Venue tips: the quality of service

The idea of writing this next tip was generated by the attendance to a breakfast networking event.

The venue was absolutely gorgeous, the surroundings breathtaking. To be honest, I also enjoyed the breakfast served. However, on the way back, the friend accompanying me confessed that she was really disappointed with the service. She is a vegetarian, and by the time she was served, all the others had already finished their breakfast.

Certainly, you want to make sure you find the ideal location for your big day. However, you should also pay attention to the details of the service provided on the wedding day. Whether the catering is provided by the venue or by an external catering company, do make sure you discuss how the service will be provided, not only the menu or how beautiful the area is.

Here are some tips:

• ask where the food is prepared and how long it takes to be brought at the table. This is most important if you're serving hot food. You do not want the dishes to arrive cold at your guests' table. Having to carry the dishes through long corridors until they reach the guests won't help too much.
  
• ask how many waiting staff they will hire for the day. The number of your guests will influence the number of waiting staff needed. Five waiting staff will under no circumstance be sufficient for a 100-guest function. Another important factor is the type of meals you decide to go for. A buffet will undoubtly require less staff than a seated meal.
  
• think also of the possible dietary requirements your guests have. If you have any vegetarian guests, like my friend was, how will they be served? Will they be served after all the others have been? When will their meal be prepared: the same time as the normal menu or after everything else is finished?

Paying attention to these small details will allow your guests enjoy the day as much as you do :)

Happy planning,
Alina :)