Considering An At-Home Wedding? Main Street Fine Catering Recommends A Pre-Wedding Checklist

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Rocky Hill, NJ  — With 20 years of experience catering weddings, Teri Lands, Director of Sales and Catering at Main Street Fine Catering http://www.MainStreetPrinceton.com has acquired a deep knowledge and wealth of experience in the industry.  As a full-service caterer and event provider, Main Street Fine Catering's services have evolved from providing exceptional cuisine for weddings — as well as other social and corporate events — to planning and orchestrating every aspect of the event.

"Over the years we have learned that it is not only in our best interest, but in the bride's as well for Main Street to oversee all of the logistics for the event," notes Ms. Lands. "If we can ensure that all of the nuts and bolts are there on the day of the wedding, then there are no unfortunate surprises for anyone involved."

And with wedding season upon us, one trend which Ms. Lands is now seeing is brides who want to host their wedding either at home or a unique venue that is not a traditional banquet facility.

"Very often the mother of the bride or the groom prefers that the wedding take place at the family home.  And while this is a great idea for those who want an intimate, sentimental ambiance for their wedding, many don't fully consider the extent of planning and resources required to make such an event proceed smoothly," adds Ms. Lands.  She notes that there are just so many moving parts that most people planning a wedding for the first time simply don't think about.

For brides who are considering an at-home wedding — or at a venue that is not a typical reception facility — Ms. Lands recommends a pre-wedding checklist for both the bride and groom and the homeowner's family as well as for the venue itself:

1) Do you have the ability to envision the perfect end result? In planning, you are afforded the unique opportunity to create a very particular and special experience, but practically, it requires a lot of work, planning, and money since everything needs to be brought in, including the silverware, glassware, tables, chairs, linens, refrigeration truck, etc.

2) Is there ample parking close by for the number of guests who will be in attendance?
Will one tent or more be required?  What's the most effective way to utilize the space in your yard?

3) Can the home or venue's kitchen accommodate the catering team and their needs or will a kitchen tent be required?  If so, is there adequate room to place an additional tent as well?

4) What is the most effective way to provide restrooms and facilities for guests? Depending upon whether your house utilizes a sewer or septic system you may need to rent "Celebrity Johns" or trailers with restrooms.

5) Will there be enough power to accommodate everything (kitchen, entertainment, etc.)?  Or will you need a generator? And once again, how can your house (yard, driveway, garage) best accommodate all of these elements?

6) Be aware that many staff members and vendors will need to have access to your home in the days leading up to your event.  There will be many necessary deliveries and appointments.  Will you be available to allow this to happen smoothly?

7) Be mindful of the very different costs and pricing structure involved with hosting an event at your home versus renting a traditionally equipped venue.

8) Will your local township permit an event of this type in your neighborhood and what kinds of permits will be required?

One of the key benefits of an at-home wedding is that you can prioritize how to spend your money.  "Some people prefer to focus on the food while others are all about the look and want the finest in chairs, linens, flowers, etc., and will therefore substitute Prosecco instead of champagne for the toast," notes Ms. Lands.  She also adds that a big trend in at-home weddings is the ability to serve more casual food geared to the personal tastes of the bridal couple whether it be brisket, seafood kebabs, or a favorite family dish.

ABOUT MAIN STREET FINE CATERING
Main Street Fine Catering is a state-of-the-art full-service caterer and event provider located in the greater Princeton, NJ area.  It is a division of Main Street, an independent family-owned and operated company originally opened by Sue Simpkins in 1984, which now encompasses Main Street's Kingston Eatery and Bakery (retail carry-out), Main Street's Euro American Bistro & Bar (full-service dining in Princeton), and Main Street Fine Catering (off premise).  Main Street Fine Catering serves both social and corporate clients from New York to Philadelphia from its dedicated 6,000 square foot commissary hub.  The company's chef de cuisine and pastry chef — along with their talented culinary team — have produced classic and contemporary menus for everyone from U.S. presidents and national celebrities to local area residents.

For additional information on Main Street Fine Catering, call 609-921-2777, ext. 2 or visit http://www.MainStreetPrinceton.com.

Photography Credit:  Gabe Csapo Photography