Overview
If you are brave enough to take on the planning yourself and not hire the professional services of an event planner, or wedding planning service, (which we highly recommend), this page can offer some helpful links and general resources for every aspect of organizing an event.
We highly recommend booking an event venue prior to asking for a catering quote, or at least come forward with a general idea of which venue you are looking to book for your event. Many venues have different requirements for outside catering, so it is best that we quote accurately from the start.
Three Steps to Successful Event Planning
1 Know your guest count, and make sure the venue you choose has a bit of cushion in case the numbers increase closer to the date!
2 Book your venue and caterer at the same time! Do not wait on making a deposit, peak days go quickly!
3 Know your budget, and relay that information to your vendors.
Venues
Finding the perfect venue is not an easy task. Our master list has some great ideas, but it’s always recommended to call and contact the venue you are interested in to have a tour of the facility. An event planner can help locate the perfect venue for your special event!
Timeline Suggestions
We have compiled an example timeline template, as well as a blank template.
Seating Chart Creator
This easy application is great for doing your seating charts for your event.
- Simple Seating Application – http://www.simpleseating.com/
Photographers
Capturing the beauty that is your special day can be a big decision! As most photographers are booked a year in advanced, we recommend booking this part of your day very promptly.
- Shari & Mike Photographers
- James Moes – Seattle / Destination
- Brett Beadle
- Teryn Lee Photography
- Shannyn Higgins Photography
- Stu-di-o by jeanie
- Blue Olive Photography
Wedding Cakes
- Cadeaux Bakery – Slavita (604-763-5581)
- Anna Elizabeth Cakes – (778) 988-4589
- Jaconde Pattiserie –
Decor
Special Event Licensing ( SOL ) & Alcohol
Please note that Savoury Chef Foods has a full service liquor license to be able to purchase, serve and transport alcohol for your event. If you do not wish to purchase alcohol from Savoury Chef Foods, the law requires you to obtain a Special Occasion License.
Savoury Chef Instructions – How To Obtain a Special Occasion License
- BC Liquor Board – http://www.bcliquorstores.com/special-occasion-licence
- Liberty Wine Merchants – http://www.libertywinemerchants.com/
Alcohol Amounts – Recommendation
How much alcohol do I need for my wedding?
We have created a wonderful alcohol calculator for you to use to get a rough estimate on the amount of alcohol required for your event.
Tent Rentals
We have worked with the following tent companies. All of which offer different types of services that are associated with the tents you wish to rent. For outdoor events, please make sure you remember that the Caterer must also have their own tent rented, which can usually be accomplished in a (20ftx20ft) or preferred (30ft x20ft) size tent.
- AardVark and Armadillo
http://www.tentrentals.com/main.html - Pheonix Tentx
http://www.phoenixtentrentals.ca/ - AnB PartyTime Rentals
http://www.abpartytime.com/
Floral
- FlowerZ
- Granville Island Florist
http://www.gifvancouver.com/ - Flower Factory
http://www.flowerfactory.ca/
Decoration and Props
- Upright Decor Rentals & Event Design –
http://www.uprightdecor.com/ - Greenscape Design & Decor –
http://www.greenscapedecor.com/ - Art Of The Party
http://www.artoftheparty.ca/ - CanAm Importique
http://www.canamimportique.com/
Furniture Rentals
- Loungeworks Furniture Rental & Decor – http://www.loungeworks.ca/
Production Services
Production services bring light sounds, and extra ordinary magic to your events. We have worked with the following.
- ShowMax Events – http://www.showmaxevents.com/
- SoundWerx – http://www.soundwerks.ca
- EventStar Services – http://www.eventstar.ca/
Tables Chairs & Linen – Rental Companies
- Lonsdale Event Rentals – http://www.lonsdaleevents.com
- Pedersens Rentals – http://pedersens.com/
- AnB PartyTime Rentals – http://www.abpartytime.com/
Outdoor / Portable Washrooms
Tuxedo Rentals / Custom Suits
Fans & Generators
When hosting outdoor events, you need power! As a rule of thumb, the caterers tent should never share a generator with the same one that will be powering lights, or music for the main dining tent. In the past a 3000w generator has worked perfectly for the catering tent needs.
- Dynamic Rentals – http://www.dynamic-rentals.com/contact.htm
Wedding Officiants
- Bonnie MacKenzie – mackenzb@shaw.ca – 604 681-1821
- MarryUs – http://www.marryus.ca/
Preferred Vendor Resources
To become part of our preferred resource list, please contact us to setup a meeting, and gather more information.