Food is a HUGE part of the wedding day and finding good food that fits your taste, style and budget is important and difficult. The best thing you can do is use a referral from a planner, family or friend. While reviews are helpful, people have very different taste and different expectations of food so you really should taste food from any company that you work with for your event. Also, never be afraid to ask for changes to the menu if you prefer different flavors or portion sizes. Taste of Excellence has had a consistent presence in the market place for years and they staff some of my VERY favorite people. I really love working with them and thankfully they were kind enough to be interviewed for the blog.
Let me introduce my FAVORITE of favorites with Taste Of Excellence- Taylor Amsden-Winter
Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: The amount of time and manpower it takes to execute an event, from set up to dinner service to breaking down at the end of the night- it takes an army!
Q: How you describe your style and your brand?
A: We’re a completely custom-designed catering service. We use all local and organic products when possible and pride ourselves on keeping up-to-date with current culinary trends.
Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?
A: A big mistake is not sitting down with each vendor before booking them so that as the vendor, we can better understand the client’s vision and get to know them. This helps the client feel more at ease throughout their entire planning process knowing that we can provide the level of service they envision.
Q: What things should a client look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?
A: They should look for a vendor that they can trust is going to deliver what their expectations are the day of the event. Anyone can tell you that they have experience, as a client you have to do your research and trust that your vendor will follow through with what they say.
Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: The same thing we offer all of our clients- exceptional service, creative menu planning and exquisite cuisine based off of their vision for their big day.
Q: What are a few things that clients should review in contracts?
A: Everything- every detail of that contract is imperative to the clients understanding of the product and service that they’re receiving. We require a meeting with our clients a week prior to their event to review the details of their contract so as to insure that no detail is left uncovered.
Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: Communication is key throughout the planning process- it’s our job to help inform and guide our clients throughout their planning.
Q: Who is your ideal client?
A: Someone who likes to eat!
That's some great information from Taste of Excellence and as you can see they believe in the same things that All Events Planned believes in- good service (no matter what your budget), value and hard work.
Check them out here www.taste-food.com
Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com
Behind the Scenes with CLE Music Group- One of my all-time favorite vendors in this industry is CLE Music Group. They consistently have a great staff of people that are amazing to work with and fun to know. I can probably attribute this to their owner, Scott Jones who is a passionate, driven and incredible guy. If you don't know them, you should. If you've never worked with them, contact them now and book them for anything music related. I really, truly love how dedicated everyone is to providing prompt responses, professional musicians and amazing service for everything you do with them.
Interview with the AWESOME- Erin Rossi of CLE Music Group)
Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: This it's too expensive. We can't afford a good DJ or a great live band. Yes you can! Here at CLE Music Group, we strive to have a quality professional act for any buget!
Q: How you describe your style, your personality and/or your brand?
I'm sincere and I take my job seriously, but I have fun with it too. I'm confident in our services here at CLE Music Group and I really aim at getting the client what they want, what they visualize. I am detail oriented. I'm also a performer (She's an amazing vocalist here- The Element) so I understand both sides of the business. I've been a client, a bride, and I am empathetic with my clients. I understand how stressful it is to find the right vendor, especially in regards to the music. Overall, I strive to decrease my clients stress level!
Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their band/DJ?
A: Unfortunately, most clients pick a vendor soley based on cost. We understand that everyone has a budget, and here at CLE Music Group we do everything we can to work within that budget. This is your wedding, let's help you get it right. Think twice before hiring a family friend who dabbles in DJing or the friend of a friends husbands band who plays a local bar a few times a year. The music is one of the most important pieces to having an awesome wedding, do it right.
Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?
A: Research how much experience a vendor has in their particular field. For example, CLE Music Group has over 20 years experience providing entertainment services for weddings. Look up wedding websites and the vendor website to review client comments. Ask your friends or family who they used (well...only if you liked their wedding!). When the customer is talking with the vendor they should ask themselves: Am I comfortable with the representative? Do I have a sense of trust when I'm interacting with them? Are they answering my questions?
Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?
A: A bride should save her anxiety and nerves when working with CLE Music Group. We pride our self in customer service. We also understand that for most brides, this is the very first time ever hiring a DJ or a Band. It can be very overwhelming and they don't know where to start. Our goal is to set their mind at ease! We do this ever day and we understand how important your wedding is. Let us help you!
Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: If your budget allows it, get a live band! It's the best! There's so much energy and it's something your guests will always remember.
Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: My first question would be, "What do you envision?" CLE Music Group would offer ideas once we have a good grasp on what the bride and groom want. We customize our services to the clients wants and needs. If it's a service we don't offer and the client wants it, we'll get it for them!
What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts? Double check the total cost, does it match what you and the representative talked about? Know how much of the deposit needed to secure your service and when it's due. How much is the balance and when that's due? How long is the contract valid for? A tip: I would not wait 10-days to book the contract. If you really want this service for your wedding, just book it and check it off your list to do, this is one more thing completed for your Big Day!
Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: Please trust me and my recommendations. I've been doing this a long time both on the business end and in performing. Be honest with me, do you like the recommendations I offered? Is this in your budget? The only way I can work with you is if you let me help me.
Q: Who is your ideal client?
A: Ideally, a client who calls me and says I want XYZ, send me a contract. That's easy right? There is not much work that I need to do. But seriously, I love working with everyone. It's fun to work with different personalities, different requests. Some clients are more challenging than others, but as long as we have open communication, I think that's best for the vendor and the client. If I'm not told what the expectation is, then I can't help you fully. Please be open with me so I can help you the best way I know how.
See, she's awesome. You can tell from her answers and she truly is this great, grounded person who wants the best for you. Everyone at CLE Music Group is the same way!
Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com
We are back with a great behind the scenes interview with the husband and wife team of One Red Door Photography. If you've never met Dustin & Melissa, or never watched their LIVE Facebook videos, you are missing out on some fun. Together they make a friendly, fun and laid back team that is able to capture some candid, adorable and memorable moments from your wedding day.
Q: How you describe your style, your personality and/or your brand?
A: Our style is very "in the moment", while we may suggest a shooting location, we don't create fake situations. We love to photograph happy couples who get us. We are a creative husband and wife photog team and constantly learning and perfecting our craft.
Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?
A: Not doing enough research and educating themselves to learn the market and make the most appropriate decision for them and their budget.
Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?
A: I love when a couple chooses us. It means they have done research on what is the best fit, and not only did they like our work, but they connect with us.
Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?
A: I love when our couples hire a great wedding team. The wedding coordination is a must, photography too. From there, they should have a priority list. Maybe they don't care what their venue looks like but they want an overflow of flowers. Or maybe they are dreaming of a videographer but the food doesn't matter. In other words, I think working together on a priority list and a budget with a break down of each percentage is most important.
Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: Hair, makeup and a FAB outfit for the engagement session. Also hair & makeup for the wedding day. I also feel even if they can't afford a wedding planner to try and save some budget for a day of coordinator. A lot of what a coordinator does, falls on our shoulders the day of.
Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: Out of town engagement session!!! Something fantastic. 
Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts?
A: EVERYTHING. Also make sure they have one.
Q: Who is your ideal client?
A: Our ideal client is a bride who appreciates photography but trusts us and works together for the end result. They are laid back, they love to laugh, have fun with each other and are so excited to get married. They will have either a rustic wedding or something at a unique / classic venue. Their colors will be soft with metallic accents and family heirlooms.
Thanks!
A great interview with a great pair of people. Check out their work here at One Red Door Photography.
Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com
