FREE... Top 10 tips for
planning the perfect wedding

Tip 9. KINGFISHER FOOD & DRINK TIPS

Weddings are still growing in popularity year on year, as is the range of unique and wonderful venues where couples can make their vows and celebrate with family and friends.

Much expectation is placed on of the day. There is no doubt that success can depend on providing all the little touches that make the couple feel extra special and which everyone will treasure and remember.

Unfortunately costs can and do mount up. Kingfisher Event Caterers prides itself on delivering exceptional value for money and will never cut quality just to meet a budget. There are however many ways to manage costs and expenses and here are just a few ideas that can help in meeting the overall commitments for the event.

• It is lovely to have a nice quality champagne for the toast and speeches, however on arrival many guests prefer to drink Bucks Fizz (OJ and Sparking Wine). Consider therefore going for a mid range Cava or adding a Cassis (they will never know the difference!!!) Alternatively start with a Pimms or a Punch and make sure you offer a range of non alcoholic juices for those that are driving or want to take it a little bit easy to start with.
• With your caterer, make sure you design a wide range of canapés to be served with arrival drinks and whilst your photographs are being taken, as this will keep people interested and will take the edge off early drink consumption. If need be, you can then avoid serving a full starter and instead go straight into the main course (if needs be can be supplemented with nice fresh-flavoured breads and olives for people to enjoy whilst they are waiting for the buffet or main course to be served). This option will also help with timings is as often happens, the photographs take a little longer than planned.
• There are many dietary considerations and vegetarian options to be aware of for your wedding guests. You may have to consider those with food allergies, such as wheat or dairy intolerance for example. Don't be afraid to ask your caterer for discounts on single choice starter and dessert options.
• Kingfisher Event Caterers is pleased to offer a range of alternative menus for young people and will provide meals at half price or even free, based on the overall scale of the event. If you have other professionals to feed on the day such as your photographer, DJ etc ask if sandwiches or a more simple plated meal could be provided for them.
• It is okay to use your wedding cake as a dessert option and this can be supplemented with seasonal berries and pouring cream. You do need to plan when in the proceedings you will want to cut the cake. It is very common for the caterer to have "cutting cake" behind the scenes - which allows you to have a false tear on the presentation wedding cake. This can save time and money and when presented will look just the same as your presentation cake.

 

Tip 10. TRY AND ENJOY THE PLANNING AND THE DAY

Getting married should be a joyful day, usually at the end of months of careful planning and at the start of a happy, life-long partnership -so you have every right to enjoy the process, the planning and the day!

Make sure that the people who you use to plan and implement your special day, know what they are doing and that you feel relaxed with them, so that you are able to trust that on the day, all you have to do is enjoy it - oh yes, and get your vows right!

We at Kingfisher Event Caterers hope that you find these tips useful and we hope that if you are looking for a Marquee or Specialist Venue Wedding Caterer in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire or North-West London, you will contact us to discuss you requirements.

Tip 1. FIND OUT WHO IS WHO?

The Internet is a fantastic way of gathering information and finding local products and services: however it is always a good idea to ask friends and family for personal recommendations and even those you work with for local knowledge and contacts. Talk to potential suppliers, as you will tend to hear the same names mentioned over again.

Kingfisher Event Caterers works with a wide range of preferred and professional wedding suppliers from across our region and can provide reliable and trustworthy sources to discuss specific needs. We support and recommend the following web site resources www.guidesforbrides.co.uk www.hitched.co.uk www.confetti.co.uk

 

Tip 2. BALANCE THE BOOKS

It is critical to set out with an idea of how much you want to spend. Discuss with your partner and family the budgets for each part of the day: clothes, rings, cars, flowers and of course venue and catering!

You will also need to set realistic expectations about what can be achieved within your overall spend and identify what is most important to you and your partner. Talk to your suppliers upfront about what these needs are, as they will often be able to make suggestions about how you can make the best of the day; point you in the direction of a less expensive alternative; or different ways to achieve what you are looking for, without cutting corners or quality.

 

Tip 3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Draw up a shortlist of potential companies that you can work with.  Ensure that you are given proper quotations with no hidden extras. Make sure that quotes are on a "like for like" basis and ask for samples, client recommendations and references.  It is also worth checking out premises, meeting the staff and asking for copies of insurances and any professional indemnities such as public liability and health and safety certificates.

Kingfisher Event Caterers is pleased to offer all of our couples food tastings in our purpose built commercial kitchens in WGC, give you the opportunity to meet our catering and management teams, see how we operate and of course try some of our delicious food for yourself.

 

Tip 4. GET SOME HELP!

If your budget allows, enlist the help of a professional wedding day planner. This is after all, an enormous task and many planners will work on both a fixed fee basis or dip in and out of the planning stages as you need their support, even just being there on the day to help things go smoothly. They will also be able to provide unbiased and clear information on how to go about organising the big day: visit www.ukawp.com for more information.

 

Tip 5. REMEMBER THAT IT'S YOUR DAY

Many venues and hotels will want to sell you a "package" wedding so you may have very little choice in the style of the day or indeed menu/drink options, table decorations, layout,or even the choice of music. Set out with some ideas about what you would like and how you envisage the day looking and feeling. Don't be afraid to ask for alternatives if what is proposed is not how you want to share this special occasion with your family and friends.  Work with companies that offer flexibility and choice in creating your dream wedding.

 

 

 

 

Tip 6. HAVE A PLAN

Good weddings are generally well organised and well planned. Leaving things to chance can often cause stress for you and your suppliers. This can lead to avoidable mistakes and your day not running as smoothly as possible!

Write out an agenda for the day with approximate times of events and important points throughout the day. Give this to ALL of your suppliers with contact details to enable them communicate effectively with each other both before,during and after the event.

Some key things to think about:

• Photos - where, when, how many?
• Starting and finishing times, (including your arrival and departure from the venue).
• Are you going to have an official line up or a welcome speech?
• Length and content of speeches: are you going to need specialist equipment?
• When are you going to formally cut the cake? Are you going to have the first dance?
• How long is the meal going to last?  Will evening guests be arriving and do you want to provide additional catering?

Your caterer or wedding planner should be able to assist and advise on all the essential requirements.  This means that come the important day you can relax and enjoy the time with your family, friends and partner!

 

Tip 7. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Every venue is different and the location, space and feel of a wedding environment will make an enormous difference to your day.

If you are considering a marquee wedding, there are several factors that need to be considered  before making your final choice.

• Does the venue offer "civil" licences and do they have entertainment and drinks permits. Are their public liability insurances in place and current?
• What arrangements are there for the supply of power and water to the marquee and are these sufficient to meet your needs? Do you need to hire in a generator for example?
• Is the parking adequate, do they have access and security arrangements. Do you have unencumbered use of the grounds?  Are there suitable 'rest area' facilities and do you have exclusivity?
• Does the venue have a wet weather contingency?  Are the lawns and pathways well-maintained and suitable for children and older guests?
• Is the venue easy to get to and from? Can vehicles be left securely overnight?
• Is the venue administered by professionals with adequate resources and expertise to run and oversee the day?

Tip 8. THOSE EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCHES

Your caterer should be able to provide you with good quality, matching china, glassware and all service ware. Many will have access to linen, napkins and coloured slip cloths if required.

You may also employ the services of a professional florist and they will be able to advise on centre pieces and flowers for the venue. If you are looking for something modern, artistic and just a little bit different, then it is worth considering from a wide array of interesting table centres and room decorations that are now available.  They can incorporate lights, coloured reflective mirrors and candles to create a stunning atmosphere - from the simple and effective to the elaborate and elegant.

If the budget allows, table runners, chair covers and organza bows will add to the overall effect and careful use of up lighters, spotlights and background colours will allow you to create any desired mood and feel for the day.