Here Comes the Food Truck

We’ve got the golden ticket for an urban & hip catering option that is rolling into a wedding near you: Food Trucks! Not your average catering choice, but food trucks are in!

All kinds of couples are opting for the fun, food truck experience over the traditional sit down or buffet dinner seating. This can be a unique way to introduce your favorite food, offer a more relaxed vibe at your wedding, or serve as a cost-friendly option to free up your budget for other splurges. We see a lot of food trucks roll in for a late night snack, cue: the In-N-Out Food Truck around 10pm to serve burgers and now fries!!!!

If you are interested in a food truck for the main portion of your meal, here are a few things to consider:

While food trucks are used to serving large quantities of customers, their timing tends to be a bit slower than most caterers. For example, serving their full menu a food truck could take up to 1 hour to serve 100 guests. The typical time for a buffet catering the same crew is 20-30 minutes. So, why is that important? If you are one of the first to get your food, you’ll be waiting over 1 hour for the rest of the event to start.

So how is this rectified?

Two Ways-

1. Cut back on the amount of items the food truck serves. If you have a guest count of 100 or more- seriously only serve the main dishes. Two Entrees, Two Sides, done. If the food truck can have the plates ready and offer them up quickly, this is will help the flow.

2. Have two food trucks! This is a great way to serve your guests quickly. Guests can choose which one they go to, which will divide your party into smaller groups. Most truck have a food minimum, so you will need to hit the minimum in order to have two trucks.

A few more tips on food trucks:

• Hire staffing - While the food truck will have the food covered, you will need staff to buss the plates, offer water, cut and serve the cake and clean up at the end of the night.

• Hire a caterer or some option for cocktail hour. Even though your food truck may be offering a lot of food, guests will still be hungry. Make sure to offer your guests some type of food option during the cocktail hour.

• Consider the ability to actually physically get/walk up to the truck. If the truck(s) are in the parking lot, will they be easily and safely accessed by the guests?

• Make sure to allocate time for photos at the truck. I typically set a little time prior to opening the food truck for the newly-married couple to take action shots, ordering and getting their dinner or snack. Your photographer will need some type of flash due to the lighting from the truck.

• Have a DJ announce tables for dinner. To ensure the process is quick, have the DJ release the tables 3 at a time. This will help people realize it's dinner time and not a free-time for guests to wander, which can make the process even longer.

And that’s all!

Done right, a food truck can be an amazing addition to your unique wedding style. Contact Jamison Events for more ways to make your wedding day unique, well organized and catered specifically to you!

Let's Talk About Booze, Baby!

**Jamison Events does not promote or encourage alcohol & the following post should be taken without cause. We do not claim any financial, medical or other liability for this post. Aka.. The Vodka made you do it... not us!

Here are some of my industry secrets to an event bar-

Often our clients will chose a location for their event, where they have the opportunity to bring in their own Wine, Liquor and Beer. There is both good and bad to this, depending on the corkage rates, your guests (are they expected to drink a lot?) and any additional fees that could be associated.

So, let’s talk BYOB.

First off, let’s talk about why BYOB could be more inexpensive. Traditional markup on a bar can be up to 30% at restaurants and even up to 40% for banquet events. The reason it can be that much is because traditional markup on almost anything else… is 25%!

Bar tabs are big money in the food and beverage industry. So, bringing your own beer, wine and liquor CAN be a money saver. Especially if that venue will allow you to take home any unopened bottles.

**note- In California and most states: its illegal for the venue or bartender to give you opened bottle that is not consumed there, its also illegal for you to drive home with an open container, so don’t expect, even if there is a full bottle of Vodka, if its opened, it to be given back.**

The question is-how much do I buy?

Most of the time going to Costco or BevMo will be your best bet of purchasing bottles. There are some Liquor and Beverage stores you can work with too. Below is a cheat sheet, I have made to make it as easy as possible when purchasing at the store.

Important to note-

You know your guests’ intentions…I’ve had Weddings who have used this sheet and ran out, I’ve had Events who have used this sheet and it’s been too much. So, be extra aware of your guests and purchase more or less, depending on the expectation.

Additionally,

This sheet is based on a full bar (beer, wine and liquor) so if you are purchasing beer and wine only. I suggest purchasing higher amounts, to have enough.

Things to consider-

Mixers and Garnish. Some venues will offer the mixers and garnish for a small fee. This may be a good option, so you do not have to do day of purchasing of limes, etc. Plus, if you are bringing in the garnish, will the bartender slice the limes? All questions to ask, before making a decision to bring in your own bar.

How can BYOB be MORE expensive? If you have a group that will drink. I mean DRINK. I suggest having the venue provide the bar. Typically, the per person cost is about $48 per person for 5 hours. This estimate includes the service fee and tax. That may seem like a lot on paper, but once you have purchased the beer, wine and liquor at the store, plus the mixers any garnish, paid for the staff, bartender and the taxes, for a heavy drinking crowd, it can be pretty comparable.

Let’s talk saving money on your bar! (IF your venue allows it)

• I suggest hosting (aka OPEN Bar) for the first three or four hours of the event, and offering the bar on consumption for the last two hours. Typically this means the bulk of the drinks will go in the first few hours, once the bar goes to consumption, the bartender will literally keep track of every drink. You are charged per drink (not the guests, you). But normally, in the last two hours, is when majority of the guests slow or stop drinking. Offering it to be a better option than fully hosting the bar. I suggest offering a $1200 bar tab to the last two hours on consumption. (based on 150 guests)

• Now, if your venue will offer a consumption refund for the amount not drank, perfect. Meaning, you tell the venue “I want to pay $1200 towards the last two hours of bar on consumption,” and your guests only drink $900, will the venue offer a refund of the $300. If they do not and you can add that night, then do a $500 tab and add as needed.

Important Note- Most venues will offer a package with the Bar included. While the bar can be a place to rethink and save, I suggest not overthinking the bar. When all is said and done, you and your guest want to enjoy the night. Worrying about how much is drank, the bar tab, if you’ve run out, can really put a damper on the night. At Jamison Events, we will make a plan together to best serve your event and budget. It’s important to me that once this is planned out, its done. I never want the BAR to be a source of stress at any event.

At the end of the day, YOU are in charge of your event and your guests. If you are the contracting party/host, it's your responsibility to make sure (along with the venue and bartender) that your guests are practicing safe drinking. I ALWAYS recommend offering your guests a way home that is safe, after offering a bar, even if they have only had ONE drink.

Additionally, I suggest closing the bar during the last hour of the event, to allow guests some time. before making their way home It’s important that you do not allow drinking for guests under 21 and that the venue/bartender asks for I.D. per the law. You personally could be held liable. *Jamison Events does not encourage or promote alcohol consumption.*

For more insider Bar secrets and ways to make your event incredible email me!

Every Wedding is on a Budget!

Let’s face it, one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding is that nagging feeling that you may not be getting the most “bang” for your buck. Not everyone is born with the skill (or desire) to haggle their way through their wedding planning. As a Wedding Coordinator in the early 2000’s my Wedding Motto was ‘High End Weddings, on a budget.’ That motto always (and still) seems to ring true to a lot of couples. However, since the 2000’s, many things have raised in cost, everything from minimum wage to food and beverage and it's only natural to see the costs of Weddings to steadily rise with the economy, but what doesn't seem to change are the Couples understanding on the overall Wedding Budget.

The Facebook group “Something Borrowed Something Blue” has become extremely popular for those planning their upcoming nuptials. As I scrolled through the posts, I was struck with how many brides were looking for a vendor and offering a budget that was either very low or very high in comparison to the market. Being properly educated could mean all the difference to the final cost of the wedding.

With over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, I wanted to share a couple of real and true wedding budget pieces of advice.

1. Hire a Wedding Planner early. I promise it’s not that I am biased, this is just fact. At Jamison Events we help compile, negotiate and create a real life budget that is comparable between the Couples wants, needs and Vendor Costs. Often, couples will start to think about hiring a Wedding Planner for their Day-of needs as the day gets closer, what they don’t realize is how helpful a planner can be leading up to the Wedding, throughout the Vendor negotiations and hiring. Frankly, a really great Planner, with sound vendor connections, should be able to save you at the very least double the amount of money they charge you for their services.

2. Have a true understanding of how pricing works in the wedding world. On Something Borrowed Something Blue, I noticed a post that said, “In need of a Wedding Planner, only need them there 5 hours to do light setup and Ceremony Coordination. Will pay $150.” Of course, there were no comments or engagement on the post because, while the brides intentions may have been good, the pricing is just simply too low. The bride probably thought of a random number (that she thought she could afford) and threw it out there, but budget creation has to be more calculated if you want to truly stick to what you can afford. Otherwise, you'll end up spending too much on one thing, and not enough on another.

3. Compare Shopping can be key. 92% of wedding businesses in our country are considered small businesses. So, this means that a “regular” person, with bills to pay and deadlines to meet, is running their business. The vendor has put thought and care into their pricing, knowing that their time is valuable. Typically the pricing is within their market and comparable to their competition. The absolute best way to understand their value, is to compare shop with other vendors. Reach out to several vendors in the same area, with the same parameters and there you have the ability and tools you need to choose the right vendor. Keep in mind, it’s not just about price- before deciding the vendor ask a couple questions; Did they respond quickly? Do I like their work? Do they understand my Wedding style? How are their reviews?

So, don't be afraid to truly understand the market, immerse yourself with information and be open with your vendors on your intention of sticking to your well planned budget. Best yet, Call Jamison Events, we’d love to sit down with you to discuss how we can develop and help you stick to a reasonable Wedding Budget, that won’t break the bank or your Wedding Dreams.

Article Resources-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/740353196097813/

https://www.weddingwire.com

#weddingplanning #weddings #weddingcoordination #wedding #weddingbudget #bride #weddingadvice #budgetbride #budgets

Nicole Henshaw Photography

On the Venue Hunt

Some of our TOP Recommended Venues in Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

North Ranch Country Club, Westlake Village, CA

North Ranch Country Club-Located in Thousand Oaks, CA the North Ranch Country Club is a beautiful choice for your Wedding Venue. It offers incredible views during your Ceremony. Floor to ceiling windows for your Reception and a top rated Chef who is know World Wide for his incredible food. You can get creative at the Club, the Reception area could come off a little dark, so playing into the Dark and Moody Reception, is key!

Capacity: Up to 300

*Insider Tip: Save a little money by choosing a Wedding date in the “off-season” in January, February or March.

Price Range: Moderate

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Outside Catering for South Asian and Kosher Wedding Packages Available.

Website: http://www.northranchcc.org

*Jamison Events is a preferred vendor!

Riviera Mansion, Santa Barbara, CA

Riviera Mansion-Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, this historic mansion used to be a gentlemen’s club. It offers a unique venue option for your Wedding. With incredible staff and Chef, they offer an outdoor Ceremony option and either an indoor Reception or even a space for dinner outside and Dancing inside. The space can be transformed into something incredible, however; should you chose to not do too much decor, the space speaks for itself with vintage furniture and lighting throughout.

Capacity: Up to 220

*Insider Tip: Save a little by hosting the bar for the first 3 hours and offering a consumption bar for the last hours. Must meet their minimum.

Price Range: Moderate to Moderate Plus

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Outside Catering for South Asian and Kosher Wedding Packages Available.

Website: http://www.rivieramansionwedding.com

*Jamison Events is a preferred vendor!

Los Robles Greens, Thousand Oaks, CA

Riviera Mansion Ceremony

Los Robles Greens-Located in Thousand Oaks, CA Los Robles Greens has become one of the more popular venues for the perfect Wedding. With two space Ceremony and Reception options, there’s much to desire at this beautiful venue. Choice one is a terra-cotta site with a flowing fountain and always green lawn perfect for an outdoor Wedding. The second option offers a Ceremony on the Greens of the Golf Course and a Reception in their large ballroom with floor to ceiling windows. No matter the choice, this venue is sure to provide the perfect setting for a perfect day!

Capacity: Up to 500

*Insider Tip: Save a little money by choosing a Friday or Sunday date!

Price Range: Moderate

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Outside Catering for South Asian and Kosher Wedding Packages Available.

Website: http://www.losroblesgreens.com

*Jamison Events is a preferred vendor!

Los Robles Greens Ceremony

Camarillo Ranch House, Camarillo, CA

Camarillo Ranch House-This historic non-profit space, located in Camarillo, CA, is an incredible setting for your wedding. With the Ranch House as the backdrop for your Ceremony and a Red Barn Reception the pictures are incredible. With an exclusive Caterer, Command Performance Catering offers consistent food options for every event. Make the decor rustic or add an elegant flair, this space will caterer to the exact look you are hoping for!

Capacity: Up to 1,500

*Insider Tip: Vendors must be hired from their recommended list.

Price Range: Low to Moderate

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Website: http://www.camarilloranch.org

*Jamison Events is a preferred vendor!

Camarillo Ranch House

Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo, CA

Spanish Hills Country Club-Located in Camarillo, CA this elegant venue with Spanish style architecture, floor to ceiling windows, a stair case Ceremony site and top rated cuisine is a special and luxurious venue for you Wedding. With a unique Mahogany bar, grand chandeliers and an endless view you wont be disappointed in the photos that come from your incredible day.

Capacity: Up to 348

*Insider Tip: Save a little money by choosing a Friday or Sunday Wedding!

Price Range: Moderate to Moderate Plus

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Website: http://www.spanishhillscc.com

*Jamison Events is a preferred vendor!

Spanish Hills Country Club Ceremony

Camarillo Airport Museum Hangar, Camarillo, CA

Camarillo Airport Museum Hangar-This is a unique space located in Camarillo, CA. If you are looking for an industrial style with tons of character event, this is an amazing space to consider. The venue let’s you chose your choice of vintage and historical planes to have as the backdrop to your runway facing Ceremony. Inside the modern motif can be dressed up or played into depending on the colors and theme you chose.

Capacity: Up to 500

*Insider Tip: There’s no air conditioning, chose a cooler month because it does get hot on the tarmac!

Price Range: Low to Moderate

House Tables, Chairs provided

Website: http://www.hangarevents.com

Camarillo Airport Wedding

Glen Tavern Inn, Santa Paula, CA

The Glen Tavern Inn- A vintage wedding venue in Santa Paula, California, The Glen Tavern Inn is a unique and vibrant location to host a wedding. With various event spaces and friendly staff, this hotel is the ideal spot to be married and celebrate with an intimate atmosphere. For those who don't mind a little ghost story... there's rumors that the hotel may be visited occasionally too!

Capacity: Up to 200

*Insider Tip: Maximize the space by putting the dance floor and DJ on the lawn. That way more guests will be dancing all night long!

Price Range: Low

House Tables, Chairs & Linens provided

Website: http://www.glentavern.com

Glen Tavern Inn Santa Paula Ceremony

MORE Venues to be featured soon.