planner. They may suggest themes, or they can also relate past experiences.
After deciding on the theme, set the venue. Will it be at home? School? Garden? Choose a place that it spacious and friendly for kids to run around but for parents to keep watch. The venue must also match the theme, don’t choose a school location if there will be clowns, bubbles stuff, and balloons. It will be messy, and might not be good for their school uniforms. Make sure also to notify the catering service provider about the venue, you don’t want to keep waiting for your food because they got lost. Or some venues are strict when it comes to entrance, so make sure to include them in the entrance permit. Or better yet, ask for venue affiliates of the catering service provider. They might even help you set up the place for your convenience.
Food and decoration. While kiddie parties offer the usual food, spaghetti, fried chicken, cake, you may want to be unique with your food menu. Ask your catering service provider for these. Don’t forget also to include snacks and goodie bags, they are a must especially for expecting kids. Again, look for inspirations over the net for decoration ideas. Ask also your catering service provider if they can provide these for you.
Lastly, invitations, music, games, host, and clowns and magicians. You can volunteer to do this, or ask a family member or friend to liven up the celebration while you entertain guests.
When deciding to throw a party for your kids, like a birthday party for example, choosing a venue might be a bit difficult. The first thing that you should prioritize in your planning are the kids, and their comfort, security, and enjoyment. The easiest option is to plan a party at your home over the weekend. However, this can be restrictive to some of your son’s classmates because of time constraints, distance, and other planned activities like family bonding. So, an alternative solution is to have the party at your son or daughter’s school. This can be more secure since it is inside the classroom and more convenient for the kids. Presence of other parents can also be optional. Our school party ideas makes it easy for you to organize a birthday party at school.
1. Coordinate with the school and the adviser. Before sending out invitations or contacting a planner, talk with the school administration first and secure an agreement. Set the day, time, venue, and participants. If it will be inside the classroom only then talk also with the adviser of the class. Chances are the party would be noisy, so opt for another location or notify the adjacent classrooms.
2. Since the venue is the school, there is less or no need for decorations. Balloons and banners are okay, but you need a lot of help to set up the room. Especially if the time is limited and the classroom is a bit small. Arrange chairs, and also bring extra foldable tables for the food, prizes, and other things.
3. Invitations. Ready-made invitations can be bought from party supplies shops. You can either buy one with your son’s favorite cartoon character or make custom-made invitations. Indicate the time and the venue, and note whether parents are invited or not. Make sure to ask the school about this, and also ensure that the space will be enough to still play games. Sometimes presence of parents are good to help in tolerating the kids and managing the program.
3. Providing food for the classroom might be tricky since everything must be neat and convenient. Also, since these are kids then food should be healthy and attractive. It will be difficult for a buffet table, so most probably go for plated or packed foods. To help you with these you can always consult a catering service. They can be in charge of the food and even bring the food to the location. Plus, they have a variety of healthy options for the kids. Take out the usual spaghetti and go for Pancit or Fried noodles. Include vegetables and white meat like chicken teriyaki. Add banana bread or muffins for the dessert. For drinks, boxed juices or tetra packs are easier rather than bringing a gallon container and cups.
4. Games. Kiddie parties are not fun without games. Guessing games, pinning the tail, bring me—play games that are simple, fun, and will not need too much space.
5. Goody bags and snacks. If the event will only be for an hour, remove the snacks. Snacks are for parties that may take half a day. For goody bags, omit candies and other sweets. Go for school stuff or toys. No need to hand out tokens, the kids may be too young to appreciate these.
Trying different locations for various events is a fun and exciting way to encourage other people to start being creative too. It’s not only enjoyable and exciting, but it will also bring out the artist and amusing host in you.
It may be a birthday party or a wedding, throw an adventure party by taking your guests to the beach. Beach parties, be it any month of the year here in the Philippines, will work for any event as long as the weather predicts a clear and sunny day. But even if it’s going to rain, your event will actually be amazing still.
Don’t worry, we are here to help you plan and kick-off a pool or beach party!
1. To start off, start browsing for a beach resort or swimming resort who can give you the optimized amenities and services for your party. Beach or pool party venues can be strict when it comes to reservations, so give them a call at least three or two weeks ahead. Know if there are indoor or covered spaces in the area where you can transfer in case it rains. Also, ask for resort rules and guidelines and include these in the invitation to avoid conflicts during the party.
2. Send out creative invitations. You can attach invitations to a pair of flip-flops that your guests could wear during the event, or stick the invitation to a beach ball. Be creative, and let them be super excited about the idea and the thrill of going to the beach. Include in your invitation the exact name of the resort or venue, add a map in case your guests will travel in a private car, and guidelines of the venue. Indicate clothing specifications, alcohol tolerance, parking, and tickets or passes (if there are).
3. Set-up decorations before hand, if the venue will permit you to do so. Secure your decorations because outdoor locations can be windy, especially beaches. If possible, set up side flaps to divert the breeze and prevent toppling of decorations, chairs, and food. To welcome your guests, set a big and colorful banner welcoming them. Hang colorful flowers made out of crepe paper and flowing flags. You can even add balloons to amuse the kids.
4. Food! For beach parties, prepare light and dry foods. Your guests might already be sweating by the first hour, so soup or stews might not be a good idea. Go for barbecue, fried foods, and those that can be placed on sticks so that it will be more convenient for your guests. Always prepare dips, sauce, and other condiments for your guests. You can opt to cook the food on your own, but keeping the food warm and drinks cool may pose a problem for you. Also, if it will be a two-hour drive, or maybe longer, the food quality and taste might be affected. To remedy this, opt for a catering service who will deliver the food to the location. They are experts at this, so go on and visit the nearest catering service near you.
