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We know that some of you are torn about whether or not to hire a wedding coordinator.

Take this short quiz and see how many of these questions can you answer with confidence:

1. Who will make sure that the wedding programs and other ceremony decor are in their proper places? And make sure that these items make it to the reception?
2. Who will ensure that the favors, table centerpieces, special toasting flutes, cake server set, guest book (and 2 pens!) are all in their proper place at the reception
3. Who will help the groomsmen with their boutonnieres? The mother’s with their corsages?
4. Who will create a detailed timeline for the entire day and make sure all vendors receive a copy and are on the same page?
5. Who will make sure that the wedding starts on time and everyone is in place for the processional?
6. Who will check on the photographer to make sure all the pictures you asked for are being taken and that everyone down to the flower girl is smiling in the family shots?
7. What will you do if the DJ, caterer, etc. is late, gets violently ill, or just doesn’t show up?
8. Who will manage the wedding reception to make sure everything goes smoothly and all of the announcements, introductions, toasts, special dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss or dedication, all happen on time?
9. Who will make sure that all of the vendors are paid the day of the wedding?
10. Who will make sure that your limo or transportation is waiting for you at the end of the reception?
11. Who will collect all personal items are the end of the night (decor, gifts, leftover food, etc.)? 
12. Who will ensure that you’re able to breathe with confidence and enjoy your special day?

If you cannot answer most of these questions with certainty, why not call us today for a free consultation? We can go over any of your questions or concerns and show you that we are here to help you make your wedding day memorable!

Contact Carisa at carisal@spicecateringgroup.com or 860-316-2759 x102

EXCITING NEWS!!

We have been working with Lyman Orchards for a while now and have established a great partnership with them. As a result, we now have the exclusive catering contract at 3 of their properties:

The Homestead

Overlooking scenic meadows and golf courses, and nestled within the beauty of the surrounding orchards, the historic Lyman Homestead provides an ideal venue for weddings, celebrations, social occasions, and corporate events.

The Pavilion at the Golf Center

This patio seats up to 72 guests on a flagstone terrace with a vaulted ceiling.

The Apple Barrel

This is a relaxed venue with picnic tables and lawn games. Perfect for family reunions, BBQ’s, casual weddings, corporate events and other laid back affairs.

For a tour of any of the properties, contact Tracy at 860-349-6029 or trobinson@lymanorchards.com.

For menu information, contact Carisa at 860-316-2759 x102 or carisal@spicecateringgroup.com.

Many of the venues where we cater have an “Event Coordinator”. This person will typically give you a tour of the venue, develop your contract when you decide to book there, maybe give you a few names from their preferred vendor list. But then what? Will this person seamlessly arrange your ceremony processional? Setup special items in your reception space? Make sure that dad is in the room when the father/daughter dance is being announced?

This is why we have our own wedding planner and coordinator on staff. Carisa personalizes every wedding experience for each couple, whether you are just looking for rehearsal and day of coordination or full planning of the entire wedding. She takes the time to really get to know each couple and how they envision their most important day. Even if she is not involved in the entire wedding planning, Carisa takes the time to gather all information needed to do her job effectively (i.e.: collect vendor contracts and confirm
services and meet with the couple for a final detail meeting).

This type of service is particularly helpful at a venue like those we recommend, such as the mansions, farms and vineyards. Since we have worked at these locations numerous times, we know the logistics and can worry about the details so you don’t have to. 

So if you’re considering booking your wedding at this type of venue, you may also want to consider one of our wedding planning packages. See which one best fits your needs or customize your own package with Carisa today!

Bridal shows can be a great way to get information about potential wedding vendors. You can even win some fantastic prizes! But they can also be a tad overwhelming for the couple. So much information in one room! Here is some good advice on how to prepare for them. The more you prepare before hand, the less stressed you’ll be at the show and after. Don’t forget to have fun!

Before the show:
• Do your research
• Get a list of the vendors who will be at the show and visit their websites
• What packages do they offer? Where are they located? etc.
• Have a list of questions you’d like to ask…
• Caterers, DJ’s, Photographers, Venues, etc.
• Pre-print labels with your name, address, email and phone number
• Almost every vendor will have giveaways which require you to fill out a form with your information
• Having these labels printed out already will give you more time to connect with the vendor and visit every table
• Bring a small planner/notebook
• After the show, all of the vendors will seem to blend together
• Take small notes or circle dates which are important
• Dress for comfort!
• You’ll be on your feet for a while
• Wear comfortable shoes
• You may also want to have a quick snack before the show (if there is none being served)

During the show:
• Manage your time wisely
• Allocate a certain amount of time to visit each vendor
• Don’t spend too much time talking to one
• Sample questions to ask:
• Have you worked at my venue before?
• How many weddings do you do per year?
• Would I need any special permits?
• Who will I personally be working with?
• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
• Do I need to book you now?
• May I have your contact information? (if you’re interested)
• Take notes!
• Use the notepad and calendar you brought to write down things that interest you or deter you from a certain vendor
• Keep an open mind

After the show:
• Give yourself time to process all the information you just obtained
• Later go back over your notes
• Review pamphlets/brochures and contact information
• Narrow down vendors who caught your eye
• Follow up with an email to the vendors who interest you (the sooner the better)
• Organize each vendor on your list to make it easier to refer back to
• Their contact info, things you liked about them, prices, etc.
• Share this information with your event planner, fiancee, family, etc. to get their opinion
• Maybe they have a question that you haven’t thought of yet to ask
• They may have experience with a vendor

Happy planning!