Join us at the beautiful Hatley Castle on March 29 2020 from 12:00 noon – 3pm for the Champagne and Cake Wedding Show, presented by Royal Roads University + Truffles Catering + West Coast Weddings Magazine.  

Sip bubbly & taste delicious cakes while meeting some of South Vancouver Island’s inspirational and creative talents in the wedding industry.  Speak with wedding planners and decor stylists, florists, caterers, Dj’s & bridal shops and so much more….

Hatley Castle is one of the most sought after wedding venues in the Victoria area.  The property offers three unique ceremony locations, perfect for your wedding or vow renewal.  There are several wedding ceremony and reception packages to choose from.  This show provides the ideal opportunity to explore your options with the assistance of one of their event specialists.  Highlights of the afternoon include a never ending bridal fashion show and a ride in a limo to the castle courtesy of LA Limousines!  

Donations at the door to Benefit BC Cancer Foundation 

Keep up with all the details on our Instagram @champagneandcakeshow

Photo credit: Secret Waters Photography

The post Champagne and Cake Wedding Show appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

Getting married in 2020/21?!  Then the Wedding Cake and Cocktail Tasting Event is for YOU!!

Schur to Please Boutique Cakery has teamed up with our friends at Shake Cocktails to bring you a menu tasting with a twist!

Cake sample boxes will be $10 each and are first come first serve.

~ We will be offering gluten free cupcakes at this tasting, only by request, and it will be the ONLY opportunity to try them this year ~

RSVP to receive a complementary cocktail and bridal magazine upon arrival. Must be 19+

See you there…

The post Wedding Cake and Cocktail Tasting appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Tips and tricks to finding your perfect wedding caterer can be very helpful! The role of a caterer is integral to your successful wedding day – they provide set up, service, cocktails, cuisine, and clean-up. They are there for you from your backyard wedding to the cater-less venue to the fancy ballrooms.  They can help you choose your cuisine style, the proper wine, assist with decor and rentals and work within your budget.

But how to choose this so important wedding professional for your nuptials? What are some tips and tricks to finding your perfect catering match? 

We spoke with Heidi Jones, Senior Sales & Event Manager of Vancouver Island’s  Truffles Catering, to answer some essential questions. We asked her what she thought were the most crucial things to look for in your caterer – so here are her tips & tricks to finding your wedding caterer:: 

1}  Determine your budget first. You can have your caterer help you figure out how much you are hoping to spend per guest and if you are hosting a bar/table wine or providing a cash bar. These factors will affect your budget and culinary possibilities.

2}  Look for a caterer that aligns to your ‘couple cuisine philosophy’ such as environmental concerns, any wish to source locally, and any particular culinary wishes.  Are you looking for a food truck or a personal chef? Be sure to search for your perfect caterer in the right place!

3}  Location can be a factor – some caterers will only work locally, and others will travel.  Those that are willing to travel may ask for additional mileage charges and perhaps even accommodation for staff. So if you are planning your wedding at a remote spot, keep this in mind.

4)  Caterers can help you with the food-specific day of planning – timelines for receptions and dinners, bar service plans, creating specialty cocktails, ensuring dietary requests service, and all kinds of other helpful advice and action. However, caterers often work with and interact with your wedding planner or the event planner at the venue you have chosen.

5) Pricing can seem confusing, so keep in mind that there will be costs other than the actual food, such as staffing, equipment, rentals (glassware, flatware, place settings, linens, tables, chairs, dance floors, etc.), and decor (if requested).  Price will also fluctuate depending on your choices of cuisine.

6)  Caterers will offer pre-set menus or a curated menu if you desire. Curated menus will be more unique and unusual. The culinary team would be happy to sit and consult with you to bring your vision to life but keep in mind that pricing will be according to the requests you are making and perhaps even the growing season.  Strawberries in December? Those would not be local, and that will reflect in the price.

6)  Caterers know all the best wedding professionals, so they will have great advice for you on who to hire and may even offer to contract them on your behalf.

7)  Anyone who has tried to deal with liquor licenses in BC will be thrilled to know that your caterer can deal with the BC Board on your behalf  – providing they buy the alcohol and serve. They will handle all your alcohol and specialty cocktail needs or contract in a company specializing in liquor service.

8) Deposits are required for a caterer to start purchasing your choices – expect the request to be 50% of the estimated total to confirm the caterer. The remaining amount is normally due before the event – often 30 to 90 days before your wedding day. This is so that your caterer can line up staff, ensure that all product is ordered and that rentals arrive.”

So don’t be in a hurry – take a look at it and meet with a few caterers before making your decision. Be sure you feel happy and comfortable around the Catering Team that will be handling your day. Have fun with a tasting that should include the wine pairing (this may require payment, but it is worth every dime for peace of mind!) and enjoy your culinary choices on this most important day.

Point of Interest…some of Truffle Catering’s Suppliers:

Sun Wing Tomatoes

Saanich Organics

Top Soil Urban Farms

Gobind Farms

Silver Rill Corn

Fol Epi Organic Bread and Pastry

Qualicum Cheese Works

Rossdown Farms

Berryman Farms

Parry Bay Farm

Maple Hill Farms

Fraser Valley Meats

Two Rivers Meats

Level Ground Coffee

The post Tips & Tricks to Finding Your Wedding Caterer appeared first on West Coast Weddings.