Fort Wayne is a Great Place to Get Married!

Open letter to couples displaced by the recent closure of the Fort Wayne Landmark Conference and Reception Centre.

 

Even though the Landmark Conference and Reception Centre is not and has never been a member of the Wedding Connection, our members feel strongly about weddings in the Fort Wayne area. The Wedding Connection members are dedicated to assisting bridal couples in finding alternative locations for their wedding (ceremony and/or reception).

 

Engaged couples who have future events scheduled at the Landmark in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will want to contact these member facilities as soon as possible to verify date availability at their individual locations.

 

Ceruti’s Summit Park

6601 Innovation Drive

Fort Wayne, Indiana

260-207-2000

 

Orchard Ridge Country Club

4531 Lower Huntington Road

Fort Wayne, Indiana

260-747-3117

 

Feel free to contact the Wedding Connection President (June Hoffman of Megasound) if you need additional assistance.

Email: june.hoffman@gmail.com or call 260.402.1533

 

Thank you to all of the Fort Wayne wedding professionals who have stepped forward to help out the brides and grooms who have been affected by this recent closing.

Fort Wayne, Indiana is an awesome place to get married!

“Staycee’s Actors Spotted at the Bridal Spectacular

Actors from “Staycee’s Dream Wedding” were on hand this past weekend at the Fort Wayne Bridal Spectacular at the Memorial Coliseum. Thank you to Bower North Productions for coordinating the actors appearance during the bridal show and the intro to the runway fashion shows.

“Staycee’s Dream Wedding” is a cool mixture of an interactive play, wonderful food, wedding solutions, and a cash bar. “Staycee’s Dream Wedding” brings together the brilliant talents of actors from Bowers North Productions and the experienced professionals of the Fort Wayne Wedding Connection. This fusion of entertainment, wedding knowledge, and food gives Fort Wayne brides, grooms, their parents, and wedding party members the opportunity to bring joy back into their own wedding planning as well as learning what NOT to do at weddings and positive options on what will work at weddings.

 

Arrive a little early on February 26th and be a part of the impromptu bachelor party. The real fun starts promptly at 6pm with a concoction of laughter, folly, and frivolity at the pre-ceremony mixer. Meet the family and friends of the blushing bride Staycee and the nerdy groom Norbert. Then hold on to your seat as the bumpy road down the prenuptial aisle is filled with laughter and antics.  As the comical reception rounds out the evening, enjoy culinary creations and sugary masterpieces followed by one-on-one time with real wedding professionals. “Staycee’s Dream Wedding” will fold around you and your family and friends so be prepared to join in the excitement of the evening.

“Staycee’s Dream Wedding” hits the “aisle” Friday, February 26, 2010 at Ceruti’s Summit Park. Tickets are available from any Wedding Connection member or by calling 260.207.2000.

Auburn & Fort Wayne Caterers Form Strategic Alliance

Fort Wayne-based Ceruti Catering Inc. and Auburn-based Costa’s Catering Inc. are joining forces.

 Ceruti’s and Costa’s recently formed a strategic alliance that will benefit both companies along with their respective communities, customers and employees. This new relationship will provide for stronger purchasing power, broader market reach, and a wider range of products and services with extremely competitive and diverse price points.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand our services to our customers” , said Jim Costa owner of Costa’s Catering. “We have tried in the past to expand and grow, but with the struggling economy it has been very difficult. The economies of scale in combining our resources are crucial to remaining viable. This new arrangement guarantees our customers that they will be taken care of like always and offers many more products. We had to ask ourselves the best way to continue and we are happy that we have created the perfect solution that will best serve our customers and community. ”

Both companies are committed to maintaining the present employees. “The key to our success has been our employees”, said Jim Costas. “I agree that our employees are our biggest asset”, said Joe Ceruti. There are no menu price increases expected in 2009 and both companies are hopeful that their menu prices can be maintained well into 2010.

Four Quick Questions to Ask a Prospective Caterer or Wedding Venue

Wedding Wisdom in a Nutshell

 Bits and pieces of helpful information for all couples planning their weddings.

Wedding Connection members share their professional wedding tips with brides and grooms.

Check back often for great hints and planning tips, new ideas, and great photos for creating your dream wedding.

From Joseph Ceruti of Ceruti’s Catering

 

 

1. Does your company have any accreditations or certifications?

2. Would your company provide references?

3. Will your company provide a quote in writing?

4. Please explain how your company charges for any taxes?

Three Questions Brides Can Ask When Searching for a Caterer

Wedding Wisdom in a Nutshell

 Bits and pieces of helpful information for all couples planning their weddings.

Wedding Connection members share their professional wedding tips with brides and grooms.

Check back often for great hints and planning tips, new ideas, and great photos for creating your dream wedding.

 

 

From Joe Ceruti of Ceruti’s Catering

 

1. How many years has your company been in business?

2. How many weddings did your company contract last year?

3. What types of insurance and limits does your company carry?

 

 

Covington Plaza is the Place to be for Wedding Knowledge on April 25, 2009

 

Many wedding professionals as well as Wedding Connection members will be on site to help you with your wedding planning at the Covington Plaza Wedding Walk.  Saturday, April 25th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., the plaza invites brides, grooms, mothers and bridal party members to stroll the plaza to gain ideas for their upcoming nuptials.

 

“The plaza is filled with stores and shops that are filled with bridal items” according to Shelli Young, Property Manager of Covington Plaza.  Many of the shops are holding special events that day to aid with the planning.  Jophiel is holding a Mother of the Bride fashion show at 11:00 a.m. and Mitchell Books will have a book signing at 2:00 p.m. by Michael Essany, author of “Groomology 101: How to avoid Brideszilla”. The Monogram Shoppe is holding a Trunk Show to showcase all of the options for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen’s gifts.

 

While walking the plaza, you will find wonderful ideas for you all aspects of your wedding. Even Senator Lugar’s office has prepared a booklet outlining all the things you need to do after the big day.

 

Many of the shops are offering specials and door prized that day.  Covington Plaza will be drawing for a $100 gift card to be used at any of the participating shops.  Each Bride will receive a card when they register. As you enjoy Covington Plaza, you will get your card stamped at each store and then leave them at the last shop to be entered in the drawing.

 

The Covington Plaza Wedding Walk will also feature some other wedding venders as well. Be sure to check out these Wedding Connection members to get more of your planning questions answered. Ceruti’s Catering, Elegant Cakes by Carolyn, Megasound, and the Wedding Place will be able to help you with your wedding planning stress.

 

It should be a fun day for all brides and grooms. Bring you wedding questions to Covington Plaza and get all of your answers on Saturday, April 25, 2009. See you there.

Six Considerations for Your Outdoor Wedding Planning

by Ceruti’s Catering at Summit Park

Outdoor weddings are very romantic and can provide the natural theme that cannot be duplicated indoors.

There are many different types of outdoor weddings. You can have your ceremony outdoors and your reception indoors or both the ceremony and reception can be outdoors on your own property or in a park.

The following are six areas of consideration when you start planning your outdoor wedding:

• CALENDAR: Time of year is essential for the factors considering temperature and humidity.
• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: This will determine everything from parking, restroom requirements, changing area, catering requirements, electrical needs, and general logistics.
• EXPENSES: Generally, outdoor wedding receptions are more costly than using a banquet facility which includes amenities that would not have a rental cost. A traditional church ceremony will generally range from $500 - $800. You should budget at least the same or more for an outdoor ceremony if you want amenities such as seating, decorations, aisle runner, sound system, etc.
• HAVE A BACK UP PLAN: The possibility of bad weather always exists, you should have a contingency plan. Whether that means a tent or indoor option such as your reception location, have your plan mapped out prior to your wedding day.
• ACCESSIBILITY: Make sure the location has adequate parking. You may need to provide valet service, especially for senior citizens.

Have your ideas in mind when talking to your wedding vendors and reception venue. Ask a lot of questions and let the experienced professionals assist you in creating your dream outdoor wedding.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Hosts Classic City Bridal Show

Title: ACD Museum  ~ Classic City Bridal Show
Location: ACD Museum Auburn 1600 South Wayne Street Auburn, IN
Description: Wedding professionals will be available to assist you with your wedding planning needs. Many Wedding Connection members will be on site with outstanding planning information and great ideas and information for your wedding. Some of the members include Ceruti’s Catering, Elegant Cakes by Carolyn, K&S Travel, Picture Perfect Photo, Megasound, and the Monogram Shoppe. Make sure to mark your calendar to attend. And if you need free passes for this bridal event, feel free to check out the ACD Museum website or when you come in for a consultation with Megasound.
Sunday- January 25, 2009

Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 05:00

The Classic City Bridal Show fashion shows are at 1pm and 3pm.

Hope to see you on the 25th.

Mark Your Calendar for September 19th - Knot Your Ordinary Bridal Show

Brides and grooms - mark your calendars the 3rd Knot Your Ordinary Bridal Show. This show is presented by the Wedding Connection, Majic 95.1, and Fort Wayne Newspapers. When the doors open at 5:30pm on Friday, September 19, 2008 brides will be able to talk one-on-one with wedding professionals. Why search all over town when you can make one stop to talk to wedding experts about photographs, formal attire, video, cakes, music, and much more. The show runs until 9pm.

The tickets are only $6 per persons and available at the door. Parking is free when your visit the show at Ceruti’s at 6601 Innovation. That is only one mile from Lima Road on Ludwig and Innovation. Be sure check your watch as at 8pm you will be able to experience a New York style runway show. Formal attire is presented by the Wedding Connection and Shoe of a Different Color. Check our the newest in floral designs on the runway with One of a Kind Events, and MC is provided by Megasound.

For more information, call 260-402-1533 or email: june.hoffman@gmail.com for more details.

See you there!!

Helpful Wedding Planning Tips

Wedding planning tips are courtesy of Ceruti’s Catering.

The average wedding takes 250 hours of planning. Most people do not have that much time available and more importantly do not have the experience. Please use these helpful wedding tips to take the stress off you, so that you can get the most from your special day.

TIP #1: GUEST COUNT

It is very important to have a good estimate on the number of guests that will actually attend your wonderful wedding. Take time to sit-down and create your guest list with your fiancé and families. This is very important when determining the location of the reception and establishing a budget. Use the “Guest Count Formula” below:

NUMBER OF INVITATIONS SENT x 2 x 80% = ESTIMATED GUEST ATTENDANCE

(EXAMPLE: 150 INVITATIONS x 2 = 300 x 80% = 240 ESTIMATED GUESTS)

TIP #2: LOCATION DECISION

Before reserving or securing a location be sure to ask the following set of questions.

What is the total square feet of the banquet space? Please refer to our seating formula chart for proper guidelines.

What are the dimensions of the guest tables? Example: 60” Round, 8’ Banquet

Does the facility offer sample floor plans from previous weddings of similar guest count?

Approximately how large or what size will the dance floor be for my anticipated guest count?

Does the facility offer tastings/samplings of the menu items?

What type of uniform/attire does the banquet staff wear?

How long will it take to serve the meal? (Buffet or Sit-down)

How many buffet lines will the facility have for my number of guests?

Is the facility licensed to serve alcoholic beverages?

Does the provider of alcoholic beverages have liquor liability insurance?

Will the facility be available throughout the entire day for set up?

Does the facility offer any “off season” discounts?

Does the facility provide a written estimate or proposal before taking a deposit?

What items can and cannot be brought in to the facility?

Who is responsible for the set up and clean up of the facility?

What is the ratio of banquet servers to guests? Example 1 banquet server to 35 guests

Upon request will the facility provide a reference list of their most recent brides?

Does the facility have a minimum dollar amount requirement?

Are there any additional fees for parking?

How many hours do I have for my reception time?

TIP #3: QUALIFY POTENTIAL CATERERS

Check if the caterers on your bid list are licensed and properly insured. Not all caterers have the same aptitude in handling the demands that a great wedding requires. Select a caterer that has extensive wedding experience especially at the site that you may choose.

TIP #4: USE OF RSVP

The benefits of sending out RSVP cards far out-weigh the cost of the printing and postage. Having an accurate guest count can save you from embarrassment in addition to the cost of meals, centerpieces, decorations, etc. You certainly do not want to run out of food or not have enough seating, and at the same time you do not want to pay for something you do not need. Call the guests that have not responded in a timely manner.

Next Page »