Be Inspired...Be Creative With Your Budget!

"Low budgets force you to be more creative.  Sometimes, with too much money, time and equipment, you can over-think.  My way, you can use your gut instinct." robert Rodriguez


Hi My Friends,

When planning any event be it a wedding, a non-profit fundraiser, a social event or a corporate event everyone has a budget!  Yes, some are larger than others but we all have a limit to what can and should be spent on our events.  By starting out from the start with a defined budget you will alleviate many problems and stresses that can pop up during the planning process.

During the planning process at Boutique Events creating a working budget is a priority.  Projecting costs and then adding the actual costs as we go along keeps us on budget and lets us know if we need to make adjustments.  We start with the "must haves', these are different for each client that walks through the door.  For some it is the venue, for some it is the entertainment or the dress or...each of us has that something special that we don't want to give up, that is the "must have" for our event.  So, we start with that and work our way through the budget inputting projected figures.  A lot of times this is when the client realizes they can't have it "all".  As difficult as this process is if you do, doing it from the beginning can save you a lot of drama on the journey.



Getting creative is the best way to keep as many special elements as you can in your event.  It's also compromising, giving a little to get something.  When planning an event working with a professional planner who has experience can save you time and money.  We know what corners can be cut, we know how to create something out of nothing, we know which vendors are more affordable or are willing to work within your budget.  Keeping you within your budget, keeping you updated on what has been spent and what still needs to be spent is our job.  By hiring a planner and giving them this as well as many other of the responsibilities you relieve yourself and others of this stress and allow you to enjoy the process.

So, first things first...Hire a professional event planner when planning any kind of an event.  Then sit with them and create a realistic budget before you make any commitments to any vendors.  These two simple steps will make a world of difference in your experience planning any event.  If you or a friend are in need a fabulous event / wedding planner please get in touch with us: 
www.boutique-events.net, 561-252-0963 
or valerie@boutique-events.net.

Cheers! xo,

Valerie

Valerie Mosher 

Owner of Boutique Events

Wedding and Event Planning 

Jupiter / Stuart / The Palm Beaches

Be Inspired...Food Glorious Food

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.” 
― Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance

Hi My Friends,

Recently I discussed the different options of beverage service for an event, today I thought we would talk about food for an event.  Having been a catering director for many years I'ld like to think I'm pretty well versed on this subject :).  

When catering for guests, whether at home or at a venue, it is of the utmost importance that you remember that they are all exactly that, your guests.  I know that being a "foodie" is cool right now but this is not the time or place to serve ultra gourmet selections unless of course it is with a group of other "foodies".  When entertaining it is always about your guests and what they will enjoy, this is called being gracious.  Although this sushi might look fabulous you have to realize that many of your guests won't eat raw fish no matter how pretty it is.  I'm not saying not to serve this or other unique items, I'm saying make sure to add these to a menu which also  has tried and true favorites.  



When planning a menu for an event it is good to walk through the event in your mind. When will your guests arrive, will you start with hors d'oeuvres, just cocktails or buffet or a plated dinner or even just desserts, there are so many options to consider. When thinking all of these options over please remember that you must serve the proper amount of food for the time your guests will be there. I can't tell you how many clients thought they could save money by serving just hors d' oeuvres during the dinner hour. I of course always counciled against this and we would find a way of serving delicious but less expensive items for a meal. Serving delicious satisfying food does not mean it has to be expensive. This pasta dish is very inexpensive and a great way to add an additional entree to the menu. Other entrees that are less pricey are pork and chicken, don't feel as though you have to have beef or seafood on the menu if it is not within your budget.

What's important is that the food is well prepared, fresh, looks beautiful and tastes delicious.  Another way to save some money is to keep most of the budget for the main meal, forgo the expensive hors d'oeuvres and have a great cheese table instead.  Most of the first hour guests are mingling and getting a beverage and before you know it dinner will be served.  Also brides, let your cake be the dessert if you are on a budget.  

Speaking of dessert, if you are not on a tight budget one of the most popular food trends today is a beautifully displayed dessert table ~  Incorporating one or two colors from the event decor into these tables creates a wonderful effect.  These tables are great for birthday parties as well!

Mixing candies and baked goods all within the color scheme is very dramatic and a great "wow" to end the evening.  

Another fun way to end the evening is to have  warm cookies and coffee in "to go" cups ready for the guests to take for the ride home.  That last impression of the evening is as important as the first!   Again, it's all about being a gracious host, from the moment your guests arrive until the moment they are pulling away they are your invited guests, so please treat them well!

Boutique Events staff are experts in catering and are here anytime you have questions regarding your upcoming wedding or event.  Please email valerie@boutique-events.net with any questions.    

It's the new year, are you newly engaged?  We will help you plan your customized one of a kind wedding celebration.  Boutique Events is your personal wedding consultant serving Jupiter, Stuart and The Palm Beaches.  Please contact us to help take all of the stress out of planning your big day, we will make it enjoyable and fun!  www.boutique-events.net, valerie@boutique-events.net

It's a new year ~ wishing you all love, happiness and new adventures in 2013!!
Cheers!
XO, Valerie