Vendor Spotlight: Chicago's First Lady's Catering Has Something for Everyone

GUEST POST BY KATARINA WEBER, CHICAGO'S FIRST LADY

Image courtesy of Chicago's First Lady

There’s no need to choose between stunning scenery and delicious dishes: Chicago’s First Lady wedding charters offers both! Here are some of the top wedding catering trends served aboard their vessels.


Unique Desserts
Not only does Mon Ami Gabi’s wedding package include a custom cake, but it also offers another delicious dessert option – their popular charcuterie and cheese station adds rustic flair with its artisan French cheeses and pates.

Image by George Street Photography

Tending to all Tastes
The difficulty of trying to please all guests with a wedding menu has given rise to another trend: do it yourself bars. Entertaining Company exemplifies this trend with both bruschetta – which can be customized to group, occasion or area of the world with hand-baked breads and condiments – and both savory and sweet nacho bars.

Image via The Entertaining Company

Departing from Tradition
For those looking to sail away from a traditional menu, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! helps couples make their weddings memorable through their menu. This caterer offers passed pintxos. Although these bite-sized appetizers are offered at many weddings, these stand out because they are modeled off authentic Spanish dishes.

Image via Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Scrumptious Sliders
Sandwich sliders, such as those provided by Harry Caray’s Catering and Events, are another trendy way to customize your wedding. Clients can accommodate for both taste and presentation; rows of colorful garnishes and butler-passed trays are both fun ways to serve your guests!

Image courtesy of Chicago's First Lady

Thanks so Chicago's First Lady for all the lovely catering advice. Who else is hungry now? Check out Chicago's First Lady's website or call 847.358.1330 for more information about planning your wedding on the water! 

7 Questions to Ask a Potential Caterer

GUEST POST BY TATIYANA BAUKOVIK, JEWELL EVENTS CATERING

Since a wedding is typically the first large event a bride or groom is planning, it can be easy to overlook or not know things that, to event planners and caterers, are standard. The whole process can be a little confusing, so our fabulous Jewell Weddings Team is sharing their ‘must ask’ questions that every couple should ask their caterer.


1. Where will the food be prepared on my wedding day?

2. How much customization are you capable of handling? How will you handle guests with specific allergies or dietary restrictions?

3. What equipment is provided in your proposal? Will any additional equipment need to be rented, and at what cost?

4. Do you provide wedding cakes? And if so, is there a cake cutting fee? Are there specific restrictions on working with an outside baker?

5. How involved are you in the typical reception? Will you assist with setting up place cards and decor AND keep the event running smoothly?

6. How closely will you work with other vendors we have already hired?

7. My venue allows me to bring in my own alcohol, how will you handle this process?

Hopefully these questions will help you on your big day!


Thank you so much to Tatiyana for the excellent tips on selecting the perfect caterer! For more information about Jewell Events Catering, visit their website or call 312 829 3663.