The Coronado Ballroom

Rob’s Party Inspirations…

Rob — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:43:34 +0000

My grandmother used to say that you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. However, growing up on the farm I saw my grandparents stretch the dollar in amazing ways and that is probably where I get my frugal nature! As an event planner with high expectations, I refuse to let the economy downgrade my events. Even if a company is not on a budget, they want to appear to be…and they still want their events to be budget fabulous. Like my friend the plastic surgeon says, “It’s the same face, just pulled a little tighter!” One effective way I have found to do that is theme saturation. Simply take the theme of the event and instill it into every possible event detail. Basically you are just turning up the volume and making ordinary things new and exciting. Lost on how to get started, look around you and relate the mundane to what is hot and relevant today. By using event basics and incorporating the latest trends in fashion, lifestyle, television or even the latest celebrity gossip, you can give your event a Hollywood extreme makeover!

Rob’s Biker Bar Buffet

You can rock out one bad ass buffet with the current biker trends. From graffiti tee shirts to leather, you can make the dress code for servers and guests a huge part of the look. A visit to the Harley-Davidson store in your area can provide a wealth of inspiration. For one recent event, I found cool red graffiti t-shirts at Target and had the staff wear them with jeans and boots…I let them personalize the look with silver jewelry, cuffs and scarves. Think black pleather linens or metallic spandex, chrome serving dishes and novel names for food items like “Back Warmer Beef Cake or “Born to be Wild Brownies”. Inexpensive “Bar Food” is suddenly a delightful surprise and even the standard chicken wings take on a new look. For a dictionary of biker slang, go to www.totalmotorcycle.com. Use auto and bike parts on the hors d’oeuvre trays and bike tires as risers on the buffet. Duck tape, black electrical tape and chrome paint can embellish name tags, place cards and invitations. Light up your space with garage clamp lights. Ask your local dealership to loan out a bike for photo opportunities and have a representative on hand to share information. He or she might just make a sale! A temporary tattoo artist can indulge even the most straight laced executive and may unleash his or her inner demon. Have a local punk rocker with multiple piercings greet your guests at the door. Rock out with a local garage or bar band or play a little Ozzy Osborne on compact disc. This is the one event when I would serve beer in a bottle but you would probably find me sipping a “Metallica Martini” in a glass rimmed in black sanding sugar with the stem of the glass wrapped in leather twine. Peace out.

Rob’s Soprano Supper

Add one part Tony Soprano with 2 parts “Godfather” and shake with a dash of “Casino”…and you have some zesty Italian old school.
Italian cuisine is universally loved and always a good choice for events. Today, there are several wonderful gluten free pastas for those with allergies. A simple lunch with a spaghetti and meatballs or a grilled panini is fun when themed out. Marinated vegetables, risottos and vegetarian pastas are also good choices for the calorie and carbohydrate conscious. Resurrect the red and white checked table cloth and add the Chianti bottle with candle. Cruets of olive oil with good bread can be preset on the table for enhancement. I love a good tomato or minestrone soup year round, but a tomato and basil bruschetta or caprese salad first course is wonderful in summer and fall. A marinated olive bar is also a fun and interesting culinary experience. These can be served in giant martini glasses with containers of picks and plates next to each one.
Vases filled with dried pastas or potted herbs can lend themselves to the theme without going over budget. Italian Cypress trees from the nursery look beautiful on a buffet and can later be planted in the yard. Indicate that the dress code has a Sopranos or mafia theme and you will be amazed at the suit sporting, cigar smoking, hair gel headed men that walk in the door. Track suits and multiple gold chains are always a favorite. Ladies can think along the lines of leopard, lame, liner and lip gloss!

After dinner drinks with cigars are the perfect way to enhance a simple Italian meal. Have a cigar expert on site to explain the nuances of the smoke or a match girl to light up their lives. And for the non-drinkers, an Expresso or Cappuccino machine with cannoli can be the sweet finish to the day. Gaming tables and casino equipment are easy to rent and make a colorful night for all. Light up your event with strands of white or red market lights strung above the guest’s heads. Play the “Godfather” sound track or have a violin or accordion player serenade your guests. They will love it! A great photo opportunity is your CEO dressed like Marlon Brando or get a huge muscle guy from the local gym to be the bouncer /doorman…have him ask for the code word before guests are allowed in. Although wine is the Italian’s drink of choice, you will find me having a “Cement Shoes” Martini made with Limoncello….ah…la dolce vita.
*Bright light interrogations and decapitated horse heads are highly discouraged.

Go Modern Country

Country music is hot and it is a genre that has reached every age group. 20 year old performer Taylor Swift alone has re-defined country music. It is as American as American gets and its message relates to all the highs and lows of life! Say what you want, but southern, home-style cooking tastes delicious. However, do not make the mistake of identifying country with cowboy. Western décor and Modern Country décor are different entities. Leave the stage coach, branding irons and saloon signs in the shed and opt for a look that mixes glamour with down home. Dixie land bands, a guitar or fiddle soloist or even the latest (or earliest) country music can give an event a charming, warm feel. Country line dance instructors could be on hand to teach the basic steps and cause social interaction among the guests.
Lanterns, homemade candles and oil lamps give dining tables a beautiful glow. Go with country ginghams, floral, or denim as table linens. Layer your buffet with burlap or rough cotton cloth but give it the juxtaposition of candelabras blazing with candles or high style floral studded with rhinestones. Mix country store boxes and crates with silver trays and crystal. From iced tea to catfish fritters, there are endless possibilities with comfort food. Is your culinary budget tight, have a chicken wing or rib-let station with various glazes and preparations. Mini BBQ Brisket sandwiches or pulled pork martinis with a baby biscuit garnish are fun, fashionable and easy to eat. Angel food cake and sponge cake buffets with fresh berries and whipped cream, as well as chocolate sheet cake, are a hit as dessert. A staggered display of warm cobbler and homemade pie are a treat in the winter months. Allow the guests to select their favorites and have a server slice and plate it for the guests. Incorporate the guest’s attire as part of this look by encouraging them to wear stylish jeans and boots or a sassy country dress…even a cowboy hat if they like. Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Steve McGraw, and Keith Urban are all stars that one wouldn’t mind emulating. Need a fun photo op, think urban cowboy. A working mechanical bull can still be rented for parties. And a mechanical bull prop can help create great photos and laughs. A whiskey bar, mint juleps, spiked lemonade and hot and cold cider can make your beverage station fun and affordable. You will find me sipping a “Missouri Moonshine” poured out of authentic Ozark jug.
Please see that I get home safely.

Rob Schaefer
An Inspiring Person and St. Louis Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee

Dude…Office Food?

Rob — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:22:53 +0000

With the holidays right around the corner, many companies will have catering brought into the office. Finding the balance of what you want, where you will put it, and if it can be produced and served properly is not always easy. Start by looking at the number of guests in attendance. As a general rule, you need one buffet line for every 50 to 60 guests if it is served as a full meal. Do you have this kind of space? Do you have a kitchen, oven, or sink? Throwing the caterer in a back hallway or supply room and hoping for the best does not always work! Remember that action stations create lingering aromas and can quickly fill an office enviroment. Try to stagger you staff so they are not all hitting the buffet or station at once. Are you allowed to have open flame or sterno on your property? Do you have the proper electrical outlets? Remember, industrial coffee makers blow fuses easily!
What looks great in the magazines does not always translate into an office space with no kitchen facility. Keep things simple, abundant and beautiful and you will save on food costs, labor and decor. Good looking ideas do not always have a practical application!
A focused meal or culinary experience that is plentiful and artfully displayed always garners good results. Delicious breakfast pastry with some type of egg casserole, hot coffee and juices is crowd pleasing and cost effective. Sandwiches with hot soup, an afternoon cookie and cocoa station, wine and cheese with antipastas, or even happy hour munchies will make your employees feel special.
Start by taking a focused menu such as a Dessert Buffet Station and make the display stellar with a few specialty linens and buffet enhancements. If there are grids or beams above the table, hang candles or lanterns, beads, snowflakes or wreaths. Use a color story that enhances the food and beverage and works with things you might already own. Make your event an experience rather than a deli tray on the employee lunch table.
If you need some suggestions on how to make your employees feel appreciated this holiday season, call us! We have extensive menu ideas and decor to help you celebrate in SBFD style. What is the best culinary item you have ever had at a work function? We would like to know!

Rob Schaefer
Holiday Cheer Provider and St. Louis Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee

Fall Open House This Thursday!

Rob — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:30:52 +0000

Fall Open House at Coronado Ballroom Benefiting Food Outreach

Missouri Meetings & Events and Steven Becker Catering would like to invite you to attend an Open House & “Familiarization” tour at Coronado Ballroom and Meeting Facility

When: Thursday, October 20, 2011 • 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Coronado Ballroom and Meeting Facility 3701 Lindell Boulevard | St. Louis, Missouri 63108 – (next to St. Louis University)

Why: Learn how to improve your holiday company party while keeping under budget. Also…
* Unique behind the scene KITCHEN tour of the Coronado
* Sample food STRAIGHT from the oven and enjoy signature cocktails
* Special presentation by Rob Schaefer that will include tips for planning an event with displays for both holiday and non-traditional themes!
* Every attendee will receive a parting gift

WIN BIG! The company that donates the most cans will win breakfast for up to 10 people delivered to the office, courtesy of Steven Becker Catering.

Think a company holiday party is too frivolous this year? Or maybe, YOUR COMPANY IS PRACTICING “The Fear Of Cheer” Learn how to party for a cause while helping others this holiday season!

Cost: Admission to this event will be in the form of donating canned goods for Food Outreach.

What to bring: Food Outreach is able to immediately incorporate the following canned foods into its nutrition center: Tuna Fish, Turkey, Chicken, Salmon, Corn, Green Beans, Mixed Vegetables, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Chunks, Peaches and Applesauce

Parking: is available on the Scottish Rite Lot for $1 per hour and the Moolah Garage (maximum $3). Street parking is also available.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Space is limited to meeting and event planners, so call or email today! Vikki Matthews, (314) 781-8880, ext. 103, vmatthews@meetmags.com

Check the label! FRESH goods only, please. For more information, visit www.FoodOutreach.org

Join us for this special FAM & open house to help Food Outreach stock their shelves!

Internship Opportunity at The Coronado Ballroom

Rob — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:03:08 +0000

Trying to break into the event coordination or wedding planning business and need experience? Looking for a little extra for your resume?

Steven Becker Fine Dining and The Coronado Ballroom, a premier event facility and catering company in St. Louis is looking to hire an Events Coordinator Intern. We are currently looking for a talented, motivated, independent thinking and creative student or recent graduate for internship opportunities in our office. Internship days and hours are flexible, and can be worked around class, extra-curricular activities and work schedules.

Intern duties include, but are not limited to: answering phones, learning Caterease event management software, assisting with processing corporate catering delivery orders, assist with the planning and execution of all aspects of events and wedding receptions, marketing and eblast promotions and assisting Catering Managers at event sites. Candidates will work directly with the Director of Sales and Vice President of Catering and Design, along with the client, from first contact all the way through their event day to ensure that the details of their event go exactly as they dream. Applicants should be able to listen to instructions and carefully and correctly follow directions.

Please send resumes to kathy@stevenbeckerfd.com. Your resume should demonstrate the following qualifications:

Strong Interest in Industry ~ Applicants should have some previous event planning experience.

Personality ~ Applicants should be detail oriented, personable, assertive, motivated, independent, resourceful, quick moving and able to multi-task, good at handling objections and issues, have a great work ethic, and of course enjoy events!

Availability ~ Applicants must be available to work weekday evenings and up to 12 hours on Saturdays and/or Sundays during the event.

SECOND ANNUAL “BLISSFUL WISHES” BALL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011 AT THE CORONADO BALLROOM!

Rob — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:37:06 +0000

Fundraising Gala to be Emceed by Former Blues Enforcer, Tony Twist. Retired Hockey Player is “Taking His Gloves Off” in the Pursuit of Love and Marriage for One Glamorous Evening.

WHAT: The St. Louis Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first non-profit wedding wish granting organization is holding its inaugural “Blissful Wishes” Ball to benefit its programs and mission. Monies raised during the evening will allow the organization to continue its mission of granting weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness and other serious, life-altering circumstances. Local wedding industry professionals and founding board members, James Robert Schaefer and Nancy Slade are co-chairing the event.
Tony Twist, former left wing player for the St. Louis Blues and one of the heaviest NHL punchers of his time, will serve as the event’s emcee. Twist retired from the St. Louis Blues in 1999 after an eleven-year playing career. He is now a co-host of post-game shows after televised Blues games and is known for his charity and community work in the St. Louis area.

WHO: The St. Louis Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding is one of more than two dozen local chapters of Wish Upon a Wedding throughout the United States and was founded in March, 2010. The chapter granted its first wish on September 1, 2010 by making the dream of walking down the aisle and marrying her fiancé come true for a young Fenton women suffering from end-stage cystic fibrosis. The chapter has since granted two additional wedding wishes.
Nationally, the organization was founded by wedding planner Liz Guthrie of San Jose, CA, founded Wish Upon a Wedding to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting dream-wedding wishes, with the intention that chosen recipients will inspire others facing similar situations. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, and officially launched in January, 2010, the organization currently has more than two dozen chapters nationwide, and has granted approximately 20 wishes since its inception Wish Upon a Wedding is organized as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

WHERE: The Coronado Ballroom, 3701 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108.

WHEN: November 20, 2010 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets to the event are $100 per person and may be purchased on-line at: http://wuwgalasaintlouis.eventbrite.com/. Ticket price is $100 per person. The chapter is also seeking event sponsors and auction items. Please contact Nancy Slade, fundraising chair at stlouisfundraising@wishuponawedding.org. For more information on Wish Upon a Wedding, please visit: www.wishuponawedding.org.

Finding Your Perfect Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

Rob — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:56:13 +0000

One of the questions I love to discuss with brides is what their something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue will be. Yet sometimes, this tradition can cause more stress than necessary, as brides try to find their perfect items. Below is a little bit of background on each, and a few examples to get your creative juices flowing to help you find your perfect items.

Each item represents a good-luck token for the bride and it is believed if she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. Something Old symbolizes continuity of the past and moving into the future. This item can be an antique, an heirloom object, or a sentimental piece that represents the bride’s past. You could use a childhood pillow for the ring bearer’s pillow or wear a childhood treasure (like a ring, bracelet, rosary, or locket), borrow a friend or relative’s handkerchief, or wear heirloom jewelry or a veil that has been handed down. You can also go vintage: carry a vintage purse or compact mirror, wear a vintage headpiece, or wrap vintage ribbon around your bouquet. You could also take some of your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown fabric or lace and sew it inside your gown or simply place a sentimental picture in a locket and wrap it around your bouquet (could be of you and your groom as children or your parents or grandparents on their wedding day). What I love about the “Something Old,” is it could also be as simple as wearing your signature perfume scent.

Something New traditionally means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead. This one should be the easiest and can be as simple as your new wedding dress or veil, but you could also carry a new purse, wear new jewelry, the perfect new shoes, or new lingerie. Another idea is to carry a custom-made handkerchief with your new initials embroidered on it.

Something Borrowed has traditionally been an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride and it represents borrowed happiness. It can also be something borrowed from a friend or relative and reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. A lot of the something old items mentioned can also be translated into something borrowed, but you could borrow a handkerchief, headpiece, jewelry, or veil, or simply borrow a wedding cake cutting set or cake topper. Make sure it’s something you want to return the owner, as traditionally is should be given back.

Something Blue traditionally represents love, good fortune, and fidelity. It can be as simple as a blue garter, blue shoes, or blue lingerie, but also consider incorporating ice-blue into the mix: a simple sash to compliment your gown or paint your toenails ice blue. You can also use blue ribbon to wrap your bouquet or on the groom’s boutonniere or wear sapphire, tanzanite, opals, or aqua marine jewelry.

There are so many other examples and the lists are never ending. I hope that you find whatever fits you perfectly and you can find inspiration in these examples. Wishing you happy planning!

Posted by Jaci Burgess, Director of Sales

Let it go…let it flow…

Rob — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:07:19 +0000

As I look around our modern world, it amazes me how much time we spend on tools, gadgets and schedules to save time. But the interesting fact is that most people are not able to enjoy the time they save! Have we lost the ability to just enjoy and let things happen?
In the event world, we all understand that staying on track during our event is critical. Keeping issues and distractions at a minimum is a wonderful thing so that the client can enjoy all the various activities of the occasion. But there is a fine line between staying on schedule and allowing people the freedom to enjoy the experience.
When it comes to eating dinner, people often have an unrealistic idea of how long it is going to take to consume the meal. During our everyday lives, we often don’t have the luxury to savor our dinner. The art of a well planned meal, serving pieces, accessories, atmosphere and wardrobe don’t play a role in most of our dinners at home. Advertisers promote how quick and easy their product is to prepare, the drive through window is the new market and the television has replaced conversation at the dinner table. As planners, we have to be flexible at our events and allow people to have a good time and enjoy their meal. Time lines that specify the exact minutes it will take to eat a certain course are often wrong. Remember – when a guest is happy, relaxed and having a good meal, talking and chewing slow down. And when a speaker is speaking, often chewing stops entirely. It is important to remember that with a sit down dinner, it is easy to get off course slightly during the first course and entree service but most often the time is made up by the dessert course or shortly after. The wedding novice often trys to build tons of activities into the dinner period and has the client and guests getting up and down…I call it the Bunny Hop. When you take your guests away from their plate, the plate gets cold. My best advice is to let guests completely finish a course before starting an activity and then they can enjoy their culinary or hot beverage fully.
Savor your celebrations.

Rob Schaefer
A very slow eater and St. Louis Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee

Creative Alternatives to the Traditional Guestbook

Rob — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:42:03 +0000

Are you looking for a guestbook that is memorable for your guests, but also something that can be a lasting item for you as well? Then look no further for fun and unique guestbook ideas to incorporate into your big day:

Photobooth – Although not a new concept, I love photobooths because they can serve as both a favor and keepsake for your guests, as well assist in creating your guestbook. Most companies include an additional print that evening and with scrapbooking supplies available nearby, guests can write well wishes under their photo. From the traditional photobooth to the unique, photobooths have long provided entertainment and fun for young and old alike.

Fingerprint Tree – I recently had a bride who had three paintings that pieced together to form a tree. Guests were then invited to use stamp ink to stamp their thumbprint on the canvas to create leaves and sign their name underneath it. Now, one of a kind piece of artwork is a lasting display in her home and a unique talking piece. You can order these cute, already made paintings on Etsy or create your own.

Musical Instrument – Do you already have a guitar instrument on display in your home or office? Then why not supply a guitar for guests to sign to put on display right next to the rest of them? This could easily range from any favorite instrument, but if music is something that brought you and your fiancé together or is a favorite pastime, this option could be a perfect fit.

Platter – Another older concept, but you can incorporate your monogram or specialty design onto a specialty platter for guests to sign and display in your home.

Picture Frame – Again, although this is not a new concept, a framed favorite photo of your and fiancé with matting allows guests to write their well wishes and for you to easily display in your home. Once you receive your wedding prints, easily trade it out for a favorite photo of your big day.

Photobook of Engagement Portraits – Most photographers now include or provide a book of your engagement portraits, which is perfect for providing as a guestbook. Not only do your guests to see all of your great engagement photos, but you can lay this out on your coffee table and display it through the years.

Guestbook Puzzle – Etsy is just one site that has adorable puzzles which are provided for guests to write their well wishes on and then you can piece together and either display in your home, or keep in a special box to put together each anniversary and reminisce about your big day.

Posted by Jaci Burgess, Director of Sales for Steven Becker Fine Dining and the Coronado Ballroom

Calming your nerves…

Rob — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:09:24 +0000

We have all attended events where the speaker or bridal party member is nervous about giving a speech or toast. And through the years I have seen individuals make poor decisions on how to calm those nerves. I can honestly tell you that there is no magical cure for the jitters but there are a few tricks to make you look cool as a cucumber!
But first, let’s talk about what you SHOULD NOT DO…such as drink alcohol. The number one cause for blunders, mishaps, and upset tummys is alcohol. When you are nervous, you perspire which leaves you dehydrated. And when you are nervous, you tend not to eat. Wine or spirits hitting an empty, dehydrated body strike like a ton of bricks. Being tipsy only makes matters worse standing in front of a crowd and very often, guests become ill or make an embarrassing scene.
Caffeine is another culprit at the crime scene of public speaking. Despite the myth that it will make you more alert, it is only going to increase your anxiety and heart rate. Too much coffee is also going to make you feel nausea. A new fad is to drink 5 hour energy drinks and perhaps mix them with alcohol. Imagine putting the two worst substances for your nerves together…and downing them times 10. I recently had a bridesmaid give the bride such an energy drink right before the ceremony. She had no idea what she was drinking (she does not drink coffee) and it caused dry heaves and horrible heart palpatations. YEEK!
These are a few tricks I have learned over time to calm nervous anxiety.
*A small bite of dark chocolate causes a serotonin burst in the human brain and makes you feel quite happy…and there is just enough caffeine to perk you up sensibly.
*Chamomile Tea really does calm you down. Ice it if you don’t drink hot tea although a warm beverage will help your stomach jitters and remarkably, make you feel cool.
*WATER – Water will make your feel stable and cool. Dehydration is bad.
*Eat a bird protein. Chicken or Turkey does make you feel calmer! Think about how sleepy you feel after Thanksgiving dinner!
*Chewing anything with mint or drinking peppermint tea stimulates creative thinking and clarity and calms the stomach.
*Ladies make sure your foundation garments are not to tight or restricting. I may not have smelling salts should you swoon Scarlett!
*BREATHE – Deep, slow breathing will help!

Rob Schaefer
St. Louis Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee

A Royal Something…

Rob — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:14:59 +0000

For months people have been asking me what trends would we be seeing at the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William. I know this will come as a shock but honestly…no one knows. There is something so special about the art of the suprise! And we live in a time when suprises and mystery have so little appreciation. Every bride and groom has the right to keep their wedding under wraps and present the “Grand Reveal” on their special day. I applaud the efforts being made to keep everything under wraps and I have to laugh at all these planners going on and on about what they “think” the couple has chosen. Talent lies in taking high end trends and translating them into practical applications that can be appreciated by the masses. So my best advice is to wait and see and then give me call.
I love London and I am a fan of all things British…except maybe dental care. I would love to be a guest tomorrow not to say I WAS THERE but to soak in the grandeur of the moment. One of the greatest moments in my life was visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and walking the length of it just as Princess Diana did on her wedding day. I stood where she stood and I wondered if she felt as overwhelmed as I did at it’s beauty. It is remarkable. When I went to Westminster Abbey, I stood at the tomb of Elizabeth I and I wept. When I gazed at the Conti tiles where Diana’s coffin sat, I wept. I may weep a bit tomorrow…but they will be happy tears for a couple with amazing possibilities. To honor them, Jaci and I are dressing like wedding guests and we are filling our day with a huge English breakfast, fish and chips, tea and scones and other lovely English customs. We hope all of you will drop by the Coronado and have tea and scones or light refreshment with us.
We are curious how many people will book the Royal Wedding Package this year at the Coronado. It is truly fit for a St. Louis Princess or just someone who wants to feel like one. And as I am so fond of saying…you don’t need a crown to be a queen.
Rob Schaefer
Royal Wedding Fan and St. Louis Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee