We are gathered here today

We are gathered here today to…….?

From proposal to honeymoon your story is unique. There are countless decisions to be made in a limited amount of time. Set a date, make a guest list, find a reception venue, chose the wedding party, pick a dress, pick your friends dresses, will there be guests favors, what should be bought for Bridal party gifts, who’s the photographer, what about a band instead of a Sound system, a violinist or a Harpist the list goes on and on and on and on and on!!! The budget, if you set one, is in jeopardy of approaching national debt levels. Everything seems to be spinning out of control.

Stop, Step back, Breathe and keep it in perspective, Prioritize and don’t lose focus of the true mission, the point of it all, the reason you are doing this, the final goal……. You are getting married! Embrace the meaning of marriage, remember why you asked or why you said yes to get married, create your memories, look forward to your future together.

With everything that needs to be done don’t allow it to diminish the real reason for the celebration. All the choices you will be making together as a couple are made to create that magical day to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. Without losing yourself in the whirlwind of wedding planning, surrender to it and enjoy it knowing that the purpose of it all is to express your love, commitment and trust to each other with all your loved ones as witness to this special occasion.

It’s normal to be excited and worried about the seemingly never ending list of obstacles to overcome. Surround yourself with family & friends who have your best interest at heart, hire professionals who are willing to listen to your vision and above all “To thine own self be true”.

Who's Your Chef?

Who’s Your Chef?

     More importantly, who are you trusting to pick your chef for you? It’s a vital question to ask yourself and more so, difficult to answer. When meeting with our customers we highlight many common goals; expedient service, ample food, high quality foods, presentation and overall lasting impression the guests attending that night are going to be left with. While the success of an event is contingent on all aspects of the “Team” coming together in a well-coordinated and synergistic plan the number one topic on everyone’s mind, “Is the food good?”

“Fortune favors the prepared…”, Louis Pasteur. “The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare”, Bobby Knight.

     Two important quotes we all can improve our lives with. When making business decisions, which Chef should we hire?, it’s critical to consider these two quotes.

Samuel’s Grande Manor has a long history of bringing to their team the Chefs that have the required balance of finesse and brawn. Preparation through research, networking and the interview process Samuel’s Grande Manor began its’ reputation of hiring superb Chefs with Chef Marco Barry in 1977. World renowned International Chef, classically trained, Chef to Princes nearing the end of his career Chef Barry brought to Samuel’s the experience and skill a new restaurant and banquet facility that was preparing to be successful required. Chef Barry was the first of the many fine Chefs Samuel’s Grande Manor has had..

 

     The common denominator of the Chefs who have established Samuel's as the premier Wedding Facility has been their innovative and constantly evolving approach to a large volume kitchen proving to meet the goal we have with our clients. Great Food!, mixing the finesse of a fine restaurant with the brawn of a high volume banquet facility. We are excited about the new entrees we will be introducing over the next year and look forward to the reviews our clients will be sharing.

     Successful reputations over the long term aren’t achieved through chance or luck it is acquired through preparations leading to good decisions to bring the best available talent to your team.  Now when asking yourself “where should I choose to have my reception?” one of the questions you need to be asking is, who’s my Chef?

3 Tips for Choosing Wedding Vendors

How many decisions come with wedding planning? 50? 75? 100? Every wedding is different, but the sheer number of decisions can be overwhelming. And with so many decisions to make, sometimes the decision-making process can feel a bit rushed - which is the worst possible thing that can happen. 

Don't rush your wedding decision making!
Taking the time to choose the right vendors can make a huge impact on your wedding day. There are certain things to keep in mind during the process that can help you make better decisions: 

1. Can they provide references (or do you know someone who has used this vendor)? There are few things more reliable during the wedding planning process that references. Asking friends and family for their recommendations is almost always a sure way to find a great vendor, but if you're interested in trying someone new, don't be shy - ask them for references! Review sites like WeddingWire.com and Yelp.com can also offer some insights.
2. Trust your instincts. If potential vendors are slow to respond to phone calls or emails, or they are late to your scheduled meetings, don't ignore your gut instincts. A lack of attention to detail before they've earned your business as a client is not a good sign. Even if you have your heart set on a specific vendor, trust your gut - if you suspect you won't be treated well as a client, look in a different direction.
3. Diversify. You may think you know exactly what you want for your wedding day, but don't let your view restrict the types of vendors you meet. You may see some styles or ideas that are totally new - and totally perfect for your wedding. Yes, you might find something for your dream wedding that you didn't even know was your dream yet! Especially in the early part of the process, keep an open mind and be willing to meet with a range of vendors before making your decision.

Slowing down your choice of vendors will ensure you make the right choice for your special day. 

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Victor Habbick

Making Your Groom Part of Wedding Planning

When it comes to wedding planning, let's be honest - it's mostly about the bride. At least the planning part feels that way! But speaking candidly, most grooms want to be included in wedding planning. After all, they're the ones who got down on one knee and popped the question! But, in the whirlwind of wedding planning, sometimes grooms can feel left out.

Be sure to include your fiancé in wedding planning wherever possible.
While many grooms like to be included in wedding planning, the truth is that there are definitely some who prefer to leave the details to their brides. If so, no need to worry! But, if your fiancé is like many men, he'd like to be a part of the process too. These tips can help ensure you keep him in the loop and make important decisions together:

• Schedule important meetings. When your fiancé has important meetings at work, he typically adds them to his Outlook or iPhone schedule. Guess what - that's the same way to get him involved in important wedding planning meetings! Tell him about plans, then follow up by sending him a meeting request - you're almost guaranteed to have him there. If you're still nervous, send him a quick follow up text that morning.
• Ask him! Your groom realizes that, in many ways, this is your day. He may be concerned that he'd look selfish by asking to be included in the decision-making process. The best solution to this problem is to simply ask him. When you're looking into various aspects of your wedding, ask your fiancé what he thinks. Now the best time to do this might not be in the middle of the football game - be sure you have his attention first. But asking a quick question might be all it takes for your groom to feel comfortable enough to become more invested in the wedding planning process.
• Assign certain tasks. This one should be handled carefully - you don't want to look like a drillmaster! But, while your groom may want to be a part of the wedding planning process, he also might be a bit overwhelmed if you suddenly hit him with a flood of decisions that have to be made right now. Instead, consider taking one or two aspects of your wedding and "assigning" them to your groom. Let him take ownership of those tasks (asking for your input, of course), coordinate meetings and research options. If your groom isn't the best with details, you may want to send gentle reminders from time to time (especially since so many aspects of weddings are time sensitive), but really let him take ownership of those tasks. You might be surprised that he does a great job!

While it can be easy to get carried away with decision making during your wedding planning process, taking the time to include your groom can make it an even more special time leading up to the big day.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/stockimages

3 Keys for Choosing the Best Maid of Honor for Your Wedding

There are many decisions to make when planning your wedding - one of the most important decisions for a bride is choosing a maid of honor. For some brides, they've known who their maid of honor will be since childhood. But for many brides, the decision can be fraught with stress. 

Choosing the best maid of honor for your wedding
Consider these three keys when choosing your maid of honor and you'll be well on your way to making the right decision:

1. Will she have the time needed for maid of honor duties? Being a maid of honor can be a bit time consuming. For starters, there's planning showers and bachelorette parties, then there's the parties themselves! Then, there's the biggest duties of all - being there for the bride. From dress shopping to lending an ear, she'll be at your beck and call for a year or more - will she have the time free to be there for you?
2. Can she afford it? Being a bride can be expensive, but so can being a maid of honor. From buying the dress to hair and makeup, the costs can add up quickly. Then depending on your specific situation, you may end up traveling for your bachelorette party (weekend getaways are an extremely popular option). If your first choice for maid of honor might have a hard time paying for the expenses associated with the roll, you may make it awkward for her by asking. Better to consider someone else close that wouldn't put an undue hardship on your first choice.
3. Will she make it "all about you?" There are few times in your life where you are as much the center of attention as when you're getting married - enjoy the time, you deserve it! But, sometimes even the closest friends can make it...well, all about them. Your BFF might be the first person you think of for maid of honor, but if she's also sometimes a drama queen who gets jealous of others who are the center of attention, it might be best to choose someone else. Better to make the harder decision now than to be upset down the road when your maid of honor makes the wedding about her instead of you!

Think carefully about these factors and which maid of honor will make your day the most special. You'll surely have a wonderful wedding celebration!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Victor Habbick

Is a Destination Wedding the Right Choice For You?

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are many decisions to make. And let's face it: Planning your wedding can be stressful. It's the most important day of your life, after all!

Here or there? Should I plan a destination wedding?
One of the most important decisions is where to have your wedding. If you've stayed in your hometown your entire life, or if you've built a solid foundation in one city, having your wedding there may be a no-brainer. But, sometimes people consider getting married out of town. Whether family is spread across the country, or perhaps a couple wants a more intimate ceremony, there are a range of reasons that may influence whether or not couples decide to have a destination wedding. But, when you're considering which decision is right for you and your wedding, there are a few things you should consider:

• Will a destination wedding work within your budget? This ultimately affects just about every aspect of your wedding, but when it comes to location, it's key. If your parents are footing the bill, would they object to a destination wedding (and/or decide not to pay)? Conversely, intimate destination weddings can also end up saving money in the long run - would it make sense for you to have a destination wedding (sometimes combining the honeymoon and wedding) to save funds?
• How many people should you invite? Sometimes relatives who cannot travel are offended by invitations to destination weddings, while others still are offended if you assume they cannot come and don't invite them - it can get tricky! Talk to parents or other trusted relatives to ensure you're including the right people on your invitation list for a destination wedding, to minimize any hurt feelings. Budget, location and venue can all impact the length of your guest list, so give it careful consideration. There are few things worse than inviting people to a wedding, then turning around and uninviting them because your location doesn't have enough room!
• If you have a destination wedding, will you have another reception at home for friends and family who cannot make it? This is an important aspect to consider, as your family and friends who may not be able to attend your destination wedding will likely still want to celebrate with you. And ultimately, the responsibility for that celebration falls upon you. Think about the best way to celebrate with the family and friends still at home, then be sure to include it in your budget when planning.
• Can you afford "extra" activities that come along with a destination wedding? Destination weddings also tend to include some "extras." When people travel - sometimes across the country - for a wedding, they tend to expect more than traditional wedding guests. A welcome party and farewell breakfast are the minimums you should consider in your planning. 

Ultimately, it's your wedding and your day - do what's best for you. But considering these factors in the early planning stages can help set expectations for your family and friends and ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

Welcome to the Samuel's Grande Manor Blog

Thank you for visiting our blog! You may have noticed that we started sharing some wedding content in the past year. We have renewed our commitment to sharing original content here regularly.

* For those of you looking for wedding tips, trends and more - you’re in luck! We’ll be sharing a range of content here to help you plan your dream wedding.

* For businesspeople looking to maximize their productivity and hold more efficient and productive business meetings, we’ll have some helpful tips for you as well.

* Lastly, we’ll be highlighting some of our incredible team members, who work each day to provide our customers with truly superior service. We are so proud of our team, and we can’t wait to show them off to you!

Is there a topic you’d like us to see cover in our blog? Let us know! Feel free to contact us or at (716) 634-8425.

Toasting and Roasting

An hour of catching up with old friends, seldom seen relatives, and your closest family members all while soaking in a wonderful atmosphere enjoying  your favorite beverage experiencing new foods and feeling the energy of a party beginning to build with the excitement of relaxing, enjoying, and celebrating a couple’s first step on their journey together as husband and wife. Fantastic! It can’t get any better! Minutes away from the anticipated indulgence of a scrumptious meal soon to be served. The only thing between you and the next fine experience of the evening are the toast(s) by loved ones of the Bride & Groom?

Fifteen minutes later and you’ve forgotten what you have experienced that first hour, how much fun you were having or what you had ordered for dinner. You have now endured  twenty minutes of an endless recantation of every story that the Maid of honor for the wedding could remember from the past two decades. Short essays scribbled on an seemingly endless stack of pieces of paper. Nothing inappropriate but humor only found by those select few who have any idea what she is talking about.  It’s O.K. though, she’s wrapping it up,,,, wait,,,, RATS!!! She’s written on the backs of the papers also. She’s done, Yippee! Now the Best Man will keep it short and sweet. Wrong, not short and not sweet. Is the best man aware that the Mother’s of the Bride & Groom (not to mention the now Wife of said Groom) are sitting directly in front of him as he retells the story of the night at the ballet, the stories of ex-girlfriends, imitations of the Grooms most recent evening of over indulgence? Now thirty minutes later (seems like a visit to the dentist) and the proverbial winds have been sucked out of your good time party sails.

This is really very simple, keep it simple! Everyone already knows how much you love and are loved by the Bride & Groom. You are the Best Man or Maid of Honor, you were picked for their wedding because, next to their now spouse, you are likely their most trusted and loved friend in the room.

Toast Do NOT Roast! Toast to their love for each other. Toast to their future life together. Toast to their successes and triumphs. Toast to their long, prosperous and fruitful life together. Toast to their dreams, aspirations, and Toast to the reality that they are now bound together for eternity.

What needs to be said can be said in 3 – 4 minutes. The rest can be said in private with a small group of friends not at the expense of 150 other guests who know nothing of what you are talking about.

Simple Tips for a memorable and appreciated Toast;

1. Find appropriate inspirational quotes from famous people.
2. Maximum length is 5 minutes, preferably 2 – 4 minutes.
3. Plan ahead and practice.
4. Do NOT speak of
1. Ex girl friends, boy friends, or spouses
2. Past inappropriate behaviors
3. Anything to do with bodily functions

Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to a memorable toast!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/m_bartosch

The Bride's Bill Of Rights?

Interesting to ponder, if left up to the devices of a diverse group of brides, what a Brides bill of rights would contain. We can certainly imagine some demands a Bride could contrive. The likely #1 position would be taken by a summary of the previous blog, BrideZilla the Myth, “My Day My Way!” Other topics surely to be top contenders would certainly revolve around bridesmaids dresses, families opinions of the wedding dress, themed weddings, wedding favors, who’s responsible for what, the list that would be generated could fill a wedding guest book.

Fortunately for all those in that immediate circle around the Bride this list of inalienable rights was not written by a Bride. While cultural, socioeconomic, geographical and periodic societal views on marriage may all be constantly evolving, in some instances regressing; there is common ground that all Brides would probably agree upon with reason and consideration for all those involved.

From the perspective of bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents of the bride & groom, siblings of the bride and everyone else who thinks that their opinion is so critical to the success of the big day, this Brides Bill of Rights may seem more alien than inalienable. Some may consider it more selfish than reasonable. Others will compare it to a demand list of a spoiled child. What they all need to consider doing, is with the most sincere honesty to themselves, imagine it were their wedding day. To be truly empathetic and understand that this one day should be the greatest most important day in a young woman’s life.

The list is simple, short, and flexible; molding to every Bride’s particular situation:

        The Bride's Bill of Rights

1. The Bride’s final decision on a wedding dress will be applauded by all as the best choice for her. Constructive comments during the process should be made wisely and with sensitivity to the Bride.
2. The Brides vision of her wedding day will be considered the plan for the day and every professional and family member involved will make every reasonable attempt to fulfill this dream
3. The Bride’s option to give permission to every detail, make requests for out of the ordinary details, and personalize every detail specific to her own personality and character shall not be infringed upon in the attempt to “make as many people happy as possible”.
4. The Bride shall have the understanding that all of her guests will be grateful to be invited to this day of sharing and love and will appreciate every accommodation that has been provided for them.
5. The Brides opinion is the most important opinion, the second most important opinion is that of the Groom which is likely to be the same as the Bride.
6. The Bride has the power of Veto and can only be overridden with a consensus of all parents and the Groom which if this were the case he would be referred to as the Fool!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Jonathan Fitch

Bridezilla the Myth!

 “My Day My Way” visions of the mythical Bridezilla immediately flash before your eyes. However, the truth is that every Bride should be indulged on this day, having every vision come to fruition and meeting every expectation she has dreamed of for this once in a lifetime experience.

Brides are not making unrealistic requests or expecting unreasonable tasks to be accomplished in order to complete their day in the fashion that they have been forming in their minds for months if not years. Brides have a vision of their day specific to them and it is the task of the professionals to make those dreams be a reality.  

And therein lies the key, the “Experienced Professional” who treats every wedding as if it is their daughter’s. Professionals who believe that a couples wedding day is the start of their new life, the most important day of their life and that marriage is the center of their lives. Professionals who lead by asking questions and providing answers to questions that haven’t been asked yet. Lead, guide, inform, and assist couples to formulate a plan and clarify their visions are the primary responsibilities of every wedding professional. Brides that hire qualified, competent, experienced professionals in every wedding category will never be the BrideZilla.

Every Bride has their own distinct personality that molds their wedding day into an event that is truly unique to them. There is no one best way to achieve a fantastic wedding day. Memorable wedding days don’t just happen, they are assembled by a team of professionals understanding that a Brides fantasy wedding needs to be extracted from her visions piece by piece and reassembled into their own special day.

The only requests to be denied are those extremely rare requests that would truly reflect poorly on the Bride, her families or the professional she is working with. There is no right or wrong way, no better or worse way there is only the Brides way and not because she is selfish or inconsiderate but for one reason; she deserves it.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/sattva