throw an impressive event is to look at the areas where they can organize some details themselves to help shave off addi- tional fees. “When working with a budget, we provide resources to our planners who can purchase direct on some auxil- iary services or items to enhance the guest experience.”
More Indulgent Options
For those groups not as constrained by budget and who are looking to “knock it out of the park,”these expert caterers also happily offer suggestions on how to truly step events up a notch.
“Action Stations! I absolutely love the events that want a giant wow factor,” says Britanny Rastelli. “The live interac- tion between a chef creating a pasta dish in a Parmesan Reggiano wheel for guests is so much more exciting than a chaffing dish filled with pasta. A carving station
with a beautiful roasted Prime Rib being sliced never goes out of style. A fresh seafood bar with an attendant pan sear- ing scallops and lobster tails is mouthwa- tering. People eat with their eyes first, so to see the food come alive through the passion of the chef as they cook is magi- cal.”
At Drexelbrook Catering, Domenick Savino discusses how,with a less restrict- ed budget, their team can work with a client from start to finish in cultivating all of the extra details to really “wow” their guests.
“When budgets aren’t limited,we look to provide a total guest experience - from concept to completion, beginning with invitations, social media marketing and menu planning,” says Savino. “We would advise our planners to welcome guests with a ‘wow’ factor that includes hors d’oeuvres pairings, roving stations,
served dinner with wine pairing, and a spectacular ‘sweet endings’ experience. Lighting,music, uniform changes by staff, and a food truck outside the exit all add to a wonderful event.”
Robert Ryan Catering has some great ideas, too,when it comes to truly impress- ing groupswhere planners have an ample budget and want to kick things into“high gear.” According to Michelle Durinzi, “We like to play with the design elements like specialty lighting and soft seating, as well as entertainment like a DJ, band or performance.”
Durinzi adds that tantalizing signature cocktails are always a hit, but what they really love to show off for big budget events are performance food stations. “Food stations are huge and fun. We have lots of food stations that we can do with a chef offering a show for attendees, with specialty lighting and seating options.”
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 29
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