Bill Smith's Formal Catered Clambake information

THE FORMAL CATERED Clambake is designed for formal parties, such as wedding receptions, corporate functions, etc. For most other occasions, the Casual Catered clambake is more appropriate.

The formal motif requires a tent or an indoor function room of some type. We do not recommend Formal clambakes at beach locations.

Although both the Formal Catered and the Casual Catered Clambakes are buffet style food service, the Formal Catered function is usually planned with linen table covers and napkins, glassware, metal cutlery, china or glass table service, chairs and tables, etc.

We are on site for several hours longer than for a Casual-style party. Although the additional staff and time on site increase the cost of a Formal Catered, certain occasions are important enough to warrant the extra costs.

CHOOSING THE TYPE OF PARTY:
Do you really need a Formal Catered event? If you are planning one of our fabulous clambakes as a Reception Dinner after a wedding, or as a dinner for your corporate Directors or major shareholders; as a special anniversary party (50th Anniversary, 75th Birthday, etc.) or something of a similar nature, then by all means, go ahead with the Formal Catered type function.

For most purposes, we find the more laid-back, casual, picnic style party a better option, especially if you are bringing strangers together and want to make it more easy for them to intermingle and get acquainted (as in a wedding rehearsal party).If you have decided that your function requires the upscale style of a Formal Catered party, then we can guarantee you an elegant and classy event that will have your guests talking for months afterward.

You can be assured we will make every effort to make your party more than just something special.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ITEMS you should consider when planning a formal or semi-formal affair. We have listed some of these things and some helpful hints to assist you in your preparation.

ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN the more formal Formal Catered plan, then you need to start contacting suppliers on Martha's Vineyard for tents, tables and chairs, linens, dinner service, etc. You should also determine whether or not you will want a bartender and bar service. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT LICENSED TO PROVIDE BAR SERVICE.

You can find a list of recommended suppliers -- those we know will provide you with quality service -- by clicking on
the Tents / Suppliers button at the top of this page.

DO RESERVE A COOKING TENT.

Even if your affair is indoors, you should reserve a 20x20 foot cooking tent with sides. The reservation can be cancelled, in most cases, a day or two prior to your event if the weather is warm and not windy. It is almost impossible to order a cooking tent at the last minute if the weather turns inclement

DO ORDER A PARTY TENT if you are not planning to be indoors.

Any Formal Catered function is important enough to protect against the vagaries of weather on Martha's Vineyard. The company that supplies your tables, linens, dishes, etc., will also have tents available. For a list of the tent suppliers on the Vineyard, click on the Tents/Suppliers button at the top of this page. You should also order tent sides. If they are not used, the supplier will not charge you for them, but if your event day becomes windy or rainy, the sides could save your party.

If you are planning an indoor event at one of the Island halls, then you do not need a tent for your guests.

A FORMAL CATERED AFFAIR ON A BEACH should be considered very carefully.
Any adverse weather conditions -- wind, rain, etc. -- can cause the affair to be less than perfect. If you must have a beach party, we recommend that you plan one of our Casual Catered clambakes instead

FOOD SERVICE IS ALWAYS BUFFET STYLE.
We do not provide table service except for bussing of tables to pick up used dinnerware and glassware. Buffet service allows your guests to choose the items and quantity they want from our extensive selection.

DO ADVISE US
at the time we discuss your party requirements if you want our staff to provide refills for wine, etc. If you fail to do so, we will probably be short of staff to provide this optional service for you.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE TO SEE INFORMATION ABOUT THE THINGS
YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR FORMAL CATERED CLAMBAKE