I wanted to thank you so much for all of your hard work in making my son's Bar Mitzvah such a complete success. The food was amazing!...You are all the best!

Thank you for your services during our first gala. We look forward to working with you for future events! The food, service and set up was perfect! Thank you!

The day went seamlessly. I was, naturally, nervous about all of the details and needs being communicated between all vendors prior to the event. However, I spent no time at all worried or running around hectic to control everything. All the vendors worked together extremely well- Alan was very communicative and took control which allowed us to completely enjoy the day. I really appreciated the personal attention and touches- such as being provided drinks and food throughout the day without seeking them out. My mom also commented on how thoughtful it was that she was brought food and encouraged to relax and enjoy. 

I received countless, almost constant compliments on everything from the service, to the decor, to the food, and especially the air conditioners. 

The day was an absolute dream, my guests had a great time, and ultimate caterer provided excellent communication, service, and food/drinks. 

Thank you! 

​

Winter Weddings to Remember: How to have the perfect winter wedding

Given the natural magic of the season, a winter wedding can be a perfect setting for a magical night to remember. Many couples embarking on the wedding planning journey are discovering that not only does the winter provide a much less hectic time in the wedding season, but it also adds that unique touch so many couples are looking for. Don’t be fooled, though. Winter weddings are becoming increasingly more popular, and you will still have to book in advance to secure your venue and vendors!

Ultimate Caterers in Marlboro, N.J. can help you every step of the way. We love winter weddings especially because of that added touch of magic the season so naturally brings. Whether you are looking for a winter wedding at the Jersey Shore, or a wedding in Bucks County, PA., we can help you find not only the perfect, unique location but we also have some great winter wedding ideas!

Winter Wedding Fashion

A wedding during the winter months does not take away from wedding fashion as some might think! Rather, it can add to it! Brides, bridesmaids and even flower girls can wear beautiful shawls to the ceremony and reception that can add unique detail that would not be available for a spring or summer wedding. The season also gives the couple the opportunity to add rich colors to the bridal party using sashes, jewelry and shoes. The groomsmen can add these same rich colors to the tuxedos or suits for the cummerbund, tie or pocket square.

Winter Wedding Decorations

What is more romantic than the glow of soft holiday lights? This is a beautiful and simple way to bring the magic of the season alive at your wedding. String the lights across the ceiling of your venue and you are instantly transformed to a magical place. In addition to lights, flowers of the season, particularly Christmas, lend themselves to the rich beautiful colors that can be used throughout the wedding. White and red Poinsettias as well as holly and hunter green colors create a warm and romantic atmosphere any couple would love.

Crystals are also a great way to capture the winter season reminiscent of icicles and snow. Use crystals in the center pieces and even add a touch to the bridal party fashion!

If you are recently engaged and planning a 2014 winter wedding, or you are a few months away from your perfect winter wonderland day, and need some help, call Ultimate Catering at 732-577-0490 or visit us online!

He Wants a Band -- You Want a DJ. How to Make Compromises Work For Your Wedding Day.

When planning your wedding music, the best approach is to share your personal music selections while taking a sensitive approach to your wedding guests. This is even more important when the guests represent a diverse age range that includes many generations.
Think about the type of music genre that best reflects your personalities, and your guests. The final selections help to create the ideal ambiance for both of you and your guests.
By way of introduction, Ultimate Caterer in Marlboro, NJ not only specializes in weddings, but other major events that include birthday parties and even bar and bat mitzvahs.
Helping couples with wedding music selections is only one of the many services that we offer. We also walk our wedding couples through every aspect of their planning and provide them with details about our trusted partnerships that include locations, tent companies, flooring companies, DJs, and photographers.
If you intend to hold the wedding ceremony reception at the catering facility, then you and your groom will need to review and select the music for the wedding. If your ceremony involves more than one faith, you should carefully review the music traditions and customs of each faith.
If both of you are still at odds over the direction to take for your wedding music, it's not worth drawing a line in the sand over this decision. One simple solution we recommend is to use a combination that includes a band and DJ for your dance sets. This also gives the band opportunities to take breaks while maintaining the atmosphere and excitement.
Bear in mind that the band is entitled to take breaks, and without a DJ they may provide some type of recorded music. That being said, a DJ is much more fun.
The following check list is a great guide for planning purposes:  
    *    Prelude music is the music that sets a mood prior to the wedding ceremony as your guests arrive
    *    The all important bride and groom entrance song (We strongly recommend that you make this a joint decision).
    *    Cocktail hour and dinner provide excellent opportunities for soft ballads mood music, and perhaps even a cool jazz ensemble.
Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event that should be filled with sweet memories. We're here to help you make that happen.

How To Plan The Perfect Fall Wedding On The East Coast

Planning a wedding is by no means a small task. In fact, planning the perfect wedding might just seem unobtainable, except that fall is here and the timing just does not get much better for a wedding on the east coast. The leaves are changing colors, and the weather is cooling off—it is a perfect time to get married. So, whether you want to get hitched in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or somewhere in between, here are some useful tips on how to plan the perfect fall wedding. 

Go With The Season 

From your table centerpieces, to the bouquet, weddings in the fall are not meant to have themes from the spring, or any other season for that matter. In other words, you want the colors at your wedding to coincide with the colors of fall. Shades of brown, orange, yellow, and maybe even purple, will go great in your fall wedding. You may even think about incorporating other subtle fall elements, like pumpkin or squash. 

Plan For The Inevitable  

Regardless of whether your wedding is in urban New York, or rural Pennsylvania, on even the warmest fall day you will want to have heating lamps and candles as your reception goes on into the evening. Some event staff, or even caterers will naturally take this precaution, but it is always a good idea to make sure your guests stay warm once the sun goes down. 

Plan For The Unpredictable 

As lovely as the fall season is, the weather is still quite unpredictable, and at the very least colder. For such reason, it is best to pick a date for your fall wedding that has proven historically to have the best weather of the season. While this method is by no means foolproof, it does however, present you with the best possible chance of avoiding rain and other unfavorable wedding weather. All you have to do is pick a given date in the past with the best record of clear skies, and then hope history repeats itself.   

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress

Nothing enhances the specialness of your wedding day better than finding the perfect wedding dress. It is a visual statement of your beauty and personality and it remains as an enduring symbol for one of the happiest moments in your life.
That's one reason why so many women spare no effort in choosing a wedding dress that fits what they envisioned for their weddings. Choosing the right dress starts with knowing what you want and knowing how to find it.
The first step is deciding what type of dress fits your style and personality. You want a gown that matches the type of wedding you are planning. This will help you decide on formal, informal, romantic or modern designs. Shop with an open mind so you will be open to gowns not originally on your wish list.

When you can visualize how the gown should look, it's time to go shopping. Try on enough dresses so you

can find the one that flatters your body and matches your personal style. You can take along a mother, sister or best friend to offer advice on each gown. Still, don't select a dress based on their tastes. You are the one who needs to feel happy with it.  
Be careful to not go overboard. Modeling every wedding gown in the store will wear down your patience and make it tough to narrow it down to a final selection. You can get an excellent idea of what you really want after testing out a few dresses.  
Consider dresses that fit best with your wedding budget. You can make adjustments on how much you spend if a better gown is available at a slightly higher price, but don't break the bank. Give yourself plenty of time to make a good decision. It can take a few months to find a dress, have alterations made and buy it.  
Once you've chosen your wedding gown, Ultimate Caterer can help you take care of your wedding day catering needs. As the leading wedding caterers in New Jersey, we work to get every detail right for your special day. 

Five Tips for Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding

Choosing the venue is one of the first wedding day decisions you must make. After all, your venue must meet your theme requirements, accommodate all your guests and be available on the date you choose.
As caterers, we work with dozens of New Jersey and New York wedding venues. Our partnerships guarantee you receive the wedding of your dreams. Take a few tips from us as you decide the perfect location for your wedding celebration.

Count Your Guests

 A smaller, intimate venue like the JamesWard Mansion in Westfield, New Jersey can accommodate smaller wedding celebrations without the high minimums many full service venues require.  If your guest list hovers closer to 600, though, consider a larger venue like The Berkeley Ocean Front Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Whichever venue you choose, make certain it provides comfortable accommodations for you and everyone on your guest list. 

Choose a Theme
A formal garden party can feel like home at   Paradise Vineyard and Gardens of Chesterfield New Jersey.  Alternatively, a casual setting like the one offered by Bayonet Farm in Holmdel, New Jersey provides a relaxed setting for your celebration. The theme determines which venue you rent and catering options you choose, so consider it as you search for available locations.

Set a Budget
The number of guests as well as venue amenities and location determine how much you’ll pay to celebrate your wedding. Even considerations like who provides catering, table linens and alcohol determines the cost of the venue. That’s why you need a set budget before you begin researching wedding day venues.

Do Your Research

Most venues have a website that allows you to choose a location that is convenient where a full service off-premise caterer like us is welcome and the price tag is reasonable. By completing research and narrowing down your choices, you limit stress and visit only the venues that fit your needs.
Understand the Contract
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect wedding venue, sign a contract. Be sure, however, that you understand details like:

• What does the fee include?
• Is there a cancellation policy?
• Is alcohol allowed?
• Is there a private room for the bridal party’s cocktail hour?

Your wedding venue welcomes guests to celebrate your special day, so carefully consider your options before you make a final decision. Likewise, remember that we stand ready to offer catering at a variety of venues in New Jersey and New York as we partner together to give you the wedding of your dreams.

How to Choose the Perfect Menu for Your Summer Wedding

You say your vows under the shade of an outdoor tent and then share your first marital kiss as the New Jersey sun begins to set. After you pose for pictures in front of a beautiful flower garden or memorable landmark, the party can begin.

But what light and refreshing food will you serve as you kick off your perfect day on a high note? Delight your guests with a summer menu filled with delicious flavors, vibrant colors and tempting aromas and served as an extension of your wedding décor.

Hand passed Hors D’ oeuvres

Heavy hors d’ oeuvres  for summer weddings are out, but light appetizers kick the meal off to a pleasing start. Consider sesame chicken wrapped in pea pods, fresh fruit kabobs and Brie and Raspberry filo packages. Tortellini with Alfredo Dipping Sauce or Gazpacho Shots, artichoke and sun dried tomato en croute or Shrimp Cocktail Shooters also begin the evening with a light yet delicious touch.

Filling Entrees

Mediterranean Tilapia with Mango Salsa ~, London broil with caramelized onions and Pan Seared Chicken with Lemon, Artichoke coulis provide the filling meal your guests expect while accompanying your summer wedding theme. Mandarin orange salad, Fresh Raw Bar or a sushi assortment provide additional options for summer wedding menus.

Refreshing Drinks

Your guests are hot and thirsty, but refreshing beverage options revive their spirits and prepare them to dance the night away. Start with large glass carafes on the tables. Filled with ice water, lemonade or iced tea and fresh fruit slices, they offer visual appeal and cold refreshment. At the bar, serve cold beer, traditional cocktails and a signature cocktail. One made from hibiscus iced tea, citron vodka and raspberry liqueur tastes especially seasonal and refreshing.

Delectable Desserts

Your event is not complete until you serve dessert. Consider placing the wedding cake prominently in the room where it serves as an essential part of your reception décor. Likewise, serve colorful sorbet that match your wedding’s theme, root beer floats and our most unique cheesecake lollipops. These selections satisfy your sweet tooth and provide the tasty ending your perfect night deserves.

When planning your next summer event, consider these and other menu and food options available from Ultimate Caterers. We specialize in hosting summer events and will do our part to make your wedding, party or picnic perfect.

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel & Ultimate Caterer

5-9-13

We catered a great wedding this past weekend at the beautiful Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park.  As soon as we have pictures we will upload but in the meantime here are some from previous events.

Alan/Jennifer/Robin,

It was a great event with so many positive comments, thanks for making it a successful event!

We will definitely keep you in mind for our future events and share your contact information with others groups within the company.

Thanks,
JP and Christina

1.     Overall my event was:               Excellent          Good          Fair          Poor

2.     Handling of business arrangements was:    Outstanding    Professional    Adequate   Unprofessional

3.     Food Quality was:                       Excellent          Good          Fair          Poor

4.     Food Presentation was:             Excellent          Good          Fair          Poor

5.     The Maitre’d was:             Outstanding         Professional         Adequate         Unprofessional

6.     The Service Staff was:    Outstanding         Professional         Adequate         Unprofessional

7.     The Bartender(s) was:     Outstanding         Professional         Adequate         Unprofessional

8.     The Condition (cleanliness) the location was left in was:    Excellent      Good      Fair      Poor

9.     Your guests were:                      Impressed                   Not Impressed

 Wonderful event with many outstanding comments by our staff of the service and cuisine.

           

As a company we can’t endorse you but I can personally speak to your clients about my experiences with your team.

Dear Alan,

Thanks to you and your team for helping to create such a beautiful evening for us. The food was delicious and the service was great.  We really appreciate all your hard work in helping put this together.

Sarah & John

Hi Alan,

 

Jennifer & Tim's wedding was amazing.  Everyone raved about the food.  The chicken marsala and penne vodka was a big favorite.  Just wanted to "Thank You" again for all you did for us.  Your staff was excellent.  Joe did a fabulous job in organizing, setting up, keeping me calm, and informing me of everything.  It was my pleasure to have Ultimate cater my daughter's wedding.

 

Thanks again,

Joyce 

Thank You

Hi Alan,

 

Thank you so much for everything you did to make my daughter's wedding a success!

 

We will be eternally grateful to you.

 

Jennifer was wonderful as well as all the staff. The food was exceptional.

 

I have the questionnaire you emailed and will fill it out promptly and return it. 

 

Words can never express my heartfelt thanks.

 

Deb 

Thank You

Alan,

I'd rate Ultimate no lower than perfect.  I had never once eaten at a wedding where the food was mouthwatering at every single course, until my wedding. And I don't just think it was my bias from an adrenaline rush! Your food, the service, patience, attentiveness, decor, and timeliness truly helped set the tone I've ways imagined my wedding would be like. I thank you tremendously and will certainly write raving reviews after returning to NYC.

Suzanne

Thank You

Alan,
Thanks so much for all of your help with my husbands 60th Surprise Party on Friday, February 17th.  It was a huge success and your staff was spectacular.  My guests commented how helpful, professional and courteous they all were.
Please extend my warmest regards to all of them. 
Should I need to cater an event in the future, you will be my first call.
Regard,
Monica

Thank You

Jennifer and all of Ultimate Caterer,

Thank you so much for the generous donations you provided for our Mad Hatter Party and Opening Reception this past Friday! We received nothing but compliments and were able to provide hors d’oeuvres for over 400 guests with your help. This was our largest attendance yet at an opening and we were fortunate enough to receive donated services from your business and others to help make it an enjoyable experience for all. We did make sure that we put your information by each donated platter so our guests would know who it came from, and where they could find something so delicious! Again, we could not be more grateful and we are looking forward to continuing the Preferred Professional relationship with Ultimate Caterer for the remainder of 2012!   

Kristin 

Assistant Director of Operations

The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton College

Butterfly Ball Raises Funds for Ashley Lauren Foundation

LONG BRANCH, NJ - The Ashley Lauren Foundation's Inaugural "Butterfly Ball" Honoring Jim and Linda Spinella (Colts Neck, New Jersey)- Nearly 300 guests enjoyed being part of The Ashley Lauren Foundation's Inaugural Butterfly Ball on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. All attendees enjoyed an evening of fine food, drink and entertainment, while raising funds and increasing awareness of The Ashley Lauren Foundation's mission of providing Hope & Help for Children with Cancer in NJ. Funds raised from the event will go toward supporting the many programs of the Foundation.
The Honorees were local business leader, Jim Spinella and his wife, Linda. Jim is the Founder and CEO of HDlogix Inc. and lives in Colts Neck with his wife Linda, their two sons, James and Christopher, four Huskies and two Clydesdales, Ace and Jock. They own Yellow Brook Farm in Colts Neck where children of The Ashley Lauren Foundation share memorable time with their horses.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation's "Tree of Hope," placed prominently at the event, was adorned with paper butterflies that contained many needs of the children. Attendees could choose a butterfly and sponsor that need. The tree will be planted at Yellow Brook Farm with a plaque honoring the children of The Ashley Lauren Foundation.
Monica Vermeulen, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, says, "We have been anxiously awaiting this event for several years and are so please with its success. We are so grateful to the many attendees, sponsors and generous donors. Through their kindness, we are able to meet many, many needs of children suffering from cancer." Victoria Ali, Vice-President of the Foundation and Chairperson of the event adds, "I am ecstatic by the success of the evening and the generosity of our guests. The night exuded our mission of Hope and Help. Additionally, I am most thankful and proud of the stellar committee that helped produce this amazing event."
We are grateful to The Ocean Place Resort & Spa along with our Sponsors and Live Auction Donors - TD Ameritrade, The Spano Family Charitable Foundation, WB Wood, Ultimate Caterer, Carol Stillwell, Mary Ann Larkin, Jack Privetera, Leonardo Jewelers, Michael King & Ellen Manning, Lynn & Len Laresca, DL Food Service Design, Mark Sweetwood & Smokopolis.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation provides financial assistance, material needs, emotional support, "Making Dreams Come True" Program and parties & outings for New Jersey children suffering from cancer in order to make a difference in their lives. If you are interested in volunteering, making a donation, hosting a fundraiser or corporate sponsorship, please visit www.ashleylaurenfoundation.org or call 732-414-1625.

Everything I expected plus a little extra!!!   posted 12/5/2011

First off, when we arrived to cocktail hour I was excited and intrigued by the elegantly designed drink table with a mixture of wines and various martinis. Alan the owner sold it to me during our meeting to speed up the bartending service during the initial rush of cocktail hour. It was brilliant because with in 15 or so minutes the drink table was empty and it seemed all the guests had drinks in hand. The staff were surprisly nice, because most people in the food and bev industry seem a little bitter over time, but this staff was pleasant and smiled everytime an appetizer was offered. The Bartenders were efficient and knew all the common drinks that would be served. We went with the Buffet package because we did not want any guests to complain they did not eat enough. We had delicious Penne Vodka (def recommend it), a Carving station with crab/spinach stuffed pork loin and london broil, a light salad with some vinagrette dressing, an assortment of dinner rolls and pecan encrusted salmon. The food quality alone is worth the price, along with straight forward sales process which Alan and Jennifer helped guide me through. We had an amazing time and I am sure my first daughter to wed had just as memorable an experience. I would definitely recommend them to my son whenever he decides to settle down. My favorite part of this caterer was that they personalized a package for my event and traveled to my remote location of the party. To top off the night, they passed warm cookies with cute little milk shots to wash them down. To my surprise the young lady passing the cookies was still smiling 5 hours into the party. I was shocked and tipped every server after the party for a great job. Thank you Ultimate Caterer and keep up the great work!!!  

Dear Alan

We can't thank you enough for the fantastic job you did in catering our Celebrating Our Dreamers reception.  Your set up and food were wonderfully elegant and your staff went above and beyond to see that our guests were well cared for, even accommodating special requests in a magical fashion.

Alan, you truly exceeded our expectations.

Thank you for everything,

Lee, Gail and Don