10 SERIOUS MISTAKES TO AVOID

When planning a Wedding Reception and/or Banquet Event

1.  You didn't get a contract?

Many people planning an event think it is to their advantage to not get a contract with the venue they are thinking of booking with. This is very risky business! There are some venues out there that are too lazy and easy going to offer or require a contract with their potential client. They don't want to scare you away and perhaps want to leave the door open to make last minute changes.

The fact of the matter is that the contract protects you, the client, as much as it protects the venue. Without any contract you are not guaranteed the security of having the date reserved for you. You can be bumped, forgotten, or refused due to double booking without any recourse. You don't have any assurances of stable agreed upon pricing or services. All of your planning and budgeting would be in vain.

At Schussler's we use standard restaurant business contracts for your Wedding Reception and other events of 50 or more. Sleep well at night being assured you are guaranteed the date, the pricing and the services you were hoping for.

2. Choosing a venue based on price.....you get (or don't get) what you pay for!

Budget is a very important and crucial part of event and Wedding planning. However for a totally successful event you need to find balance in all criteria of planning.

When you shop strictly by price you may find hidden and not mentioned extra costs for products and services previously discussed. Pay close attention to the overall experience you want to offer to your family and guests. Consider important issues as reputation, years of experience, quality of service, cleanliness and newness of the venue, amount of staffing provided, and personal attention given to you by the sales staff.

Schussler's brings over 55 years of successful events with a Chef and Management staff averaging 20 years of service each. We are not the cheapest prices nor the most expensive for our menus and services. We like you to know we give the best value for you event budget.

3. Not communicating with your vendors.

Have a thorough conversation with all of your vendors and let them now EXACTLY what you expect. Don't assume that, because they are professionals with years of experience, they automatically know your desires and needs. Each party host's or Wedding couple's vision is different. 

At Schussler's, we very much want to satisfy you and your guests. We will help you coordinate with your vendors (musicians, decorators, photographers, etc.) to make sure everyone works together, so share the details of your dreams with us from the beginning.

4. Trying to do everything yourself

Whether you're a party host or a prospective Bride and Groom, you really need the assistance of others to bring together all the important details of a successful event. Assign smaller tasks to others to unburden you and allow you to focus on other important details.Ensure that your vendors know to take responsibility for their end of things. Delegate specific projects to other family members or office committees and stay in touch with them to sure they are keeping up with the progress of this whole project.

For Wedding Receptions it's a wonderful idea to recruit a close friend or family member to be your assistant during the reception. They would help coordinate services such as photography, cake cutting, grand marches, speeches etc.

At Schussler's we want you to stay in touch with us on the progress of your event or Big Day. We keep files on this progress and save notes and emails regarding all your communications about your event. You can rely on us to be your partner until the end of your event.

5. Be on time...for social hour, for Dinner...and for your Wedding

Part of success of planning and carrying out your party and Reception is focusing on timeliness. Guests plan their day around your scheduling that day or evening. They plan their travel, their earlier mealtimes, arrival times, socializing times and hotels all around your itinerary. Guests will generally not eat a big meal earlier in the day before your event because they know they will be eating well at Schussler's. Don't make them wait......and don't starve them.

At Schussler's we pride ourselves in being on time with all the important facets of your event whether it be Social Hour, Hors d' oeuvres, Dinner, Program and Dance times. We don't push you to be punctual but we are ready when you are. OUR JOB IS TO MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD AND WELL ORGANIZED.

6. Leaving so soon?

Your guests, your friends, your employees and your family come from the comforts of their home, sometimes from near and far, and from the other day to day adventures to celebrate with you (and to see you on your Wedding day). Not staying the whole time of the party, or the Reception, would probably be a huge disappointment. This will be the only time most of your friends, co-workers, or family will be able to be together; or to see you. For Wedding couples, you will be very busy in the last days leading up to your big day with last minute preparations and will most likely be unavailable until that day.

At Schussler's, unlike some other venues, (especially in nearby larger cities), we don't rent the facility to you by the hour or make you leave immediately following the last song. We have plenty of work to do at the end of the evening so we are more than happy to allow you to stay awhile and wind down from the evening. Make the most of your entire party!

7. Blowing your budget

Throwing a party or having a Wedding Reception can be a big investment and an expensive proposition. There are many expenses and services to be considered. Every vendor is vying to be a bigger part of your budget and time. The best thing to do is step back, early in the planning stages, and take a look at the big picture of your event. What's important to YOU! Every party host and excited Wedding couple starts booking vendors and making purchases without having a real budget and then are shocked to discover that they have spent all of their money (or parent's money) and don't yet have half of the services or amenities they need. On the other hand keep in mind that this event is a one time deal. Be attentive to you finances but don't sell yourself short.

Again, decide what parts of your budget deserve priority. Is it the menu, the beverages for guests, the decorations, the limo, the entertainment? How does it all fit into the puzzle?

At Schussler's we are not here to sell you in over your head. We know you have other expenses and will work with you to be comfortable with the fact that you are getting everything financially coordinated. We can advise you and suggest to you how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together so you know your money is well spent.

8. Were you there?

Greet and say hello to all your guests. Some ideas for this is the traditional receiving line after the ceremony itself; a receiving line at the reception Hall; or designated greeters at the reception or banquet (for corporate this would include a registration table). Office managers, event planners (and at Wedding receptions - the parents) make wonderful greeters to acknowledge the presence and attendance of all guests. Someone special or in charge should make an effort to have a conversation with each and every person. They will all be there to join in and celebrate the event. Give them the common courtesy of thanking them for coming to your event.

AT Schussler's we try to take a close look with you at the timing and planning of your party so that all social connections can be made and that you can arrive in a comfortable amount of time before Dinner to have this happen.

9. Drinking and driving

These days we're all pretty much in tune with the drinking and driving laws yet most of us don't want to give up the fun of the evening. Also whether or not a banquet venue is in town or out of town it's always still a drive for someone. You may want to consider taxis and shuttles as part of budget; or special prizes, considerations or accommodations for designated drivers.

FOR WEDDING CLIENTS: Keep in mind the only times brides and grooms eat during the Wedding day rituals are usually at the Wedding reception itself. There's not much food in the stomach and alcohol will affect you much faster. Try and eat throughout the day and watch how much you drink. You want your guests to remember how beautiful and handsome the bride and groom were, not how ugly they acted.

At Schussler's we have negotiated exclusive discounts for Limousine services as well as Reception shuttle services to local hotels and motels. We can also arrange to have special snacks for the wedding party prior to the Dinner hour to help them stay alert and stable through the social hour.

10. It was over before I knew it

Many party planners and Wedding couples, along with their families, work so long and fret so hard as to all the details of the event that they neglect actually taking a break the day of the event and stepping back to enjoy it all.Take a deep breath and let go. It's time to eat, talk, laugh, dance and celebrate. Surrender to the day and you'll remember it all fondly.

At Schussler's we are at your service to fulfill all the details you requested for you party. Trust us to take over the event while you step back and celebrate. We've been doing it for years....and we guarantee you a good time.

WHEN IT ABSOLUTELY HAS TO BE DONE RIGHT.......THINK OF SCHUSSLER'S