Thursday, February 27, 2014

Planning Your Party: Buffet vs. Sit Down

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Before your guests arrive at the party you know there's only one thing on their mind - the food! Choosing the right menu and dining style is one of the most important parts of the planning process, and choosing correctly is sure to have your guests buzzing for weeks. But how do you know which set up is best for you? Knowing the pros and cons of each dining experience is vital in helping you make your decision, so follow these guidelines to discover which style works in your favor.

Buffet:
  1. Having a buffet style dinner gives guests a variety of food options, allowing them to take as much or as little of something as they want. This way, your guests will never go hungry and can always go back for seconds. 
  2. Getting up for dinner gives your guests another opportunity to get up and move around the room. This gives them time to socialize with others and doesn't leave them feeling trapped in their seats. 
  3. Buffet style dining is typically cheaper than a sit down dinner, so opting for this style could leave room for added expenses elsewhere. 
  4. A buffet can be one of the most beautiful decorations you have at your party. Include linens, floral arrangements, lighting, and elegant designs to spice up the room and generate a buzz.
Sit Down:
  1. With a sit down dinner, your guests are captivated and occupied for an hour or two, making it easy for hosts who intend on giving speeches or making a toast. 
  2. Having a sit down dinner provides your party with a more formal atmosphere and is considered more upscale. This style works especially well for formal weddings. 
  3. A sit down dinner includes a service that brings food directly to your guests, removing the hassle that comes with having to get up every time you need something. If you have elderly guests or guests with small children, this style may be easier to manage. 
  4. With a sit down dinner you are able to easily calculate the amount of food needed and can control portion sizes. In a buffet, it is difficult to approximate how much food you will need and you could be left with more food than desired or not enough.
Now that we've got you thinking, have you decided which style you'll choose for your party? Here at Zacharys we pride ourselves on our buffet style dining and pass around horderve services. Deciding on your menu is easy, as we have a variety of food options appropriate for guests of all ages. Our party planner will work with you to carefully plan your evening in a way that is guaranteed to make your party a success.

Call us at 516-794-9770 to begin planning your party today.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sweet Sixteen Party Etiquette FAQs

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If you’re in the middle of planning the big bash, you might be feeling overwhelmed and want some help. How can you make sure everyone stays safe? What about staying within your budget? And last but not least, how will you keep track of everything you planned? Follow these guidelines and your party is sure to be a success.
  1. Safety first - Even though your guests are old enough to know what is safe and what’s not, the majority are still minors. Have enough adults to help you supervise in order to avoid any unwanted mishaps, but don’t forget to still have fun!
  2. Checking your budget – Always refer back to your budget while you’re planning the celebration. Make sure to allot extra money for any unexpected expenses, and don’t forget to set an end time for the party to avoid having to pay for extra hours. If you’ve planned carefully, then going over budget shouldn’t be a concern.
  3. Keeping track – As you prepare for the party, keep a checklist of all the things you’ve done, what you need to do, and how much you've spent. This way, you won’t find yourself tangled up and confused about what is left to do as the day gets closer. It is also a good idea to keep any receipts and paperwork in a folder for easy access down the line.
Though planning a party can be a daunting task, the outcome will be everything you and your family hoped it would be. That’s where Zacharys comes in. Let us help you plan the perfect day and take some of your stress away to ensure the perfect night for your daughter's Sweet 16. Our party planners will keep you on track and help you select your menu, entertainment, decorations, and more while working within your means. 

A Sweet 16 is more than just a night out, it’s the day some girls dream about for years and we want to help make those dreams come true. Call us at 516-794-9770 to start planning your party today.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

How to Plan the Perfect Sweet 16: Mom’s To Do List

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Planning a Sweet 16 can be stressful, especially if you don’t know where to start. Knowing which steps to take and when is vital in planning the perfect day for your daughter, so why not get a head start and use these pre-planning tips to set you on your way.

  1. Decide on a date - Choose a date that works for everyone. Your party doesn't have to fall exactly on her birthday. Consider holidays and plan accordingly to guarantee a full house.
  2. Who will be attending? – Depending on your daughter’s preference, you will have to figure out how many people you’ll be expecting. Decide whether the party will be intimate with just close friends and family or a big, elaborate bash. 
  3. Select your venue – Picking a location for the big day can be difficult and time consuming. Now that you know how many people you’re expecting, pick a venue that will be comfortable for everyone while keeping your budget in mind. 
  4. Send save-the-date notices – Planning a party months in advance calls for a save-the-date notice to remind guests not to plan anything on your special day. 
  5. Select and order the right invitation – Once you've established the date, venue, and guest list, order an invitation that’s sure to make your party pop.

We at Zacharys are here to help make the big day and party planning process all that much easier. Our planners will work with you to coordinate and carry out every detail of your Sweet Sixteen, including decorations, entertainment, and menu options. Services also include valet parking for your guests, chachcka party packages, and photographers and videographers to capture every moment.

Turning 16 is one of the most important days in a girl’s life and Zacharys wants to make it as memorable as can be. Call us at 516-794-9770 to plan your party today.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Have Zacharys Cater Your Special Day!

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Did you get more than chocolate this Valentine’s Day? With all the V-day proposals, bridal shops will be buzzing with new soon to be Mrs’ looking for their dresses. But before you dive into the frenzy of wedding dress selection - a few important tasks need your attention, like securing a venue.

Choosing your venue will guide you in every other decision you make about your wedding, and is one of the biggest decisions you make. Once you and your fiancé decide on a date and your budget, start reaching out to locations to insure you can get the accommodation you desire.

You may also want to start thinking about whether you want to tackle wedding planning alone, or hire a wedding planner. Be sure to review the elements of your wedding that will take a little planning - finding the ideal venue, organizing party favors, selecting the menu and decor - and see if this is something you would want to do on your own or with some help - stress reduction and a little time-saving sounds nice, right?

That’s where we come in. Have Zacharys cater your special day! We provide an Event Planner to help select menu options and other fine details such as decorations and entertainment. Your guests will enjoy chic appetizers, towering culinary displays,  and signature cocktails. In addition to our delicious food, beautiful presentations and great service, we are also known for our creative, scrumptious, handcrafted desserts and of course your wedding cake!

A wedding is more than just another party, it’s a grande celebration of love and our team at Zacharys wants to make your wedding dreams come true. Get a head start on creating your fairytale wedding, call us today: 516-794-9770