Whether you’ve been given the task of putting together a charity auction or you’re a bride-to-be working to coordinate a flawless day, it’s no secret that pulling an event together is hard work! To help you along the way, check out these pro-tips for a variety of events from local expert Jim Kirsch, President/CEO of Abigail Kirsch Catering and Stamford’s premier event space The Loading Dock.
Fundraiser Galas
“As a caterer, we have the advantage of being able to observe guests during different types of galas. We’ve learned that you may lose your guests’ attention with speaker formats that run too long or continuously start and stop during dinner. People tend to be most focused on a presentation after socializing during the cocktail reception or silent auction, so try to get the bulk of your speeches/presentations in at the outset when everyone is first seated. If your program demands more time, conclude just after the entrée, prior to dessert. Remember, less may be more!”
Weddings
“One of the biggest decisions a couple must make when planning a wedding is selecting a venue. While it’s important that you fall in love with a space first, it’s also good to be mindful of your guests by being cognizant of a few key factors. In terms of proximity, make sure there are good options nearby for a rehearsal dinner, overnight accommodations with breakfast/brunch capabilities, and shuttle service. Also, confirm that your venue can seat additional guests comfortably should you’re guest count grow between now and your big day — which it often does.”
Product Launches
“Visual branding is a vital part of product launch events, but most people don’t realize that it can be incredibly effective when incorporated into the catering. From logos stamped on slider boxes to customized labels on edible giveaways for guests, caterers can often come up with fun and unexpected ways to extend your branding efforts beyond the traditional a/v and signage. The more unique the presentation, the more the impact.”
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
“With more and more people opting for a free-flowing dinner service with stations and kiosks (in lieu of traditional seated dinner service), there still must be some semblance of structure to allow for traditions that make the celebration so meaningful. One way to do this is to assign seating for guests during important traditions like the candle lighting or blessing (or even for the entire event). They don’t have to sit there all night, but it’s nice to provide a ‘home base’ of sorts for when you just need a break.”
For more information about planning your next event, visit loadingdockevents.com or abigailkirsch.com
