Average Wedding Costs

The Knot, the global leader in wedding information both in print and internet, has just released statistics for the 2009 wedding year:

There were 2.2 MILLION weddings in 2009.

The national average a bride spends on catering is $10,465.

The average cost per guest is $68.00.

It certainly would be interesting to know how the Pacific Northwest compares to the national average, wouldn't it!


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Choosing a Caterer

There's an article on our web site titled "10 Questions to Ask Your Caterer"  It gives all the questions you should ask your caterer before you even consider hiring them.

Critical items like proper licensing, adequate liability insurance, trained service staff, training in proper food handling and sanitation, and their familiarity with your reception venue are all extemely important and should be  the basis of your selection process.

The very most important factor when hiring a caterer is your confidence and comfort with the company you choose. 
Do they promptly return your phone calls and emails? 
Do you receive your proposal and estimate in a reasonalbe amount of time? 
Are they organized and detailed? 
Do they have a high level of professionalism? 
Are they a stable company that will continue to be in business for your wedding?

Most important of all - do you feel a real connection to your planner?  When you have confidence in your planner and their company, you will be able to relax and truly enjoy your special day.



Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Lakewold Gardens Weddings

Lakewold Gardens, the spectacular garden estate wedding venue in Lakewood, Washington, has new rental packages for the 2010 season.

In addition to the use of the Mansion and extensive gardens, tables and chairs and valet parking are included in their quoted rental rates.  Having the valet or directional parking included saves you having to make the parking arrangements in additional to the rental.

Check out Lakewold Gardens at  http://www.lakewoldgardens.org

Our photo gallery has a full rannge of wedding choices at Lakewold.  Check it out!


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Landmark Event Center

We're pleased to be chosen a preferred caterer for The Landmark Event Center in Des Moines!

This grand, historic building sits high on a bluff with an expansive view of Puget Sound.  Perfectly situated between Seattle and Tacoma, this has been one of those "best kept secrets."  Now available for rental for weddings and special occasions, you need to see the beauty and detail of these beautifully appointed rooms.

Gleaming terrazo floors, wood casement windows, architectual details of yesteryear, even a carpeted indoor chapel with a stage and brass chandeliers!  You can have your wedding on the expansive front lawn and move indoors for the reception or have just the reception in the Pt. Robinson Room.

Other rooms are also available for meetings and smaller events.

http://www.landmarkcelebrations.com

Call me at 253-851-2900 if you would like additional information about this elegant venue.

Sharon


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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2010 Colors, #2

This seaon is looking bold and bright! It's time to leave the subdued, quiet colors and textures of this past year behind and look forward to more expressive, dynamic, and bold trends.  

The Pantone Fashion Color Report for spring 2010 is reporting bright color hues such as turquoise and a vibrant cobalt blue, along with purples, such as lavender and a gleaming canary yellow. Warm colors such as a tomato or scarlet red are being paired with the brighter hues.  Neutral colors such as sage green, bubbly champagne, and taupe will also be paired with some of the bolder colors and textures. 



Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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New Waterfront Wedding Venue

The Edgewater House is a fabulous new wedding venue RIGHT ON THE BEACH!  Expansive views of Puget Sound, sweeping lawns, a driftwood wedding arch, even a "beach shack" for funky photos!

Located between Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, The Edgewater House is now available for the 2010 wedding season.  In addition to the private beach, it features two guest rooms, an elegant brides room, indoor balcony, outdoor upper deck (perfect for the bouquet toss!) and both seaplane and boat access.

We're delighted that Snuffin's Catering has been chosen as a preferred vendor for this exceptional wedding site.

www.theedgewaterhouse.com


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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New Pt Gamble Photos

New photos of Pt Gamble's Hood Canal Vista Pavilion have been added to our Pt. Gamble Photo Gallery.

Recent weddings of Micajah Llewellyn and Shane Jenkins and Alsha Tremaine and Josh Weiss were held at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. 

This note was just received from Alisha and Josh:

"Your staff, food, and overall service at our wedding was absolutely fantastic.  Our team captain was absolutely incredible.  She was polite, coordinated, and made sure that everything was perfect.  Our whole experience at the wedding was simply superb.  I think I am running out of adjectives to describe it!  More than several guests commented that the salmon was the 'best piece of fish they had ever tasted' and the venue was set up perfectly.  The buffet lines went quick and everyone was angling for more of the cream puffs!  Josh and I were also delighted with the basket of goodies and most of the leftovers were eaten by our guests before they returned home.  

I can't say enough about your company and will refer anyone and everyone who is holding an event in Kitsap County to you.  

Thank you so much for your professionalism and communication throughout the planning.  

You guys helped make our wedding day one that we'll never forget and I am forever grateful."

Click here to view Pt Gamble Photo Gallery


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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2010 Wedding Colors

It's official!  This is the year of Turquoise Blue!  If Martha Stewart says so, it must be true!

The colors range from deep turquoise of tropical waters to the Tiffany Blue made famous by their "little blue box".  (I once received the "blue box" from a Mom containing a fabulous crystal bowl in thanks for her daughter's wedding.  Wow!)

Wedding magazines continue to show rich plums and clear jewel tones for bridesmaid dresses, with fun, strappy heels.

Flowers to go with this color pallette seem to be mostly whites with small touches of color. 

This will be a colorful wedding season!

Sharon


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Vegetarian and Vegan Weddings

We have a new page under our Menu category with wonderful menu items for vegetarian and vegan weddings or other events.  Rather than post menus, we've listed some menu choices that can form the basics of your custom designed menu.

Many of our traditional menu items will fit into a vegetarian or vegan menu.  Call us at 253-851-2900 to discuss our custom menus with one of our friendly event planners.

Here's the link to our vegetarian and vegan menu choices:

Vegetarian and Vegan Menus

We look forward to speaking with you!!

Sharon


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Welcome 2010 Weddings!

This is one of my favorite times of the catering year:  The holiday rush is over, it's time to take down the (beautiful) Christmas tree, I still have some yummy goodies left to snack on and.......

It's time for the 2010 wedding planning season!  Yes, many couples are super organized and have already booked their wedding with us, however, most couples are just now starting their planning for their wedding this summer.  Our phone has been ringing and ringing with inquires and requests for consultations.

Yes, we do wedding consultations on Saturdays, but the appointments do fill up fast!  If you are able to come in during the week, we have more times available.

What happens when you schedule a wedding consultation with Snuffin's Catering?  We give you a tour of our impressive, immaculately clean commercial kitchen, show you our array of beautiful serving pieces and a tasting of some of our most popular menu items. 

Snuffin's doesn't JUST cater food!  We help you with all your planning, vendors, linens, china and glassware - everything you need for a perfect reception.

Call us today at 253-851-2900.  You'll be glad you did!

Sharon









Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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December Weddings

We're catering Julie and Neil's wedding at the Union Station Rotunda today.  As we were preparing their food, I started thinking what a great time this is for a wedding!

December holidays are so full of joy and good cheer - it's a wonderful time to get married!  Family and friends travel to be together, so more of them from far away may be able to attend your wedding.

Decorations are pretty easy this time of year too - lots of sliver and gold and glitter to add bling to your festivities. Many venues are already decorated for the holidays, reducing your decor costs.

The week between Christmas and New Years is usually a slow time for most venues so you should have no difficulty finding a venue on a weekend. 

If you receive a beautiful ring for Christmas, you might think about having your wedding this time next year.  It's not too early to start planning!

If you would like to discuss having a Holiday wedding, call me at 253-851-2900.

Sharon


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Wedding Estimates

What is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate for your wedding?

Resist the urge to choose the highest priced menus and rental equipment "just to see what it wil come to". You will most likely be shocked!

The best plan is to start with the number of guests you are confident will attend.  Choose a menu that is in the price range you have decided upon.  Our web site is one of the few in the area that lists prices with the wedding menus.  This will help you stay at your desired price range.

Rental equipment such as tables, chairs, china or disposables and linens are of many different price points.  If you want an elegant look and have the budget for it, by all means plan for full china, glassware, etc.  If you need to keep to a lower price point, choose disposable products.  Ask your caterer if you can provide the disposables to save costs.

A simple, but elegant buffet will require less staff than a full, seated dinner.  Plated dinners also require additional serving and holding equipment that must be rented.  They also require kitchen staff on site as well as serving staff.

For most bridal couples, their wedding reception is the first time they have hired a caterer.  We want it to be a wonderful experience for you!

Sharon


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Lowering Wedding Costs

I just read this article in an online wedding site about lowering your total cost for your wedding reception.

A super-simple method - cut 10 guests from your list!  See if it would work for you.

Here's the link:

http://www.wedplan.net/articles/1201/


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Laurel Creek Manor Holiday Rates!

There are still bargains out there!  We're glad when we find them and can pass them on to you.

Laurel Creek Manor (one of our favorite venues) has this significant reduced rental rate for the months of November and December, 2009.

"Special 2009 Rental Rates: Book Laurel Creek Manor any day of the week or weekend at a discounted rate of $995!

For more information, call 253-826-6306"

Or email at info@laurelcreekmanor.com

When you call them, tell them Snuffin's Catering sent you!

 

 



Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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New Photos!

What a great wedding season we had for the summer of 2009!  Very beautiful weddings, lovely bridal couples and their families - not a bridezila in sight!  (Just for the record, I dislike that term!  Some people do get stressed before the wedding, but they relax as soon as its over and the celebration begins!)

I'm working on updating our photo albums featuring some of our most recent weddings.  Take a look at  Thornewood Castle and Union Station Rotunda photo albums.  Fabulous colors and decor!

White or ivory is always a classic look.  Personally, I love bright colors and beautiful color palettes.  Makes the room exciting before the party even begins.

I 'll keep you posted as I update other location's photo galleries.

For the 2010 brides - join the Snuffin's Catering family and you may be one of our features brides next year!

We're doing lots of consultations right now.  Prime dates will most likely fill up early for 2010.

Call us now at 253-851-2900.


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Best Caterer in Western Washington!

Once again, we've been nominated for Best Caterer in Western Washington! 

Please cast your vote for Snuffin's Catering using the link below:

Search for Snuffin's, click on the yellow "VOTE" button and that's it!

Thank you in advance!

Sharon, Annie, Leslie, and all the Snuffin's staff.

http://best.king5.com/contests/best-of-western-washington/4749


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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2010 Menus

We've just posted our 2010 Wedding Menus with current pricing in the menu section of our website.

The good news:  Prices have increased only a few cents on all menus except the premium, high ticket items like Prime Rib, Tenderloin and some Seafood items. 

Prices for Prawns have stayed steady - Yummy!

We'll continue to offer our Value Menus.  They have been well received by couples looking to have a modest meal and are very competitively priced.

Click here to view our 2010 Wedding menus:   Wedding Menus


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Thank You Note!

We received this lovely Thank You note from a recent bride:

“Annie, everything was perfect. I planned for so long and finally the moment came.  The presentation of the food was wonderful and was equally tasteful. I loved the basket we received right before we left the reception. It was so good to see you even though it was for a brief moment.  Thank you so much for making a special trip to see me.  Monica was very attentive to our needs. Will and I felt like royalty. The staffing was very pleasant and professional.  Loved it!!!

 

I knew from the day we met back in June 2008 I was in good hands. Here we are 14 months later. I developed a strong trust in you and not once did I doubt your judgment. Your wisdom and experience provided guidance when I felt lost and helped me find my way. You and your staff ensured every detail was fine tuned to my specification.  Words cannot express my deepest gratification. I hold a special place in my heart for you. All your efforts and hard work was noticed. It was truly magical.”  

 

Pendora Shumate, Lacey Community Center



Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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Rainy Weddings?

What  happens when it rains on your wedding day?  Since we live in Washington state, even the best summer months have a risk of bad weather.

If you have your reception in an indoor venue, all you'll need is a big umbrella!

Outdoor weddings are more interesting in rainy weather.  This summer of 2009 has been the wackiest weather that we can remember!  Hot, hot,hot and now, very rainy in August and the beginning of September - usually our best weather of the year.

At Snuffin's Catering, we are specialists in planning outdoor weddings and always have a back up plan for rain on your wedding day.  We will make a plan for tenting on an as-needed basis, or the tent will be part of the plan from the beginning.  We will give you a written quote from a rental company that will ease your mind and cover your guests.

Need some information about tenting? Call Snuffin's at 253-851-2900.



Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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More Summer Weddings!

July and August are HUGE wedding months in the Pacific Northwest!

Of course, we have the best weather and the beautiful surroundings for a perfect wedding.

We're glad to welcome our newest bridal couples to the Snuffin's family:


Kallie Gray & Jaime Grochowski,  Pioneer Park Pavilion

Megan Murphy & Jeff Groves,  Private Home, Steamboat Island

Jessica Anderson & Rob Verboomen, Thornewood Castle

Emily Bruey & Russell Knight,  Fair Harbor Marina

Amber McLaren & Ed Cielinsk,  Sander's Mansion

Pendora Craig & Willie Shumate,  Lacey Community Center

Lisa Remberg & Bob Friesema,  Thornewood Castle

Jana & Mark Hunter,  Private Home, Port Orchard

Candace Vig & Chelsea Toby,  Laurel Creek Manor

Ann Lefebrvre & Trevor Waller,  Rock Creek Gardens

Natalie Findley & Sam Wolf, Thornewood Castle

Erin Gaskill & James Griffith,  Sander's Mansion

Maggie Mednikoff & Tyler Jantzen,  Genesis Farm, Enumclaw

Kacia Mason & Chris Kaul,  Lakewold Gardens

Gina Einarson & Brian Larsen,  Steilacoom Town Hall

MariAnne Fischer & Ron House,  Chapel at Echo Bay

Lauren Brooks & Brent Phelps,  Private Home, Seatac

Sarah Singleton & David Schroedel,  Well's Hall, Tacoma

Kim Smith & Andy Messersmith,  Fair Harbor Marina

Anita Dagner & Jesse Stratton,  Environmental Services Building

Jenny Stokes & Michael Holmes,  Pt. Defiance Pagoda

Amanda Cavanaugh & Brooks Mobley,  St. Paul's Church, Port Gamble

Anna Matson & Darrin Laws,  Laurel Creek Manor

Alison Adams & Chad Edniger,  Pt. Gamble Pavilion

Kristal Friar & Garrett Lowe Pt. Gamble Pavilion


Posted by: Sharon Snuffin
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