Engagement season is underway and we are loving all of your romantic proposals and engagement rings on our social media! But what comes after the champagne toasts and congratulations? Wedding planning, of course! It’s easy, right? Wedding planning with a full-time job and chores and errands…ok maybe it’s a big ask. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are some things to think about while planning your unique wedding:

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Taco Bell put a name to the concept of snacking after dinner, which you may be familiar with as the “Fourth Meal”. Since dinner tends to happen early in the evening when it comes to staying up late, guests may be craving the extra energy that late night snacks can provide.

Including late night snacks as part of your party catering is a must if you want your guests to stick around and dance the night away. Though late night snacks seem to be most popular at weddings, they really are a must-have for any late night event. 

Let’s set the stage: your guests are partying it up on your big wedding day. They’ve already been going for hours in terms of attending the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and socializing with other guests.

By the time the dance floor opens up, they’ll only have a little bit of energy left—even if you just dug into dinner! Multiple cocktails and a champagne toast are further adding to their need for a late night pick me up. Are you starting to see how late night snacks can be the cherry on top of a perfect night?

Here are a few guest favorites:

Ramen Station: Assisted by a Uniformed Chef

Miniature Tilapia Tacos + Warm Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

Miniature Choco Tacos

Mini Beef BLT Burger + Firecracker Shrimp

Strawberry Banana Pop Rock Truffles

Which late night snacks will you serve at your next late night event? Check out Catering by Michael’s favorite menu offerings for some inspiration. We apologize in advance for making you hungry.

I feel like we say this every year, but 2017 truly was one for the books. Once again, we found ourselves involved with a number of innovative events that pushed us to be more creative than ever. But no challenge is too great for our team! We relish in the opportunity to design and cater unique events that our clients and their guests will be talking about for years to come.

To get a taste of what we were up to in 2017, here are 7 events that truly defined the year:

1. ILEA Chicago Master’s Dinner
   ILEA is the International Live Events Association. During their signature Masters Dinner, we take the opportunity to showcase our creativity through brand new plated menu items. With plenty of industry peers in attendance, the pressure is on to go above and beyond! 

For this event, the first course, main course, and dessert were all new items. Pictured above, a special set up for Beef Tartare. Below, a Plated Heirloom Root Vegetable Salad.

Linens: BBJ Linen | Decor: HMR Designs | Venue: Chez Chicago

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Spring may be in the air, but this week we’re reminiscing about James + Jane’s romantic winter wedding at Ovation. Maybe it was the light snow falling, or the flickering candlelight and perfectly placed succulents + florals that made this wedding one to remember. Either way, it was an absolute pleasure to work with these Chicago natives, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of their very magical day.

All photography provided by the very talented Jordan Imhoff.

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We love working with event planners, and recently had the opportunity to chat with Nisar Naimi from Events by Nisar. If you’re about to plan an event, his insights may be especially timely!

How did your career in events begin?

​It started off as a part-time job to make extra cash on the weekends during my undergrad years at Loyola University. I used to work for a non-profit community organization, and my boss at the time introduced me to his friend who was an event planner. I worked with her throughout my college years, then went full-time with event planning once I graduated.​

Why do you love working in the events industry?

​I love that it’s a new experience every day! I get bored very easily, so I love the creative and personal interactions that allow me to have a new and exciting experience every day. More than anything, I love all of the relationships I am able to build and foster.​

What are current trends you love?

​Simple is more.

• I love the mixing of metals (golds, rose golds, silvers).
• Lighter, softer tones in decor have also recently become very popular.
• The rustic theme is very big at the moment.

Couples are now so much more open to being creative with their menu selections, especially in terms of live action stations, exotic ingredients, and presentation. It seems that recently, food has definitely taken precedent over decor and other event items. ​

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