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Not every wedding has to take place in the spring or summer. Beautiful and memorable winter weddings provide just the right touch for some couples. However, there are some important points to remember when you are planning a winter wedding.

Location
The winter months could mean unexpected bouts of bad weather, which could make transportation a bit more difficult. Things can be made a whole lot easier when the ceremony and reception are close by. If you can find a banquet hall that is capable of holding a reception and ceremony, then that serves as a perfect solution. Remember that even a short drive from church to reception during the winter months can present problems.

Coat Checks
The chill of winter will force your guests to arrive wearing some sort of coat. That means you need to have some way of storing those coats throughout the reception. Many wedding venues will provide a coat check service, but it is still something you should consider in the planning stages.

Shorter Days
There are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, which means at some point, your reception is going to lapse into the darkness. This is important to remember when planning your photo hour and photo locations. The amount of natural light could be limited. Shorter days could impact the overall theme of your wedding as well. Candles also serve to create a romantic scene in the winter months.

Flowers
It is always a good idea to check with your florist long before the wedding date because not every type of flower will be available during the winter season. This is important, especially when deciding upon a color scheme for your wedding party.

Travel Time
It is no secret that winter weather can make travel more difficult. Take that into consideration when selecting a date and time for your wedding. If you are looking to have a Friday night wedding, rush hour drive times can be brutal in some areas. Make plans ahead to deal with the potential elements of nature and the problems it could cause on the roadways.

SMS Catering Services hosts and caters wedding receptions through every season of the year. With a complete catering menu and a spacious banquet hall, everything you need for your winter wedding is available in one spot. SMS Catering Services has everything you need to make your wedding a very special occasion.

When it comes to planning a wedding, there can be a nearly overwhelming amount of tasks to organize and figure out. Exactly who will cater your special event may seem rather simple, but there is a lot to consider. Here are some not-so ordinary topics that should be breached when deciding on who will cater your most special evening.

Licensing
Every caterer should have all the appropriate licensing. Liability licensing should be something every bride and groom asks a potential catering service to furnish. Although unlikely, you will want to make sure things are covered should an unforeseen accident take place.

Vendor Meals
Whomever you hire for your wedding entertainment will want to eat. Some caterers provide this while others charge for it. Find out if there will be a vendor food setup or if there are additional options available and if they incur any additional fees.

Food ingredients
It may not be a typical question, but it is an important one nonetheless. Where does the chef buy his ingredients? Local farmer’s markets, quality butchers or is there a stock of frozen items. You will want to know what goes into making up your dishes. Also, if you guests have any dietary restrictions of food allergies, you will want to make sure the proper diet can be presented for your occasion.

Hidden fees
Okay, this may be a little more ordinary but it is still of grave importance. There are catering services which include fees for staffing and linen rental. Learn exactly what will be charged and what will not. Getting a list of any extra charges is highly recommended to help you maintain your budget for the occasion.

Leftover policy
Chances are there will be food leftover, but what is to come of it? Should the caterer not allow you to take the remaining food home, then you should only be charged for the food your guests ate. It is definitely worth questioning what will happen to that food and if it is possible to have it wrapped up and taken home.

Potential changes in cost
No one wants to think of having to cancel their wedding, but it can unfortunately be a possibility. Know what the cancellation costs will amount to and how much goes into any overtime costs. Also bring up the subject of potential increases in food costs. Make sure you know whether or not rising food costs will affect what you have to pay when your special date arrives.

Food sampling
Most catering services will allow you to sample their food beforehand. Take advantage of these opportunities to sample all of the different menu items available. Many caterers have days set aside where many couples will visit all at once for a large sample tasting.

Written estimates
An event coordinator can quote you any price over the phone. That is why it is important to get any estimates in writing. Don’t hesitate to include anything and everything in that estimate. Know exactly what is to be expected of both you and your caterer.

If you are looking for wedding catering in Charlotte, SMS Catering Service can exquisitely accommodate all of your needs. We provide off-site catering as well as one of the best banquet halls in Charlotte. Make your wedding a truly memorable event for a lifetime with the best catering Charlotte has to offer.

There are obvious questions that need to be asked when selecting a caterer and venue for your next event, whether it be an anniversary, wedding, or corporate party. However, there are plenty of important questions you might not have thought to ask your caterer or venue.

What is the timetable for service?
Caterers will establish an itinerary for your event, but it is important to know just how long service will take. You should know just how long it will take from the time the first and last entrées are served. You should also know the exact down time between courses.

What is the leftover policy?
There is usually a good amount of food at a catered event and it’s very rare that all of it is eaten in its entirety. Paying for the food should give the client the right to take the rest of it home and it is definitely a topic that should be discussed.

What is the cost of tables and chairs?
Believe it or not, some catering venues will charge to use their tables and chairs. There are even upgrades when it comes to these items. Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for.

Can I control the thermostat?
When choosing a caterer that provides a venue, having access to the thermostat is a major plus, especially when it comes to weddings and formal events. Being able to keep a room cool also helps when dealing with larger groups of people.

What is the sound quality?
Weddings have deejays and corporate events often include guest speakers or presentations. That brings about the need for a higher quality of sound. If your caterer is providing a banquet hall, ask about the acoustics, the sound system and any other aspects that have to do with the audio.

What is your alcohol policy and fees?
This will help pinpoint how much you are going to spend. Some caterers charge by consumption while others charge per person. Some charge a corkage fee for alcohol brought in by the client. There are also caterers that serve wine with dinner and others that limit the amount of time alcohol is served. Ask for a full rundown of the alcohol policy and fees.

SMS Catering Services can answer every customer question while providing quality service for all types of events. Whether you need a catered event at a banquet hall or catering brought straight to you, SMS Catering Services is standing by with a solution that works.

Catered events do not just happen. There is a lot that goes into planning a wedding, corporate event, anniversary, or birthday party. There is also a great deal that goes into choosing the right caterer. Here’s a list of what to look for when it comes time to find the right caterer for your next event.

The Right Experience
Not every catering service is the same. That means that not every caterer is equipped to handle specific events. For example, a caterer service that hosts a lot of weddings may not be the right type of caterer to handle your corporate event. Check out what kind of events different caterers have done in the past and go with one that has experience in handling your particular theme.

The Right Taste
At any kind of catered event, there is going to be an ample amount of food that is served. The only way to test that food is to taste it. Most reputable caterers will permit some kind of tasting as an example of what the client can expect. So venture out and let your taste buds be the judge.

The Right Service
One of the requisite parts of any catered event is being served. Caterers should have certain standards when it comes to service. Ask about these standards and never forget to ask about how much staff will be working during the event. It is a must to make sure every guest is accounted for at a catered event.

The Right Leader
Find out who is in charge of running the events within each catering service. The best food will be all for naught if the nightly itinerary does not run smoothly. Meeting the event coordinator, the person who will be overseeing everything, is a must. Feeling comfortable with that person goes a long way towards a successful event.

The Right Price
Budget is a primary concern when it comes to any event. There is no sense meeting with a caterer you cannot afford. So before doing any type of investigating, make sure that the catering price is right for you.

SMS Catering Services hosts all kinds of events in its own banquet hall as well as providing off site catering services. There is an abundance of options for customers to choose from as SMS Catering Services can make your next event one to remember.

Catering a corporate event comes with its own set of nuances. It is not like an ordinary get-together or a 25th wedding anniversary. Therefore, it is imperative to find a caterer who can meet all the demands that come with catering a corporate event. Here’s a look at some of the nuances of planning a catered corporate event.

Menus with options
The point of a corporate event is to try and appease all those in attendance. That fact is important to remember when planning a catering menu. Regardless of the theme, there should be plenty of options for everyone. For example, when serving dinners, there should always be a vegetarian dish. And when breakfast is the choice meal, be sure to include a wide variety.

The importance of formality
Many corporate events are formal ones. This is where it helps to hire a caterer that is well versed in that type of setting. Those particular caterers are usually well aware of how important things like appearance, service and high standards of food are to the overall event. For formal events, it is recommended to go with a caterer who has done similar events in the past.

Scheduling
Businesses operate on a daily schedule, so a corporate event should follow the same regimen. There should be a time allotted for such things as a cocktail hour, meet and greet, presentations, or guest speakers. The demands of that itinerary should be able to be met by the catering service. The time of the event may also play a part in deciding whether or not a wet bar would be provided.

Finger food
At corporate events, there is always a lot of mingling going on. Serving hor d’oeuvres provides guests with a chance to mingle and still get some food. Choosing to serve some type of butlered finger food is a good way to create a lot of networking.

Service attire
Most corporate events require business attire for its guests. The attire of the service staff should also reflect the event, which means staff members should be dressed accordingly. Having service staff dressed in a formal manner will contribute to the overall mood of the event.

SMS Catering Services handles corporate events for all occasions. Regardless of the theme, the SMS staff will work to ensure a successful event. For the best corporate catering Charlotte has to offer, contact the experienced team of professionals at SMS Catering Services.

Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with excitement. Part of that process is selecting the wedding venue that is right for you. When that time comes, here are some hidden fees to watch out for.

Overtime Fees
Many wedding receptions extend past the designated time they are supposed to end. In these instances, it is usually at the request of the bride and groom. However, that does not mean the newlyweds will always know what the final cost will be. When selecting a wedding venue, be sure to ask about every overtime charge just in case you make a last-minute decision to extend your wedding reception.

Total Taxes
Many wedding venues will quote you a price, but your final bill winds up being higher than that quote. Why is that? Most times, it is because they did not include the taxes. When spending thousands of dollars, taxes can add up in a hurry. This can bring your total to more than what you might have expected to pay.

Early Entry
A lot of times, wedding vendors will need to get access to the venue before the actual ceremony or reception begins. In some cases, wedding venues could make the claim that early entry prevents them from having another event and could charge you accordingly. Find out for certain what time your vendors can have access without any additional charge.

Cake-Cutting Fees
The whole concept of a venue charging you a fee to cut a cake seems rather absurd. But it is a tactic used when the wedding cake is not purchased from the wedding venue’s pastry kitchen. It is almost a way to penalize you for not ordering directly from their catering menu.

Corkage Fees
Wedding venues usually make a good deal of money on the sale of wine. But if you are supplying the wine, that is a lot less money in their pockets. To compensate, some wedding venues will add a corkage fee. This means the venue will charge you for each bottle you bring that is consumed at the venue. This could wind up negating a lot of what you would save by supplying your own wine.

When it comes time to select your wedding venue, SMS Catering Services has everything you need all in one place. With a spacious banquet hall and the best catering Charlotte has to offer, SMS Catering Services has everything you need to make your wedding day one that is truly memorable.

Weddings are more than just one-time events. There is a lengthy selection and planning process that goes along with it. That includes choosing the right wedding venue. Here are some helpful tips couples can use to select the right venue for their wedding.

Make a Checklist
When it comes to start looking at wedding venues, go into each visit prepared. It’s a good idea for couples to put together a checklist of everything they want on their wedding day. Many times, couples get caught up in the moment when visiting wedding venues and they start to consider options that do not coincide with their original plans. Be exact when making your checklist and keep it handy when touring a venue.

See the Season
Most couples are not looking to get married right away, which means each venue will probably look a little different when your big day comes around. Make sure the seasonal fit is the right one. If you are visiting a venue in the fall, it is going to have a different look in the spring.

Ask the Vendors
For most weddings, couples will hire a photographer, DJ, florist and other kinds of vendors. Don’t hesitate to ask each of them their thoughts on the different wedding venues you are considering. Chances are that those vendors have been to each venue and can offer an objective opinion.

Map the Route
Guests are going to need to get to your wedding, so it is important to consider the drive time and traffic patterns to a particular venue. Friday night weddings can be difficult for commuters and traffic could cause them to miss the ceremony altogether. Being mindful of the navigation process can make the process of choosing a venue a lot easier.

Record Info
Taking notes, snapping pictures and asking questions is an essential part of choosing the right venue. Don’t hesitate to say whatever is on your mind and don’t be shy when it comes to taking photos. Collecting as much information as possible is extremely helpful. It is also a valuable way to compare different venues against one another.

SMS Catering Services has a vast amount of experience hosting all types of weddings. Equipped with a spacious banquet hall, ceremonies and receptions can be done at the same site. When it comes time to search for the best Charlotte wedding venues, look no further than SMS Catering Services.

Not every corporate affair or event has to be a formal one. There are plenty of occasions that call for a more casual setting and may even allow you to leave the black tie at home. Here’s a look at some more casual ideas for your next corporate gathering.

Picnics
These affairs may not necessarily be in the mold of traditional picnics. They are held outdoors and often include festivities and attractions such as group sports and fun competitions. Attire is often expected to be sporty and casual, but not too revealing or formal.

Bar-B-Q’s
These types of functions provide a backyard type of feel. Food choices can range from BBQ pork to hamburgers and hot dogs…. or our famous NC Style BBQ Catering! This can create a different kind of company experience as corporate walls are often broken down by the simplicity and informality that comes with a backyard barbeque.

Pig Roasts
A pig roast is more than just providing a different type of cuisine, it provides a laid back atmosphere where people can mingle without any kind of office pressure. There can also be a Hawaiian theme to accompany a pig roast, which opens the pallet of food options up to some of the more exotic varieties of dishes and cuisines.

Brunches
A company gathering for brunch combines the elements of breakfast and lunch, just as it combines the elements of business and casual. These types of events often go off without pretentiousness and create a more relaxed and casual feel. They are also recommended to be held on off days.

Seasonal Events
Holiday-themed parties can have a more casual element as evidenced by the menu. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your co-workers and serve a corned beef and cabbage feature dish. The month of October is a perfect time to celebrate German heritage with an Octoberfest menu.

Super Bowl Parties
There could be a tailgate theme to your casual corporate Super Bowl party which centers on the game of football. The use of party trays and buffet trays are an excellent way to create a casual atmosphere at your company Super Bowl party and the big game helps give everyone a way to connect.

SMS Catering provides catering services for all kinds of corporate events. If you are looking for a more casual setting, we have an abundance of alternatives that will make for a memorable experience with either your colleagues or your family. Let us make your next event something special by calling SMS catering services, located in Charlotte, NC.

There is a long list of things to do for anyone planning a catered corporate event. It is unlike other catered events and should require attention to specific details. There are many areas to cover when catering a corporate event and if they are all followed, you have a much greater potential for success.

An important thing to know during any catered event is that a full guest is a happy guest. It’s better to order a little too much food than to risk presenting just barely enough to feed the entire audience adequately. Take this into consideration when placing your catered food order.

Guest lists are another important area to cover. Will this be a corporate event for only managers, executives or other employees? The answer to that question could have an impact on what kind of food and entertainment is ordered and how it is presented.

In the process of coming up with a guest list, there should also be considerations made for any dietary restrictions. With so many food allergies, there should be alternative options as well as vegetarian dishes for those who do not or cannot eat certain things. There are a growing number of people with dietary restrictions so you should plan accordingly.

Entertainment is also a very important part of any kind of catered event. After all, eating can only take up so much time. There is often a need to capture people’s attention. Hiring a DJ, live act, guest speaker or any other kind of entertainment could be helped with some input from a well-networked, full-service caterer. Experienced caterers will be able to recommend reputable local entertainment services you can trust.

Knowing your budget is something that should be determined before you begin searching for a caterer. This will eliminate some catering services in the event that there are strict budgetary concessions to make. A good way to determine your budget is to start a spreadsheet that includes cost estimates and a list of all the services you will need.

Catering attire should also be addressed. Corporate events are essentially a more formal occasion, which requires a more formal dress code for the catering staff. Find out what kind of attire your catering staff will be wearing.

Transportation is an extra option to consider as well, particularly if there is going to be alcohol served at a corporate event. The last thing you want to do is send someone off to drive home after having a little too much to drink. Limousines, buses and shuttles are widely available for these kind of events.

Each catering company will likely have a specialty area. Find out each one’s specialty and try to match it with the needs of your audience. It also helps to search their online reviews as well as visit their websites for pictures of past events.

When it comes time to find a corporate catering service in Charlotte, NC, look to the professionals at SMS Catering Service. We can provide the highest quality services from top to bottom. For the very best corporate catered events Charlotte has to offer, trust the team of professionals who have been getting it right for over 40 years.

Searching for a wedding caterer should not be a chore that is taken lightly. Your special day should unfold exactly how you envisioned and hiring the right caterer could go a long way towards turning that vision into reality. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, try out these helpful hints when making your decision.

See for yourself
Don’t just take the caterer’s word for it. Drop by an event to see how things look with your own eyes. The best way to gauge just how a catering company operates is to see them in action. Tastings only shows you so much, but an actual event tells the real story.

Read reviews
Any reputable catering company is going to have a good amount of previous customers, some of whom are going to share their thoughts. Customer reviews will give you a firsthand account of how their event turned out, search online and ask the company if they have any references from recent events.

Photos, Photos, Photos
Caterers will offer potential clients a variety of options when it comes to decorating the venue. Ask to see pictures of past events as you will want to match descriptions with actual images. That includes everything from table settings to the overall décor to the wedding menu.

Server to guest ratio
To ensure your big day goes smoothly, you will need an ample amount of wait staff to serve your guests. Be sure to get exact numbers on exactly how many servers there will be at your event so you can be sure everyone is covered.

Level of involvement
Some catering services put out the food and that is pretty much the extent of their duties. Other caterers will take on a role more congruent with that of a wedding planner. You need to know how much you can expect out of your caterer on your wedding day.

Final head count
You don’t want to overpay for your wedding so you need to know the cutoff date for adding or subtracting guests. When you are paying a per plate cost, those numbers could add up rather quickly and you will want some leeway when adjusting your final head count.

SMS Catering covers all the basics and provides working solutions to all customer questions and concerns. Every wedding is a top priority to SMS Catering. Equipped with a fully-trained and perfectly mannered staff that will attend to all of your wedding reception needs, you can do it all with one call to SMS.