Choosing and hiring a wedding caterer is one of the most important decisions you will make in your planning process. The type of wedding atmosphere you envision, the number of your guests, the location and your wedding budget will all be a part of your considerations. Here are some questions that you will want to ask any caterer that you are considering for your wedding.

1. What do you recommend for my budget and style of wedding? How much does it cost per person?
A caterer usually charges on a per-person basis. You will need to know the number of guests you plan to invite. The caterer should also give you a date deadline for submitting your final number of guests.

2. Do you specialize in a particular cuisine? Will it fit my style & budget? Can I request a recipe?

Be sure the style of food fits what you envision for your wedding reception. Maybe there’s an appetizer or entree that is special to you and your family. It would be a definite plus for the caterer to work it into the menu.

3. Do you have other weddings booked for the same weekend or the day and time?

Be sure your caterer has a concrete plan for handling all the business they have lined up for the time of your wedding.

4. Do you hold a license?

This applies to health department requirements and liability insurance. Beware of a caterer that doesn’t readily provide this information.

5. Does the cost-per-person work differently for a buffet style setup versus a sit-down dinner?

The answer is probably “yes”, but it is worth asking.

6. Do you include all charges in the cost-per-person?

Some caterers include the cost of the staff, rentals, linens and food in their cost-per-person. Find out if this is the case, so you can comparison shop smartly.

7. Can you provide a detailed list of included and additional charges?

Caterers are going to charge you for every service provided (at a premium price). Be sure you know what all the charges are. A good caterer will list out all charges including for-instance charges in case the reception starts late (overtime charges), gratuities and set-up/clean-up charges.

8. Do you provide any extras?

Some caterers provide the glasses and other dinnerware, linens, tables, chairs, serving dishes, etc. You will want to know their price and find out the price it would cost for you to arrange these items from a wedding equipment vendor. It may be worth the extra money to have the caterer handle it.

9. If you do provide linens and dinnerware, do you provide options in color and style?

Caterers often have a selection of dinnerware and linens in a limited range. It may be possible for them to obtain a special request from a wedding equipment vendor. The price will increase if this is the case.

10. Who will be responsible for the catering the day of my wedding?

You will want to meet the person who will be in charge of your wedding catering. It’s important to insist on this because you want to trust they will do the job you are hiring them to do.

11. How long will it take you to set up and break down?

You will probably be allotted a time frame by your reception location for setup and cleanup. Be sure the caterer can work within these time frames.

12. Do you make wedding and/or grooms cakes?

This may be a plus if the caterer can either arrange for a baker to create your cake(s).

13. If you don’t provide cakes, can you cut and serve one that we provide?

The caterer may charge you a cake cutting and serving fee, but it may also be included in the catering package price. Be sure to find out because you will have to enlist some help if they do not provide this service.

14. How does your beverage service work? Can we provide our own alcohol?

Some caterers require you to buy the alcohol through them. Others will just charge you a corkage fee for the stemware and service.

15. Will you setup a station for the other wedding vendors to eat (photographer, musicians, DJ)?

The caterer may include a vendor food area, but they may also charge for it. Check out what pricing is involved. These vendors do not have to eat the same meals as your guests. A simple beverage and hors devours station may suffice.

16. Can you provide meals that are “kid friendly”

The caterer may be able to provide a discounted “kid’s meal” option that you can use in a children’s area. This is a good way to save some dollars if you are expecting a lot of families with children.

17. Will you let us look at your standard contract?

This should be a no-brainer for an experienced caterer. A caterer who operates without a contract on an event as large as a wedding is not practicing good business judgment. Be sure to get everything in writing just in case circumstances change. You never know.

18. What is your required deposit to hold the date? When do we pay the rest of the bill?

This is a very important question because the deposit seals the deal. You should receive the contract with these terms outlined.

19. Will you let us sample dishes proposed for our wedding?

Sampling the food is a great way to determine whether a caterer is worth hiring. A caterer should receive a major plus if they do let you sample. Most should.

20. Do you have any former clients we can call?

Word of mouth is the best way to find out about a business’ true dealings. Speaking with a former client can help you make the decision on this very expensive wedding cost.

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Helping you create an enjoyable wedding entertainment experience is the most important thing we do. While some DJs jump around and act like fools, we don’t. Our goal is to eliminate the worry and ensure your wedding day flows smoothly.

From intimate candlelight ceremonies to elegant, country club receptions, each phase of your wedding is unique and the entertainment is tailored to suit you.

It’s your day, not ours. Our DJs and MCs can be as visible or as invisible as you wish. We listen very carefully to your vision of your wedding day and work hard to make it happen exactly the way you want. We sweat the small stuff, so you don’t have to.

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Need help? We have tons of music suggestions for special dances such as couples first dance and last dance, father and daughter, mother and son and anniversary dance. Ceremony prelude, recessional and postlude. Classical, rock, country, top 40. It’s your day, pick as much or as little of the music as you want!

Plus, we’re available for unlimited phone and email consultation!

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PartyProDJ is owned and operated by Beth Angel and her select group of professional radio DJ entertainers. Your wedding is unique and is tailored to suit your style and personality.

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Giving favors is a great way to show your gratitude. Your guests will undoubtedly enjoy receiving a favor and will think it a kind gesture and appreciate your thoughtfulness. You wouldn’t want to offend anyone by overlooking him or her. Couples often skip favors due to the added strain on their overall wedding budget, or sometimes they just don’t think of it until it’s too late. Also there are issues just managing the whole process, keeping track of who gets what and making sure they get it.

Here are a few tips that will help.
Favors do not have to be expensive, but should be of reasonable quality and value. Ideally, a budget for favors should be discussed and decided upon early on in the planning stages. Don’t forget to include associated costs, such as shipping charges, wrapping materials, ribbon and nametags. Knowing that you’ve budgeted funds and have allowed time to make it work, makes it easier to accomplish.

For children, a small bag of chocolate coins might be just the thing. For teenagers, a movie rental certificate is very cool. Young adults appreciate useful favors, such as a key fob or bottle opener, while older guests look fondly on keepsake favors, such as a photo frame or a wedding bell.

Inexpensive favors can include… a single rose, coasters, bookmarks, key chains, small photo frames, and soap, candles or note pads. (One couple we know gave scratch off lottery tickets!)

Edible favors include… mint tins, chocolate bars, lollipops, tea, coffee, fortune cookies or nuts.

Themed favors are available for spring, summer, autumn, winter, holidays and more.

Hand made favors can be a lot of fun (or a pain in the neck) and can include items like a laminated photo with magnetic back, a scrap book style card, chocolate kisses, M&M’s or jelly beans wrapped in tulle or silk flowers.

Whatever you decide, be sure that your guests actually get (and take) their favors with them. You’d be surprised how many favors are left behind for the clean up crew to find after a reception.

Favor Warehouse
http://www.favorwarehouse.com

Do you really want to make your own wedding favors?
http://www.happynews.com/living/eventtips/wedding-favors-make.htm

Cheap Wedding Favors
http://www.favorideas.com/learn-about/saving-money/cheap-wedding-favor-ideas

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Great Music Makes a Great Party.
Your wedding guests will have a great time, dancing to their favorite songs or maybe just hearing a timeless classic that bring backs fond memories of long ago.

Customize Your Music.
With us, you can choose as much or as little of your music as you want. You’re in control. Create your own play lists, or use our expertise to help you create an unforgettable music and entertainment experience. You can even provide some of your own music if you wish!

The Spotlight Is On You.
Choose all your favorite music with total confidence that our professional radio DJs will make your wedding fun and memorable, without the circus act.

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• The father of the bride traditionally funds most of the wedding expenses, particularly the reception and the ceremony.
• He is responsible for scouting possible wedding locations.
• He may aid in getting out-of-town guests where they need to go. He may also pick family up at the airport, provide maps or give directions.
• The father of the bride is the logistics man and an errand person on the day of the wedding. Since he is usually familiar with the times and locations, he can help with last minute details like picking up the cake.
• He plays the role of moneyman on the big day. He is responsible for making sure the finances are taken care so the bride and groom don’t have to.
• It is appropriate for the father of the bride to toast the couple at the engagement party, rehearsal dinner and/or at the reception.
• The father of the bride is the official host of the reception. He should meet and mingle all of the guests.
• The father of the bride is responsible for telling the father of the groom about fittings for formalwear.
• He is responsible for walking the bride down the aisle and giving her away. The father of the bride is not only giving his little girl away, he is there to be supportive of his daughter as she makes this big step in her life.

What to Do When There Isn’t a Father of the Bride

• Pick a favorite male family member; grandfather, uncle, brother or cousin.
• Create a new tradition for this part of the wedding. For instance, the groom can meet the bride halfway down the aisle.
• Have the mother of the Bride walk her down the aisle.

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1. How long has the florist been doing wedding arrangements?
A florist should be willing and happy to share their number of weddings, years of experience and how they got started in floral design.

2. Does the florist have a signature style?
Some florists are well known for a particular style or type of floral design. Make sure their style is compatible with your wedding theme.

3. Does the florist have photographs or a portfolio?
This is an important question because you should be able to see the florist’s previous work from actual photographs, rather than from a stock catalog. A professional wedding florist will have a portfolio of custom work, and be proud to show it to you.

4. Has the florist ever worked with my ceremony and reception locations?
This is a great question because if the florist has worked there, he or she will have first hand knowledge of what works well and what doesn’t work. They may also have ideas concerning the location that you haven’t thought about.

5. How does the florist set their fees?
Some florists charge by the stem, by the arrangement or by the project. Seasonal blooms can also be more affordable than out of season exotic blooms. *See #15.

6. What can the florist do with your budget?
A good florist will offer multiple options for your budget, and suggest to them you for your wedding.

7. What is the cost per piece?
Bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, swags, potted plants, etc? Having individual figures for these pieces will give you a basis do to some comparison shopping.

8. Does the florist provide any extras?
Some florists may include candles, candleholders, the aisle runner and other related embellishments as part of their overall service. Others may charge extra for additional items and accessories.

9. What is the best timeline for making my flower arrangements?
You don’t want your flowers too early or too late. Find out the schedule from the florist to be sure it will be done on time and in full bloom.

10. Can you see samples of the florists work?
Some florists will give you a sample of your bouquet. This is a great feature and gives you a tangible example for planning your flowers.

11. Does the florist charge a delivery fee?
Some florists charge for delivery and some don’t. And while a delivery fee may actually be small by comparison, this is good to know when it comes to figuring your overall flower budget. It could be a factor, if your florist is far away from the ceremony and reception locations.

12. When do you pick up rentals such as stands, vases, etc.?
Make sure this schedule fits in with your plans, or ask if the florist can deliver and set up these items.

13. Does the florist provide instructions on preserving the bridal bouquet?
This is important if you want to save your flowers.

14. Does the florist provide a tossing bouquet?
Is there an extra charge for this?

15. What tips can the florist offer to help you save money?
Are there local or seasonal flowers that will help reduce your overall wedding flower budget?

16. Does the florist require a deposit?
Most florists will probably require a deposit of 20% to 50% with the balance due a week or two before your wedding date. This is normal and will help you plan accordingly.

17. When do you need to have final numbers on attendants, reception tables, etc?
This will help you in planning your deadlines for getting the RSVPs in line.

18. How many weddings does the florist have booked on your weekend?
Some florists get very busy, especially during prime wedding months and may have multiple weddings on one day. Ask if there will be any conflict with the preparations for your wedding? Ask for reassurance that the florist will be able to cover your wedding without any shortcuts or by being stretched too thin.

19. Will the florist set up the centerpieces and other floral decor?
Is there an extra charge for this? If you are going for a very elaborate floral theme, it’s a good idea to hire a florist that provides this service, and has enough staff to handle it?

20. What ideas can the florist offer to make your wedding flowers unique?
This will give you an opportunity to see how creative and helpful the florist is.

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