Wedding Catering

Self-catering wedding venues - benefits and advantages
Helpful hints in choosing a wedding caterer.

Your wedding plan probably will include a wedding reception, for this reason it is ultimately important to choose an affordable venue which allows you the freedom of choice like bringing in your own caterer and other things permitting. The key is to firstly find some self catering wedding venues.
This being your special day it is important that the occasion be special for you and your friends and guests to remember for many years to come.

The general feeling of most wedding planners is that wedding catering takes up at least half of a wedding budget. Wedding catering is more than just about food and drink, it could also include the use of tables and chairs, tableware, all decorations, wedding cakes, flowers, etc. To ensure you get the most for your money and having a happy guest list the selection for catering is critical.

Here are a few ideas that can help take out some of the hassle of choosing the right wedding catering and save you some money in the process.

1. Time of the wedding reception.

If your reception is to coincide with a mealtime and the budget is limited, you should avoid having the reception in the dinnertime slot because dinners are expensive and could take up much of your wedding budget. What about a morning or afternoon reception for either a brunch or lunch as your meal consideration.

Should your reception be between mealtimes you could consider snacks, appetizers, finger foods or hors d'oeuvres? If you do this tastefully and your caterer is worth their salt this should not impact on the quality of the occasion.

2. Serving style.

If the primary consideration is cost then a sit-down service would serve well although with a buffet your guests may choose what they want to eat from the offering as agreed with the caterer. Keep this in mind and obtain quotes for both when discussing the meal with your caterer.

3. Guest preferences.

Due to the preferences of guests some may be vegetarian, others may have allergies and more could have religious preferences, ensure the food you serve is something that your guests enjoy eating. Serving a variety of foods will ensure that all are catered for but again; consider the cost and choose a caterer whom is sensitive to these selections.
4. Best caterer you can afford.

Make sure you get your monies worth, check the references and schedule a tasting if at all possible. Take note of the quality of the tableware, crockery, cutlery, linen, chair decor, serviettes and server/guest ratio to prevent delays or frustration.

5. DO NOT DO YOU OWN CATERING!

Venues which allow you to arrange your own catering normally have a list of caterers to recommend, use this and follow the tips above with each to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. Most brides whom have gone the self-catering route found out with much heartache that the final result was not worth the effort and time.

Centrepiece Ideas

Wedding Centrepieces

Occasional lighting, flowers, candles, exciting decorations that are placed at the centre of the guests’ tables at a wedding reception deserve great attention as the table is where you and your guests spend much of the occasion, be it during speeches, meals and general relaxation and may even serve as points of discussion between guests.
Traditional centrepieces focus on floral arrangements. Be creative and use your imagination and that of your artistic and creative relatives and friends. Consider your budget and use this as a basis for the eventual decisions, some of the most unforgettable, unusual and special touches can exist even within a strict budget.

Some ideas for creative centrepieces:

* Candles
* Glass bubble bowls, lights could be incorporated in the use of this.
* Flower arrangements
* Ivy or some other creeper or decorative tree branches/leaves.
* Mirrors or a combination with small portable lighting/candles.
* Floating candles
* Foliage/flora

Using the items and ideas above create your own centrepieces but always consider the overall theme of the occasion.

Traditional considerations could be:

* Glass bubble-bowls with a pillar candle as centrepiece, decorated with a creeper like ivy.
* Floral arrangement in a unique flower pot, especially if it has your colour scheme. This could be a bit boring and/or unstable so consider supporting it with smaller pillar candles or the like.
* Mirror with a candle sitting upon it or a mirror box with light inside reflecting up unto the candle or arrangement
* A small basket of coloured flowers or petals to accentuate the wedding’s colour scheme

If pillar candles and flowers are not your ideal wedding centrepiece combination, you should consider the many alternatives. Visit one or two of the many hiring establishments and ask to see their stock of centrepiece items, use these together with your ideas to make memorable pieces. Listed below are a few ideas for simple and stylish wedding centrepieces.

* Glass dish with floating candles and river rocks or marbles
* Glass bowl with floating candles and petals
* Small metal pail with seashells, flowers, floating candles, etc.
* Hand-painted flowerpots with flowers or candles inside
* Small basket of flowers with love poem scrolls, each unique for guests to share.

When nature, the great outdoors and the simple pleasures of life are important to you, invite them into your special occasion, especially if the venue lends itself to such a mix. Let it be known how much you and your husband/wife to be enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature and a relaxing moment to revel in peace and serenity. Select a centrepiece to enhance the surrounds. Listed below are a few examples that will help to enhance a garden or country themed wedding.

* Painted birdhouses, colours to match your colour scheme
* Dainty teapots or teacups and saucers – you can even place a floating candle inside the cups!
* Hand-painted or stained wooden clocks
* Small basket of flowers, herbs, etc.
* Christmas ornament – get the traditional glass ball ornament personalized for your special occasion. Do it yourself with a paint-pen to save some money.

If you are still stuck consider some of the more eccentric guests and what they would find interesting, chances are the rest will remember your wedding forever and for glee.
For a contemporary wedding centrepiece, try:

* Lucky Bamboo plants, to share the luck of the newlyweds with their guests
* Bonsai trees, these could be expensive but can be hired in - remember what is broken or lost must be replaced.
* Candy jar with special chocolate bars like snickers, bar one,etc.
* Glass bubble bowl with a colourful beta fish (or other type of fish) and pretty stones or glass marbles to match – add floating petals and place a mirror below the bowl for a special effect. Please do consider the fish as they tend to be abused by some, maybe artificial ones would do just fine.
* Mini mailboxes or wishing wells with notepaper and pens for the guests to leave hints and advice for the newlyweds!

The exciting bit is choosing your own themes and colour schemes. Selecting the perfect centrepiece adds an element of creative control to the planning process. No matter what your budget, creative designs and decorative fashions can be easily prepared and displayed with a little bit of time and careful crafting.

Centrepieces for your Reception

A lovely centrepiece adds the finishing touch to your reception tables. During the course of the reception, your guests will probably spend more time looking at the centrepiece than they do at your gown, so you want it to be attractive and a focal point for discussion but yet not break your budget. Following are suggestions to consider when choosing centrepieces for your reception.

- Choose a centrepiece that is appropriate for the size of the table. A small arrangement on large tables look as odd as large pieces on small tables which clutter rather than enhance.
- Don’t choose a centrepiece too large and obstructive for guests to converse with each other or to see what is happening in the room. Either keep it low, or choose something that is tall and slender. You can quickly assemble a centrepiece by using a round glass bowl (12" or more in diameter), adding coloured rocks or marbles, coloured water, and either several petals or floating candles.
- To visually increase the size of your centrepiece, centre it on a mirror tile, a coloured napkin, a crocheted doily, a straw mat. These would be very cost effective and quick to arrange. Varying the colours between tables could also be a consideration always keeping the overall theme in mind.
- If you are planning an outdoor reception, choose centrepieces that can stand up to the elements, Cape summers can be blustery and hot and winters can be wet and cold. A centrepiece that is low and heavy is best. One that is tall can easily blow over. Flowers and candles left in the bright sun will wilt or melt, so a more durable centrepiece would be a better choice. Plants withstand heat better than cut flowers and the pots will be heavier and less liable to blow over. For a Continental touch, choose potted herbs, such as rosemary and basil. Tie the pots with a raffia bow, and place on a straw mat. The plants can later be given to family members or guests as a favour or a thank you, guests love favours and stretches the memory of the wedding further.
- For a classic look, place bowls of fruit on your tables. Hollowed-out pumpkins filled with flowers and petals and shrubbery can make a memorable difference.

Use your imagination and ask others for ideas, how they would love to see their ideas in use at your wedding day.

Please remember how important it is not to overlook your only opportunity to permanently capture your special day - your wedding photography.

According to the Bridal Association of South Africa, each year couples spend billions on wedding photography, but your investment could fall short if you don’t plan ahead. Without realizing, there are 10 easy ways that you can take your photography from perfect to forgettable.

Get the right photographer for your wedding, make sure you are happy with the photographer and his/her work, if they cannot provide you with a truly professional portfolio then look further for your photographer and don't be fooled with promises.

Watch out for the Mishaps of Wedding Photography

1. Pre-Wedding Photo shoot

Select pictures from magazines, old family photo albums or any other visual to convey this to your photographer as your preferred style. Using these examples your wedding photographer should be able to compile a wonderful selection for your wedding album.

Discuss the detail with your photographer long before the wedding day and then again at least a week before the big day in order to ensure that your desires are fresh in their memory. Do not be afraid of presenting any special requests and get your contract set up and signed timarously, you don’t want any unwelcome surprises!

Consider a pre-wedding photo shoot, this could cost extra but mostly photographers like to brag and would do it for free and as part of the deal. Use the "I want to assure" myself of the quality because we will not have a second chance" and ask for it to be part of the package, this will make you more comfortable being in front of the camera and the result can be inspected to again ensure you'll be happy with the final result. 

Have fun and funny; remember all the magazine bride photos that you have seen do not happen all by themselves. They are well planned, rehearsed, and the photo that you finally see in the magazine was probably a few of many taken in numerous sessions. The more time you spend with your photographer, the more likely it is that he will capture that one special moment that only happens once.

2.  Posed pictures, necessary?

Unfortunately these are "required" in every wedding album

A fine photographer will be able to pose you in an elegant and attractive position and they will tell you which pose work best for you.

Lifting your chin hides the double chin.

Holding your elbows away from your body reduces the apparent width of your torso and accentuates the bosom.

Shifting your weight to your rear foot cocks your hips into a position that gives you a sexy curviness.

Just listen to your photographer and he will not lead you astray.

3. Hair and Makeup

As with all the other parts of the build-up you must have an appointment with your hairdresser and makeup artist prior to the actual day to ensure you're to be happy with the result, if you plan it right, your photographer may be available to take some formals on this day too.

4. Photographic Props

Think about tools and favours which the photographer can use to be creative. Photos of wedding rings with flowers or invitations or maybe even your shoes and garter can really add to your album.

5. The Bouquet

Always hold your bouquet DOWN!!!!! Never hide your beautiful dress with a much cheaper bouquet. Do not order a massive cascading bouquet. It's going to be a long day. By the end of the day, you will be wishing that your bouquet was smaller, lighter, more durable and maybe even artificial. And if it's too big you may even injure your guests during the bouquet toss.

6. Backgrounds and angles

Avoid complicated and busy backgrounds; keep backgrounds as simple as possible. Interesting angles are what keeps the images of a professional photographer from looking like the images of "Granddad Sam". Do not consider the photographer strange if he is lying on the ground or hanging from a tree.

7. Lighting

If part of your photo session is outdoors, the best light happens 1-2 hours before sunset.

If your wedding is indoors, try to avoid buildings with high dark ceilings and few windows.

Since natural light will look much better in your photos, try to plan your wedding when the room will be the brightest. 

Fluorescent lights make you look green, avoid them.

8. Single-Use Cameras

Lots of people use them and they very seldom work, even in the hands of a "professional". You may get a few good photos here and there but don't expect too much.  Your younger niece will probably take a lot of pictures of people's belly buttons. And if anyone gets tipsy at the reception you may get a lot of photos of the ground, shoes, or eyeballs (from holding the camera backwards). Your photography is best left to professionals.

9. Missing the small moments

There are always some special moments in a wedding –

The bride and groom’s first kiss.

The first dance between a father and new bride.

The garter ceremon.

The cutting of the cake.

But small moments - such as the flower girl smiling from the pew, a proud moment between the mother and father, grandma on the dance floor, a tear shed in joy during your special day – cannot be missed!

10. Stopping photographs before the reception is over

Many couples want to stop the photography once the speeches are done, some of the most memorable and interesting photos happen when the party really gets going. Keep shooting!

11. Shooting at high noon

Not a good idea as sunlight directly from above creates harsh shadows on the face and doesn’t cast you in the best light – wait until the afternoon.

12. Sweaty, shiny photos?

Long drawn out sessions and walking about for the best photograph can make you sweaty and shiny, especially in summer.  Be prepared with powder, anti-perspirant deodorant and paper towels!

13. Not scheduling enough time for the photo sessions and driving time?

Get the large group shots finished first, starting with children and the elderly.

Next, take pictures with the families and bridal party.

Lastly, spend some alone time with your man and the camera, while the impatient herd heads towards the cocktail hour. After all, it is your day!

14. Badly positioned hands and feet?

After several shots, you and your wedding party may become antsy – tapping fingers, leaning on one foot and fidgeting. It is important that your photographer works with you to keep everyone photogenic, focused and above everything else – comfortable.

Your wedding photographer is, in a sense, a biographer, capturing a very important part of your life for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Therefore, choose him or her carefully. Some couples attempt to reduce expenses by not hiring a professional photographer. They later realize that was a mistake when they have only a few snapshots as mementos of the big day.

Don't agree to let a family member or friend photograph the wedding unless you are sure that the person has a good camera and knows how to use it. The camera should be equipped with interchangeable lens that can be used in low light and it should take good pictures from a distance. A person who takes good close-up outdoor photos cannot necessarily take good in-door photos from a distance, especially with a standard 35mm flash camera. (Most professional photographers use medium format cameras, not 35 mm.)

Beware of any photographer who offers a deal that is too good to be true; it probably is. First, ask to see their portfolio and ask for references, and then check them. Know what you are paying for before you sign a contract.

Choose a photographer whose personality you like. He/she will be "in your face" for several hours, so you must feel comfortable working together.

It takes at least five hours to cover the important pictures at most weddings, particularly if the ceremony and reception will be held in different locations and travel time is involved. If you purchase a three or four hour package, and then ask the photographer to stay longer, you may have to pay overtime at a rate of $100 or more per half-hour.

Ask how long the photographer keeps the negatives, should you or someone else want additional copies in the future. Most photographers keep the negatives for one year. Some photographers allow you to purchase all of the proofs, thus providing you with a complete story of the day. Other photographers allow you to purchase the negatives and the proofs. This can save you money, but you may not get the same quality of pictures if you take the negatives to a store to be developed, since photographers use the services of a professional lab.

The actual wedding photos of the bride and groom and the combined wedding party may be taken either before the wedding or afterwards. Today, most couples prefer to do it about 2 1/2 hours before the ceremony, so that the bride and groom can proceed to the reception immediately after the ceremony. The photo session will last about 2 hours, ending about a half hour before the ceremony begins. If the groom doesn't want to see the bride in her gown until the last minute, schedule a few minutes for him to see the bride alone before the pictures begin.

Many couples find that the photo shoot time before the ceremony helps to calm the nerves of the wedding party members. Everyone will look fresher than they will after having worn gowns and tuxes for several hours. If you are sure that you do not want to have pictures of the two of you taken together before the ceremony, be certain to let the photographer know, and then arrange to serve something, such as a beverage and light hors d' oeuvres, to your guests while they wait for you to arrive at the reception. Not all photographers will do a split photo session, so be sure to ask.

Pictures should end a half hour before the ceremony begins so that the bride and groom are out of the site of arriving guests and can have a few minutes to catch their breath. Do not let the photographer insist on taking pictures right up to the moment of the ceremony. If you do, you will feel rushed and pressured. Remember, the photographer is your employee and should respect your wishes.

If you are interested in having mostly candid or black and white photos, be sure to inform the photographer when you first interview them. If they don¹t like to do these types of pictures, find someone else.

The Videographer:

It is easier, and usually less disastrous, to engage an amateur videographer than photographer. One benefit of engaging a professional is that they may send more than one camera, so that the ceremony is covered from more than one angle.

The videographer should attend the rehearsal, if possible, and the minister or church wedding coordinator should note any restrictions that the facility might have about the use of a video camera during the ceremony. The camera should be placed securely on a tripod; therefore, enough room will need to be available for the camera, especially in the area near where the bride and groom will exchange vows or the wedding party will walk or stand. If only one camera is used, it should be positioned so that it catches the vows and close-ups of the bride and groom during the ceremony.

The videographer will probably want to photograph the invitation and possibly the program for inclusion in the finished video. The videographer will probably not arrive as early as the photographer, but he or she may stay longer and photograph more of the reception.

Ask about previewing the video before it is completely finished so that you can make any desired changes. If you purchased an economy package, you may not be able to view the video or make editing decisions. If you can view the video, the preview will probably be scheduled for a couple of weeks after the wedding. Videographer costs vary widely depending on the amount of editing that you choose to do, so be prepared.