Rentals - The Forgotten Checklist

Choosing a service style can be difficult. You may find yourself asking questions like; “How do we know what works best in our reception space?” “Are we limited in how many entrees we can select?” And of course, “What is this going to cost?” Once there is a better understanding of each, making this decision may be a little less daunting. So, let’s get to it!

PLATED AND SERVED

Plated and served dinners tend to be one of the more traditional service styles and have become quite popular since the dealings of COVID-19. These may be executed two ways:

A dual/duet entree: each guest receives two proteins, a starch, and a vegetable.

Pre-selected guest’s choice: attendees select their entree when they submit their RSVP. PROS:

· Allows all the salads to be served (or preset) at once, and then the entree to be served on one plate with the accompanying vegetable and starch.

· Sets the tone that the evening is formal.

· You can work closely with the caterer on the plate presentation.

CONS:

· A limited variety could pose a challenge to dietary restrictions.

· One of the most expensive forms of service as a full set of utensils, china, and occasionally glassware is required to execute each course.

· Requires a large overall staff for high-quality service.

TIP: Be mindful of vegan/vegetarian friends. Ask the caterer if they can provide a plated vegan/vegetarian option. It’s also great to ensure the salad option can be altered to accommodate any dietary restrictions/allergies.

FAMILY STYLE

Family Style dinners create a warm atmosphere at the table. Guests feel a sense of home as bowls and platters are passed around during conversation, giving the feeling of comfort, as if at their own dinner table. Servers bring salad, proteins, and sides to each table and replenish as necessary.

· You can offer a larger variety, aiding to dietary restrictions and picky eaters.

· No waiting for guests to finish going through a buffet or station line.

· Encourages conversation between family and strangers alike.

CONS:

· You will need large quantities of platters, bowls, and serving utensils which may mean a high rental cost.

· Serving dishes take up a large amount of space.

· Platters and bowls can be heavy. Be mindful of how the weight of these items may be for elderly guests to pass around the table.

Tip: Discuss table design ideas with the planner, florist, and caterer. It is important to all parties to have a clear understanding of what is being placed on the table. If elaborate table runners, florals, and votives are your tablescape vision, this is not the service style for you.

BUFFET

Buffet dinners are the most common service style. They can be one sided or double sided, generally depending on guest count, to quickly move guests through dinner service. The coordination team, DJ, or catering captain can release tables, keeping the buffet organized and giving the catering staff time to replenish items that are running low. PROS:

· Buffet tables can be designed in several ways, be aesthetically pleasing, and incorporate elements of your wedding to create personal touches.

· Guests have the ability to personalize their plates.

· Generally, a smaller staff can execute successfully, but it will be based on the final guest count provided.

CONS:

· Can take guests longer to maneuver through the line.

· You AND your caterer are unable to control portions.

· Guests serve themselves. questions the guests may have about the options presented. You don’t want the guests to “work” for their dinner.

T E L : 8 0 4 . 5 5 3 . 0 4 9 5

STATIONS/HEAVY HORS D’OEUVRES

Stations/Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres are a great option if you have a crowd that likes to mingle and doesn’t like to sit still. Food tables are placed throughout the reception to eliminate long lines. When offering stations/ heavy hors d’oeuvres, you will want to have a variety of options for guests, from seafood and beef to vegan and gluten free.

PROS:

· Food curious guests can talk with chefs at interactive spots, such as a carving station or an oyster shucking station.

· A great way to incorporate you and your partner’s favorite cuisines or foods.

· Stations present an opportunity for stunning visual displays and photos.

CONS:

· Requires food to be open longer as guests tend to eat in a more casual, timeconsuming fashion. · Cooking stations take longer as food is being made live.

· If you have multiple stations, rental costs will be higher. You need plates, utensils, and catering equipment at each one. A S H A R P E R P A L A T E

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Tip: You do not need to provide seating for the entire guest count. Consider seating for ¹⁄3-½ of it. You can scatter cocktail tables around the reception space for additional surfaces for guests to pause and eat.

As you journey through the planning process, the wedding and the service style should reflect you and your partner. If still unsure, don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, and of course, the caterer. They have years of experience, and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. They will be able to help navigate through the decision-making process and throw a soiree that is sure to please.

Carter Sutton Aines is the Staffing Coordinator and an Event Planner for A Sharper Palate Catering and Events, and the NACE Richmond Chapter Vice President. A Sharper Palate has been a premier caterer in the Richmond area since 1993 and services a variety of events including rehearsal dinners, weddings, private parties, galas, and corporate functions. To learn more, check out their website www.asharperpalate.com.

The “To Do’s” Before the “I Do’s”

Rentals – The Forgotten Checklist

By The Sales Team at Party Perfect

Depending on where your reception is taking place, rentals may play an integral part in making sure you and your guests have a fantastic experience. Plates, glassware, utensils, tables, and chairs are among the most common items needed, but there are several other things to consider when making sure nothing is forgotten, especially if you are renting a tent. Ask yourself these questions and get your vendors involved to make sure everything is covered.

❑ Do you need electrical power?

If you are having a beautiful outdoor wedding under a tent, you will likely need additional power sources. Many vendors will require it. *TIP – Look into generator rentals. ❑ Do you have enough catering equipment?

Check with your venue, caterer, or food provider to see what is included. You can always rent or buy additional items such as tables, linens, chafing dishes, serving utensils, beverage items, etc. *TIP – Prepare for more than you think you need. ❑ Water and trash – Did you remember these essentials?

Do you have access to either of these onsite or by your caterer/ bartender? If not, then you can rent both! *TIP – Look into water station rentals and trash bins with extra liners.

❑ When you got to go, you got to go! Where is the restroom?

Do you have access to restrooms, or do you need additional restroom facilities? *TIP – Consider portable restroom trailers for outdoor weddings. They’re actually very nice! ❑ Do you have guests with special accommodations attending your wedding?

Take into consideration your guests with dietary restrictions, handicapped accommodations, or even elderly family members. *TIP – Talk to your food provider, pay attention to parking and terrain the venue, and provide your loved ones with a comfortable chair to enjoy the evening with you. ❑ Where will everyone park?

Make sure there is ample parking for all guests. *TIP – Do you need additional lighting for the parking lot? Rental companies can help!

rentals

You’ve booked your venue, now it’s time to fill the space. Rentals, amongst other things, are essential! Have you ever shown up to an empty wedding? No! In this section we share everything you need to know about finding the perfect lighting, tables, chairs, and more to bring your wedding to life!

There are so many beautiful and affordable tent rental styles to choose from these days. Here are a few questions to answer and considerations to make:

❑ If you are renting a tent, is the ground primarily a firm flat area? ❑ Is the location easily accessible for delivery and pickup with a large truck? ❑ When can the rental company deliver and install as well as pick up and break down? ❑ Will a venue contact, or coordinator be onsite during setup and breakdown? ❑ Do you need a catering/food prep tent? ❑ Do you have any gas, water, or sewer lines in the yard? Make sure to call the utility company if you are at a private residence. ❑ Do you need a permit? Make sure you have them for ABC and any tents over 900 sq. ft.

We know that navigating your way through rentals can be a daunting task, but local rental agents are here to help! Reach out to one today and let them guide you through the process so you can focus other aspects of the planning.

Party Perfect has been specializing in Wedding and Event Rentals since 1996. Our Sales Consultants and Penguin Team are here to help you check off every box on your Wedding List. Contact us to book a Showroom Consultation and don’t forget to visit our online Rental Catalog at www.partyperfect.com!

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Party Perfect is ready to help make your next event "perfect"! Not only are we a Family Owned and Operated business, but our staff is all considered a part of the Penguin Family too! Let our family take some of the stress away, by assisting with your upcoming events!

Our team has a diverse knowledge of skills along side years of experience in the wedding, event, restaurant, hospitality, customer service, and even theater industries. Come see our Showroom in person! Please get in touch with a Sales Consultant to schedule a Showroom Consultation. Use this "playdate" to see items in person, mix and match, and play with a variety of rental items to help create your PERFECT vision.

This gives you the opportunity to try items out before your big day! Our services don't stop there - including video calls, Site Visits, Tent Layouts & more. Party Perfect offers Delivery & Pickup, as well as Customer Pickups and Returns.

Team Penguin, from Sales to Warehouse, Linen to Dish, Production to Accounting and every little detail inbetween, will work with you from start to finish making your wedding experience a seamless transition from party planning to PARTY PERFECT!

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It's time to talk about what you're going to wear! Together with our tips, we'll help you find the perfect attire for you and your sweetheart.