The Festive Board's professionalism and skill is evident beginning with your first planning meeting. Ed, the owner, has an amazing ability to help the bride and groom think through what they want (even when it is a bit quirky -- like a tower of whoopie pies instead of a wedding cake!) and to make suggestions to build a great menu around those choices.
Trust Ed when he says, ""Let's put money aside for now and talk about what you want; then we'll see where we can cut back to fit your budget if we need to."" The price was very reasonable, the food was delicious, and even though the wedding was at a farm site that offered no kitchen, the Festive Board team was able to serve a cocktail reception and 230+ delicious hot meals without a hitch.
I spoke to Ed after the wedding and commended him on both the food and his amazing staff -- he said he was lucky, but it's clear that this is a well run company and that the employees are a cut above. They thought of everything and were helpful beyond the call-of-duty. When we were delivering things to the site earlier in the day, the Festive Board staff saw some insect foggers we brought. They said, ""Just leave those, we'll take care of that"". No bugs all evening!
The bride and groom had asked if Festive Board could bring two chairs with arms -- it's a Jewish tradition to hoist the bride and groom in the air on chairs. No problem; when we arrived, not only were there chairs with arms but elegant throne-like chairs! It was a hot day, we had not discussed this but the Festive Board staff delivered bottles of water to guests waiting for the ceremony to begin. And, recognizing that they had probably not had anything to eat during the cocktail reception, the staff brought a plate of hors d'oeuvres to the bride and groom as soon as they sat down at the reception. At one point I saw a guest tell a Festive Board staff person that there were no paper towels in the men's room -- even though this was clearly the responsibility of the venue, Festive Board, recognizing that the staff of the facility were unlikely to respond, was prepared with extras and happily furnished them.
Most importantly, we had a guest who had a very serious medical emergency. She just put her head down on the table. She had not been feeling well all evening so even the other guests at her table didn't realize the trouble she was in. The Festive Board staff person (who had asked her a few times previously if she was OK or if she needed anything) went right over, realized she couldn't be roused, and went directly to the DJ asking that he stop the music and announce the need for anyone with medical training. Her willingness to take initiative beyond what anyone would expect literally saved this person's life.
The food was great, the price was right, and Ed is a treasure when it comes to creative menus and getting all the details right. The Festive Board staff could not be more helpful, responsive, and a delight to have supporting your special day. Don't hesitate to use Festive Board to assure great food, that all goes smoothly, and to guarantee your day is everything you want it to be!
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