Brooklyn Wedding Reception Venues, Sweet 16, First Communion Celebration, Corporate Events, Banquet Halls - The El Caribe

Creating Unforgettable Memories For Over 35 Years

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5 Tips For Booking Your Brooklyn Wedding Venues

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five tips booking your brooklyn wedding venue

So you’re getting married and looking at Brooklyn wedding venues. Congratulations! Nice choice! Brooklyn is a fabulous place for a wedding celebration! And, there are so many reasons why Brooklyn wedding venues are becoming more and more popular. The charming neighborhoods, unique warehouse venues, the quiet of traffic and noise from the city, and, still the best foods and services you could want to create unforgettable memories. While you’re considering so many things, here are 5 tips to consider when looking at Brooklyn wedding venues.

1. Cocktail Hour
More than 50% of people polled said “cocktail hour” is their favorite part of the wedding celebration. Who could disagree? It usually has great food and drinks and you’re visiting with so many of your friends and family you may not have seen for many years. It’s the beginning of the celebration. Friends and family want to sit to visit and catch up while they drink and dine. It’s important all your guests can sit and that means having enough seats for ALL your guests.

While everything may look great on paper when booking your venue, some Brooklyn wedding venues, or banquet halls, will tell you they can seat all your guest while cutting corners. What does that mean for you? They give you less seats with anticipation and hopes that a percentage of your guests will be standing during cocktail hour. Your 200 guests may be placed in a cramped space with seating for half as many people. This makes an embarrassing situation for you, your family and guests as they play musical chairs to find a seat.

Before you book your wedding venue, ask to see the space you’ll be having your cocktail hour. Inquire if every guest will have their own seat. Remember, if the food is great, which it should be, people will be sitting and eating the entire time.

2. Bar Service
Most wedding celebrations plan for an open bar with premium liquor. Great food and drink go hand in hand! Experience shows that as the evening progresses it’s natural for the guests to gravitate toward the open bar. If the bar is outside your room, you’ll find more and more guests disappearing throughout the evening and congregating near the premium beverages. This is a definite party stealer and not what you want. Drinks are a part of your celebration and not the celebration.

As you’re considering various venues keep this in mind. Ask the hard questions. Is the bar inside or outside your event space or ballroom? If it’s outside, beware! This could turn into a real problem!

3. Room Layout
Any wedding reception is filled with a host of activities scheduled thru out the celebration. Your guests, family and friends want to feel included. And, you want them to feel included. This is your special moment! Room layout is really important to helping those celebrating your special day connected on so many levels. Why? Here’s a few things to consider.

While seemingly unimportant, consider what kind of tables you’re seating your guests at for the evening. Are they oval or round? Yes, oval tables do seat more people in a smaller space but interestingly they detract from promoting the closeness and socialization you want. Round tables, conversely, promote the best socialization amongst your guests. It allows them to see and converse with each other much easier and see more people.

Where will your dias and band/entertainment be positioned in the room? Spatial constraints cause many catering halls, or wedding venues, to arrange the band/entertainment and you, the reason for the celebration, on very opposite sides of the room. As the night progresses guests will gravitate toward the entertainment leaving their backs to face the dias where you are seated.

It’s important to remember to find a Brooklyn wedding venue where the dias and entertainment are in the same area. This allows for a more intimate setting, your guests to feel more connected to you, all while enjoying the entertainment.

4. Facility Layout
Most Brooklyn wedding venues make money by hosting multiple events at the same time. It’s a wise use of their space. Some will host events on a second floor and adjoining rooms. If the wedding venue is not built correctly, noise and vibration from the other events can be disruptive to your family, guests, and most important your celebration. Yet, you’re booking a wedding venue to have an exclusive experience.

As you’re looking at various wedding banquet halls take a moment to consider how the facility is laid out. Is there a maximum capacity limit? Are other events removed far enough from your celebration not to disturb you and your guests?

5. On Premises Parking
Your guests will be traveling from a distance to celebrate with you. Yes, you may have a bus for some, but many will arrive in their own car. As a part of your celebration it’s important to consider this detail. Parking your guests takes time. Returning cars to your guests when they leave is just as important and time consuming.

Most wedding venues promote valet or on premise parking services. And, if you didn’t know, there is a big difference between the two. On premise parking, of course, means your car is parked on the event premises. Valet parking can mean a whole lot of things. It could include parking your guests’ cars close or blocks away. And, proper guest parking is critical to the timing of your event. Inefficient parking services can create lag time between your guest arrival and start time making for anxious and frustrated guests, not to mention how you’ll feel with the disruption. When reviewing Brooklyn wedding venues or catering halls inquire about their parking services, parking location and their plans to ensure your guests are taken care of and your celebration begins on time.

There are so many things to consider with wedding reception venues. You’ve waited a long time for this moment and you certainly want to get it right. Using these 5 tips when looking at Brooklyn wedding reception venues will save you anxiety, frustration and help ensure the flawless and exciting celebration you deserve.

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Author: El Caribe Caterers
“Creating Unforgettable Memories For Over 35 Years
www.elcaribecaterers.com

For generations, families, organizations and community groups have come to the El Caribe to celebrate life’s most important moments. With more than 35 years of experience in catering elegant banquets and three generations of family ownership, our team at the El Caribe continues to subscribe to the old-fashioned values that built our company from humble beginnings to our current success as industry leaders.

From an intimate gathering to a lavish gala of more than 1,000, the El Caribe will provide you and your guests a memorable experience. If you are considering a venue to host your once-in-a-lifetime event, we cordially invite you to our table, to eat, drink and enjoy all the comforts of being part of our family for the next 35 years.

 

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Irish Weddings

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We’re sharing a little about Irish weddings this month as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in March. This lovely couple enjoyed creating an Irish themed wedding at the El Caribe that was truly magical. From bagpipers to some fun Irish dance steps for their first dance, this couple created some unforgettable memories. See what the El Caribe can do for your wedding. Take a moment to learn more about weddings at the El Caribe now.

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8 Things No One Tells You About Getting Engaged

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So, you’re engaged. Congratulations! It’s an exciting time and comes with new discoveries and truths you never knew about being engaged. We’re sure you’ve already discovered a few. Here’s our list.

1. Everything Will Feel Different
Even if you’ve been together for years, everything will now feel different. You’ve just committed to spend the rest of your lives together. That’s serious business. So, take a deep breath. Then, begin working on long term plans, things you may not have discussed while dating for your new lives together. Where will you spend holidays? Do you want children? If so, how many? It’s likely things may change as life is filled with surprises. It’s best you’re on the same page as you get started. You may consider premarital/pre-wedding counseling. Working thru hard things at the beginning makes the rest of your time together far more enjoyable.

2. You Won’t Stop Staring (but you’re allowed)
Your hand will feel different because there’s a sparkle on it that keeps grabbing your attention. If you’ve not worn rings before it may feel strange, or, should we call it “new”. This stunning piece of jewelry on your finger is a symbol of something you’ve dreamed of your whole life. Now it’s here. It’s okay to be a “little obsessed” over the sparkle on your finger. Since everyone will be asking to see it, get yourself a manicure to nicely frame that ring. CAUTION, don’t stare at the ring while driving.

3. You’ll Feel Like A Broken Record
With the excitement of being engaged, everyone will want to ask about the proposal. This may get wearing over time but, hey, that’s the fun of being engaged, telling and retelling your story. To save time, and remember the details of the proposal story, write it down in a journal and then post it your favorite social media site so you can easily share it with friends and family.

4. They’ll Ask Before You Know the Question
They’ll be a lot of buzz and excitement around your recent engagement. You won’t have time to set a date or location for the big day before people will be asking for the date and venue details. To save yourself some stress, you may want to come up with something simple to say when asked like, “We’re just so thrilled to be engaged right now. We’ll be working on the details soon.”

5. You Can’t Make Everyone Happy…
While you’re hoping your family and friends will be thrilled, there will be those that may not be so supportive or excited about your recent news. This is a time for you to celebrate! Stay positive and focus on the excitement of getting married. Remember the attitude of less supportive people is a reflection on them and not you.

6. You’ll Discover Your True Friends
Your true friends will be those who immediately cheer your engagement news on social media, help you celebrate on the town the next day and ask what they can do to help you make plans for the big day. Keep those friends in your inner circle and get them involved in your wedding plans. They asked because they want to help. This is where some of the strongest friendships are built.

7. Those Wedding Movies Won’t Mean the Same
All those wedding films you’ve watched in the past will mean something entirely different now that you’re engaged. You may find yourself watching them all over again and a certain interest in wedding movies or tv shows. It’s okay to binge a bit. You may discover some ideas to better celebrate your special day.

8. You’ll Get Plenty of Advice (some unsolicited).
Your friends and family, who have great intentions and “maybe” some good ideas, will have plenty of ideas and advice for you. Take it in stride. They care about you and are just trying to help. As they give you their “should & shouldn’t” advice graciously listen and thank them for the thought or idea. You can decide privately what to do with your wedding plans.

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4 Wedding Planning Tips For Those Who Just Said Yes

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four wedding planning tips for those recently engaged
The cork has been popped after replying “yes” to the big question. There are many things to consider as you plan your big day. With more than 35 years experience, and three generations of family operations creating unforgettable memories at the El Caribe, we’d like to share four wedding planning tips, for event planning as well, to help you along.

  1. Define Your Guest List. You probably have a lot of people who have been a special part of your life. You’ll want to invite them to celebrate this milestone. Take time to sit with your fiancé and put a guest list from your family and friends before you consider your budget and location for the event.
  2. Consider Your Budget. There are a lot things to consider with your budget. How big a celebration do you want to? Is it simple and intimate, big and extravagant or a destination wedding? Do you have money in investments or savings you’ve set aside and/or do you have time to save for the wedding?
  3. Quality vs Size. Many hope to only marry once. Since there is a lot of time, effort and stress involved in this celebration, consider choosing higher quality over the size of your event. You have options in choosing to have a small number of guests and spending more on higher quality venue, menu, decor, and celebration than the opposite – mediocre venue, menus, décor, etc. The tradeoff can be huge in quality and creating that special experience for you and your guests with the cost being very similar.
  4. Vendor Packages. Your wedding is a memory of a lifetime. Many of those memories you’ll keep in photographs or experience with a DJ on the dance floor. As you look at different vendors consider quality vs quantity. While one photographer will give you all day coverage remember it doesn’t mean it’s quality photos. For instance, you can hire a wedding photographer who’s mediocre work will get you pictures all day long or you can hire a top notch photographer to get the highlights of your wedding day. In the end won’t it be the highlights and important moments you’ll frame? Take this into to consider with all your vendor choices, do you want smaller amounts of the highest quality or lots of mediocre.

Take the time to consider these four wedding planning tips, and most importantly, try to enjoy the journey to your big wedding day. Using these four tips will help you eliminate unneeded stress and give you the wedding you’ve dreamed of.

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Seven Best Event Planning Tips

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Whether you’re planning a wedding, sweet sixteen, communion, corporate event or a myriad of other events, there are some important things to know. These are the kind of tips you think, “I’m sure glad someone told me that!” While you may have planned events before, here are seven best event planning tips you may have missed that are secrets to a successful event.

1. Be Our Guest
It’s always important to consider your approximate guest count before settling on a venue. This will ensure there’s enough space for everyone. Remember, you need space not only for your guests but a DJ/band, dance floor, tables, and busy servers. If you need to cut the guest list consider prioritizing by tiers. Begin with the immediate family, persons of honor, and best friends at the top of the list. Follow this with extended family; aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. These are people you can’t imagine celebrating without. Next, list additional friends, neighbors, coworkers and so on. If you need to pare down, begin at the bottom until you reach your ideal number and budget.

2. Securing The Date
Choosing a date can be tricky. While there are several things to consider, here’s just one. Discover if your special event date falls on a holiday, convention, or large local event that would cause conflicts with traffic and hotel availability. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating on a holiday but consider your important guests may have other obligations.

3. Capitalize On The Bonuses
Want some bonuses for spending all that money on your event? Secure a credit card with a rewards program. From airline miles to shopping deals, putting all your spending on one card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points.

4. Get Referrals
When looking for trusted vendors ask the catering hall and vendors for referrals. They’ve worked in this business a long time and know who can be trusted for the best experience. Your photographer knows which florists flowers last longer and stay freshest. The catering hall can tell you which transportation is always on time.

5. Get Organized
There is a lot to plan and keep track of. Get organized using a digital format, if that works for you, or go traditional with a three-ring binder. Compile everything; correspondences, notes, photos, ideas, things from magazines, etc all in one place. This will save you time and stress. Set up an email address dedicated to the event. Keep a contact list of important people and vendor numbers in a hard copy and on your phone. Break things down into a schedule from start to finish and follow a logical order to get things done. This will relieve a lot of stress, keep you from getting worn down and help you enjoy the event when the day comes.

6. The Signature Drink
Signature drinks are still a great way to celebrate any event. Since signature drinks are custom made, make sure you have enough servers to attend to your guests. You don’t want your guests waiting in a long line to enjoy the celebration.

7. Help Them Arrive At The Event
With all the planning you’ve done, you want to make sure your guests get to the event on time. Providing an accurate directions card, map and address will help them accomplish this. Your catering hall can help you print our driving directions. Having the address allows your guests to use their GPS to find the least congested traffic route. As a safety measure, you can create a private event page on Facebook and post the address and directions there. The Facebook site never goes down and your guests know how to easily access it.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, sweet sixteen, communion, corporate event or a myriad of other events, there are some important things to know. Using these seven best event planning tips will help you have a more successful celebration.

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Three Secrets To Securing Your Event Date

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Choosing an event date can be tricky. There are so many things to consider; holidays, guest availability, family conflicts and more. Here are three secrets to securing your event date that could save you time, stress and money.

1. Discover if your special event date falls on a holiday, convention, or large local event that would cause conflicts with traffic and hotel availability. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating on a holiday but consider your important guests may have other obligations.

2. Last minute bookings can save you money. Most people book their events six months or more in advance. Calling catering halls for open dates two months before your desired date can give you some bargaining power. You can save you up to 25 percent. That’s quite a bit of savings.

3. If you’re having your event on a weekend, consider any day but Saturday. While Saturday may seem most convenient, Friday night and Sunday are general less expensive by quite a bit over a Saturday event. And, if you’re booking last minute, it’s likely that Saturday is already gone. Save yourself some money and book a Friday or Sunday event time.

There are so many things to consider when choosing an event date. Using these three secrets to securing your event date will certainly help you get ahead, save your time, relieve some stress and save you money.

The El Caribe offers savings on last minute event bookings. We understand that somethings just can’t wait to be celebrated. Let us help you celebrate. Give us a call today. We can help you with your last minute event plans and leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Five Common Wedding Mistakes

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Planning your wedding? It’s an exciting time and very stressful. How often do you plan for something like this? Probably not often enough to avoid a few mistakes. So, we wanted to share with you some tips. Here are five common wedding mistakes and how to avoid them from your friends at El Caribe.

1. Moving Ahead Without A Guest List
So, you’re engaged. You’re excited to plan an amazing wedding. There’s so much to do you can’t wait to get started. But wait. Put on the brakes. You need to consider first things first – your guest list. Your guest list is one of the most important elements of your wedding planning. It determines so many other elements like ceremony to catering hall size.
Put your guest list together first. It’s not the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but there a few reasons to get it tightened up. Here’s one. You don’t want to lose a nonrefundable deposit to a catering hall because you learned it’s not big enough with a surprise addition of 150 guests to your list. Openly discuss the matter with your fiancé and families. With a list in hand, now you can determine other things like the atmosphere, location, transportation, etc.

2. Drop Sizes Before The Big Day
You found your dream dress, but you’d like to be picture perfect and a few sizes smaller. So, you order a smaller dress and go to work trimming down to fit the smaller dress size.
Remember, wedding planning is stressful enough with long days and some sleepless nights. Adding to this an additional goal could add unneeded pressures and stress.
Instead, consider this. Find a dress you love and in your own size. Commit to eating right, exercising and toning up. It’s important to make sure your goals are manageable and not overstressing you. Remember too, the person you’re about to marry can’t get enough who you are and how you look, so don’t go crazy if you’re not perfect. You want to enjoy this journey.

3. Boring Your Fiancé With Bridal Talk
While grooms want to be more involved in the wedding planning and style of the event, be careful not to overload them with too much bridal talk and event planning lingo. This could cause unneeded tension when both of you need to be working together. Schedule a time to discuss with your partner the various details of the wedding and how they want to be involved. If decor isn’t their thing, choose to leave them out of that process. Also, listen carefully for things they get excited about and invite them to participate.
Planning the wedding can be stressful so balance time to allow for normal activities so both of you can remember the person you love is still there. These breaks will also help you sharpen the saw, so they say, and make you more creative and focused when you’re at it again.

4. They Have My Dress!
Being unique, with a personalized touch, is so important for your wedding day. Sometimes it’s easy to get upset when someone else has the same dress, flowers, colors, etc. Before you decide to lose it, consider adding some things to set you apart. Add accessories, a broach, a change up on the party favors. Find a way to set yourself a part and add a personal touch. There are endless ways to do that.

5. Day of To-Do List
The day of your wedding is all about you and those closest to you. There are so many details happening that day that are important to making the celebration a success including florists, catering, transportation, etc. Instead of enlisting the help of your mother or bridesmaids, who are really involved in the days affairs, ask a trusted family member or friend who’s there for the wedding. Most wedding-day (and day-before) to-do-lists can be left to any proficient adult. And remember there are many of them who would be happy, and flattered you asked, to assist you in dividing and conquering. Too, it’s a great way to include more people in your big day.
Should your budget permit, you might also consider hiring a wedding coordinator. They’re experts at making sure things like this run smoothly. Surprisingly, their more affordable than you might think. And, can you really put a price tag on being stress free on your big day?

Your wedding is the day you’ve dreamed of. Understanding these five common wedding mistakes will keep you from making mistakes that could cost you most stress, time and headaches. Following these tips will help you to better enjoy the journey.