How to Throw an Engagement Party

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When it comes to marriage proposals, it's not unusual for the happy couple to have a series of celebrations from the time they first get engaged until the day of the wedding. After the bride to be says "I do," many families first throw an engagement party to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in their child's life. While engagement parties are typically thrown by the parents of the brides family, sometimes friends and extended family also like to get involved. If you have someone special in your life who just got engaged, consider throwing them an engagement party to say congratulations! See below for a few tips on how to throw the perfect engagement party:

1. Timing: Try to schedule the party within a few months of the actual engagement. If you wait too long, chances are the bride and groom have already begun planning the wedding and will be preoccupied with figuring out their own party details.

2. Guests: Traditionally, those that are invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. However, this doesn't mean you need to invite all proposed guests. Start by including the families of both the bride and groom, and then go down the list to see which friends will be invited.

3. Gifts: While many people save the gifts for the bridal shower or wedding reception, there are always those who can't help but bring a little something special to the engagement party. As the host, ask the honored couple if they have created a wedding registry in case potential respondents are asking.

4. Type of Party: Engagement parties can come in many different forms. While some prefer a small luncheon, others plan for an elaborate celebration. This decision should mainly be based off of your budget; don't forget, there are other opportunities for a big party in the future!

5. Greeting: As soon as guests arrive they're going to want to congratulate the new couple, so plan a spot where the bride and groom can comfortably greet guests.

For more engagement party tips, click here.

If you're planning an engagement party, choose Zacharys! Whether you're planning a small luncheon, cocktail party or an elaborate affair with customized food displays, our catering team will guide you through every step of the planning. Your guests will enjoy chic appetizers, towering culinary displays, classic party favorites and signature cocktails. And don't forget the dessert! We are also known for our creative handcrafted desserts and celebration cakes. For more information on our engagement parties, contact us at (516) 794-9770 today!

Memorial Day Party Checklist

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Every year on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day is celebrated to remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the military. In addition to celebrating the lives of those who died for our country, many people often use it to mark the start of summer vacation and the summer season and celebrate by hosting their first outdoor BBQ. So how do you plan to celebrate this year? If you're looking for an excuse to get together with family and friends, consider a Memorial Day party! The following is a guideline you can follow to help you prepare:

Appetizers:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Pigs in a blanket
- Chips and dip

Food:                                                                                     
- Hot dogs and hamburgers  
- Hero sandwiches      
- French fries                                  
- Corn on the cob
- Chicken
- Ribs                           

Dessert:
- Baked goods (cookies, brownies)
- Strawberry or blueberry pie
- American flag cupcakes

Decorations:
- Flags
- Red, white and blue streamers
- Stars and stripes tablecloth
- American flag pinwheels
- Red, white and blue place settings

If you're looking to take your party to the next level, consider hosting it at a catering hall - choose Zacharys! At Zacharys Catering, we have everything you need to host the perfect theme party. Our event planner will help you get started by figuring out details such as your menu, decorations and entertainment. We know that one of the most challenging parts of throwing a theme party is the decorating, which is why our planners put an emphasis on your decor and provide creative ideas that will help capture the look and feel of your party.

Contact us at (516) 794-9770 to begin planning your party today!

Popular Sweet 16 Themes

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Before planning the majority of your sweet 16, one of the first things you must decide on is your theme. The theme you pick lays the groundwork for your dress, decorations, entertainment and possibly even your menu! When it comes to choosing your theme, you want to pick something unique and memorable that truly captures your personality and interests; that said, this party is all about you! Since picking a theme can be tough, we've compiled a list of popular sweet 16 themes that are sure to wow your guests:

Candy: What better way to celebrate your sweet 16 than with a sweet theme? For this theme you can either dedicate your party to one specific piece of candy, a group of candies, or just candy in general! Consider including a candy buffet where guests can indulge in their favorite sweets all night. At Zacharys, we are available to provide a candy table that is meant to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Black and White: While colors are fun, a black and white theme is a great way to make your sweet 16 seem a little more formal. If you anticipate difficulty choosing decorations and entertainment, choose this theme for simplicity - everything will be in black and white! However, since this is your special day you're going to want to stand out, so use your dress as an excuse to include some color in your night.

Glow in the Dark/Neon: Since neon is the new black, think about a glow in the dark/neon party. Let guests get creative with their outfits for this theme, and don't forget to have plenty of glow necklaces and bracelets to hand out throughout the night! When it comes to choosing a dress, also make sure to pick something you know will stand out with your lighting.

Tiffany & Co: Glam up your night with this elegant and fancy theme while inserting your own name into the title. Think about using a little blue box for your seating cards, and to really impress guests, include an inexpensive, sparkling ring on the inside that they can wear all night long!

You only turn 16 once, so make it memorable; have Zacharys cater your party! Our party planners will help you coordinate every detail of your sweet 16 including your menu, decorations and entertainment. All sweet 16 parties come with a DJ, and we are able to provide MCs, dancers, artists, photographers and videographers. Who says you can't have your dream sweet 16? Let us help you make it happen; contact us at (516) 794-9770.

First Dance Wedding Songs for 2014

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After you've chosen your venue, decorations and menu, it's time to focus on the entertainment you plan to have at your wedding. When it comes to the music, there's only one thing guests are waiting to hear - the song you've picked for your first dance as a couple. The song you choose is one that will follow you forever, and chances are it is one that you and your spouse will continue to talk about throughout your journey as a married couple.

We know the process of choosing your first dance song is tough, and we want to make sure you pick one that's perfect. The following is a list of popular songs for 2014 that you can sample when sitting down to select your wedding song:

1. I Won't Give Up: Jason Mraz
2. Wanted: Hunter Hayes
3. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not: Thompson Square
4. I'll Be - Edwin McCain
5. God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
6. Count On Me - Bruno Mars
7. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
8. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
9. Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
10. Marry Me - Train

For more traditional first dance songs, see below:

1. I Will - The Beatles
2. Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
3. I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
4. Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
5. From This Moment - Shania Twain

For a complete list of popular wedding songs for 2014, click here.

Are you ready to choose your wedding song? Here at Zacharys, we can provide an event planner who can help you pick the best music for your wedding reception. For your wedding we will also help you select menu options and decorations. Your guests will enjoy chic appetizers, towering culinary displays, signature cock tails, and of course your wedding cake!

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in a person's life, and we want to help make it memorable. Contact us at (516) 794-9770 to begin planning your reception today!

Graduation Party Checklist

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With May comes college graduations, and with graduations come graduation parties! If your son or daughter is graduating from college this month, say congratulations by throwing them a graduation party! After all, this may be the last time they are ever a student, and that's a milestone that should never go unnoticed. If you've already begun the planning process and are only a few short weeks away from the party, then it's time to put on the final touches and make sure everything is in place for the big day. The following is a checklist you can follow as the day gets closer:
  

Week of the party:

• Shop for last minute supplies such as decorations or place settings.
• Shop for or prepare what you will wear to the party.
• Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged so you are ready to take pictures.
• Go over your guest list and check that you have accounted for everyone who will be attending.
• Confirm details with your venue or confirm delivery of rental equipment if your party will take place at home.

Day of the party:

• Wake up with enough time to get ready and pack up anything that needs to be taken to your venue. If your party is at home, wake up with enough time to set up tables, chairs, and tents if necessary.
• Pick up last minute food such as appetizers and dessert. If your party is catered, contact your caterer to confirm delivery times and menu.
• Pick up balloons or flowers if they are part of your decorations.
• Arrive early to your venue to put up final decorations, set up any extra amenities, and discuss party plans with the staff.
• Have fun and celebrate!

Once the party is complete, don't forget to thank guests for coming and stick around to help clean up. If your party is held at a venue, make sure you speak with your event planner to confirm payment and thank them for their services. If your party is at home, make sure you pack away any rental equipment and wrap up any extra food that is leftover. Don't forget to send thank you cards to guests within 2 weeks! 

If you're still looking for help on how to begin planning a graduation party, check out our previous blog.

Are you looking for a venue to host your child's graduation party? Choose Zacharys! Our event planners will help you plan your decor, menu and more, and will help reduce the stress that comes with party planning. Graduations are a special occasion, so celebrate the right way! Contact us at 516-794-9770 for more information on how we can help you plan the perfect graduation party.

How to Throw a "Red Carpet" Sweet 16

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If you're in the process of planning your daughter's sweet 16, or have thrown one in the past, then you're probably familiar with the stress that comes with picking the perfect theme. Since the majority of your party, including your menu, music, favors and decorations, are likely to revolve around your theme, it's important to choose something that is easy to work with while also meeting your daughter's personal preference.

A popular theme that allows you to really get creative is a "red carpet" or "Hollywood" theme party. With this theme, there are so many directions you can go in! Will your party focus on a particular movie or TV show? Maybe it will just focus on one particular celebrity. No matter which path you choose, a red carpet themed sweet 16 is sure to make your guests feel like they're superstars. The following are some tips you can use when designing your sweet 16 around this theme:

Attire: Everyone knows that celebrities dress to impress, so you should too! When picking out your daughter's sweet 16 dress, choose a look that resembles what her favorite celebrity might wear to an awards show. As for family and friends, suggest that they wear something they would want to be photographed in if they were walking the red carpet.

Decorations: A Hollywood theme isn't complete without a red carpet that leads from the venue's front door to the party room. To get the full effect, consider hiring a photographer who can take each guests' picture on the red carpet as they enter the room. Other decoration ideas include cardboard cutouts of celebrities and stars with guests' names for their place setting to imitate the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Music and Entertainment: Choose music that would make you feel like you're in LA celebrating with all of your favorite celebrities. Then, design activities that reflect the aspect of Hollywood you're trying to capture. For example, you can set up karaoke, have a name that tune contest, or show scenes from your favorite movies and ask guests to figure out what movie they're from.

Party Favors: End the night by giving guests a piece of Hollywood to take home. Some ideas include imitation Hollywood award trophies, movie clapboard key chains, and VIP laminates.

Are you ready to plan a night your daughter will never forget? Choose Zacharys to host your daughter's sweet 16! Our party planners will help you coordinate each detail of your sweet 16 and will work with you to ensure your party is unique and memorable. All sweet 16 parties come with a DJ, MC's, dancers, artists, photographers, videographers and more. Call us at (516) 794-9770 to start planning your party today!

Popular Wedding Desserts

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While most weddings include a traditional wedding cake (or cupcakes if you're into today's latest party trends), some couples prefer a different style. Especially for those who choose to have their wedding party in a location such as their own backyard, sometimes a variety of smaller desserts is preferred over a large wedding cake. That's why we've researched some of the top tastiest wedding desserts that couples can use for their special day! Whether your party is catered or held at a smaller venue such as your home, these treats are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth:

1. Pie Bar: For a less formal approach, consider ordering a few different flavored pies that can cater to all of your guests' taste buds. With a pie bar, guests have the option to choose a flavor they prefer or have the opportunity to sample a few different ones!

2. Baked Goods: Who doesn't love a good homemade brownie or cookie? Although most guests look forward to trying the cake you've chosen, sticking with traditional homemade goods are sure to excite. This option is also a great way to get your friends and family involved in your wedding by asking them to bake one item for the dessert table!

3. Doughnuts: Doughnuts are a delicious alternative to traditional wedding desserts. Like the pie bar option, order a few different flavors so that guests have the opportunity to sample different treats.

4. Frozen Yogurt: Since going out for "fro-yo" has turned into a popular activity for people of all ages, why not introduce guests to your favorite flavors? With this option, you can provide guests with cups of yogurt, or, seek out a venue that allows you to set up your own DIY frozen yogurt machine.

5. Candy Bar: End the night on a high note by offering guests a candy bar where they can fill up their own goody bag with their favorite treats. Here at Zacharys, we offer one of the sweetest candy bars filled with all your favorite chocolates, gummies, and more!

For more wedding day desserts, click here.

Here at Zacharys, we pride ourselves on our ability to create a menu that meets your needs. In addition to your appetizers and main course, we are available to provide dessert options that are sure to have your guests' mouths watering! Let your wedding day be full of sweet surprises; contact us at 516-794-9770 to begin planning your party today!

Cinco de Mayo Party Tips

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With Cinco de Mayo only 4 days away, it's time to break out your maracas, margaritas and sombreros! Every year, May 5 is devoted to celebrating Mexican culture. Historically, it celebrates Mexico's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and has evolved into an annual celebration especially within Mexican-American populations in the US. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've collected a few tips that you can use to throw your very own fiesta!

1. Sample Sauces: Since Mexican culture is popular for its sauces, offer guests a variety of sauces and salsas to try. Set up a table with bowls of tortilla chips and then arrange each of the sauces around the bowls. Don't forget to label your sauces so guests know what they're trying!
2. It's All About the Tacos: Consider including a station where guests can make their own tacos for a simple yet creative DIY main course. Include toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Also, consider including a signature taco dip for those who want the same delicious taco taste with their chips!
3. Margaritas: As soon as your party starts, prepare a margarita for each of your guests. Then, for the rest of the night, have a table set up where guests can get a refill at their convenience. For some Cinco de Mayo margarita recipes, click here!
4. Include a Pinata: No matter the age of your guests, consider including a pinata. Not only is this a great decoration, but it also makes for an activity that guests can look forward to. Who doesn't love candy?

For more menu options and other ideas for your Cinco de Mayo party, click here. 

If you're looking for a reason to throw a party, theme parties are a great way to go - who says you need a reason to celebrate? Hosting a theme party allows you get together with friends and family just for the fun of it!

Are you planning a theme party? Here at Zacharys, we are available to host any and all theme parties! Our seasoned event planners will help you plan the perfect party and will assist in making decisions pertaining to food, entertainment, decorations and more. We know that one of the most challenging parts of throwing a theme party is the decorating; that's why our party planners will provide creative ideas that can capture the look and feel of your chosen theme. Call us at 516-794-9770 to begin planning your party today!