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6 Revealing Secrets All Brides Should Know Before Choosing Their Caterer... and what most other caterers Refuse to tell you.
Planning for your wedding should be one of the most exciting experiences in your life. Sometimes, the uncertainty of the “How To’s” and the “Where To’s” can be overwhelming and even discouraging. That’s why your caterer should be utilized as your most important resource.
1st: Your caterer should be flexible. All caterers (including hotels) have the ability to be flexible. Don’t let them fool you otherwise. Big Hint: The margins most caterers make on their events allow at least some room for negotiating. If your caterer won’t negotiate, then keep looking! But remember, you have to ask.
2nd: Your caterer should provide a Free consultation and Free tasting. I can’t stress this enough. Make sure there is an opportunity for you to participate in menu development, sample tastings and presentations. Test-driving this car is a must!!
3rd: Good caterers have the ability to provide a dual service as your event coordinator. This is a huge advantage and one your caterer will most likely not voluntarily offer. Your caterer, if experienced, has much of the knowledge and knows how to plan and design your event from start to finish. You should be asking them to coordinate ALL aspects of your reception. Tell them it is what you expect from them. Many caterers won’t do if you don’t ask. So Ask! This is a sure fire way of making the most of your catering dollar. Expect to be charged moderately for this service in addition to your catering, but not too much. Usually between $500 and $1,000. It is well worth it! There is nothing like being comforted and assured of a stress-free reception. The details are covered and nothing will be left to chance.
4th: Caterers can and should bring it all together for you. This goes hand in hand with event coordinating. You should expect them to be responsible for ordering rentals, staffing, set up, floor plan design, buffet, appetizer, cake and coffee presentation, bar and beverage service, itinerary development and execution, event supervision and clean up. If your caterer refuses to perform any or all of these duties or wants to charge you an arm and a leg for these services, you may want look further.
5th: Your caterer needs to be accessible and available to you. A caterer who is a professional and one who understands the importance of special events like wedding receptions, should also understand that brides are sometimes uncertain about their initial decisions regarding reception site, floor plan, or itinerary. When your caterer serves the dual purpose as your coordinator, they need to remain accessible and available to consult with you and continually re-evaluate the planning phase of your upcoming event. Your piece of mind is too important so be sure to ask about your caterer’s availability.
6th: Money back guarantee!! This should be offered by your caterer!! You certainly have the right to request that your caterer guarantee that they won't run out of food for the amount of guests you have paid for. This is the "cardinal sin" for any caterer to run out of food at your event. Make sure your caterer will honor your request for a full refund for the food if they run out.
Joe’s ability to work within our budget for our daughters wedding was incredible. His prices were so much lower than the hotels that we just couldn’t pass up his offer. In May of 2002, my daughter, our friends and family joined in the celebration of her marriage. The ceremony and reception went off with out a hitch. We were delighted with the mouthwatering food, presentation and serve staff that Florentine’s provided. I could have not imagined using anyone else but Florentine’s. I highly recommend them.
Sue Passalacqua, Fullerton
I couldn’t believe the exceptional quality of Florentine’s food at our daughters wedding. It was like he delivered the restaurant to the back door. Joe and his staff were professional and right on time. It seemed effortless. I recommend Florentine’s catering for any occasion, especially weddings. They do a fabulous job!
Eileen and Larry Finnegan, La Habra Heights
I Just Thought You Might Be Interested In Seeing What We Did For Paul and Sherry's Wedding!!
Florentine's Catering can accommodate tents and canopies of all sizes. This Rancho Palos Verdes site overlooked the Pacific ocean. The view of the Island of Catalina and the sunset added the perfect touch to this beautiful Southern California venue.
Our experienced staff are trained to design and decorate your reception venue and serve your guests with the utmost professionalism. The decorating phase of your event is included in their labor fee and is NOT an "Extra" charge.
Our services have only just begin with your decisions about the menu. Our staff will prepare and decorate your entire venue, including guest seating.
Here's an example of the delicious food we can prepare for you!
That's me with our clients Paul and Sherry. Working closely with our Brides and Grooms as well as being available and accessible to them is an important element in gaining their trust and confidence. Having a positive rapport with your caterer is sure to make any event a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Dear Joe,
Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we appreciated and enjoyed all that you and your staff did for us on September 28! The day went very smoothly (without a single hitch, in fact!) and your coordination with the set-up, florist, service, food, band, etc. was simply amazing. Everyone is impressed at how such a bare site could be turned into an elegant evening at such a reasonable cost.
I have heard rave reviews of how beautifully the site was set-up, and most especially how delicious the gourmet dinner was! We've told everyone where your restaurant is, so I hope you see some of those faces at Florentine's soon.
If you ever need a reference, both verbal and pictorial, please feel free to refer them to us. We would be happy to share our photos of what you did at Point Vicente.
A bride should not have to worry about anything but having fun on her wedding day, and you made that a memorable reality for me -- thank you!
We look forward to celebrating many other special occasions at Florentine's!
My Best, Sherry and Paul Main
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