Navigating the Realities of Wedding Catering with Big Daddy’s Barbecue

What does it actually take to feed 200 people in the middle of an Idaho field? In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Big Daddy’s Barbecue to go behind the scenes of their journey from a local food truck to a staple in the Idaho wedding catering scene.

We dive deep into the shift toward luxury catering (hint: it’s about the guest experience, not just the price tag) and address the common catering misconceptions that can make or break a couple's big day. Whether you’re a couple planning your dream wedding or a fellow vendor looking for business strategies on vendor pricing and work-life balance, this conversation is packed with "real talk" and unforgettable wedding stories.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Evolution of Big Daddy’s Barbecue: How family tradition fueled a growing catering empire.

• Wedding Catering Trends: What’s hot in food right now and why "adding a salad" last minute is harder than it looks.

• The Luxury vs. Expensive Debate: Redefining what high-end service looks like in the industry.

• Setting Boundaries: Why learning to say "no" is the secret to avoiding burnout and maintaining client expectations.

• Business Growth in Idaho: Navigating the rise of destination weddings and the importance of booking vendors early.

• The Admin Struggle: Practical tips for email management, communication, and keeping the "human" element in your business.

From "lightning round" questions to the "confessions" of a catering professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in wedding planning.

• [06:04] Current trends in catering and the Idaho wedding market.

• [15:51] Defining luxury: Is it the food or the experience?

• [30:57] Crazy wedding stories you won't believe.

• [39:04] The "Money Talk": Strategies for raising prices and understanding your worth.

• [54:10] Why professional photography and catering go hand-in-hand for a seamless day.

• [01:03:12] Essential advice for couples currently planning their weddings.

Connect with Big Daddy’s Barbecue:www.instagram.com/bigdaddysbbqid

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! If you're a vendor or a couple with a story to tell, visit www.idahobride.co/the-vendor-confessional/

Keywords: Big Daddy's Barbecue, wedding catering, food trends, vendor expectations, luxury catering, guest experience, wedding planning, catering misconceptions, Idaho weddings, vendor pricing, business strategies.

Confessing this week: Hanomaly Photo

Summary

Our conversation explores the journey of becoming a photographer, the challenges of navigating business conversations, and the importance of understanding pricing and client education in the photography industry. We discuss personal experiences, industry trends, and the emotional aspects of photography, emphasizing the need for legitimacy in business practices and the balance between creativity and business constraints. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of photography, particularly in the context of weddings. We highlight the importance of authenticity, the need to unlearn structured approaches, and the journey to profitability in the creative industry. Our conversation also touches on the significance of making weddings personal and the value of finding one's unique voice in photography. Additionally, we share insights on what couples should prioritize in their wedding planning and the upcoming workshops designed to foster creativity and education in photography.

Takeaways

Navigating awkwardness is part of the business journey.

The journey to becoming a photographer involves overcoming self-doubt.

Industry trends can influence personal preferences in photography.

Understanding pricing is crucial for photographers.

Legitimacy in business enhances creativity and reduces anxiety.

Creative freedom can be stunted by business constraints.

Misconceptions about photography can lead to poor client experiences.

Handling difficult situations at weddings requires professionalism.

Client education is essential for setting realistic expectations.

Defining personal style is key to standing out in photography. It's hard to untrain people from a structured mentality.

Finding authenticity in photography is essential.

Profitability requires unlearning overthinking and scarcity.

Curated moments can sometimes feel inauthentic.

Lowering expectations can lead to exceeding them.

Weddings should be about the couple, not just aesthetics.

Creating a comfortable environment for clients is crucial.

Workshops should focus on personalized education.

Splurging on photography can enhance the overall experience.

Emotional deja vu is key to capturing genuine moments.

Keywords

photography, wedding photography, business, pricing, client education, emotional photography, industry trends, creative freedom, business legitimacy, misconceptions, photography, wedding, authenticity, profitability, workshops, creative process, unlearning, couples advice, curated moments, personal growth, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding Vendors, The Vendor Confessional, wedding vendor podcast

Here's where you can find us!- Saturday January 3rd - Spokane Bridal Expo at the @doubletree_spokane hosted by @swae_weddings - Booth 8 - DM Me for free tickets!
- Saturday January 10th and Sunday January 11th - Spokane @bridalfest at the @spokaneccenter - We'll be at the @wed.ni and @Swae_weddings booths
- Saturday January 17th - Post Falls Bridal Tour hosted by @pfparksandrec - We'll be at the Trailhead Event Center
- Sunday January 25th - @nspirewedding Show at the @cdaresortweddings - TBD.
Links to Bridal Shows — https://linktr.ee/lilygarland?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioLily Garland Coleman
lily@lilygarland.com
www.lilygarland.com
@flowersbylilygarland
208.495.6680