Despite Everything Couples Still Want A Big Wedding – Tony Arens

We’ve noticed that we get more short term requests to provide catering for weddings. Now this means that  either couples are deciding to get married later  or decisions are being delayed. And we think the latter because it’s not so easy for some to know if the finances are available. Which is very understandable given the economic problems of the last few years.

Nonetheless what we are finding is that couples still want to have a great day. The requests and appointments show us that the Bride and Groom want to celebrate with as many of their family and friends as they can.

We try to help here as much as possible by looking at the alternatives. And we admit to a little bit of special pricing and value offers to help.

But what we see as caterers, and what it drives home is, that Weddings are important. And the marriage celebration is as important as always. Every generation has a real desire to get their marriage off to a wonderful start. Because each couple wants to have a great marriage and commit to a life long partner.

There may be less weddings year on year. But those who still go through the process want to make it all work and have a wonderful celebration. Our part is to make that happen.

Tags: event catering, london catering services, wedding catering

Wedding Fair High Elms Manor, Garston, February 26th

We will be at High Elms Manor, Garston, Hertfordshire, on Sunday February 26th, for their wonderful wedding fair.

Visitors to the Fair will be able to see what a wonderful venue and setting High Elms Manor has become. They will see a variety of offers on dresses, honeymoons, photography, and so much more.

And of course if you’re coming along you will meet us and get to taste some of the many samples we have prepared. It will all be delicious.

 

Not just a set menu, but you’re choice – Sam’s Log

At Heriot’s we’ve been busy putting together some packages to help our clients. So new menus, wine packages, and some very specific wedding deals are all designed to take the strain off and ease the cost.

Of course we never want to lose sight of the client needs and the fact that some clients want to do their own thing.

This was the case when we did our last Christmas function of 2011 on Sunday December, 18. Naturally with Christmas just one week away the team was high with the festive spirit.

The event was a Christmas “soireé” for close friends and family so about 40 guests.  It was a simple spread of a festive finger buffet of turkey
and cranberry sandwiches and warming minces pies.

At this particular event the client wanted to supply the white wine and sprits. However we were asked to supply the soft drinks and beers. This we did. At the function we served the wine – but did not charge “corkage” for this service.

Heriot’s approach is always to  make every function specfic to your needs and provide an event  where the client can pick and choose.

This way our clients see that they can trust us to make the event they want, and not be tied into something that is set and inflexible.

We can call  that our client-friendly approach. Or, how to have a good time at our events.

Tags: event catering, london catering services, private party catering

Wedding Day Is Getting Closer – Are You Ready?

There’s one thing about time, it stops for no one. And the Big Day may have seen the planning start 12 months before. But now the time is fast approaching.

It may seem a little unusual but as Wedding Caterers we can, and do, become actively involved in the wedding planning. Especially planning for the day itself. As this is not an everyday event there are many points to take account of.

And drilling down again, the order of the reception is something which many do not think about – until late.

One of our “assists” is to give our Wedding clients an Event Planning Schedule for the day. And a separate order for the Reception. What happens when – which speeches come first and so on.

We find most couples who are are first timers do appreciate it. It saves some extra brain ache, and helps the day go smoothly.

Tags: event catering, london catering services, wedding catering

London Caterers – International Readership

We discovered a few days ago that our international reputation was growing.

As London Caterers our activity is restricted to London and the South East of England. But we did share our recipe on “How To Bake A Cake” on this very blog.

And to our surprise we received an email all the way from Australia, asking for a little clarification on one of the quantities. Naturally we helped out, with Jane contacting the enquirer and providing the necessary information.

It’s nice to think that someone is baking their wedding cake using our recipe.
Link. And we hope the cake turns out well and the Bride and Groom  have a wonderful Wedding Day.

Just goes to show how international the web is.

And talking of Wedding Cakes, if you don’t want to go to the trouble of making your own, our own “portfolio of cakes” can be seen on the website. Where you may note that we have provided some “budget friendly” options in a range of new wedding cakes.

A Great Idea For A Wedding Venue – But Was It Wise

In the UK weddings tend to take place in a more traditional setting. The ceremony in the church with the reception, or breakfast, taking place in a solid venue. The venue could be hotel, marquee, converted barn, or local village hall. Perhaps even your own home.

And it’s been our experience and privilege to work with so many fine venues.

However we do find that in the US there are more radical and adventurous ideas about where to stage their wedding. Single venues provide both ceremony and reception area. And the settings can be quite dramatic, especially with some glorious sunshine.

However it has come to our attention that you need to exercise caution when choosing your venue. The place and setting may be wonderful, but the unexpected can occur.

As the little video clip shows below what seems ideal can become a catastrophe. Of course, this does illustrate an unforeseen  problem with the “Best Man”. We know of him for: forgetting the ring, making an embarrassing speech; and organising outrageous stag parties.

Usually, the Best Man avoids creating too much havoc on the day. But, if you hold your ceremony beside a swimming pool, you could be asking for trouble.

Thanks to YouTube.com and its contributors for sharing this “very real” moment.

Tags: event catering, london catering services, wedding catering, wedding venues

Do We Do Drinks? Yes We Do! – Tony Arens

We are often asked if we will provide the drinks for an event. Our answer is of course. We’ve done it for many years and have customer references which praise the quality of our wines.

We really do have a full list of wines to choose from in our wine cellar.

We do appreciate that there are many places to source the wines for your event. A trip to France or a visit to several websites could suffice.

And if you do decide to bring your own wines to your wedding reception or other catered event we will serve these for you during the main dinner. We have had for several years now a “No Corkage Charge”.

However what we find that is that many clients ask for our wines, because they are good quality, nicely priced, and the sheer convenience of it.

When we are serving wines and champagnes we ensure they are served at the right temperatures. As our clients appreciate, champagne and white wine are so much better when nicely chilled.

At the same time we had a think about how we could make it even easier for our clients. And the conclusion we reached was: discounted packages for main events.

We probably had wedding receptions in mind, given the protocol most brides and grooms prefer to follow. Welcome drinks, wine with the meal, (and some mineral water for the tables), and the final glass for the speeches and toasts.

But where this would apply to any event which is formal or you want a little bit extra.

These new packages can be found under our Wine Cellar on the main website.

Our only word of caution: there’s a lot of alcohol involved, so please ensure your guests are ready and able to drink it all!

Tags: catering for banquets, event catering, london catering services, private party catering, supply of wines, wedding catering, wines