Meeting & Event Planner
Your source for planning your next... Social Event | Charity Function | Business Meeting/Luncheon | Fraternity/Sorority Party | Wedding
Sunday, July 29, 2012
ontents 4 Introduction Calling in the Pros
6 Let's get the party started Where to begin
8 Early Planning=
Better Results On the cover Pictured The Oread and Maceli's.
Susan Cantrell
Vice President of Sales & Marketing 785-832-6307 | scantrell@ljworld.com
A complete listing of facilities
16 D-I-Y or D-I-Don't
Colleen Brady
Thoughts on when to leave it to the pros
Monica Taylor
18 Memories & Mishaps
Multi-Media Sales Manager 785-832-7111 | cbrady@ljworld.com
Marketing & Creative Services Manager 785-832-6389 | mtaylor@ljworld.com
Janella L. Williams
Senior Graphic Artist 785-832-7285 | jwilliams@ljworld.com
Kate Leibsle
Writer 913-432-7547 | kateleibsle67@gmail.com For information on our facility directory, or to get your facility added to the list please contact Colleen Brady. Your facility listing will appear in our 2013 bridal magazine. To advertise please contact Colleen Brady. 2
11 Facility Directory
Meeting & Event Planner
Oops... we forgot the cake.
20 Catering Q & A
10 Questions for Your Caterer
22 Advertiser Directory
Maceli’s is excited to announce the expansion of our current location! Now accommodating groups up to 400!
1031 New Hampshire | Lawrence 785.331.2096 | www.macelis.com Sunday, July 29, 2012
3
C
alling in the Pros
Three Lawrence Venue Owners Offer Advice on Planning a Memorable and Worry-Free Event The idea, in and of itself, is so simple:
Let’s have a party!
We’ll invite a few people to a fabulous spot, get some food and drink and put up some decorations. It will be easy!”
Then, reality sets in and you realize that maybe party planning isn’t as easy as you thought. Luckily in Lawrence, there are experts everywhere, ready to help you plan the perfect soiree.
4
Meeting & Event Planner
Love at first sight. You deserve a setting as beautiful as you on your wedding day. Situated on over 300 acres Alvamar’s main dining room complete with a limestone fireplace and cozy outdoor patio, offers unsurpassed views of Lawrence’s landscape. We offer dedicated, friendly and professional staff to assist you through the planning process so you can enjoy your event! Alvamar specializes in a number of pre-wedding events including bridal showers and engagement parties, bachelor/bachelorette or family golf events, rehearsal dinners, and morning after brunches. From 20 to 320 or more, Alvamar is the ideal host for your special day, and every day along the way. Rehearsal Dinners, Showers & Brunch Enjoy the ambiance, privacy and photo opportunities Alvamar has to offer. Choose to sit by the warmth of the fireplace, outdoors on our picturesque patio or the in the privacy of the Sunflower and Mezzanine rooms. Banquet Catering Let us bring the private club experience to you! Alvamar is pleased to provide catering to the location of your choice. Includes great menus to select from, delivery, set up & break down services and prices designed to keep you on budget.
Alvamar offers private space for Weddings • Banquets • Holiday Parties • Fundraising Events • Reunions • Business Meetings & Catering • Brunch & Showers For more information contact Kursten Minnis, Event Sales & Marketing Director 785.842.7767 kminnis@alvamar.com www.alvamar.com
Book your event by August 31, 2012 and receive 50% off the regular room rental fee. (up to $750 savings) Sunday, July 29, 2012
5
Teller’s offers offsite catering for up to 1000 person events with a broad range of bites drawn from world cuisine, or join us at the restaurant for a special occasion, business, wedding. We can host your event of up to 250 people at our restaurant located in the historic First National Bank building in downtown Lawrence. Any range of event is available from a casual passed hors d’ouvres reception to an elegant six-course dinner with selected wine pairings. You can enjoy the birds eye view from our two reserve dining rooms which over look the busy main floor dining room, giving your group privacy yet still enjoy the pleasant ambience of Teller’s.
Party
Let's get this
Started
Where to begin... To arrange your next event call Ann at 785.760.5629 or email ann@tellerslawrence.com
746 MASSACHUSETTS STREET | LAWRENCE, KS | 785-843-4111 6
Meeting & Event Planner
Determine your event budget and decide what your priorities are, said Steve Maceli, owner of Maceli’s. Is this a sit-down dinner for 200? A wedding? A casual birthday party? Is it an adults only evening or will children be welcome?
Be Taken Away...
5
$
D
etermining that, along with your budget, are the first items on the checklist of good party-planning, said Tom Wilson, owner and general manager of Teller’s. “You have a feel for your guests,” he said. A budget is important because it really sets the tone for the event and will help the venue’s staff guide you. “Although Maceli’s encourages a well-balanced combination of venue, décor, food, service and price, one or two of these aspects may take priority over the
others,” said Steve Maceli, owner of Maceli’s . “We have seen (party planners) who choose to have so many guests, once they pay for an appropriately sized venue, there is little money left for food. The same can apply to venue or even décor. “Although venue and décor are important, good quantities of high quality food and alcohol are usually most important for guests.” Most venues and caterers have set menus, but can always make adjustments according to a party planner’s budget. The key is communication, all of the experts agree.
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Pu t A Pa rt y I n Yo u r L i fe y! u An d L i f e I n Yo r Pa rt LAWRENCE 1441 W 23rd St • 785-865-3803 STORE HOURS: MON-FRI: 9-8 • SAT: 9-6 • SUN: 11-5 M One coupon per customer per visit. Coupon must be presented at the time of purchase. Not valid with other coupons or sales. Valid at only 1441 W 23rd St, Lawrence KS Store. COUPON EXPIRES 8/31/12.
Although venue and décor are important, good quantities of high quality food and alcohol are usually most important for guests.”
Your Locally Owned and Operated Party Headquarters
1441 W 23rd St • Lawrence, KS • 785-865-3803 Sunday, July 29, 2012
7
Early Planning = Better Results "Start
planning as early as possible,” said Bobick Sarraf, who, along with his wife, Roxanna, owns Bambino’s Italian Restaurant. As at most venues, the chefs at Teller’s can accommodate almost any menu request – provided the request isn’t made when the host walks in the door for the event. “For instance, we brought in Copper River Salmon for a rehearsal dinner one night,” Wilson said. “It’s just important that we know ahead of time. It’s also important to communicate in any changes in the number of people who are coming – whether that’s up or down. That really affects a venue.” At Bambino’s Italian Restaurant, communication is an important key to making a successful event, too. The more the venue knows about what a planner is looking for, the Sarrafs said, the better the event can be designed.
But, for the most part, with the number of venues available in and around Lawrence, a party or event planner ought to be able to put together a venue that can make him or her look good to guests. From sorority and fraternity masquerade parties, to the year-end soccer banquet for the Free State High School girls’ soccer team, to a business meeting with PowerPoint presentation, for the Sarrafs, it’s all about bringing someone’s dream event to life. With several different room set ups and a patio available, and seating ranging from 50 for a private room to more than 200 in the whole restaurant, there’s not much the Bambino’s team can’t or hasn’t done. The same goes for Maceli’s with its banquet hall that can accommodate 400 and its Bistro Room, which holds up to 80. At Teller’s, large groups can be accommodated in the main dining room; the second floor holds 20 and the third floor from 30-50.
From sorority and fraternity masquerade parties, to the year-end soccer banquet for the Free State High School girls’ soccer team, to a business meeting with PowerPoint presentation, for the Sarrafs, it’s all about bringing someone’s dream event to life.” “Even if you just tell us two to three days in advance, we can make it happen,” Bobick said. The time of year when you are planning an event can have an effect on your plans, too. Want to throw a shindig for the office in December? No problem, as long as you don’t call in December expecting there to be prime party times available. “For the holidays, you need to do a little more planning ahead,” Wilson said. Summer is, naturally, wedding season, so it’s best to start as early as possible if you want a good weekend spot then. 8
Meeting & Event Planner
If you’re planning an event that large, you don’t want to be stuck with set up or tear down. Look for a venue that will handle everything for you, Maceli said. “This minimizes set up time and associated stress while it also allows you to walk away at the end of your party,” Maceli said. Another tip? Choose a venue where someone is assigned to your party for the duration, as with all of these. “We have one person in charge of a venue,” Wilson said. “From the beginning of planning, you know who to contact.”
TUXEDO RENTALS Choose From 5 Styles: Starting at
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• Special Parties • Weddings Men’s Store
9th & Massachusetts • 843-6360 www.weaversinc.com
SHOP SUNDAY 12:00 - 5:00 Weekdays ‘Til 6:00.. Thursday Night ‘Til 8:00
• Beautiful Rural Setting • Lush Picturesque wedding garden • Bridal dressing room • Indoor setting up to 300 • Handicap Accessible • Ample Parking
• Choose Your Own Catering • Bar Facilities • Ambiance lighting, elegant chandeliers,and wall sconces • ELEGANT AND AFFORDABLE • Friendly Staff
Located in Southeast Douglas County 913-893-6842 http://www.brooklyn-hall.com/ Sunday, July 29, 2012
9
EVENT/PARTY • Video Production • Large Video Screens • Multi camera shoots • Video montages • Audio • And much more AVALON HAS BEEN SERVING LAWRENCE AND THE AREA FOR OVER 17 YEARS. FOR YOUR PARTY OR EVENT, CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR VIDEO AND AUDIO NEEDS.
708 W. 9th Street #105 Lawrence, KS 66044
785-841-9119 www.avalonvideo.com 10
Meeting & Event Planner
Facility Directory Banquet Halls Facility
The Oread
1200 Oread Ave., Lawrence KS 66044 785-843-1200 | www.theoread.com
Signs of Life Gallery
722 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044 785-830-8030
Steve’s Place
1388 N. 1293 Road, Lawrence, KS 66046 785-843-2174 | stevesplace31.com
Stony Point Hall
1514 North 600th Road, Baldwin City, KS 66006 785-594-2225 | www.stonypointhall.com
Topeka Performing Arts Center
214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603 785-234-2787, Ext. 100 | www.tpactix.org
Union Pacific Depot
402 N. 2nd St., Lawrence, KS 66044 http://lawrenceks.org/lprd/recreationfacilities/depot
VFW Hall
138 Alabama St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-843-2078 | www.VFW852.com
Victorian Veranda Country Inn
1431 North 1900 Road, Lawrence, KS 66044 785-841-1265 | www.vcountryinn.com
The W Banquet Hall
704 Connecticut St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-764-5343 | www.wbanquet.com
Catering Available
Outside Caterers Allowed
wedding receptions, family gatherings, Cost varies conferences and company depending on retreats. Our event spaces the room and can accommodate day of the week. groups of 10-350 guests.
Catering is available for anything from hors d’ouevres to a plated or buffet meal.
No alcoholic beverages, except for bottled wine. A $15 corkage fee per wine bottle opened will be applied to the bill.
80 to 120
Daily fee $450, hourly rate for smaller parties $50/hr
Yes – limited to our menu
350
$300-1,200
No
Capacity
Cost
Alcohol Allowed
Outside Alcohol Allowed
Security
Parking Available
Yes
No
We also reserve the right to require that events provide and pay for security for their event. The security company must be approved by the catering coordinator.
We offer valet services or there is the KU Union Parking Lot available for 1.25$/car.
Yes
Wine with meal, no open bar allowed
Yes, limited to wine
No
Off-Street
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Ample and accessible
Not required, but a Stony Point Hall manager is on-site at all times.
Off-street
$1,200-2,400
No
Yes
Yes
Yes, but only to invitation events, without coverage and free alcohol
More than 2,400 in the Georgia Neese Gray Performance Hall with 1,200 on the main floor; capacity in other rooms/ areas varies.
Varies
Yes with preferred caterers
Yes, but with $3 per person charge for using nonpreferred caterer
Yes
No
Yes if alcohol is served; will be provided
Off-street
Entire Facility:200 standing, 110 seated; Community Room: 150 standing, 70 seated; Theater Room: 49 standing, 38 seated
Entire Facility: $70 per hour; Community Room: $30 per hour; Theatre Room: $20 per hour. $70 deposit required for some events.
No
Yes
OK with $25 fee for temporary alcohol permit
Yes
Not required
Off-street
90
Varies
For small parties
Yes
Yes
No
Not required
Off-street
200
Varies
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not required
Off-street
275
Friday, $1,100; Saturday, $1,700; Sunday, $900
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not required
Off-street
299
Sunday, July 29, 2012
11
Facility Directory Restaurants Facility
Pachamama’s
800 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-841-0990 | www.pachamamas.com
Capacity
Cost
Catering Available
Outside Caterers Allowed
Alcohol Allowed
Outside Alcohol Allowed
Security
Parking Available
No, but can be provided for add’l fee
Off-street parking; Metered lots nearby and parking garage
Blue Room 50 guests for seated events.
Varies; inquire at restaurant
Yes
No
Yes
Wine allowed with $15/bottle corkage fee. All other only through Pachamama’s.
150
$50-250
Yes
No
Yes
Wine with $10 per 750 milliliter bottle corkage fee
Not required
Off-street
10-50
Spend minimums that go towards final bill
No
Full service bar and private wine list
Wine only with bottle corkage fee
Not required
Off-street
Alcohol Allowed
Outside Alcohol Allowed
Security
Parking Available
Not for private parties, but for some sorority & fraternity events; available for additional fee
Yes
Paisano's Ristorante
25th & Iowa, Lawrence, KS 66047 785-838-3500 | www.paisanoskansas.com
Teller’s
746Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66047 785-843-4111 | www.746mass.com
Yes
Banquet Halls Facility Alvamar Country Club
1809 Crossgate Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047 785-842-7767 | www.alvamar.com
Brooklyn Hall at Enright Gardens
2351 N. 400 Road, Edgerton, KS 66021 913-893-6842 | www.brooklyn-hall.com
Carnegie Building
200 W. 9th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-832-7920 | www.ci.lawrence.ks.us
Castle Tea Room
1307 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-843-1151 | www.castletearoom.com
Douglas County Fairgrounds
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 785-749-1737 or 785-832-5296 mtdept@douglas-county.com
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Catering Available
Outside Caterers Allowed
10-350 guests
Varies; range is $50-1,500
Yes
For wedding/ birthday cakes only
Yes
May bring wine; corkage fee is applied
300
Varies
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not required but can be provided
Ample
Yes
Allowed with $25 fee for a temporary Alcohol Allowed permit
Yes
Not required
Eight public parking lots in a two block radius of the building
Eight public parking lots.
Yes
Yes, but required to have a designated person responsible for service.
Generally not required; staff person is on-site, but security isn’t primary function
Off-street
No
No
Not required
Off-street
Capacity
Cost
Reception style, 160; classroom style, 125; theater style, 220. Fri: $450 + $100 refundable deposit. Sat: $975 + $100 refundable deposit. Sun Thur: Heritage Room, $40/ hr; East Gallery, $30/hr; Conference Room, $25/hr
No
150 inside the Castle; 175 on Courtyard
Varies
No
Some approved; willing to consider others
Building No. 1, 180; Building No. 2, 180; Building No. 21, 1,000
Varies
No
Yes
Meeting & Event Planner
Banquet Halls Facility
The Eldridge
701 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-749-5011 | www.eldridgehotel.com
Eldridge Extended
201 W. 8th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-749-5011 | www.eldridgehotel.com
Capacity
Cost
The Eldridge offers the perfect setting for Cost varies wedding receptions, family depending on gatherings, conferences the room and and company retreats, day of the week. Our event spaces can accommodate groups of 10-200 guests.
Catering Available
Outside Caterers Allowed
Alcohol Allowed
Outside Alcohol Allowed
Security
Parking Available Off street parking located around the building. Also, we offer valet services.
Catering is available for anything from hors d’ouevres to a plated or buffet meal.
No food or beverages of any kind, with the exception of wedding cakes.
Yes
No
We also reserve the right to require that events provide and pay for security for their event. The security company must be approved by the catering coordinator. We closely with FreeState Security.
100-350
Varies $600-1,850
No
Yes
Yes
No
Varies and can be available through facility
Off-street
600 persons in one ballroom set up with rounds of 10
Varies
Yes
No
Yes, through hotel only
No
At client’s expense
Yes
2206 E. 23rd. St., Lawrence, KS 66046 785-842-2699 | www.council1372.org
400 on each floor
$800 per floor
No
Yes
Yes
No
If needed and is provided for a fee
Off-street
Lawrence Arts Center
Main lobby & gallery: 600. Main theater: 302 . Black Box Theater: 80
Varies
No
Yes
With permission of LAC
Yes
Not required
Garage across street
450
$35-1,300
Yes
No
Yes
No
Not required
Off-street
Main floor, seated: 175. Stage: 50
Mon.-Thurs.: $1,000. Fri. & Sun. $1,400. Sat. $2,000
No
Yes
Yes
No
Not required
Off-street
300-400
Varies according to needs
Yes
No
No
No
Not required nor provided
Off-street
Off-street
Garage across the street
The Granada Theater
1020 Mass. St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-1390 | www.thegranada.com
Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 200 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044
Knights of Columbus Club Association
940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-843-2787 | www.lawrenceartscenter.org
Lawrence Country Club
400 Country Club Terr., Lawrence, Kansas 66049 785-843-2866 | www.lawrencecountryclub.com
Liberty Hall
644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-749-1972 | www.libertyhall.net
Lied Center of Kansas
1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-3469 | www.lied.ku.edu
Maceli’s
1031 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044 www.macelis.com
KU Adam’s Alumni Center
1266 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-9774 | www.kualumni.org
400 Ballroom, 80 Bistro Room
Varies
Yes
Only wedding cakes
Yes
No
Only for fraternity and sorority parties. We hire a local security company and do charge the client.
150-200
$80-1,800
Six approved caterers are available
Only for wedding cakes
Yes
No
Not required
Sunday, July 29, 2012
13
Facility Directory Restaurants Capacity
Cost
Catering Available
Outside Caterers Allowed
Alcohol Allowed
Outside Alcohol Allowed
Security
Parking Available
Private room for 50; whole facility up to 200
Dependent on number of guests and menu
Yes
Yes, if facility is rented
Yes
Yes, if facility is rented
Provided if needed
Yes
Burger Stand at the Casbah: The Beer Hall for 45 people; entire facility, 150. Esquina: 85-95
Varies; inquire at restaurant
Yes
No
Yes
No
Not required; have full staff on duty for events
Off-street at both locations
Burger Stand at the Casbah: The Beer Hall for 45 people; entire facility, 150. Esquina: 85-95
Varies; inquire at restaurant
Yes
No
Yes
No
Not required; have full staff on duty for events
Off-street at both locations
60 in second floor private dining room
$2,000 for Fri. & Sat. night, includes food for 50. No charge (except food) during lunch or Sun.-Thur. dinner
Yes
No
Yes
Only wine, with $12/ per bottle corkage fee
Not required
Off-street
100
Varies
Yes
No
Yes
Varies
Not required, but can be provided
Off-street
10-200
Free if you spend minimum $200-$500
Yes
Yes, but requires room payment of $100-$300
Yes
No
Not required, but we have
Off-street
721 Wakarusa, Ste. 100, Lawrence, KS 66047 785-843-0704 | www.johnnystavern.com
325
Free
Yes
No
Yes
No
Not required
Off-Street
Mariscos Restaurant
Private dining room: 15. semi-private dining room: 15. Top Shelf Bar: 40
Free; reservations requested for large parties
Yes
No
Yes
Wine, with corkage fee
Not required
Off-street
Yes
Wine allowed with $15/bottle corkage fee. All other only through Pachamama’s.
No, but can be provided for add’l fee
Off-street parking; metered lots, parking garage
Facility
Bambinos
1540 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047 785-832-8800 | www.bambinoslawrence.com
The Burger Stand at the Casbah
803 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66047 785-856-0543 | www.burgerstandrestaurants.com
Esquina
801 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS 66047 785-856-1625 | www.esquinalawrence.com
Genovese
914 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-0300 | www.genoveseitalian.com
Ingredient Restaurant
947 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-832-0100 | www.ingredientrestaurant.com
Johnny's Tavern
401 North 2nd St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-0377 | www.johnnystavern.com
Johnny’s Tavern West
4821 W. 6th St., Lawrence, KS 66049 785-312-9057 | www.mariscosrestaurant.com
Alton Ballroom at Pachamama’s
804 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044 785-841-0990 | www.pachamamas.com
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Alton Ballroom 150-200 guests seated.
Meeting & Event Planner
Varies; inquire at restaurant
Yes
No
PARTY PLANNING? CASE DISCOUNTS ON WINE AND SPIRITS
AUGUST WINE SALE
15% OFF Mix and Match
KASOLD & CLINTON PKWY (NEXT TO HY-VEE) 841-8778 Sunday, July 29, 2012
15
Let us host your next event! The Event Space is ideal for: Weddings Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Private Parties Showers Graduations Meetings Corporate Events Lectures Happy Hours Family Reunions Class Reunions Fundraising Events
Gatherings for any Occasion! The W Banquet Hall has rental options for events as small as 50 guests or as large as 275 guests. Your own food & drinks can be brought to W Banquet Hall.
785-764-5343
www.wbanquet.com 704 Connecticut - Lawrence, KS 16
Meeting & Event Planner
D-I-Yor D-I-Don't? Thoughts on when to leave it to the pros.
T
he biggest (mistake) is thinking that if you do something – bring in a cake, cart your own alcohol where possible, handle your own floral order – that you’ll save money. Usually, the opposite is true. Not to mention the hassle and stress a planner will endure in trying to source particulars instead of just asking the venue for assistance. “A lot of people think they can save money by bringing in their own cake,” Bobick Sarraf of Bambino's Italian Restaurant said. “But what if you run out? We know how to plan for how much food you’ll need based on the number of guests you have. We can help you and we can do it better. We pride ourselves on never running out of food.” But the area where most planners make a mistake when they go it alone is in alcohol, the professionals agree. People who are used to buying alcohol in large quantities can easily over or underbuy. Banquet and catering professionals have years of experience that tell them how many drinks most parties of 200
will consume and what percentage of party-goers will drink beer, wine or mixed drinks. If a planner does buy his or her own alcohol, having to go to the store is a minor inconvenience,” Maceli said. “Having too much doesn’t have to be negative if you know that the extras will not go to waste. However, that is money that could be used to hire a professional which can reduce host responsibilities and party-induced stress. “An important thing to keep in mind is alcohol caterers often have minimums but once you reach them, you are only charged for what is consumed. They also take care of other necessary items for bar service such as linens, service ware, ice, cocktail napkins, mixers, garnishes and bartenders.”
At Southern Accent Catering, we like to view food as a presentation. We strive to create individualized menus that let our food convey not only our personality, but the personality of our clients. We combine over 20 years of experience with high quality ingredients and personal service and hospitality. Whether you are celebrating a marriage or you are welcoming the birth of a new child, whether you are discussing an important business deal or you are just gathering great friends for great conversation, it is our utmost pleasure to make sure that you have dined well. Let us help you make your event the most amazing experience ever.
(785) 749-2770 www.southernaccentcatering.com Sunday, July 29, 2012
17
Memories& Mishaps While
every party is perfect in its own way, there are some that stand out – both for good and bad reasons. “This past spring (we) created a strolling Cajun dinner at the Castle Tea Room for a couple at who were recently married in New Orleans,” Maceli said. “Instead of the usual teriyaki chicken skewers, blackened chicken skewers were served. Throughout the event, our staff passed individual servings of scallop ceviche, gumbo, a shrimp and corn salad,
Oops... we forgot the cake.
jambalaya and more. Due to their popularity many of these items have made it onto our regular menu.” At Teller’s, more than one woman has said, “yes,” to a proposal. “For one, the groom-to-be planned a surprise engagement party,” Wilson said. “He had 20 of their friends on the second floor. About halfway up the stairs, he proposed. We’d hidden a photographer as well, so the whole thing was captured on film.” Maceli’s works hard to give its guests exactly what
www.libertyhall.net | 644 Massachusetts | 785-749-1972 18
Meeting & Event Planner
they want in an event by trying to take on the role of a planner from the start to avoid problems. Still, there was the time a few years ago when a wedding party arrived without its DJ. “The DJ had the wrong day on his contract,” Maceli said. “The wedding party simply waited outside until we set up our sound system with their entrance music. They continued to use our system until the DJ arrived. “Later that summer we had a wedding in which the wedding cake was never delivered. After consultation
with the family, the bride’s aunt drove with (our) staff to Dillon’s and purchased a variety of boutique cakes. Staff displayed the desserts on a tiered table. Everyone was thrilled with the presentation and selection and no one was the wiser.” But through it all, the professionals emphasize their desire for party planners and party-goers to have a good time. “Try to design a party where you are able to have fun and enjoy your party,” Maceli said.
Try to design a party where you are able to have fun and enjoy your party.” Spring of 2013 New VFW with banquet facility opening. Let us host your next event. Bartenders included in events - book now for Receptions, Anniversaries, Meetings, Birthday Parties, Showers, Graduations
Planning for a... Party? Wedding? Reunion? • We offer very competitive charter rates! • We have Air-ride, A/C buses available! • Nights, weekends, whenever! CONTACT US TODAY! CALL 1-866-514-TRIP
138 Alabama, Lawrence, KS 66044 843-2078 e-mail vfw_post_852@yahoo.com
1548 E. 23rd St., Ste B Lawrence, KS 66046 785-841-3594 Sunday, July 29, 2012
19
Catering Q&A 10 Questions for Your Caterer
A great caterer will do more than just make good food. He or she will pay great attention to details, making sure the presentation is just right, the food and wine are served at the right temperature, the servers are well-groomed and attentive and that clean-up is efficient and thorough. So how do you make sure the caterer you hire is a great one? By asking the right questions.
Alonzo Beardshear can provide music as a soloist singer/ guitarist, DJ your event to your specications, or provide sound systems/ lighting for your recorded or live music! Alonzo does it all! SERVICES INCLUDE: • DJ • Live Music • Sound System Rental • Lighting Rental Alonzo specializes in weddings, large corporate, and social events. He will work with you well before your event date to understand your preferences and plan just the right music for your celebration. 313 East 17th St. Lawrence, KS 66044 email: AlonzoMB@sbcglobal.net 785.841.6850 - 785.312.1530 www.alonzosmusic.com 20
Meeting & Event Planner
May I have references? Most caterers get their business from word of mouth. Ask for at least 10 former clients and call as many as you can. Ask questions such as: Was the caterer easy to work with? Was the service efficient and nonintrusive? Was the food delicious, and did it arrive hot? Were there any problems that came up and how did the caterer deal with them? Do you have a business license and liability insurance? Caterers should be licensed by the state. Usually licenses are displayed in the office, but if you're not positive, then ask to see it. Make sure you see proof of liability insurance as well. Can we sample from a typical wedding menu? Catering can be a large part of your wedding budget. Make sure you know
what it is you’ll be getting for your money. Take your spouse-to-be and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it’s worth it. May I see photographs of your table displays? Some caterers who provide buffets or food stations include floral arrangements and other decorations. It's also a good idea to discuss your color theme so that decorations and floral arrangements coordinate What does the price per person include? Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chairs, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.? What other fees do you charge? Are tips and taxes included in the price? Some caterers will charge a
cake-cutting fee or corking fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front. Do you handle special menu requests? You may have guests with special menu needs, such as food allergies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these needs. Some couples want to have a special family recipe at the reception – grandma’s meatballs or foods from the family’s ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these kinds of items.
have very little time to eat anything. Attentive caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are finally alone. What are the payment arrangements? You need to find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it’s refundable or not. Ask when the final payment is due and what the caterer’s preferred form of payment is.
Do you offer cakes? Ask if your caterer offers wedding and groom’s cakes, and find out if they are included in the price.
When you finally settle on a caterer, make sure you have a written contract to sign. This guarantees that they will provide the food, timelines and details you discussed. Asking these 10 questions will help you choose the right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebration.
Will you pack us a “doggie bag” for after the reception? Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they
Courtesy of Family Features
Book Your Wedding Reception Now! Two Floors 400+ Guests Each Floor
• • • • •
Bartenders included Safe, convenient parking
Receptions Banquets Private Parties Anniversaries Quinceañeras
Now scheduling events for 2012 & 2013. Call now for availability.
KNIGHTS
OF COLUMBUS IN SERVICE TO ONE, IN SERVICE TO ALL.
2206 E. 23RD St. • Lawrence, KS 66046 • 842-2699
Available in your area for cooking shows, wedding showers, fundraisers, and catalog shows. Contact me today to schedule yours! www.pamperedchef.biz/monadibble Mona Dibble mdibble@sunflower.com 816-797-2687 Sunday, July 29, 2012
21
Advertiser Directory Alonzo Bearshear Alvamar Country Club
5
Avalon Video Services
10
City Of Lawrence-Parks & Rec
22
Columbus Club
21
Eldridge Hotel, LLC.
24
Enright Gardens
19
Fun Services Of KC, LLC
15
Liberty Hall Video
18 3
Owens Flower Shop
10
Pachamama's
10
Pampered Chef/Mona Dibble
21
Parkway Wine & Spirits
15
Party America
7 & 23
Southern Accent Catering
17
Steve's Place
18
Teller's On Mass The Merc Theatre Lawrence
6 15 4
Van Go Mobile Arts, Inc.
20
VFW Post 852
19
W Banquet Hall
16
Weaver's
Meeting & Event Planner
9
First Student
Maceli's
22
20
9
Notes
All you need for a picture perfect day!
5
$
00 OFF
$25 OR MORE WEDDING PURCHASE
Pu t A Pa rt y I n Yo u r L i fe y! u An d L i f e I n Yo r Pa rt
LAWRENCE 1441 W 23rd St • 785-865-3803 14 STORE HOURS: MON-FRI: 9-8 • SAT: 9-6 • SUN: 11-5 MO One coupon per customer per visit. i i C Coupon must b be presented at the time of purchase. Not valid with other coupons or sales. Valid at only 1441 W 23rd St, Lawrence KS Store. COUPON EXPIRES 8/31/12.
Your Locally Owned and Operated Party Headquarters
1441 W 23rd St • Lawrence, KS • 785-865-3803 Sunday, July 29, 2012
23
Terraces
at the oread
Ballrooms Ballroom
Terrace on Fifth & The Nest on Ninth. If breathtaking views of
Hancock
Lawrence and the University of Kansas campus interest you,
receptions,
then you are in for a treat when you visit the 2nd, 5th and
this gorgeous space is over 3,300 square feet. Approximate
9th floor terraces of The Oread. These spectacular outdoor
capacity
spaces can be rented for weddings, receptions and events
Griffith Ballroom The Oread’s second ballroom, is over 4000
of all kinds, and are also open to the public for food and
square feet, and is perfect for large scale events. Approximate ca-
drinks. Hours vary. Please visit theoread.com for more details.
pacity is 270 guests seated and 600 guests for reception style.
large is
240
The
at the oread
perfect
corporate guests
and
events, 550
spot
for
and guests
wedding conferences,
for
receptions.
Crystal Ballroom at the eldridge
Step back in timeless elegance in the Crystal Ballroom. Accommodate up to 150 people and experience the beauty of this special historic hotel.
THE OREAD - 1200 Oread Avenue | Lawrence, KS | 785.843.1200 | theoread.com THE ELDRIDGE - 701 Massachusetts St. | Lawrence, KS | 785.749.5011 | eldridgehotel.com