Sachem Library Hosts Part Two of Wedding Series

Most little girls grow up envisioning their perfect wedding from the time they see their first Disney movie.  However, those faced with planning the big day for real, soon realize that it entails much more than just showing up, feeling like a princess and living "happily ever after."

Last month's of the Wedding Series offered for free at the and co-sponsored by Custom Catering (CC) answered the initial question:  You're engaged, now what?

February's class took it to the next level:  Your Vision.

Carl Bachmann, owner of CC was joined by Linda Shapiro, director of event planning at the catering facility to offer menu ideas, samples, innovative ideas and expert advice; as well as to answer questions regarding all facets of planning and executing the wedding of your dreams.

In the informal forum the caterers explained that they are completely customized on and off premise service providers.  "We're all around caterers.  We really do cater to our clients.  It's not all about the food," said Shapiro.

CC oversees a lot of events in the vineyards out east, but has also catered weddings and other affairs on farms, beaches and in backyards.  They've even handled a barbecue-style wedding at a Moose Lodge.  "It doesn't sound elegant, but it was beautiful," Bachmann assured.  "You could see a field, fall in love with it and get married there."

The creative caterers build kitchens on location, which opens up a wide range of options that most brides and grooms-to-be never even deemed possible.

The attendees were shown sample menus and pictures from vineyard weddings that the company has orchestrated, and were advised that before deciding on a caterer a prospective client should first view photos to see what is being offered.

Simple ways to dramatically cut costs for a wedding when on a budget were detailed such as having your event on a Thursday, or later in the fall.  "A wedding might be 75 percent cheaper off season," explained Shapiro. "Consider different themes with seasonality, or whether something represents the two of you."

Holbrook resident, Erin Wendel, came to the seminar with her mother.  She said, "I have the place, I have the church; I'm trying to figure out all the other stuff now."

When Wendel inquired about whether you have to pick certain colors for a spring wedding Shapiro reassured that there are no hard-and-fast rules anymore.

 "Make it special for your guests to be part of your day, and to get to learn a little about you through color, theme or a photo montage," she said.

A reputable company like CC assists their clients in avoiding a lot of a lot of unnecessary expenditures.  "That's why you need someone to work in partnership with you when budgeting this day," said Bachmann.  "There's a million things you can do, but you need a little guidance and to think outside the box."

A crucial decision for every wedding was addressed:  What type of food service will your reception have?  It could be a formal sit-down dinner, a continuous cocktail hour or family style with large platters of food brought to the table and guests serving one another; which is a great way to get people to interact.  "Pass the asparagus gets you talking to each other," said Shapiro.

The continuous cocktail hour with different food stations gives a very social atmosphere.  "People want a buffet, but don't want to call it that.  Buffet equals station," explained Bachmann.  "Don't be scared by buffet.  It's all in the delivery."

Another tip was to get just a two-tier cake for photo ops and then have a sheet cake with the same flavor in the back which can save, literally, thousands of dollars. 

The wedding pros also noted that a hip idea is to have an after-party following the reception.  It is often thrown by the bridal party and can have a cash bar.

These days the general trend for weddings is less formal in all areas including photography where most pictures are candid shots.

"Set seating is kind of passe," said Bachmann.  "America has changed; the traditional family doesn't exist so much anymore."

Blended families are now the norm, and with less formality it takes a lot of pressure away from that.

Modern weddings can have things like special champagne for just the bride and groom or a secret password for certain drinks, which everybody will invariably catch onto by the end of the night.  Shapiro said, "A little mystique is fun."

Part Three:  This Year's Trends will be held on Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.; and Part Four:  Etiquette and Traditions will be held on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m.  Those interested can sign-up in person, by phone or online.