The first step in planning a wedding is to set a date. Once you have your date, you can then begin searching for the location of your reception. Next, you will want to decide on a style of food service. You will also want to have some type of a business plan in place for your event.
Set your wedding date before looking into reception locations
Choosing your wedding date is an important part of planning your big day. Having a set date is critical to determining the best reception locations, but a date is not the only factor. Keeping an open mind and researching venues is also vital.
One of the first things couples should do is to research the venues available in their area. Most couples will find locations by going online. Many sites will provide images and descriptions of the location. You may want to ask the site to provide an estimate of the total cost.
Once you have determined which venues are available, you will need to determine the dates that they are most convenient. You should also look into seasonal factors that may affect the availability of the venue. For instance, the peak season for weddings can affect the availability of the venue, as well as the photographer and coordinator.
A few months before you book your wedding, you will need to order invitations and save the date cards. This is a thoughtful way to let your guests know that you are planning a special event.
Guests should be able to afford to attend the event, and should be excited to attend. In some cases, guests will need to make accommodations for travel. If your guests are coming from far away, you will need to give them time to plan.
If you plan on a reception outside, you will need to have a backup plan in case of rain. The site will need to know how many guests are expected.
It is a good idea to visit a few locations a year before your wedding. Some venues are already booked up to 18 months in advance.
Decide on a food service style
If you are having a wedding, food is a very important part of the event. You will need to decide on a style of service that best fits your personality and budget. It is also important to consider the guests attending.
Buffets and table services are popular options. These styles of service can be aesthetically pleasing. They can also be very practical for large gatherings. However, there are disadvantages to both. First, guests have to wait in line to get food. Second, it can be very difficult for guests to move around. This can be a problem for older guests who may not be able to stand the whole time.
Plated dinners are the most formal style of service. These meals are served in a restaurant type setting. Your guests order from a predetermined menu. Then, servers bring out dishes in courses.
Family style meal service is a more casual style of service. This allows for a more intimate experience. Guests are given larger platters of food and can serve themselves. Typically, family-style meals cost more than plated dinners.
Food trucks are another great way to customize your wedding menu. Unlike traditional catering, however, food trucks take longer to feed your guests.
Food stations are also a great option. These types of stations feature specific foods and are dedicated to them. They can include things like build your own pasta stations, salad shooters, and mini gourmet burger displays. Make sure your venue has enough space for this type of foodservice.
The choice of food service style will influence the overall style of your wedding. Whether you choose a buffet, a plated meal, or a family-style meal service, it is very important to choose a style that feels authentic to you.
Prepare dishes for the wedding
If you’re planning a wedding, the food is probably the most important part of the celebration. While it may be overshadowed by the excitement of the occasion, you don’t want to forget about the food. There are a few things you can do to make sure the meal is delicious.
One of the best options for serving large numbers of guests is to grill. Not only does this save money, it also offers the chance to serve a variety of foods. For example, you can serve pork, chicken, beef, and fish.
Another way to save on costs is to source local food. You can find inexpensive prepared foods in your local grocery store.
For a wedding reception, the standard menu includes a main course, a side dish, and a dessert. The last item can be the hardest to choose. Fortunately, it’s possible to create a menu that meets the dietary requirements of all your guests.
Some of the most popular choices for a wedding are steak and lobster. Both of these options can be served with a salad or risotto. They are also perfect for a summer wedding.
Another option is to have a taco bar. These late night nibbles can be a fun addition to your wedding.
Most desserts can be prepared and served ahead of time. Having a buffet or candy station is a great way to save on preparation and serve a variety of sweets.
You can also consider serving vegetarian dishes. A caterer can accommodate your needs and create delicious alternatives to classic favorites. Consider getting a commercial steam oven for your restaurant so that you can expand your menu options.
Weddings can be stressful. Planning a party can be a daunting task, but the right wedding meal ideas can help take away some of the stress.
Write a business plan for a wedding venue
A well-written wedding venue business plan can be a great way to improve your chances of success. It also helps to provide potential investors with a clear understanding of your business model and the steps you plan to take to make your business a success.
Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, writing a comprehensive business plan is essential. The information included in your plan will help you avoid problems and ensure that you reach your goals.
In order to write a wedding venue business plan, you should focus on a number of factors. For instance, you should know what your competition is like, the local market demand for wedding venues, and how to market your venue to customers.
You should break your target customers into groups by demographics, such as gender, age, and income. This will help you to understand your customer’s needs, wants, and preferences.
Next, you should outline the specific products or services you want to offer. Consider offering catering, planning, or other services that may not be available at other venues. Your unique selling point will make your venue stand out from other locations.
Finally, you should include a detailed list of your marketing resources and strategies. These should include direct mail campaigns, email marketing packages, and websites. Creating a thorough list will ensure that you don’t waste time or money.
Once you’ve created a detailed business plan, you’ll have the tools you need to create an efficient marketing strategy. A professional plan shows prospective investors that you are confident in your ability to run your business.
Another important consideration when writing a wedding venue business plan is to choose an appropriate financing plan. A bank loan officer will want to see a professional business plan before giving you a loan.
Hire a horse and carriage
Using a horse and carriage for a wedding can be a lot of fun. You’ll be able to take a ride through the city in style on the big day!
The price will vary depending on the type of carriage you rent. A more elaborate carriage will likely cost more. For example, you may pay $300 for the first hour of a wedding in downtown Sacramento.
You’ll have to decide whether to use your carriage to travel up or down the aisle. If you’re going down the aisle, you’ll need to add time to your trip for the inevitable kiss.
There are plenty of places you can go for the best horse and carriage. Some of them are well known, while others aren’t. Here are some of the best:
Dream Horse Carriage – This company has been serving New Jersey and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. They offer a wide variety of carriages, from the vintage to the modern. They even have a sleigh for the winter months. Their stable of draft horses is gentle and calm.
Liamar Horse Hire – This company specializes in supplying horse and carriages for weddings. It works with the traditional Scottish breed, the Clydesdale. They can provide the most reliable of rides. They are owned by Stephanie Malcolm, who is a wedding planner by trade. She’s on the ball when it comes to safety.
Ponies Will Travel – This New York company can take you around town in style. Dressed in suits and top hats, the drivers are sure to delight.
Those looking to go the traditional route can check out Clinton Park Stables in Hell’s Kitchen. They have 200 horses living in their stables.