Last updated 6 months ago
When it comes to wedding expenses, the catering typically eats up around 50 per cent of most wedding budgets, so it pays to choose your caterer carefully. Here are some useful tips for selecting a wedding reception caterer and getting a fabulous spread to fit your budget.
Sample the Menu
Organise a tasting of the wedding menu beforehand. Not only will you be able to sample the flavours, you’ll get a firsthand preview of the presentation to make sure it is to your liking.
View the Wares
If your caterer provides their own dinnerware, ask to see some items to gauge the quality. This will also help you visualise how the dinnerware will match the rest of your wedding décor. For example, if you’re hosting a formal, waterfront wedding, you may want specific tablecloths, silverware and glasses that match a formal wedding theme.
Ask About Service Ratios
Service is critical, so check the ratio of servers to guests. This will depend on what kind of reception you’re having, but a good industry standard is one server to 10 guests.
Check References
It’s a formality people too often ignore, but be sure to call your caterer’s references. Aim to speak to at least two references to get an honest appraisal of the food and service.
Review the Fine Print
Clarify all charges that will be included in the overall price. Some caterers add a service fee; others may quote on a minimum number of guests (and surprise you with an additional fee if numbers are under this).
Waterfront Wedding Reception Sydney
Finding the right caterer is a fundamental step to planning a beautiful and memorable wedding. For some inspirational waterfront wedding ideas, visit Sydney’s Waterfront Function Centre or call (02) 9529 7276 for more information.
Last updated 6 months ago
Thank your guests and add a personal touch to your wedding with the sweetest of gifts – the bomboniere. If you’re thinking beyond the traditional sugared almonds, here are some tips for picking a bomboniere that is right for your wedding reception:
Personalised Touch
Bomboniere can be great conversation starters at tables, so have a bit of fun with your favours. For the perfect tie-in, consider a gift that relates to your wedding theme or colours. For example, waterfront weddings could offer up some playful bride and groom rubber ducks. Or for a garden wedding, a flower bulb wrapped in ribbon is a beautiful and enduring gift. For a more heartfelt gesture, give a photograph of you and your partner in a special frame or quirky fridge magnet.
Presentation
It’s all in the delivery, so have a think about how you can best present your bomboniere. Add a twist to that familiar favourite, the candle, by attaching hand printed labels to the jar, and asking your guests to light their candle during a night-time reception. Tradition has always had the bomboniere stacked neatly by the exit, but what about stacking mini wine bottles in rustic barrels by the door? Or go for double duty favours by giving bubble blowers or sparklers that guests can use during the reception.
Working a bomboniere into the table décor is also popular, like an engraved spoon tied in grosgrain ribbon, or a cheeky mini deck of personalised playing cards to play at the table.
Whichever bomboniere you choose, make it a personal gesture that your guests will remember. If you’re looking out for the perfect waterfront wedding venue for your special day, take a look at The Waterfront Function Centre in Sydney or call (02) 9529 7276 for more information.
Last updated 6 months ago
Name: Dan Smith
Position / Job Title: Bar Tender and Cellar
Responsibilities: Attending to patrons in all areas of the club, helping out in the gaming section. My cellar duties are looking after deliveries and also restocking all the bar within the club. Within the functions I look after all guests as well as pay special attention to the bridal table.
How long have you worked at St George Motor Boat Club: 8 months.
Favorite other member of staff: Cameron.
Do you have a favorite type of function: 21st Birthdays.
What made you join the team here at the club: I had My RSA and I was looking at part time casual job while I am studying at UNI.
How did you hear about us? A family member recommended the club to me.
What has been the most challenging thing that you have had to learn so far since you have been working here at the club? Pokies maintenance as well as servicing.
Do you live locally: Yes I live in Cronulla
What are your interests / Hobbies: Rugby league, hanging with mates as well as Sunday sessions.
Interesting fact about you? I have never been overseas.
Are you currently studying at the moment? Yes, Occupational therapy at the University of Western Sydney.
Last updated 6 months ago
Planning a corporate function in Sydney? As well as choosing a professional venue for your next promotional event, here are some great marketing ideas to increase the number of attendees.
Develop Your Email List
Expanding and maintaining your email list of contacts is essential. Emailing is not only free but a highly effective method of marketing for your next business event. Include links back to your website and encourage visitors to subscribe to your email newsletter. You can even include a ‘Share this Email with a Friend’ option to reach new potential clients.
Social Media
Ensure you have a business Facebook profile then create an event for your next corporate function. Include a link to the function venue so invited guests can see the location for themselves. Also include a link from Facebook to your business website and vice versa. Consider offering incentives for new fans to your page, or for people who ‘check in’ to the function and venue on their personal profile. Engage Linked In and Twitter mentions for further social media reach.
Promotional Coupons
Offer promotional coupons for a registration discount to encourage individuals who are money-tight or unfamiliar with your business.
Early-Bird Registration
A great way to lock in attendees long before the event is to offer an early-bird registration discount. Not only will people take up the savings on offer, but you’ll get an idea of initial numbers, which will make organising the event itself much easier and cost-effective.
Partnerships
Research other organisations (that aren’t competitors) with a similar target audience to you. Contact them to discuss the possibility of a free promotion that might benefit them, or offer an exchange of promotions so you both get the benefits.
A waterfront venue with both indoor and outdoor facilities will be the ideal solution when faced with unexpected bad weather. Contact the Waterfront Function Centre (02) 9529 7276 to find out about the different event spaces they have on offer.
Last updated 9 months ago
Finding The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress
Finding the perfect style for your bridal party is an important part of planning your wedding. With so many colours, styles, fabrics and accessories to choose from, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by it all. Choosing bridesmaid dresses should be fun, so watch this video for tips
Choose A Skirt
Who says your bridesmaids have to wear a dress? A bridesmaid skirt can be just as elegant and beautiful when teamed with the perfect top. Add a glam necklace or accessories for a unique bridesmaid style.
Tea-Length Gowns
Not only are tea-length gowns fashionable, but they’re also flattering for all shapes and sizes. A natural waist and an A-line cut is easy to fit, and will probably require less fittings and alterations than a fitted outfit.
Stylish Colours
Choose a colour that your bridesmaids can easily wear again and won’t date. While black is the obvious choice, a stylish shade such as navy is a great way to incorporate colour and also give your bridesmaids a versatile dress.
Pockets
Pockets are a great way to add volume without making the dress or skirt look bulky. Pockets are also a great way to tone down any style, and make your bridesmaids look more casual.
Asymmetrical Necklines
Get away from the usual two-strap or strapless dress styles. Try something more fun and unique with asymmetrical necklines and one-strapped dresses.
Merlo
Consider incorporating this deep, beautiful colour into your bridesmaid dresses. It suits a variety of dress styles, looks good on all skin tones, and is a versatile hue that can be worn again.
If you’re still at the wedding planning stage and are searching for a waterfront wedding reception venue in Sydney, call the Waterfront Function Centre on (02) 9529 7276 to find out more about the facilities available.
