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"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Bill Wilson |
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A bridal shower is a nice way of giving a stressed out bride a much needed break for some rest, relaxation, and reflection. It's a chance for you, as the party planner, to give the bride a party she'll never forget. And with our guide to finding the perfect catering hall - your job just got easier:
- Is there a specific geographic area you would like to restrict your search to?
Knowing what region you do or don't want your shower to be located in can easily help rule out several hundred catering halls. Of course the more specific your desired geographic area, the fewer options you have to work with. When it comes to geographic area of a bridal shower consider the following - the overall budget of all of your anticipated party attendees, whether or not there has been a location (out of town or otherwise) that the bride-to-be has expressed keen interest in visiting, whether there is another location of sentimental value that should be considered.
- Is there a specific type of catering hall (i.e. hotel, vineyard, restaurant, etc.) you would like to restrict your search to?
Limiting your catering hall search to the type of catering hall is another way to quickly narrow down your top choices. Having a rough idea of the bridal shower's itinerary will assist you in narrowing down the types of halls you want to look into. For example, if you know you would most definitely like to include wine tasting as part of the itinerary, perhaps you need to look no further than a winery.
- What is the date of your bridal shower?
This may be an obvious "to do", but it is nevertheless an important factor in selecting the perfect catering hall for your shower. Just like selecting airline tickets, the more flexible you are the more likely it is to get better rates, options and availability. However, with a bridal shower, much of this decision depends on when the wedding will be taking place. Many bridal showers take place up to a month before the Big Day, simply in order to give the bride enough breathing room before her big celebration. However, depending on the guest list and their ability to attend the bridal shower as well as the wedding, you may want to opt for a bridal shower closer to the wedding date. That way guests won't have to travel twice for the same wedding.
- How formal an affair do you want your bridal shower to be?
The level of formality of your bridal shower doesn't necessarily equate to the level of pricing of the catering hall. Instead, it can help you to select an appropriate type of hall if given the choice. If you were hoping for a more laid back affair, then perhaps a formal hotel ballroom isn't the perfect catering hall for you, despite the large number of people it can hold. Renting out part of or all of a restaurant, teahouse, or winery may be good options.
- Is there a specific theme you would like to portray?
Selecting a theme for your bridal shower could really enhance the overall experience for the guest(s) of honor as well as for everyone else. Perhaps you could incorporate something that the bride-to-be is especially known for. For example, if the bride-to-be is well known for drinking various types of tea, then perhaps a quaint tea party at a teahouse would be appropriate.
- How many people will you be hosting at the bridal shower?
The number of anticipated guests will undoubtedly help limit your catering hall choices, especially if it's a large number. Depending on your budget, this could be the determining factor of where your event should be located at. If you are expecting a large number of attendees, perhaps the bridal shower would work out best if held at a hotel. Remember, hotel ballrooms and other larger catering halls can be decorated quite nicely, and still offers a large capacity.
- Will you be requiring onsite food catering?
Most of the catering halls we showcase on our website include food catering. However, some do not and will require additional cost and planning in order to provide quality food for your guests. Depending on your bridal shower plans and budget, you may prefer a catering hall that does not automatically include food catering. Perhaps you would only need a catering package that includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
- How much do you expect to spend on food/beverages?
As mentioned earlier, this is an important consideration. Depending on your budget you may decide to simply offer drinks, food stations and hors d'oeuvres. Or you could choose a catering hall that allows for buffet lines, rather than table service. In any case most bridal shower attendees will be expecting some sort of refreshments, so be prepared.
- Will you be requiring a Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus?
Many catering halls do offer Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus. If this is a must for your event, make sure your catering hall choice has this option. This is especially important if the guest(s) of honor has dietary restrictions.
- Will you be requiring a full service bar or food stations/carving?
Most catering halls (especially hotels and large halls) will offer this service in a customized party package. If the catering hall of your choice does not offer this service in a package be sure to inquire about the additional costs and how it may affect the overall scheduling of your event. Whatever you decide, a fun option you may want to consider is to have a special drink or two named in honor of the bride-to-be.
- Will you be requiring a catering hall that provides party favors?
Perhaps not surprisingly, these days many formal catering halls automatically offer you a selection of party favors to choose from in order to streamline your party planning. Lucky for you, many of these packages are catered to wedding parties so the style of party favors may be a good match for a bridal shower!
- Would you prefer a location with attached or nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
If your answer to this question is yes, then you should highly consider hotels as your choice of catering hall. However, pay special attention to non hotel catering halls that are in close proximity to other hotel accommodations. Most halls should have this information ready at hand.
- Will you be requiring a party planner?
If you book your bridal shower at an established catering hall, chances are you will be provided with an in-house party planner that can help ensure that your event goes smoothly. If you are not provided with one, but you are still interested in having a party planner, keep in mind that Long Island party planners have a wide range of rates, involvement and expertise. The catering hall of your choice could also assist you in finding a party planner who has been involved with past events at that location.
- Would simultaneous events at your location be acceptable?
This is an important, yet often overlooked, factor to keep in mind when booking your bridal shower. Depending on the level of sophistication of your bridal shower, you may not want to compete with neighboring events in regards to noise levels. On the other hand, catering halls that offer simultaneous events could help keep your costs low and could even fuel the party spirit.
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