A resource offering of ONAC KM
Catering Options
Food & Beverage Catering
Food and drink, or lack thereof can make or break your event as far as your attendee's are concerned, especially if you'r entangling them during a "meal-time" hour whether breakfast lunch Or dinner. That's why finding a great caterer and planning out the meal offering is so important. From tasty appetizers to a decadent main meal, guests often look forward to the food at special events almost More than on the event itself, and you want them raving about your meal for days after the party is over to those who didn't get to attend, right.
Learn about the catering options available for your event and determine which venue best suits your fancy. Casual and semi-formal events often times utilize buffet style settings while casual event meals include pot-luck whereas formal events more often than not are generally personally catered to your guests. Depending on your event's location, space, number of guests and so forth, you may have certain restrictions. Also too, you Should consider your guests allergies to certain foods when planning your menu as well as other medical considerations such as diabetics, those suffering from clogged arteries, heart disease, etc. as applicable to your guests individual needs.
Also, some caterers specialize in certain events such as wedding caterers for example whom focus Only on weddings, respectively, while others will happily cater all types of event venues. These are all things to consider when searching for catering companies.
The key to finding a great catering service is to Always taste the food and see how it will be presented. Between your initial consultation and your party, make sure you try the dishes for yourself. You may review the catering menu several times before deciding your final meal but the extra effort will be worth it.
Whether it’s a relaxing summer barbecue, a fancy holiday party, a workshop or conference, a wedding or graduation or whatever event type in between, your Personal coordinator will be sure to find the perfect catering service to meet your events needs. Mobile catering has also become a popular trend for public events and even weddings. Depending on the style, theme and location of your event, hiring a mobile caterer may make sense. With so many mobile caterers to choose from today, you’ll be sure to find one offering the perfect cuisine for your party or event.
Generally, it's the caterers that typically take care of the set-up, serving and clean-up so that you don’t have to worry about anything, but, you might want to be sure to discuss and Confirm such specifically including all the details like timing, delivery, their effort, and payment ahead of time, so that everything goes smoothly the day of your event.
Rental Factors...
When people think of having to "Rent" something to put on an event, logically they think space and that's about all, when in reality, so Many things will need to be rented if not out-right purchased. There's a lot that goes into planning a party and party rentals are often critical to planning your event. From table and chair rentals to linens and party tents to lighting and dance floors, find vendors who can provide everything you need. You can even rent a photo booth or cotton candy machine for your child's next birthday party!
Staffing
While your party certainly cannot happen without you, there are some other notable people that are necessary for most events. Planning your nuptials? Don't forget about the justice of the peace or a wedding officiant for your wedding.
If your party location does not include servers, you'll need to hire wait staff and bartenders. This is also a nice option if you're hosting a formal event at your house. Many couples opt to have their engagement party or rehearsal dinner at home to save money. Make the event more elegant by hiring a few waiters and a bartender.
Additional event staffing & service providers you may need to contract with include security and valet parking. Security is a necessity for high profile events or events where money is involved, such as a charity fundraiser or gala event. Hiring a parking attendant is essential in areas where parking is tight such as big cities.
House cleaning services are ideal for cleanup after at-home events. A cleaning company takes care of turning the mess into the home you once recognized. Once the cleaning service is done, you won't even know you hosted a party and you'll be counting down the days until your next big bash.
The great thing about event staffing companies is that they can often fulfill all of your event staffing needs. An expert event staffing company can help you identify your needs based on the number of guests, venue, and event type.
Bakeries
One of the most fun things about planning any party is choosing the dessert! Bakers and cake decorators make the most extraordinary cakes that they are practically works of art. With several tiers, ornate flowers, and funky shapes, custom cakes have become a main focus of the party.
From birthday cakes to wedding cakes to baby shower cakes and everything in between, the possibilities are endless. Just share your wedding cake ideas with your bakery and they can bring your vision to life. Nothing in mind? No problem. Browse through wedding cake pictures to see what they've designed in the past, which might help give you some much-needed inspiration.
Likewise share your birthday cake ideas with the baker to make sure your birthday cake is exactly what you want for your party. After all, you are the guest of honor. Or maybe you're planning a kid's party? Kids cakes have come along way since the standard sheet cake. Work the birthday party theme into the kids birthday cake design or buy a specialty cake for the special occasion.
If a fantasy cake doesn't float your boat, bakers and pastry chefs have a number of other desserts to sweeten your special day. Cupcakes and pastries, in addition to cake, can be customized with frosting, colors, and decorations. Search bakers and pastry chefs in your area to find one that can make a custom dessert for your special event. Don't forget to visit their shop for a taste test "“ that's the best part!
Flowers
Flowers make any occasion even more beautiful. Whether you want roses as a centerpiece for an anniversary party or hydrangeas as the flower arrangement at a baby shower, a great florist will guide you through your options and find that magic combination of flowers to make the perfect arrangement.
Share your initial ideas with the expert at the flower shop then let them help you build a custom floral arrangement or flower bouquet that will really impress your guests. Whether you want towering flower arrangements, or small, low centerpieces, you can find flowers for almost every color scheme to evoke a casual elegance or a modern vibe. Some flowers are more traditional while others are more popular. It's no wonder the personality of the host often comes out in the flower bouquets.
Flowers are a great accent for formal events like weddings and anniversaries but are also a nice touch at corporate events, galas, and banquets. Florists can also outfit your wedding party with boutonnieres and corsages for your special day. Know that wedding flower arrangements, bouquets, and flower girl baskets will vary in price depending on what's in season. Your personal coordinator can guide you if you have any questions, but here is a short list of Some of the flower options you Might wish to consider for your event:
Balloons
Balloons transform an event space unlike any other type of décor. A strategically placed balloon arch works well both indoors and outdoors. Ideal over a head table or entrance, balloon arches can combine any number of colors in a variety of patterns and sizes. Other types of popular balloon arrangements include a balloon bouquet and balloon flower.
Party balloons make terrific centerpieces and can turn a dull event space into a magical fantasy of color and movement. Balloon centerpieces are fun for events because guests can often take them home at the end of the party. A nice centerpiece might include a combination of helium balloons with mylar balloons that go with the party theme.
A balloon artist can help you decorate for many types of events from more formal events such as weddings and bar mitzvahs to casual events like birthday parties and graduation parties. With the flexibility to choose specific colors and specialty balloons, balloon arrangements can range from the simple to the ornate and will undoubtedly add elegance to your event.
Check out the websites of the balloon vendors in your area to get an idea of balloon art that they create. Once you've found a balloon vendor in your area, they will likely have you in for a consultation during which you can tell them what you need in terms of quantity, colors, and timing. Also specify if you need birthday balloons or another type of specialty balloon.
Transpo & Limos
Who doesn't want to arrive to their party in style? You might not realize it but there are many types of transportation available for special events.
Limos are the most popular form of special event transportation. However, many limo companies provide varying types of limos for your event needs. Limos are available in different sizes from town car to stretch limo to Hummer limos. You can even rent an old-fashioned Rolls Royce from a limo company to make a classic and sophisticated entrance.
Depending on the type of event and the location, you may decide to provide rides for the entire party. For events that have a high percentage of out of town guests, the host will often hire a party bus or arrange some other bus rental from the hotel to the reception location. This is great for guests because they don't have to worry about getting directions and no one has to worry about drinking and driving. Talk to your local limo service to find out what types of transportation options they offer for large groups.
Consider your limousine needs and search transportation vendors in our extensive database. You'll find listings for bus rentals, car services, limo services, and other transportation providers. Most limo companies are available to provide high-end transportation during the day and at night so whether you're having a daytime party or an evening soiree, you'll be covered.
Formal Attire
From tuxedos to formal wear to wedding gowns, you want to look your best on your special day. A great-fitting tuxedo or suit will transform any man into a handsome gentleman. Make sure to get your tuxedo ordered early and go for a fitting a few weeks in advance of the event. If you decided to purchase a tuxedo or nice suit, go to an experienced tailor to get the perfect fit.
As for formal dresses, what is more formal than a wedding gown? Most brides visit several stores and try on many wedding gowns before finding the perfect dress. With so many gown styles to choose from such as strapless, empire, mermaid, a-line, and ball gown, try on a few styles to see which style is most flattering. There are also a number of finishes like lace and beading that can transform casual wedding dresses into formal wedding gowns.
The bride isn't the only one who needs to look her best. From tuxedos for the groomsmen to bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride dresses, everyone will contribute to the look and feel of your special day. You can often shop for bridesmaids dresses at the same stores that carry wedding gowns. Even the flower girl's dress can coordinate with the rest of the wedding party.
Whether you're shopping for discount wedding dresses, plus size evening wear, shoes or a veil, it is always good to shop around for something that you really love. It is your big day, after all. Bring some close friends and family to help you shop for the perfect dress. They always say you'll know when you find the dress of your dreams.
Formal wear isn't just for weddings. Black tie events such as galas, fundraisers, and bar mitzvahs often encourage tuxedos and ball gowns. If you're looking for a tuxedo, party dress, ball gown, or prom dress, search our listings of formal wear shops and tuxedo rentals to get an idea of where to start shopping. These shops also often carry jewelry and accessories to help you complete your evening look!
Bands
Music often makes all the difference when it comes to elevating a good party to a great party. Whether you want traditional wedding music or upbeat tunes, live bands can have a huge impact on the overall tone of your event. In fact, many wedding bands gain popularity by putting on a good show from one wedding to the next.
It doesn't matter if you're looking for music bands to play an anniversary or birthday party or bands for wedding. Live music will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Did they dance the night away or sit in their chairs for the entire party? Spend the time and effort to find a band that will bring energy to your party and to your guests.
First, decide what type of live music you'd like. Do you want a live band or perhaps a string quartet? Choose from rock bands, jazz bands, swing bands, cover bands, tribute bands, blues bands, steel band, or big band music.
Then find a few and go hear them play. Bands will often invite you to hear them perform either at other functions or at local concerts. Do they take song requests? Do they play a variety of music genres? How is the audience responding? These are all things to consider when choosing a live band or wedding entertainment.
Artists
Artists can do amazing things with materials such as paint, candy, ice, henna, sand, and wax that will provide both entertainment and decoration for your special event. A well placed ice sculpture at a wedding or a colorful candy sculpture at a birthday party will make a statement that is sure to impress your guests.
A caricaturist, for example, will draw a caricature of your guests that they can each take home as a favor to remember your special day. Henna and bindi can be applied to guests as body art at cultural celebrations. This rich tradition is not only fun to have done, but also fun to watch the artist at work.
Kids face painting is a big hit at kid's parties. Depending on the theme of your party, consider the designs you want the artist to do for face painting. For example if the theme is animals, ask the face painter to have several types of animal designs to paint on the kids' faces.
Work with your party venue to determine what types of art and entertainment is allowed in your event space. Sand and wax art might not make sense in a banquet hall, but could work really well at an outdoor venue. Likewise, speak to the ice sculpture artist to find out the temperature restrictions for your sculpture.
No matter what type of event you're hosting, art is a terrific solution for entertainment, decoration, and even favors.
Photography
Capture all of the special moments of your event with beautiful professional photography and digital videography. Experts in their field, our database of photographers and videographers from all over the country are ready to make your event look even more beautiful through their professional lens.
When looking for photographers and video production to handle your event photography, it is recommended that you visit their website to see their work and meet with them in person. During your meeting, you can ask to see more examples, learn what types of photo and video services they offer, and discuss your event needs.
Many photographers shoot both color and black and white photography. The photographer and videographer will need to know your event date, your photography and videography needs, as well as your expectations for the day of the event. This includes what time they need to arrive, any particular shots you want them to get, and timing for delivery of the final product.
Often the photographer will produce a final album of photos that you select so you will want to learn about your options for the number of photos included and the different package options. Likewise with video production, find out what is included and the various options for your final video.
If you're looking for wedding photographers, you're in luck. Our database also includes a comprehensive list of professionals who can provide beautiful wedding photography and wedding videography. Long after your wedding when you have friends over to watch your wedding video and check out your wedding photo album, you'll be happy you decided to hire a pro!