BRIDAL GUIDE 5
Thursday, February 25, 2016
S
Choosing a caterer starts with a vision
By TAMMY WELLS Senior Staff Writer
o you’re engaged, and have set the wedding date. But what sort of wedding do you want to have? Traditional, formal or more relaxed? Would you enjoy a Maine lobster bake? A reception with a hoe-down theme? How about a 1920s-retro event? It all comes down to planning ahead, figuring out your vision, and choosing a caterer and event planner. That’s the word from Reuben Bell of Blue Elephant Events and Catering in Saco and Gina Sawtelle of Above and Beyond Catering at the Town Club in Sanford. Both have years of experience helping folks plan a perfect wedding – one that take the stress off the happy couple. • Photography, From Page 4
(Caron works with his wife; McKenney with his sister-inlaw), and this is something they strongly recommend couples look for in a photographer. “It’s really tough to capture everything going on at a wedding with one person,” McKenney said. Having a second photographer also allows as much attention to be given to the groom as to the bride, said Caron. Couples should hold what’s known as an “unplugged wedding,” they said. While it has nothing to do with the photographers themselves, unplugged weddings are weddings in which guests are asked to refrain from using electronic devices such as cell phones and cameras. Not only does this allow guests to fully experience the wedding, it allows the photographers to do their jobs without the distraction of a crowd of guests gunning for the best Instagram shot. “I wish 100 percent of people would go unplugged,” McKenney said.
From the food to the decor, a wedding caterer can help take the stress out of planning the big day.
COURTESY BLUE ELEPHANT CATERING/ KATE AND KEITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Perhaps the first task, said Bell, is calling a caterer early on. He suggested 12 to even 18 months before the event, “to give yourself some room.” “If you start early, you have more options,” said Bell. Couples want to make sure the caterer they choose is available for their special day. Sawtelle puts it a little differently. “We can do it in 11⁄2 years or three weeks,” she said, depending on her company’s availability.
Bell urged couples to think about what they want the caterer to do. Some provide just the food, while others such as Blue Elephant and Above and Beyond also do event planning, recommend venues, help with the decor and more. Sawtelle said it’s important that couples find a caterer and event planner that listens to their vision. “You want to fulfill their vision,” she said, “whether its a laid-back family barbecue or a winter wonderland.”
Did a nyone say
Weddin g Ca ke?
llow, Chocolate, e Ye v a h We Marble & Champagne!
Our Cakes Serve 25-200! Delivery & Setup
Reilly’s Bakery Since 1910 Open M W F 6-5, Th 6-6, Sat 6-1
283-3731 • 232 Main Street, Downtown Biddeford
Both Blue Elephant and Above and Beyond offer venues as part of a catering package, if that is what the couple wants. Bell said cocktail receptions are increasingly popular these days, as are family-style dining services and lobster bakes. Sawtelle said barn weddings have been a big hit over the past few years. Food can range from ethnic choices to that Maine lobster bake or something much more formal.
Caters and event planners can do it all– from venue to flowers and cake – or they can just a part of the wedding experience. And while it may be uncomfortable to talk about, budget is an important factor to discuss, said Bell. “Its realistic to look at your budget and decide how much to put into the wedding,” he said. — Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@ journaltribune.com.
Bridal Flawless
Beauty Get ready for your close-up with picture-perfect hair and makeup. Let us come to you - at your choice of location. Together we can bring out your natural elegant and sophisticated look.
Call today for a bridal consultation.
2Q WKH *R +DLU 'HVLJQV
Available for York and Cumberland counties.
283-1050 • 243 Main Street • Saco