Spring ’17 Summaries

Food

How is it possibly May already? Typing away, the sun is shining and the birds are singing! Spring is most definitely here and that can only mean that Summer is just around the corner and with it event and wedding season is upon us. Although we’ve already had quite a few events and a wedding, summer is the traditional time to say ‘I Do’, however our season starts mid-April and continues through to September. Busy (but fun) times ahead! Intermingled with some corporate events (one tomorrow actually) and a few big birthday’s and special occasions this year looks set to be a big one.

Before we have all these though, let us recap a little over the past 3 months. So what have we been up to…well you would think that these months are the quietest; not exactly! Although not literally, we have been making hay whilst the sun shines, in other words prepping for the many events and weddings that the year holds. We have been busy with tastings galore, looking at our menus and re-jigging them, coming up with some exciting new menus and ideas and organising ourselves and our staff ready for when it’s all systems go.

We also have some exciting plans for our premises and are hoping to create and install something quite special! You’re going to have to wait for a few more details, but let’s just say it’s going to good!

Amongst all of the prep and admin, we’ve had a weddings and events galore! It’s never really quiet for us! One of our lovely weddings fell on Valentine’s Day – how romantic! Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet full of goodies and brimming with food. “I just wanted to touch base and say thank you for helping our wedding day be amazing! The lamb was the hit of the day as were the burgers and chips and the puddings were also super yummy! I wish I could do it all again and sit and eat it all again! You and your staff were wonderful on the day and really helped with the smooth running of things.” Such fab feedback received too, which always makes us smile!

Weddings

It’s fair to say we have been busy little wedding planning bee’s at the start of this year. As with the food and events side, in the ‘quiet’ months, it’s great to get everything in order, planning, prepping and generally making sure you are being productive and finalising plans for your summer weddings. All this, mixed with meetings and some tastings keeps us busy, but we do love this part when all the plans start to take shape and the couples can really start to see their big day coming together. Absolutely love seeing that!

In addition to all of the planning, we’ve also been asked to help style a few wedding inspiration shoots and organise a couple of our own. We sadly can’t give much away yet, but once we know when they are published, all shall be revealed. We also had a few previous shoots feature on Bridal Musings, Fine Art Wedding Boutique  You & Your Wedding Online and in Perfect Wedding Magazine and You & Your Wedding Magazine. The feeling you get seeing your work really is quite special; getting to be creative and working with some fellow amazing industry pro’s is just amazing and is something that we just love to do and help other suppliers do too. We don’t just plan, we also style and that seems to be quite a popular request currently; not only for fellow suppliers, but for couples who have the planning side nailed, but need some help with the creative side and bringing a vision to life. In this visual and social media driven world, couples are wanting to be more and more unique and décor and styling is one way to do so…mixing up linens, the way you fold a napkin or have a runner, installations and florals and various lighting effects. There are so many ways to inject personality and style and we totally love this part of weddings and events. Another biggy is on the day management, which we have a lot of this year. From doing over 500 weddings, we like to think we know a thing or two about the wedding day and if it means our couples can relax the whole day through, knowing we have everything sorted, then it works for us! We always aim to please!

We also received some exciting photos this week from the fab Melia Melia Photography from a wedding we planned and catered for last year at Wickham House. Seriously dreamy images and we are so excited! We can’t wait to share these with you all soon.

However with all this in mind, we have to get back to a final few plans and finish prepping! The smell wafting from the kitchen is H E A V E N L Y!

Until next time…Emma & Team GB. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

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Delivering December & our 2017 Wedding Trend Predictions

Happy New Year you lovely lot! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. 2017 has arrived and we are back at work and ready for all of the exciting events and weddings ahead of us. Our December was full of Christmas parties galore and lots of super fun events.

In amongst the canape and drinks parties, we had some dinners mixed in and some festive lunches too. Christmas parties are all about the fun and the festive treats, think mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and a few hundred or so mince pies to boot! Turkey, trimmings, beef wellington and some seriously tasty sticky toffee pudding. We were lucky enough to be back at Windsor Guildhall for a Christmas Dinner and it really was a beautiful setting. We also got to provide some cute Christmas canapes for the lovely ladies at B.loved for their festive mingle.

We were also invited to a few Christmas parties and gatherings ourselves where we got to catch up with fellow wedding industry pros and celebrate the year with some festive cheer. One of the highlights included a scrummy afternoon tea at The Bingham – such a beautiful hotel in Richmond, with a riverside setting that is ideal for weddings.

December certainly flew past and we can’t believe it’s another year and January already! As event and wedding professionals, people always ask us what we think will be popular in the forthcoming year…well here is our top 5 predictions for weddings and catering.

1. Greenery – Pantone’s colour of the year is Greenery – quite a vibrant bold green which is quite the contrast to last year’s pastel hues. Whether used as a theming throughout your wedding or event, we think foliage will be used in abundance and in a loose, wild and natural way.
2. Tropical – The tropical trend was popular last year, but mixed with the Greenery, we think this will really take off. Long reign the pinks, oranges, flamingos and pineapples!
3. Industrial Luxe – Think copper, marble and warehouses with metal, stone and metallic elements, mixed with geodes and geometric contemporary designs and décor.
4. Foodie Heaven – couples want to go BIG on food and splurge a little. Food after all is a big part of the day! Choosing their favourite food and going all out, matching wines and drinks too. P.S – keep any eye out for completely raw, vegan and gluten free menus too!
5. Food stations and informal catering will be key – as will drinks stations. We have no doubt that artisan gins and craft beers will be big as will botanical drinks.

Are you getting married in 2017? Will any of the above be featuring? We would love to know and find out more about your plans. We have a busy January ahead – focusing on some upcoming weddings and events and finalising plans, also prepping for a Valentine’s wedding too – how romantic!

Until next time…Emma. x

November Noted

Festivities have well and truly begun and party season is upon us. November has kicked off the season in style and we have had some seriously fun filled weeks and we are now fully in the Christmas spirit. Largely because we have spent the weekend surrounded by Christmas spruces and decorations galore at the Country Homes & Interiors Christmas Show, but more about that later…

Food and Events

November has bought a wonderful mix of lunches, dinners, weddings, Christmas parties and a big country show, all completed by a super exciting award! We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to have been voted the English Wedding Awards South East Caterer! How fabulous! This has made our month and year, so thank you very much. We have some lovely events this month. November has certainly seen the festivities begin and we’ve had a few seasonal gatherings – from brunches, to lunches, buffets, canapes and cocktails and some elegant dinners. We get to incorporate some festive and seasonal produce and our cinnamon and mulled wine poached pears are proving popular as is our Venison main. Towards the end of the month saw a couple of weddings at Micklefield Hall. The barn lends itself beautiful to Autumnal and Winter weddings and we had rich reds and some elegant navy and white tones used as the décor. Berries were still popular as ever and our winterberry mess went down an absolute treat! We took the mid of the month to finish off some tastings for events early next year and also start to look ahead to December where party season will truly have its hold on us.

We also released our full raw, vegan and gluten free menus for wedding guests. We are the first caterer to do so and can’t wait to get creating some raw magic in the new year for our couples and their guests.

Finishing off the month we catered for 3 days and thousands of visitors to the Country Homes & Interiors Christmas show at Stonor Park. Visitors were treated to seasonal and Christmas coffee’s and hot chocolates, festive sweet treats and savoury snacks such as our local pies, which were raved about by the end of the weekend! We absolutely loved being there and being part of the show, enjoying getting into the Christmas spirit. It’s fair to say we could have spent a small fortune on some of the wonderful gifts on offer – our office may be featuring some of the decorations on show.

Weddings

Following on from last month and quote gathering, November saw a little more and finalising some suppliers for next years’ weddings. It’s so good when everything falls into place and means that our couples can relax and enjoy the festive season, assured that all is booked and the fun of the details and styling lies ahead.

As members, we attended an NAWP event too, which are always good fun; getting to catch up with some familiar faces and meeting new. Networking events are always good to make some industry friends and catch up; all whilst trying some drinks and nibbles at a new venue which you may have not yet discovered. This was the case on this occasion. The event was held at the Museum of the order of St John and wow, it really is a stunning place. Hidden in Farringdon, we had no idea it was even there, but are so pleased we are now. It’s so beautiful and the spaces and history are quite magnificent. We also got to visit ‘Elevate your senses’ Wedding showcase at the Shangri La hotel at the Shard. Even on a slightly rainy day, the views were incredible and it was lovely to see some of our faves; Armorial, Emmy Shoes, Twobirds Bridesmaids and Abigail Bloom Cakes.

Last month we mentioned how delighted we were to have our Autumn Copper inspiration shoot featured on B.Loved and we are still loving the tones and autumn vibes the shoot brings. We’ve had a bumper month of features and we have been featured once again in Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding Magazine for a styling feature and earlier in the month we had our stunning Jane Austen Georgian Serenity shoot featured on top US blog Burnetts Boards – how amazing! You can see a little more here. It brings back fond memories of Spring, which was a warm welcome in these chillier times!

Until next time…Emma. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gooseandberry 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gooseandberry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gooseandberry / www.instagram.com/gooseandberryweddings

Google +: https://plus.google.com/106611460730365369102/posts

2015 | Top Wedding Trends

With every year comes new predictions and what will prove ‘hot’ over the coming year. Last year was witness to couples breaking away from traditional, formal weddings to a more relaxed approach and inserting their own stamp upon the day (or days) and celebrations. They wanted to make their wedding even more special by personalising elements and injecting some of their own unique personality.

This individuality looks set to continue through 2015 and we think a great way of creating these personal elements will be in the details of the design, from the invites through to the flowers, meal and the first dance.

So, here are our top trends to watch out for this year and ones you can try yourself…

1)   Selfies

Last year was the year of the selfie and this year will continue to see them reign. From engagement shoots to save the dates and invites, through to photo booths on the day, it is going to be all about the selfie. It could be formal or fun, and we have no doubt that there will be a few selfie sticks involved too.

2)  Greenery and Herbs

Beautiful blooms will still be huge, but we are starting to notice that foliage and greenery is proving ever more popular. Featuring more in bouquets and floral displays, particularly the use of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint and leaves such as ruscus, ivy, fern, bay, and eucalyptus. With these brings a scent that is delicious and adds an extra dimension to the wedding, one that may have special associations for the couple. Greenery will also be used in the wider decoration and styling, dressing the tables as a runner, used to dress cakes and food tables and also as a frame for table plans. Foliage can be used to soften any edges and add detail to bland areas, used as a drape on the walls and ceiling brings a marquee or plain wall to life and brings a touch of the outside in.

3) Champagne Cocktails

Champagne will forever be popular but 2015 will be the year of the champagne cocktail and champagne bar. Creating your own signature cocktail, whilst still having champagne for a reception drink and toast provides a great alternative to just a glass of bubbly and inserts a little personality to the proceedings. Why not try an old fashioned champagne tower, this would make a great focal piece, or perhaps a champagne cocktail bar, where guests can create their own champagne cocktail with a few of your favourite ingredients.

4) British Invasion

With Downton Abbey still very much loved and winning awards, Royalty still supremely fixed within our hearts and a fondness of the old way of life and the rural idyll, the British trend seems to be taking over. Summer garden parties, outdoor ceremonies and rustic and romantic décor will be huge. Downton Abbey’s influence gives styling an Edwardian twist with glitz and glamour still at the forefront of many couples wedding’s, but with a more relaxed feel and a sense of the great outdoors and the countryside coming to the fore.

5) Monochrome

Whether it be pastels or brights, colour is always a big thing when choosing a theme for your wedding. This year may ring in some changes however with black and white being an option for couples. Perhaps a bold choice, but always classy and elegant, a monochrome theme will be the perfect choice is understated elegance is what you crave. Incorporated into all elements of design, this will look stunning at any wedding.

6) Marsala magic

Pantone’s colour of 2015 is elegant, sexy and dramatic – welcome ‘Marsala’.  We are loving this expensive colour and think it’s perfect for weddings all year round, used as much or sparingly as desired.  You could include it in your flowers, table details with napkins and charger plates, and the rich undertones will look fabulous on all shades skin – making it an ideal colour for bridesmaids and mothers.

7) Edible Favours

What is not to love about these! Gone are the days of sugared almonds, we now have a whole plethora of yumminess that is waiting for us to take home (or consume later in the day!) We’ve had the miniature pots of homemade jams and chutneys. Honey and macaroons are still huge. Now it’s time for some gooey marshmallow and meringue goodness. Hot chocolate and popcorn and little bottles of cordial or a cocktail kit that you that you can make yourself.

8) Food Stations

Instead of opting for a more formal three course meal, family style and buffet dining are increasing in demand. Dessert tables and dessert rooms have already proved a big hit and are seen at many weddings. Taking it to the next level, couples are choosing to have food stations of their favourite types of food positioned around the venue, where guests can try a little of what they would like. This gives a whole lot of variety and a whole lot of guest interaction and brings an element of fun. You could have a sushi station, an oyster or seafood shack, Fajita station, Salad cart or a large Paella dish ready to serve!

9)  Sharing’s caring

Sharing food was huge in 2014, and it’s set to continue well into 2015.  Last year we were inundated with clients who opted for sharing starter plates – imagine piles of cured meats, cheeses, olives, pastries and dipping oils – dellisimo!  This year our creative brides and grooms are getting more adventurous and wanting entire menus to become interactive and sociable – cue sharing mains and puddings.  Large wooden boards, joints of meats, sharing beef wellingtons, pies and flans, bowls of ottalenghi styled salads and vegetables for mains – sound good?  What about pudding… eton mess is an all time favourite, so lets get sharing with large bowls of crushed meringues, berries, vanilla cream and indulgent toppings.  Sounds too good to share!

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