Finding the Right Caterer

For today's blog post, we interviewed Brian Doyle, owner and chef at SOW Food. In this interview, Chef Doyle will be sharing information ranging from current trends in wedding catering to important questions that you should be asking your prospective caterer.

SOWFood-Brian

How did you get into the business?

I decided to become a chef when I was about 8 years old. I worked in the industry as a teen, then went to culinary school at Penn State University. After that, I moved to Cleveland in 1996, and struck up friendships with many well-known chefs. By 1999, I was Chef for Lure, Inc. Then, in 2002, I was Executive Chef for Fulton Bar & Grill, and then Jack’s Steakhouse at the Marriott on W. 150th. I also worked for a large local catering firm as a Chef for hire. I eventually decided to strike out on my own, and I never looked back.

I've cooked around the world, and I specialize in bold world cuisine. SOW Food is a concept I created that allows for food access, food education, and food life. My focus is on healthful preparations using organic products.

I believe very strongly in being local and sustainable, which is why I also run a farm near West 47th in Cleveland, called White Squirrel Farm. Located in an urban environment, this farm provides SOW Food with the fresh, gourmet produce that we use in our Prepared CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program. We also sell this produce for fair prices at local farmers markets.

Why is local, sustainable food so important for a wedding?

Quality ingredients are the most important elements of good cooking. Using local farms ensures that you are getting the freshest product possible. It is also important to support local farms because the income goes directly to the families and not several middle men.

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Photo Credit: 

Full Bloom Photography

What are the best questions to ask to make sure a caterer is the right fit?

When searching for a caterer, there are so many choices, from large to small firms. There are different questions to ask each one, and everything in-between. For the smaller firms, you should ask what is the largest number of people they have catered for, where they've catered previously, and if they have their own facility and licenses, permits, and insurance. Your venue will want all of this information.

For the larger firms, you want to know what their product sourcing is. Are they using a lot of pre-made/pre-prepared products? Are they using a lot of frozen items or canned goods? If they say their beef is local, then they should be proud to share the name of the farm they’ll be sourcing it from. Also, is their staff professional and well trained? Larger firms often use temps, and sometimes they have zero experience as a server. We pride ourselves on staffing your wedding with people who are well versed on hospitality and will go above and beyond to accommodate your guests' needs. If Grandma needs something specific, she should feel confident that the server will do everything in their power to make it happen.

What do you wish people would tell you before the day of the event?

Since we focus on customizing menus and services for wedding clients, we want to know about everyone’s dietary needs that will be in attendance. It is very difficult to accommodate special dietary needs when only informed the day of, or even 3 days, prior. Depending on the venue, we may or may not be able to produce a vegan meal, a meal for someone with a nut allergy, or other. I’d advise working dietary restriction requests into your invitations, so that guests can RSVP with their restriction, if they have one. We’ll do our very best to accommodate all of your guests. Our final guest count and information is due 14 days prior to your reception date.

I am also a certified health coach, and one of the only Chefs who is a member of The Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (https://aihm.org), so I am very well versed on various dietary needs and why people have them.

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Photo Credit: Full Bloom Photography

What tips do you have for couples planning their weddings from your experience in the business?

Communication with all the different vendors can be overwhelming, so having a wedding planner take control of this is extremely valuable. Keep in mind that each vendor might have several projects they’re working on at any given time. It can take a lot longer than you might think to get everything nailed down with each vendor. Get the big stuff handled early (wedding planner, venue, caterer, etc). Consider FaceTime or Skype chats if you are far apart from each vendor. Generally planning about 18 months in advance (or more) is the norm, however some venues can already be fully booked that far in advance.

Communication with all the different vendors can be overwhelming, so having a wedding planner take control of this is extremely valuable. Keep in mind that each vendor might have several projects they’re working on at any given time. It can take a lot longer than you might think to get everything nailed down with each vendor. Get the big stuff handled early (wedding planner, venue, caterer, etc). Consider FaceTime or Skype chats if you are far apart from each vendor. Generally planning about 18 months in advance (or more) is the norm, however some venues can already be fully booked that far in advance.

What are the current trends in wedding catering?

Farm to table is a big trend. We like to do “Hyper-Local” food, so in the spring we feature things like asparagus, mushrooms, lamb, etc. In the summer, the bounty grows into all sorts of wonderful vegetables. September is a great month because you have the end of the year bounty plus you also start seeing fall ingredients becoming available. We steer clear of out-of-season ingredients (for example, no asparagus in October).

Signature cocktails are a great way to quickly get a drink in the hands of your guests at the beginning of the reception. There’s a trend to move away from the traditional wedding cake and into other styles of dessert presentations. These other styles include cookie bars, s’mores bars (by a fire), multiple flavors of pie displays, and assorted mini-dessert selections. We’ve done a creme brûlée bar, and we now offer a crepe bar.

What do you predict the future trends to be?

Wedding crasher receptions. We’ve catered weddings where we provide two menus for some clients. The first menu includes a more formal, plated meal for a smaller group of immediate family. The second menu is for the informal reception, for a larger group of guests, served after the plated meal.

The second informal reception, dubbed the “wedding crashers” party, is a great way to enjoy a reception for a larger number of people, without breaking the bank. The guests on the wedding crashers list will have typically eaten a meal before they arrive, and nosh on lighter fair while they dance, drink, and celebrate with the rest of the family.

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Photo Credit: Full Bloom Photography

Thanks, Brian, for the wonderful advice! For more information about SOW Food, visit http://www.sowfood.com.

Finding the Perfect Makeup Artist for your Wedding

We’re continuing our series  featuring vendors inspiring you and giving you useful tips and questions to ask so you to make sure you find the right fit. This week, we feature Maggie of

MKleinmanArtistry

. She is sharing what you should look for to find the makeup artist that will be reliable and fit your personal style and why this isn't the place were you should try to slash the budget. 

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Who:

Maggie Kleinman of MKleinmanArtistry

What:

Mobile makeup artistry service for special occasions, weddings, lessons and more

When:

Maggie has been in the beauty industry for close to 10 years now, starting professionally at the age of 18.

Where:

Based in Cleveland, OH, available for travel wherever services are needed

Why: Maggie has always had a passion for art, especially painting. Her love for painting sparked an interest in makeup in junior high, and blossomed into a true passion in high school. Maggie has worked with many top makeup brands including MAC cosmetics (which she continues to use), Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Laura Mercier, and Shu Umura. After working for MAC for about 5 years, Maggie took the plunge and began her career as a self employed makeup artist calling her business MKleinmanArtistry. She has worked on many clients over the years, but has a true passion for weddings and bridal makeup.

Photo Credit: Mallory + Justin Photographers

I am so excited that Melanie of Oak & Honey events has asked me to do a guest blog post for her readers. I love blogging, but don't do it nearly enough, so any chance I get, I love to talk about makeup and weddings! Melanie asked me, "What should potential bridal clients look for when booking a makeup artist for their big day?" I think some of the most important things to look for when choosing a makeup artist are the following: solid and plentiful reviews; an up to date website with references/photos; a makeup artist who asks lots of questions to investigate what type of look the bride wants to achieve; someone that is warm and friendly; someone who offers a makeup trial before the big day; and someone who is established in their business.

Photo Credit: Lauren Gabrielle Photography

It is important that all of the wedding vendors you choose for your wedding have strong reviews, and plenty of them! If you are choosing someone to help with one of the most important days of your lives, you should make sure they are a credible business with lots of glowing reviews. WeddingWire & The Knot are two great places where brides can leave reviews on businesses for other potential clients to view. An up to date website with photos is especially important in my line of work because brides want to see past work I have done on brides. I always try to keep my website and portfolio up-to-date so potential clients can see my best and most current work. If a makeup artist doesn't have a website or at least photos to show for reference, he or she is probably not a great fit for your wedding day.

 A makeup artist that asks lots of questions during the makeup trial is also important. I have found that the only way to really understand what a bride is looking for is to ask questions and to ask if they have any photos for inspiration. Some of the questions your makeup artist should ask are "How do you typically wear your makeup? What colors and textures do you prefer? Have you thought about incorporating any of the colors in your wedding into your makeup? Tell me about your skin type, is it more normal, oily, or dry?" By asking those questions among others, your makeup artist will be able to work with you to custom tailor your perfect bridal look.

Photo Credit: Aster & Olive Photography

The personality of your makeup artist is also very important. You will be working closely with this person for the entire morning of your wedding. Make sure you click on a friendly level, and make sure that person is warm and relaxed. The last thing you want on your wedding day is any more stress, so someone laid back and easy to talk to will help to keep you calm and collected on the morning of your big day.

Potential clients should make sure that their makeup artist offers a trial before the wedding. Most will at an additional fee. It is very important to schedule a trial for makeup so your artist can ask all of the above questions, and so you can get to know them. The artist should take photos of the makeup when he or she is done for reference, as well as write down the products and shades used for their own reference. The artist should also recommend any products you may need to touch up your own makeup throughout the day and evening.

Photo Credit: Emily Millay Photography

Lastly, you should look for an artist who is established in their business and career. The last thing you want on that day is "Aunt Sally" who has maybe done her own makeup nicely before, but has never put makeup on anyone else, doing your makeup the morning of your wedding. Don't cheap out here. The way you look is so important, since all eyes will be on you! Makeup artists charge elevated fees for many reasons. The convenience of on location services, the products (which are quite pricey for quality produces), their knowledge of how to work with those products to best suit your face shape, eye shape, and your skin tone, among other things.

Melanie also asked me to provide some questions to ask when booking a makeup artist for your wedding. Some great questions to ask include:

• How long does it take for each person's makeup to be done?

• Will you come on location?

• Do you partner with any hairstylists?

• What brand of cosmetics do you use?

• Do you offer a makeup trial?

• Will you stay for touch ups if needed?

• Do you have photos of your work?

• Where can I find reviews of your business?

Thank you Maggie for stopping by to share your tips and advice from ten years in the business! Want to be inspired by Maggie's beautiful images?  Follow her on social media and check out her website!

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Finding A Wedding Photographer

This week on the blog, we’re continuing our series featuring vendors providing you with insights into picking the right vendor for you. Today, we feature Andrew, owner and photographer of Andrew Smith Weddings.  Andrew is sharing what he considers the most important and overlooked aspect of hiring a photographer - connecting with the photographer that will capture your special moments.

Wedding planning can be a very daunting task. You spend hours upon hours looking for the perfect venue, wedding dress, shoes, cake, bouquet, details, the list goes on and on. All to bring together that fairytale wedding you’ve always been dreaming of. A year after planning your big day finally comes. You’re standing in front of all the people you love, and most importantly that one special person you’ve vowed to spend the rest of your life with. The day was beautiful, and went exactly how one would hope. Then as quickly as you said “I do” your special day is over. The dress comes off, the details get boxed up, and your guests part ways.

At the end of the day all you have left is each other and the memories of how joyous and perfect the day was. Although your wedding only lasts a day, the memories of it will last a lifetime, and what better way to materialize those memories than through photos? That’s where your wedding photographer comes in. I might be biased, but I truly believe that photography is one of the most important investments you can make for your wedding. I call photography an investment because you are investing to ensure that the details you spent countless hours on, the moments both big and small, and the emotions you felt that day don’t go forgotten. You want to not only ensure that you will remember your wedding day exactly how it was, but to also ensure that someday your grandkids will have something that tells your story. Wedding photography will tell that story, and below I’ve written five things to take into consideration when choosing a photographer to capture it.

Set a budget Photography is certainly an important investment, but at the same time it’s not one that should break you for all your worth. Professional wedding photographers can range from $3k-$10k depending on the experience and products they offer. The Knot says that you should invest 10-12% of your total wedding budget on photography/videography. However, I don’t agree with this. I believe that the percentage should be weighted on how much value you put on it. For example, someday when I get married I plan on spending over 30% of my budget on a photographer because I place that much value on my photos.

Find a style that you love We each are unique, and have different tastes from the food we eat, to the music we like to listen to. The same can be said for photography. There are countless styles of photography to choose from, and each photographer has a certain style to their photos. Some photographers love to create bold and dramatic photos while others create soft and natural looking photos. If you don’t already know yet what kind of photography you absolutely love that’s alright. Websites like Pinterest are perfect for discovering that!

What matters to you? Every photographer is different, and what they offer will differ as well. Before you ask for pricing think and figure out what it is that matters to you. Do you care for an album, prints, or perhaps digital copies? When searching for a photographer look for someone who can give you the experience you want. I call it an experience, because that’s what photography is. Twenty years from now how do you want to experience the memories captured on that one special day? Find a photographer that can offer you that experience!

Find a photographer that you connect with I believe that finding a photographer that you can connect with on a personal level is one of the most important things to consider. It comes down to one word, trust. When you’re researching photographers by visiting their sites I recommend going straight for the “About Me” section before anything else. If their site is well put together they will be very personal and tell you all about them! You should make sure that they are someone that you can trust. Once you find someone that fits your style and personality reach out to them to get together! When couples reach out to me we’ll grab coffee and talk for at least an hour before ever talking photography! Your photographer is with you your entire wedding day, and what better than to have someone there that you can trust and call a friend?! Just as quickly as venues can book up, so can photographers. Photographers can book up over a year in advance. Once you know who it is you want to photograph your wedding don’t waste time contacting them! I have numerous engaged couples that contact me each year that don’t even have dates set, and I LOVE IT! I love it because they liked and trusted me enough to place me as a top priority. I have even had couples ask me for my availability so they could book their venue on a date I was free! As flattering as it is…I’m not saying it’s something you HAVE to do, but just keep in mind that if you find a photographer you love someone else probably does as well, so waste no time!

Thank you Andrew for sharing your tips on finding a photographer that connects with the bride and groom. Check out his website if you have any more questions. We hope this post helps you on your quest for a photographer that captures all of your memorable moments at your wedding. Look for more posts from vendors in the future!

Ten Questions to Ask When Considering a DJ for Your Wedding

Photo Credit: Suzaran Photography

This week on the blog, we're starting a new series. In this series, we will feature other vendors providing you a list of questions that are helpful to ask before hiring them. We're kicking it off with Reena Goodwin of DJ Goodwin. She's going to give you some insight into what questions you should ask to find the perfect DJ for your event. 

1.) What kind of music do you play? This is first and foremost! The foundation of a DJ’s playlist has got to be aligned with the type of music you like and want played at your wedding, or at least this is what I believed. When you share a common ground as far as tastes go, it really makes the process of pulling together a customized playlist for a couple all the better.

2.) Can we help contribute songs? Absolutely yes.  While some folks are definitely more hands-on with their music selections, others feel comfortable letting the DJ take the lead and play the type of tunes guests might want to hear. I think a combination of both is ideal, and I often suggest a couple put together a list of must-play and do-not play songs. It’s a start that a DJ can build off of to select the right kind of music. I think collaboration is essential.

3.) Are you available? For obvious reasons, you want to ask pretty soon in the discovery process if a DJ is available, and if they have any other gigs booked for that day. I can’t imagine DJing two weddings in one day, but I know some musicians do. So, always ask both questions.

4.) How do you handle song requests? If your DJ is professional, expect this question to come back to you! You know your wedding guests better than anyone, so if you anticipate your one cousin to be hovering over the DJ booth requesting every other song you hate, then by all means tell your DJ not to take requests. When I’m asked by a couple not to take requests, I often tell guests that the bride and groom carefully curated a playlist that I’m playing and there’s only a limited amount of time to get everything played. Nobody has ever argued with that. And if requests are OK, I always make sure they are in line with what the couple might want to hear.

5.) How many weddings do you DJ in a year? More weddings don’t always mean the better, but it’s good to know if a person has at least DJed a wedding before. If not, don’t fret – it’s important to be a good DJ before being a good wedding DJ.

Photo Credit: Suzaran Photography

6.) What equipment do you use? DJs usually bring sound equipment unless a venue is fully equipped, but if you anticipate anything that could be extra, like more than two speakers, a wireless microphone, a stand for a microphone, etc, it’s best to ask if those items can be provided, and if applicable, what is the cost.  Also, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have a backup plan in case their laptop dies.

7.) What sets you apart from other wedding DJs? This is an important question. Hopefully your DJ won’t go on a rant about “those other wedding DJs” and keep it totally professional. This should be an opportunity for them to really show and/or tell you about their passion for playing music. My answer to this question always comes back to not being a wedding DJ, but rather a DJ for people who nerd out about music like me!

8.) Do you provide any other services, like emceeing or lighting? Most DJs are happy to make a few announcements to keep things moving along during the wedding reception, and some even offer special effect lighting or can refer you to someone who can help in case it’s a service they don’t provide.  Others bring the party. It all comes back to what you want – entertainment is totally subjective!

9.) How much do you charge and what deposit do you require? Some DJs offer packaged options for wedding performances, others charge by the hour. Also keep in mind any travel or accommodations you may need to factor into a cost if your wedding or if the DJ are in different places. Deposits are important – it maintains that both parties are committed to each other. Make sure the deposit goes toward your overall cost, and ask what would happen if God forbid the wedding is cancelled or rescheduled, or the DJ can no longer play. DJs aren’t like bands and usually perform solo, so hopefully they have another like-minded DJ they can call as a replacement.

10.) Can we meet in person before the wedding? I think this is so great if you can manage it, meeting up with your DJ or potential DJ before your wedding to hash out details or even get to know each other face-to-face before your wedding day is really helpful to understanding schedule, needs, concerns, expectations, and so forth. Plus, who doesn’t like grabbing coffee or a drink and talking about music?!

We hope this post helped you feel prepared to start interviewing DJ's for your wedding. Thanks to Reema for sharing with us. Check out her website if you have any more questions. We'll continue this series between our regular posts. Stay tuned for more questions to ask that will help you hire the perfect vendors for your big day!

Fair Rarity Flowers - Guest Blogger

Oak and Honey Events is featuring a guest blogger today! Heather McCoy, sole proprietor and designer of Fair Rarity Flowers, has shared some tips on helping to keep your wedding eco-friendly by following some good for the earth ideas for your flower decor.  She has been in the floral industry for almost 20 years.  Nationally, she has designed floral pieces for celebrities, prestigious restaurants, and most often for beautiful brides. Her award-winning work has been featured in Weddings in Cleveland magazine, Flowers& magazine, and on wedding inspiration blog, Borrowed & Bleu. Keep it seasonal Ask your florist to use local growers who will only offer flowers that are meant to be blooming on your wedding day. You will be supporting your community and will be staying true to your wedding date's natural flora varieties.

Be flexible When opting for seasonal blooms for your wedding, keep in mind that your options may be limited. You will most likely be able to keep with your color palette, but may have to use a type of flower that you hadn't originally considered. You may find that you are able to use something new and beautiful and grow one in your own garden the following season. A happy memory will be brought to life each anniversary!

Go Thrifting Thrift stores always have a good amount of glass for sale. Many have a huge selection of cool pieces that would be much cheaper than what your florist can offer and often much more eclectic and unique too! Again, flexibility is the key! You'll save money and feel good about reusing instead of contributing to the manufacturing of new materials.

Use Plants Plants can provide an array of looks for your wedding flower decor. Small or medium-sized potted plants lining a long farm table gives a beautiful look, plus they can be planted instead of thrown away after the wedding. Tiny plants can be placed in sweet little containers and used as wedding favors or as place card holders. Also, consider single pieces of fruit such as apples, pears, or peaches (local and/or organic is best) for your place card holders. Guests can pick up their name card and enjoy a delicious piece of fruit to boot! Lastly, blooming plants can usually be cut to use for hand-held bouquets and then the roots and soil can be planted. When the plant blooms during its season, you'll have a happy reminder of your special day!

Thank you to Heather McCoy of Fair Rarity Flowers for sharing these tips and beautiful photos with us. Head over to her website to check out even more of her beautiful arrangements.