Here are a few iron-clad tips for “food tasters” planning their special events.

1.      Rely on your caterer’s suggestions as to what will work and what will not work.  Remember, we’ve seen many more events than you have…the good, the bad and the ugly.

2.     Aim to please, not to impress.  One client for whom I catered tried to impress her guests by passing around bottles of Johnny Walker Blue with the bottles prominently displayed  on silver trays…obviously trying to impress her guests…it didn’t work, and interestingly enough, many of her invited guests did not even show up.

3.     Just because you’re a vegan or some type of vegetarian, that does not mean that your guests will like what you eat and like.  Remember, aim to please, not convert your guests into your way of eating….if you do, there will be a long line at the closest steakhouse once your event is concluded.

4.     Don’t be afraid to ask your caterer to prepare special dishes and recipes.  Good caterers enjoy the challenge of using Aunt Millie’s recipe.  Ask your caterer first to make a trial batch so that you can taste it and adjust if necessary.  We can cook just about anything.

5.     Don’t try to make a large batch of something for your event unless they have commercial cooking experience, and that your caterer will allow it.  One disaster, a few years ago, occurred at a wedding when the mother of the groom, made a large pot of special soup for 80 guests, and put it in a home style refrigerator overnight.  When we were given then soup to heat up before service, the soup had spoiled since the small fridge was not powerful enough to cool it to a safe temp.

6.     Lastly, it is your event and you should have the foods you want that will please your guests.  Only use caterers who understand that idea.

-Bill Hansen

“We are artisans who have learned the art of turning a humble heap of cacao beans into luscious chocolate truffles,” says Trillos, who only uses the finest Venezuelan cacao, top-shelf  liqueurs and premium nuts – and never uses preservatives, artificial flavorings or added sugar. This South Florida wedding chocolatier offers multiple flavors of truffles – ideal for wedding favors or an enhancement to the dessert hour – along with chocolate –dipped dried fruits, crunchy barks, molded chocolates and more.  The success of Cao Chocolates has been quick and steady. You will now find these products on the shelves of such specialty boutiques as Wine…Etc. in Coconut Grove and Bottega La Dolce Vita in Coral Gables.

“This is not a chocolate business,” maintains Trillos. “It is a chocolate experience, from one bite to the next.” It is that mindset that has made Cao Chocolates a premier wedding chocolatier in South Florida.

For those of you who do not know me personally, I NEVER recommend a vendor unless they are great and there is NEVER anything in it for me. I do not accept commission from any vendors.

With that said, I will tell you why I think Twinkle Twinkle is such an amazing shop. First, Alicia, the owner, has incredible taste. She knows exactly what to order and what Brides want. When I take my clients to visit vendors, I make sure Twinkle Twinkle is my last stop because once they walk in, it is difficult to get them out.

From the minute you set foot into the shop, you are in sensory overload. If you’re lucky, you will be greeted by the Twinkle Twinkle mascot, Josh. You will need to go in and meet him as words cannot describe him properly. Take your time and peruse the beautifully lit glass cases. Not only does Alicia pick out great high-end costume and silver jewelry but she has a gorgeous collection of handbags, cake accessories, gifts for the groomsmen, and more. I could go on for days!

Here is what you need to do. If you tell Alicia that “Ana Cruz Rocks!”, you will get a special gift with purchase. Try on my faves, Alicia knows exactly what they are, headpieces, bracelets, handbags, all of it! It is important to look at yourself wearing these fab items in what I call the “mirror of death.” This mirror is located at the rear of the store and has the power to compel you to buy everything you see yourself wearing. Hence, the mirror of death (to your bank account).

Do not worry the jewelry is not as expensive as it looks. It is a great place to shop for quality accessories with out really killing your bank account. The service is phenomenal and every client gets the star treatment but the paparazzi are not allowed in the shop. Photos are prohibited in the kingdom of Twinkle Twinkle but the shiny and pretty stuff is abundant.

I always recommend to my brides that they prioritize the importance of the various components of their wedding:  venue, catering, music, flowers, cake, décor, photography, lighting, beverages, etc.  Then list them from most to least important.  If the wedding cake is at the top of your list, then spending more for a better looking and tasting cake may make sense.  If the cake is simply something you want to have, merely as a formality, then why spend a fortune on the cake?

Over the years I’ve seen and cut thousands of cakes….I’ve tried to cut beautiful ones that are so dry inside they crumbled into an unrecognizable pile, ones that have fondant thick enough to require a chain saw to cut through, and ones that look great and taste way less than that.

Most cakes not that memorable…a few are, such as the Crockenbush (Piece Monte), one made completely from Haagen-Dazs ice cream (boy, we had to move fast before it melted), cupcake tree cakes, groom’s cakes shaped like cigar boxes, and the list goes on… How about this one from the Internet?

Working in a climate that is typically hot and humid is a challenge for anyone creating wedding cakes in South Florida.  Baker’s solution is to finish her cakes primarily with fondant, which won’t melt like buttercream.  But she’s put a spin on the standard fondant flavor. She says, “Our house-made marshmallow fondant tastes lighter, it’s less sugary and it will never get rock hard.”

Baker, who recently created cakes for the Princess of Norway when she presided at the opening of a new cultural center, will not commit to more than two cakes a day.   “I want my product to be not only beautiful, but as fresh as possible .  Typically, her cakes are baked within 24 hours of the wedding.

Luckily the couple had an air-conditioned tent so the reception could be salvaged.  The ceremony was on the hotel’s dock where the designers at Landy’s Flowers had created a beautiful bamboo arbor with tropical flowers to match the gorgeous centerpieces inside the tent.

All was very beautiful, scenic, organic but unfortunately rainy.  As the bands of bad weather blew in, we would get the occasional reprieve from the rain.  I remembered how the bride and groom had told me that the ceremony was so important to them.  They even hired former T.V. anchor and current radio host turned Officiant, Kelly Craig, to write a sentimental, and very personal ceremony just for them.  The vision of the ceremony with the ocean as the backdrop was their dream.

As 5:00 p.m. approached the weather showed no improvement.  I had to make the phone call that every planner dreads – “We are going to have use your plan B for the ceremony.”

The bride was disappointed but knew that although I could control just about everything the weather, was out of my hands.  Just as the florist was starting to move flowers into the tent, there was a break in the weather.  The bride was in route (did I tell you both she and the groom were arriving in separate boats? Not complicated at all!!).  I decided at that very moment to take a shot and laugh in the face of Mother Nature.  I thought, “Listen lady, you will not take my clients ceremony dream away.”

Five minutes after my risky decision the  groom showed up with his Father and Groomsmen to Phil Collins, “In the Air Tonight” or whatever it is called, just think of a shout out to Miami Vice.  The groom walked up the aisle and took his place at the altar next to his Best Man/Dad and his Officiant, Kelly Craig.  He gave me the green light to keep the ceremony on that dock no matter what.  Just then, the bride’s cabin cruiser was in the distance.

She and her bridesmaids would be docking in just moments.  I felt a drop on my face and my heart sank.  The guests were total troopers and sat quietly under their umbrellas.  As the bride approached they cheered for her and it was such a warm moment.  The groomsmen were waiting for their partners on the dock and I approached the bride’s boat.

I asked her if she was ready for an adventure and she smiled and said, “It is what it is”.  The rain was now coming down in bigger drops and their was no mistaking that this couple was getting married in the rain.  There are many that say that it is good luck when it rains on your wedding day, but I know that that was probably invented many years ago by a very savvy planner in my same predicament.

Kelly Craig welcomed everyone to Hans and Soraya’s Baptism!  That definitely got a laugh from the crowd.  The ceremony was beautiful and meaningful.  The couple stood under a big colorful umbrella that was totally Florida Keys and a great photo-op.  The ceremony ended and suddenly a beautiful and vivid rainbow appeared directly behind the “altar.”

I could not make this up, people.  It really happened.  The rain stopped and just when I though I had defeated Mother Nature the wind almost knocked me in the water.  “Feets don’t fail me now!  Where is that lovely air-conditioned tent with the gorgeous draping and chandeliers?  It was in the distance like a beacon with gorgeous lighting provided by Party Sparks.  The rest of the night was dreamy and fun and at the end of  the night I felt good that the couple got their dream ceremony albeit soggy.  The bride and groom could not be happier.

Getting rained on, the waves of water in my non-functioning Blackberry’s screen, the loss of my favorite Swarovski pen in the sand and the memory of the last time I ate which was the night before, could not take away my fabulous mood after a job well done and giving my clients exactly what they told me that they wanted the first time we met.  Who said this job isn’t glamorous?

I recently learned that the average newlywed conducts 30 hours of research to locate and complete the forms for a legal South Florida name change.   Two attorney’s Josh Gelb and Jake Wolff saw how complicated it was for their new wives to change their surnames so they decided to do something about it.  There was not one complete source that provides support and does the nitty-gritty work that most people find tedious and unpleasant!

Their answer is a website called Hitchswitch. The cost is only $39.99 with a portion of the proceeds going to breast and ovarian cancer research.  So far it’s helped over 1,000 couples and anticipates facilitating 15,000 name changes by next summer.

They prepare the packed of all the forms and all their clients do is sign the forms and mail them in!

The right answers to these questions will help guarantee an excellent working relationship with your caterer.  If you want to create an affair that will generate rave reviews from those in attendance, these questions will help you begin the planning process.

Who is the contact person when planning the event?

Who is the contact person during the event?

What does the chef prepare best?

What are your portion sizes?

When will coffee be served?

Will wine be poured by the staff or placed on the tables?

Is the champagne just for the toast, or will it be served from the bar?

When do you suggest we do the champagne toast and cut the cake?

Will you provide a cake table for the wedding cake? Do you charge a cake cutting fee?

Where will the place cards and gifts be placed?

Will you assist with valet parking, music, flowers, photography, décor, event planning  etc.?

Is there a curfew at the event site?

How many staff will be working the event?

How is your staff attired?

Founder and President of Aroma Espresso, Francisco Lopez, notes: “Our goal at Aroma Espresso is to brew the finest coffee in town while offering superior service.”  The premier espresso provider in South Florida starts with 100% Arabica coffee beans which are ground at the event, never before. Then the brewing begins at the imported Italian espresso machine. Within moments guests are partaking of double espressos, skinny lattes, cortaditos, machiattos, hot chocolate, Americanos and moccaccinos.

The Aroma Espresso team can customize your coffee bar with European syrups, specialty teas, flavored frappucinos, biscotti, gourmet pastries, scones and croissants and even a chocolate fountain with a dozen or more items for dipping.

This South Florida espresso provider has also been a significant benefactor to the community. Since its inception, Aroma Espresso has brought complimentary coffee bars  to a long list of charity events: Echo Cuba Foundation, Feast for the Beast at Metro Zoo, Taste of the Garden, Adopt a Bear Foundation and Educate Tomorrow – to name a few.

Enthuses Lopez, “That’s how to make a great cup of coffee taste even better!”

1. Everyone will have advice for you. . . As soon as you tell someone that you are planning a wedding, you will be given advice, even if you are not asking for it! Everyone will know what is best for you, and they may even be critical of your plans thus far. It is always kind to listen to their advice…but remember that you do not have to follow their advice. Learning how to inject phrases into the conversation such as, “I never thought of that.” or “That’s something to consider.” will help to keep you and all involved happy.

2. Have the wedding that you want to have. . . You and your fiancé should be the two most influential people planning your wedding. Mom, Dad and the future In-laws will all want to play a part in this special day, but ultimately it is your wedding and your memory. If you and your fiancé have a definite vision for time of year, venue or theme, then by all means follow your hearts. Now, those that do not agree with you may sulk or even refuse to be involved if you decide to go through with your own plan, making for a very uncomfortable and stressful situation. This is where compromise comes into play. Perhaps give in to the little things that are not extremely important to you. This will allow you to have more leverage when you stand firm on the make-or-break decisions that could impact your feelings about your wedding day for many years to come.

3. Don’t break the bank. . . One of the biggest issues surrounding the wedding is the budget. Now, whether you are paying for your own wedding or you are getting assistance from Mom and Dad, no one should ever take on debt to pay for a wedding. Staring out a new life together in debt will only lead to heartache. The budget is also an area of planning that needs compromise. Make a list of the “must have” items. Perhaps the best photographer or videographer is at the top of your list. Or maybe a live band is an absolute must. Now, make a list of the things that you would really like to have, but may be able to live without. If getting rid of chair covers can help to balance the books, then consider eliminating the non-essentials. The details of your wedding will fade for most guests, but what will not fade is their memory of a happy, relaxed and in-love couple, who used their heads when planning.

4. Plan and plan some more. . . What time of year do you want to get married? How many guests will be attending? Will the ceremony be inside or outdoors? Before you even begin to shop for vendors, have a clear idea about what type of wedding you would like to have. And don’t buy your dress until you have an idea of your wedding’s location! “I bought my dress first with no idea of where my reception would be or what type of party I wanted.” says Melissa, a recent newlywed. “I chose a casual dress but then when I chose my reception hall, my dress was no longer appropriate for the venue.” Birgitta, a soon-to-be bride, has her own planning tip, “Don’t do anything until you have completed your final guest list…my fiancé and I made this mistake and it has come back to haunt us several times in the planning stages. We wish we would have finalized the list first, then we wouldn’t be dealing with a situation of too many people, not enough room!” Forethought can save you time, money and many headaches!

5. The early bird gets the worm. . . This one is easy, the earlier you begin the planning process, the more likely you are to secure your preferred vendors. Katie, a June bride, warns of the dangers of not starting early enough, “My sister got married in October and didn’t start planning until late July, early August, and she was fine. However, I waited until around February…I had a lot of problems with booking the florist and photographer that I wanted. I also ended up spending a lot more than what I was planning on spending.” After I had spoken with Katie for this article, her wedding had to be postponed indefinitely, due to not being able to secure appropriate venues in time for her big day. She now has to kiss thousands of dollars in non-refundable deposits goodbye! It is not unusual for photographers, reception venues and churches to book clients up to two years in advance. So if you have always dreamed of getting married at Heinz Chapel, you had better be the early bird, or you may be disappointed.

6. Organize, organize, organize. . . Keeping yourself organized while planning your wedding is one of the easiest things that you can do to keep your sanity! Make detailed notes on all conversations that you have with vendors. Have a binder or individual folders to keep all important documentation together in one place, such as signed contracts and informational paperwork. This will also come in handy if you need to make any last minute changes or quickly review a contract. All of the brides that I have spoken with have told me that being organized is the single most important part of the planning process.

7. Outsource when you can. . .Try not to do it all yourself. Will you really have time, three days before the wedding, to make forty, fresh flower centerpieces? Or bake and decorate you own wedding cake the day before the ceremony? Please, who would want to! With the costs of a wedding increasing, the Do-It-Yourself bride is here to stay. But be reasonable about what you can and cannot do on your own. If there are D.I Y. projects that can be done today…do them today! The more projects you can complete far in advance of the big day, the better.

8. Little details can snowball into big projects. . . The details of the planning process can be overwhelming. Start small and make detailed lists for all of the components of the wedding. Let’s do a case study of the out-of-town guest. Guests will come from out of town to share your day. Sounds simple…but is it really? Well, you will need to book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. Do you hire a bus for transportation to and from the ceremony and reception? If they want to drive themselves, will you need to print out directions to and from the hotel for all of the events? What about a welcome gift waiting for them at the hotel? Or a welcome dinner the night before? Or a brunch the morning after the wedding to thank them for making the journey? Things that may seem simple can turn into huge projects for the bride. This is another time to have a plan, have a helper and do as much of the work as far in advance as possible.

9. Be done by the big day. . . Many brides try to cram in last minute wedding chores the day of the event. This is not the time to be printing seating charts or running to the store for a shiny hair accent. If you can, try to leave this day as open as possible. “Our wedding went really well but I think that it was because I was very well organized.” says Darlene, a recent newlywed. “This way I could go to bed the night before and sleep, rather than lay awake thinking about what I needed to do. I did as much as I could on Wednesday and Thursday because Friday and Saturday were busy…I was relatively stress free on my wedding day.” Aaaahhh, stress free, that is the goal. Having things wrapped up by the day of the event will allow you to indulge a bit, if your budget allows. Have your hair and makeup done professionally. Get together for a light breakfast with your bridesmaids. You will want to be relaxed, enjoy everyone’s company and experience all of the wonderful emotions of the day. If there are last minute snafus that need handling, designate a go-to person.They will be able to help Aunt Lois scuff the soles of her new shoes, or run back to the house for the missing ring pillow, without bothering you.

10. Take care of yourself. . . Please remember to get enough rest, eat well, stay hydrated and add a little movement into each day before the wedding. Eye bags and dark circles do not a blushing bride make! Running yourself ragged before the nuptials will only leave your immune system vulnerable to illness, and who wants to be sick on their honeymoon? You may also want to consider not overindulging in alcoholic beverages the night before the ceremony, your body and looks will thank you for it in the morning.

Your wedding day, and the days leading up to it, should be some of the happiest of your life. Things may go wrong, people may disappoint you and everything may not be perfect, but that is OK. Recently, I was collecting wedding photos of my parents and grandparents. When I asked my mother for a wedding picture of her parents, she said that there weren’t any. My grandparents had gotten married during the Depression, and no one could afford the luxury of a camera. There was not a single picture to commemorate the backyard event. As I watch brides fuss and fret over the planning of their weddings, I think of my grandparents’ decades long marriage and happy life together. Even though there was not one photograph of the bride and groom, it all turned out more than fine in the end. Remember, the wedding is only one day in your life, but a happy marriage is forever. That’s really the goal here, isn’t it?