Month: July 2017

Categories
Event Industry

What Goes into Having a Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding can offer you the freedom to tie the knot when, and how you want to. There are no restrictions on what day you can choose and decorating depends on your own desires – not what you can and can’t do per the rules of a rented venue.

While there is a great amount of independence that comes with having a backyard wedding, there is, unfortunately, a lot of work, too. Generally, if you rent a hall or other venue, there is a crew that makes sure the place is in tip top shape for your big day. In your backyard, however, that crew is… you!

Creating the perfect venue in your own backyard

You will want to get a head start in creating the perfect backyard wedding. For example, your lawn and landscaping will likely turn out to be the backdrop for many of your photos – both posed and candid. It could take time to make your landscaping look just how you want it to so you will want to make sure you schedule this far in advance of your big day. Then, just before the day, have your lawn touched up so it is a statement of perfection.

For the wedding, you may want to consider renting a tent. Tent rental companies often offer a wide variety of tent rentals, which is helpful, considering backyards come in all designs and sizes. You can get the size, type, and shape you want in addition to keeping outdoor elements at bay by offering shade and a dry space should Mother Nature design to rain on your parade. Tent rentals can come equipped with climate control. If you live in an area that is prone to hot, cold, or other rough weather, you should consider this option. Depending on the need, it can keep your guests cool or warm – just like a more permanent, indoor venue would.

Don’t forget the stage and dance floor for your backyard wedding! Just because you choose to go outdoors doesn’t mean you should give up these fun perks.

Backyard wedding and reception in one

Some backyards may be a substantial size, but your average backyard is not big enough to hold two separate sections – one for the wedding and one for the reception. Because of this, you may need to prepare to have both in the same location.

It is not unheard of – there are many couples who choose to do this. So, here are some options to have a successful combo wedding and reception:

  • Choose to hold the ceremony outside of the tent and the reception in the tent.
  • Design the reception area to provide viewing for the ceremony.
  • If you have a crew of fast moving individuals, you may set up for the ceremony under the tent. Then, while the crew is setting up the reception area, send the guests outside the tent for a cocktail moment until the venue is transformed.

From relaxed to extravagant

When you a backyard wedding, you open yourself up to the opportunity to make it as laid back or as extravagant as you would like. Why? Because it is your wedding in your own space. The world of wedding themes is all open for you.

What tickles your fancy?

  • A barefoot wedding? Since heels and grass don’t mesh well, why not let your hair down and have a wedding sans shoes? In fact, a barefoot, blue jean wedding is about as laid back as you can go. Have a BBQ, light the tiki torches, and tie the knot.
  • A fairytale, enchanted forest wedding? You can make the event magical by incorporating all the surrounding nature. Decorate with flowers and greenery and choose string lights to twinkle above as you dance the night away.
  • If you prefer the finer things in life, a black-tie affair can be your extravagant wedding. Formal attire, large centerpiece chandelier, very delicate touches throughout.

Your wedding theme will depend on your likes and dislikes. Choosing to hold it in your own backyard means you have great freedom and flexibility with your theme and decorations.

Have lighting and electricity

Even if you intend to have a daytime wedding, you will still want to ensure that you have lighting and power to your tent rental. You may intend to shut down early, but when the party gets going it may keep going after sundown. You could be in a world of trouble if you aren’t prepared.

Lighting comes in the form of string lights, candles (preferable flameless), lanterns, chandeliers, etc. It is best to match it to your theme – even if you don’t intend to use it.

As for electricity, you will need it for anything electrical you intend to use. This could include lighting, climate control, music and entertainment, etc. Make sure it is hooked up properly and all cords are placed in a safe manner, to avoid any falls or mishaps.

Tips to consider

It is a lot of work to prepare for a wedding in your own backyard. Here are a few tips that can make it go a bit smoother:

  • Always rent bathrooms. You may think that having a couple bathrooms in your house will suffice, but it is better to be safe than sorry!
  • Have a parking plan. If you only have a driveway, but intend to have 50+ guests, where do you intend to have people park? This requires some solid planning – and maybe a valet service.
  • Another clever idea is to speak to your neighbors – if they know it is your special day, they may be a bit more lenient on the traffic and noise level.
  • Make sure you abide by all noise ordinances and local permit requirements, if necessary.

Sometimes guests get so excited for your big day that they may forget the little necessities that will make them comfortable. Surprise your guests by being prepared with things they may need, such as:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • Umbrellas
  • Flip flops (for those tired dancing feet!)
  • Insect repellant

Tying the knot in your own backyard can be more personal than having it anywhere else. If you are prepared, the hard work to pull this off won’t be so, well, hard!

Categories
Event Industry

How to Plan Successful Networking Events

It sounds rather simple to host networking events. After all, isn’t it just providing a place for some like-minded individuals to appear and chat it up? In a sense, it is. However, networking events are so much more. To make sure a networking event is successful, it requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work and preparation.

Some things you may want to consider first are:

  • Why have you decided to have the event and what do you hope to accomplish with it?
  • Where do you plan to hold the event?
  • How many people will you invite – and who?
  • Are you ready to make sure people attend and participate?

These are just the basic questions to get you started on hosting a successful networking event.

Find the perfect venue

Location for any event is important. However, for a networking event, it is even more so. Why? Because these are professionals and they tend to have a calendar full of events, meetings, and appointments that they need to attend. Making your networking easily accessible and convenient can entice more of these busy-bodies to show up!

Understanding your target population and where you will find them can assist you in determining the location. Find a location that is:

  • Near a hub within the industry,
  • Easily accessible from main roadways, or
  • Within the business/commerce area of your city.

Once you find the perfect area, you will want to find an open space for a tent rental. Why a tent rental instead of a banquet hall? First, people have been using banquet halls for years. They are boring, outdated, and overused. Second, tents are customizable – which means you can make it a perfect fit – literally – for your event. Finally, tents can provide all the perks of an indoor space. They are climate controlled with flooring, sidewalls, windows, etc.

Designing the layout for networking events

Once you have your space and your tent (which you have customized to meet the needs based on the sizing your event will require), you will need to decide how to set up the layout. Take time in designing because this will determine the flow of your event.

Sometimes, attending networking events can be overwhelming. Think about it — you have a lot of people and a lot of companies, all with booths that they are trying to make eye-catching. Unless you are planning on passing out maps, you will want to make sure there is some method to all the madness.

Clearly mark each area. For instance, if you have designed areas for each section of an industry, make sure to mark this overhead so it may be easily viewed. After all, many people specialize in a specific area and will be looking to network there.

Advertise your event properly

How do you intend to make your event known – and entice people to attend? You will need to advertise – and do so properly. In addition, to have a successful networking event, you will want to make sure you are reaching the correct people. Having a high turnout at your event is great, but if they aren’t the people you are seeking, then the networking event itself will not be as successful.

Encourage mingling

No matter how much you think it will work, sometimes your attendees just don’t want to mingle – which leads to a stagnant event. Don’t let this happen! Instead, keep your guests up and moving, and hiring a few individuals, if needed, to make this happen.

Playing a few simple games can encourage guests to interact with each other, as well as keep them on their feet. For example, About Me games, humorous scavenger hunts, and the like. In addition, having knowledgeable individuals who can meet and connect others is an immense help. In addition, if they see someone not talking to anyone, they can assist that person in making new connections.

Keep your event fun, light-hearted, and mingle-friendly.

Important Do’s and Don’ts

There are many things that you should and shouldn’t do to ensure the success of any networking event. Here are a few important do’s and don’ts to help you get ahead:

DO keep seating to a minimum. Sure, you need some seats for guests to take a load off, but too much seating or even offering a lounging area will lead to a halt in the networking. If they must stand, they are likely to keep moving and keep mingling.

DON’T spend too much time on speeches, presentations, entertainment, etc. This keeps people from focusing on one another. (Keep in mind that this is a networking event, not a show.)

DO make things easy. Check-in, raffles, etc. need to be easy and smooth – otherwise, guests will be deterred.

DO allow the biggest time of the event to be for mingling.

DON’T provide a big meal. A large, heavy meal will tire out your guests and lead to a more sedentary event.

DO provide cocktails, appetizers, and other small bites for your guests. When thirst or hunger strikes an attendee, you want to make sure you can quench it.

DO have specific people who are hired to encourage the flow and movement of the event. These individuals will help answer any questions and direct attendees when needed.

DO provide a detailed list of the event’s offerings and activities. This will come in handy and be appreciated by the attendees, as they will be able to make the most out of the event.

 

A networking event can be a fantastic opportunity to meet others within your industry and link together. They are a chance to grow, learn, and share. However, attending an event and hosting one are two different things.

Planning, designing, and encouraging will lead your event down the right path. Present every opportunity possible to allow for meaningful networking and you will be surprised at how great the outcome will be.

Remember this: Once you have hosted a successful networking event, the attendees are going to be looking for your next event. Don’t let them down!

Categories
Event Industry

Creating a Spectacular Casino Night in a Tent Rental

There is a certain thrill associated with a casino. Maybe it is the gamble that you take when you play your hand at a Blackjack table. Maybe it is the excitement of watching the face of a slot machine as you pull the handle. Or, maybe it is the thrill you feel as you release the dice from your hand in a game of Craps. Whatever it is, millions of people flock to casinos around the world to experience the excitement.

Instead of traveling with your friends to a casino, why not bring the casino to your friends? With a little planning, you can create a spectacular casino night in a tent rental.

Why you will need to rent a tent

A tent rental is a perfect space for your casino night and there are many reasons why.

  • First, tents offer wide open spaces, allowing you to have the space needed to meet all aspects of your casino’s layout.
  • Second, you will not have to worry about having enough room as tent rentals can be as big or as small as you need them to be and your space allows. They are completely customizable.
  • Things such as rowdy guests, spilled food or drink, smoking, etc., won’t necessarily have to be an issue in this temporary venue.
  • Sidewalls are available to enclose the space.
  • In addition, these tents also can include flooring if you wish, as well as climate control. This will make your guests feel cool and comfortable, just as if they were inside a permanent structure.
  • Tent rentals can sport all the indoor perks – including electricity!

You will not have to sacrifice anything for your casino night if you choose to rent a tent.

Decorations to transform the tent space

When your guests walk into your party, you want to make their jaws drop and their eyes fling wide open! With decorations, you can transform your tent space and make your guests feel as though they just walked into a casino off the Vegas strip.

You will want to think about how real casinos are decorated. If you have been to one, then you know they use bright, busy carpeting (which is a trick to keep your eyes off the floor), lots of colors, sounds, etc.

Here are some decorating tips:

  • Rent (or purchase) brightly colored carpet
  • You can choose to either rent casino tables or create your own. If you prefer the latter, then decorate your own tables (or rented ones) by adding green and red felt covers.
  • Design the layout of your casino to include a section for table games, slots (if you have them), a lounge/entertainment area, and a food/beverage area.
  • Make your decorations bright and bold and circled around the casino theme. Red, black, and gold are perfect colors.

Games galore!

Any casino night will consist of games or you can’t call it a casino night! You can make up your own games, use the real games you see in casinos (these can often be rented), or create your own version of the real thing. It all depends on how fancy you want your casino night.

Some of the most popular casino games are:

You can check with party supply stores for the table décor needed for the table games or to see if you can rent the equipment. It is an absolute necessity to have dice, chips, and cards on hand.

Casino-worthy food and drink

Every time someone talks about eating while visiting Vegas, you hear them talk about the grand buffets. Since your guests will likely be spending time playing games, having a fancy sit down dinner may not be the best idea. Instead, throw together a buffet that will allow your guests to relax their growling tummies without having to take a break from games.

You will want to have easy to eat munchies (that can be put on small plates and eaten between or during games), such as:

Remember, people will be playing and eating and, let’s be honest — you do not want the food (or its grease) to go from your guests’ hands to the games.

As for drinks, make sure you have a wide array of choices – and the cocktail napkins to go with it!

Entertainment is a must

Sure, everyone is going to be playing games and chowing down, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need entertainment. In fact, even just having a DJ throughout the night will work. If this is too much and you are good with electronics, you can create your own playlist and indulge your guests in songs such as: Kenny Roger’s The Gambler, Katy Perry’s Waking Up in Vegas, or Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.

If you want to take your entertainment to the next level, why not hire an Elvis impersonator? After all, they are a staple in every casino. Another idea would be Vegas Showgirls. Decide what will work best for you and be appreciated by your guests and then go with it!

Tips for your casino night

Last, but not least, there are a few perfecting touches that can take your casino night from ordinary to extraordinary. Check these out:

  • To make your casino night seem legit, consider hiring cocktail waitresses to serve your guests as they play.
  • Print up fake personalized dollars and use tokens for your guests to gamble with.
  • Place a big bouncer by the door to check I.D.’s as the guests arrive.
  • Dedicate an area for the “High Rollers” to play.

The key is to not leave any detail untouched. From the moment they enter your tent, until the moment they leave, let your guests be carried away to a spectacular casino.

Categories
Event Industry

Host the Ultimate Brewfest Event this Summer

There is nothing quite like an ice-cold beer on a sweltering summer day. It goes down smooth and easy – and then you grab another! This is likely the reason so many brewfests are held during this time of the year. Brewfests

Whether it is the fruity brews, the spicy brews, or the ones that put hair on your chest – there will be a brew for everyone at brewfest.

What is a Brewfest?

Technically, brewfest stems from Germany’s Bavarian Oktoberfest, which is a celebration including traditional outfits, parades, and, you guessed it – beer! However, in the United States, brewfests are a chance for smaller breweries and artisans of craft beers to sell their product.

Usually held during the summer months, attendees purchase a ticket that allows them to have a few ounces of each beer – like the try before buying method. Some brewfests give a souvenir cup that is taken to each vendor and re-filled time and time again. These festivals will always promote having a designated driver (DD) because, face it, if you have a lot of vendors – there is a lot of beer to drink!

You are going to need outdoor tents

There are many reasons why you are going to need outdoor tents for your brewfest. First, whether rain or shine, the show will go on. Second, summertime is hot. Ingesting a lot of beer, as cool as it is going down, can make one even hotter. Tents offer shade and a break from the heat. Third, an outdoor tent provides safety for any equipment, money exchanges, electrical devices, etc. that would otherwise be exposed to elements.

The biggest reason you will want a tent for your brewfest – tent rentals are completely customizable.

  • On the hottest of days, you can use a outdoor tent with temperature control. That means your tent rental can act as an indoor venue with some cool air blowing throughout.
  • Sidewalls can keep heavy winds or blowing wet weather out.
  • You can customize the size, shape, and colors of your tent. You can make it unique to a brand and you can make sure it fits within a specified space, allowing you to maximize the space of the entire venue.

A temporary tent rental will make both you and the patrons happy, while also ensuring the safety of everything it holds!

A Brewfest is more than just beer

Brewfest is a festival of beer. Yet, it is so much more than that! There are vendors there that have crafted their own beer – say, in the flavor of peanut butter and jelly. Well known beer vendors will also likely be present. Creators of various new liquors, such as infused vodkas, whiskeys, or bourbon also like to take advantage of this festival to show off their product.

Where you have beer and alcohol, you will also have food! After all, nothing soaks up a case of tipsiness better than food from a greasy food truck, right? Once you have drunk and tasted your way through the brewfest, you will come to those vendors who sell products that will be of interest to this crowd (think beer can wind chimes, handmade wine cork coasters, etc.).

Brewfest always has entertainment which usually consists of local bands trying to keep the crowds’ attention. However, some larger festivals are likely to have a well-known headliner from days gone by. Last, but certainly not least, is the family fun area – because, sometimes you just must bring the kiddos! This is area is packed with games and activities to keep the kids busy while mom and dad sip away.

How to design your Brewfest event

Now that we have discussed how brewfest is more than just brew, you have an idea of the areas you will need to account for to design the layout for your festival. Here are a few tips to help you succeed with this task:

  • You will need to make sure you keep the number of vendors to a maximum, based on the allotted space. Overbooking could lead to disastrous results.
  • While attendees are there to sample and try new things, you will still want to keep similar beers and beverages in the same general area. For instance, you don’t want your guests having a sample of a new stout and then moving on to the next two tents for a shot of bourbon and then a shot of whiskey. (Remember the saying… beer before liquor….)
  • Keep wide paths throughout the entire venue to keep the guests moving forward while also allowing room for those who stop to mingle. This space needs to be large enough to account for lines at each outdoor tent, too.
  • Everyone knows that when you drink, you will need to use a bathroom. Because of this, you will not want to put the beer tents on one side of the venue and the restrooms on the other. Having smaller sets of restrooms set up sporadically throughout the area will be more beneficial. The same holds true for the food trucks – spread them out!
  • The family fun area for kids should also be furthest from the beer tasting tents. While it can be a well-structure and responsible event, there is always that one guy who may make a scene. If you must bring your kids, it is best to have them away from him.

There is no set standard for creating a brewfest. However, some thoughtful planning can set it off without a hitch!

You know you have created a successful Brewfest when…

You know you have had a successful brewfest when you drive by the venue the next day and you still see cars parked in the parking lot. This means that there was a lot of sipping and tasting and the attendees were still smart enough to take a safe – and sober – way home.

Start collecting vendors with the hottest new product (make sure you reach out to the little guy, too), get your customized tent rentals lined up, and get ready to kick off your summer brewfest!

 

Categories
Event Industry

Cooling Tents at Summer Sporting Events

Everyone enjoys going to summer sporting events! The sun provides us many benefits, but continuous unprotected exposure to the sun when it is at its hottest can cause you some serious issues. Mix elevated temperatures with high humidity and it can make that heat index skyrocket. In fact, it can make 95 degrees feel like 105 degrees!

Despite these sizzling summer temps, the show must go on! Thankfully there are innovative ways to keep athletes – and spectators – cool at summer sports events!

Summer sporting events

Although it can get hot, summer is the perfect season to hold certain sporting events in many regions. In fact, many of these sports are such a staple that they can draw a huge crowd. It’s a chance to get outdoors, soak up the sun, raise money selling grilled goodies, and start getting lively as the sun starts to set.

So what summer sporting events are we referring to?

  • Mountain biking – downhill biking or trails.
  • Cycling, such as the Tour de France (and smaller versions around the world).
  • Volleyball and beach volleyball.
  • Track and field events.
  • Car racing.
  • Golf.

Everyday danger of excessive outdoor heat

When the temperature rises, it is time to take some extra precautions if spending a great length of time outdoors. Extended unprotected exposure to the outdoor heat can have deadly consequences. Here are indications that you may need to take a break from the sun and how to protect yourself:

Symptoms:

  • Increased irritability.
  • Unable to focus or loss of concentration.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Dizziness or visual disturbances.
  • Intense thirst.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs.
  • Muscle cramps.

Protect yourself by:

  • Drinking lots of water.
  • Wearing light clothing.
  • Apply cool packs to the face and neck.
  • Find yourself a shaded area and stay there.
  • Seek help immediately if you start to experience any of the above symptoms.

What extreme heat means for athletes

Athletes working in extremely hot (and humid) conditions are subjecting themselves to hyperthermia. This condition has a negative effect on the body and the athletic performance. The opposite of the too cold hypothermia, this condition is when the body gets too hot. It ranges from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and eventually, to heat stroke.

As bodies heat up, sweat and its evaporation work to cool the body down. However, when bodies are not hydrated enough, there is not enough fluid to promote this cooling process. This is the beginning of a very serious situation. Blood cells near the surface begin to constrict and the body’s natural system begins to break down. As a result, the body temperature continues to rise without any means of cooling itself.

Athletes working in extreme heat can even be fatal.

Ways to protect athletes

There are several ways that can be used to cool and protect athletes who are competing in summer sporting events with extremely hot weather conditions. Of course, they do require some thought and planning in advance of the event. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to an athlete’s health.

  1. Cooling tents.

Tent rentals can be set up to serve as cooling tents for athletes. Depending on the size of your facility, you can rent a customizable tent that will fit your needs. These temporary structures offer the perfect spot to cool down (hence their name). Including sidewalls on your tent rental means that you can have a climate controlled space that will work to instantly cool anyone down.

Include ice packs, water, and a place to sit – just in case. This is a good area for a medic or two to hang out in the case of an emergency.

  1. Misting stations.

Misters work to put mists of water into the air which, in turn, act as an instant cooler. These are most effective in dry heat conditions but will work in humid areas, as well. If athletes are in an event that is on a track or trail (such as track events, cycling, etc.), try adding misting stations along the path. They require nothing outside of the sport – the athlete would just pass through it for an instant cool down while still moving on his or her way.

  1. Water and drinking stations.

Drinking stations are a given in many summer sporting events. However, when the temps are up, the drinking stations need to multiply. Have water and sports drinks available, as well as ice packs to cool down.

  1. Have emergency medics onsite.

Emergency medics should always be present at any sporting event. This need is amplified when the temperatures rise. Medics can treat anyone – spectators and athletes – that may fall victim to the sun’s hot rays.

  1. Reschedule events.

One way to avoid the need for all of this is to avoid scheduling sporting events during the hottest part of the day. Choose the starting time as close as possible to when the sun is to go down. Or, if feasible, as early in the morning as possible.

Don’t forget the spectators

Just because spectators aren’t participating in a physical sporting event, they are still being subjected to elevated temperatures. It is important to make sure that spectators have a means of protecting themselves against extended time underneath the harshly glowing sun.

Here are a few simple things you can do:

  • Offer a shaded space for viewing of the event. This may require a lot of planning and may not be a very easy task. (Consider an awning or tent rental).
  • Use water misters and fans to cool down the seating area.
  • Offer water and other beverages to the spectators.
  • Reduce the stagnant waiting time incurred by the spectators at the sporting event.
  • Have water fountains available for those who may be unable to purchase a beverage.

Remember, if it weren’t for the spectators, you may not actually have an event. So, do your best to make sure they are taken care of, too!

When a summer sporting event is approaching, keep a close eye on the weather and plan accordingly. With a little preparation, everyone will be safe while dealing with the elevated heat!

Categories
Tent Rentals

Tent Rental Safety During Events With Fire Hazards

Ahh… Independence Day has come and gone. You have done it all right – you rented the tent, fired up the grill, invited your closest friends and family, and had a stack of fireworks ready for nightfall. The Fourth of July can be a lot of fun to celebrate, but it can also be a time of disaster if you aren’t careful. Playing with fire and fireworks can lead to devastating – if not fatal – consequences. Be prepared to make sure you, your guests, and your tent remain safe during events with fireworks and other fire hazards. Tent rental safety is essential during this time of year, especially with fire hazards.

Tent rental safety with fire hazards

What goes up must come down. This includes fireworks. Sure, they are beautiful while in the sky. And, generally, most of the flame involved to ignite the colorful display dissipates before it reaches the ground. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Sometimes fireworks are still burning as they reach their final resting place. Or, embers make their way onto roofs. Both can start fires. This is an absolute possibility for your tent rental, which is why tent rental safety is so important. While the fabric is strong enough to withstand a lot of things, fire is not something to mess with.

Wide Open Spaces Preferred

To avoid any issues with falling embers or other potential fire risks, you will want to be careful when selecting the location for your celebration, as well as the placement of the tent. If your location is in a rural area, then you will have more leeway when it comes to setting up. It should be fairly easy in this instance to set up your tent rental and still have the availability to move a great distance when setting off fireworks or grilling.

Holding your celebration in your backyard or a denser area could pose some planning issues. Despite your careful planning, neighbors or others may set off fireworks that could potentially land on your tent and cause damage. Keep this in mind, be aware, and take precautions – just in case!

Be Careful Lighting Up Nighttime Celebrations

While many outdoor celebrations start during the day, they may continue well into the evening. After all, what fun is it to set off fireworks while the sun is still out? Because of this, you are going to need to make sure that you have a source of light so you and your guests will be able to safely see.

Lighting can come in the form of electrical lights, solar lights, or candles. However, to ensure the safety of you, your guests, and your tent rental, you will want to take a few precautions based on your preferred selection.

  • If you choose to go with electrical lighting, take the time to hire an electrician. Sure, it may cost you a little extra, but the ability to relax knowing that your wires aren’t going to spark a fire is worth it!
  • Extension cords will come in handy. However, never overload them! Too many items plugged in together can increase the risk of an electrical fire.
  • If you choose to go with candles, consider the flameless variety. It takes one clumsy person to knock over a candle and do some hefty fire damage to your tent rental. Not to mention its potential for hurting someone.

Watch Where You are Grilling

Tent rental safety also includes grilling safety. A grill is almost always a necessity at any outdoor celebration. After all, what would an outdoor party be like without the smell of a barbecue grill? Grills, however, can pose some severe safety concerns. According to the Nation Fire Protection Association (the NFPA), over 16,000 people were treated for grilling injuries in 2014. In addition, gas grills pose a greater fire threat than charcoal grills.

Heed these grilling safety tips:

  • Never place your grill near any structures – including your tent rental. In fact, make sure it is at least 100ft from the temporary structure.
  • Never use a grill (charcoal or gas) underneath the tent or any other overhang.
  • If you are using a generator to run a cooking device, place the generator at least 100ft from the tent. Never, ever place it inside the tent.
  • Gas (propane) tanks can act as dynamite if it comes into contact with fire. Be sure that you set off any fireworks away from the grill.
  • Remember, smoke can cause damage to a tent, too. Be cognizant of the wind and distance from the grill to the tent.
  • It is fun to decorate for any celebration. However, keep decorations away from your grill while in use.
  • Never leave a lit grill unattended.

Be near a water source

Fire is a real possibility when fireworks and grilling is present. Therefore, you are going to want to have a water source handy.

  • Consider setting up your tent in an area that is accessible to a hose.
  • Always have a fire extinguisher or two in your tent rental.
  • If possible, have your tent rental erected in close proximity to a fire hydrant.
  • Make sure that your tent is accessible to firefighters, should the need arise.

Your tent is important, but so are you

Your tent is important, but so are you and your guests. Keep these additional safety tips in mind as you celebrate:

  • Do not allow children to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
  • If you light a firework and find that it is a dud, do not try to re-light it.
  • Make sure all pets are safely secured or indoors.
  • Read all directions on fireworks before lighting them.
  • The person lighting the fireworks should be a sober adult who is wearing fitting clothing.
  • Everyone else should keep their distance from the launching pad.
  • Use a bucket of water to soak all used fireworks before throwing them away. This ensures that there is no remaining flame that could ignite a garbage pile.

Don’t give up setting up a beautiful firework display just because you fear the worst. As long as you understand the basics of tent rental safety, then you and your guests will be prepared and safe. Be prepared and be cautious and you will be able to face whatever the night brings you!

Categories
Event Industry

Steps to Plan a Kid’s Summer Birthday Party in a Tent

Kids love parties, but those born in the summer may feel left out and cheated when it comes to celebrating birthdays! Think about it – their friends may be away on vacation, at camp, or maybe they have simply lost touch after the school year. Does that give you an excuse to skimp on a kid’s summer birthday party? No way!

Your summer-born kiddos deserve an ultimate birthday party – and we are going to show you how to do it: by throwing a birthday party in a tent.

Try an Outdoor Summer Party in a Tent

Rule number one when having a kid’s birthday party, whether in the summer or any other season: never, ever have the party in your home. With kids pumped full of sugar, you are almost guaranteed to have spills, unstoppable (and sometimes out of control) running, broken items, etc. No matter how tough you think you may be, just don’t do it. Instead, choose to hold a summer birthday party in a tent.

Any outdoor location will work – your backyard, a local park, a community area, etc. However, once you decide the location, you are going to want to get yourself a tent rental. The summertime temps are hot and, regardless of trees, you are going to want a solid source of shade. Besides, tent rentals can even be customized to include climate control (yes, that means some cool air for you) and they can stand up to some fairly harsh weather. In other words, hosting the party in a tent can provide you a place to let the kids run wild and, well, be kids, while also keeping everyone cool and safe in the summer conditions.

Pool Parties are Fun, but These are Better

What is in a theme? A lot! The theme you set for a party can determine the décor, the food, the drinks, the games, the entertainment, etc. The theme you choose can either make or break the party. Wouldn’t it make you feel good to have the kids – especially the birthday boy or girl – walk into your decorated tent and hear jaw-dropping oohs and ahhs? If so, then you must check these out:

  • A scavenger hunt party. Hide special treats around your yard (or wherever you hold the party). Send the kids out on a hunt with clues. The first one back wins the big prize. You can make this party a mystery theme, complete with magnifying glasses!
  • Local heroes party. Local police and fire departments love to entertain kids and show that they are there to protect and serve the community. Hold a local heroes party and reach out to local law enforcement or fire departments and see if they can make a guest appearance!
  • Pirate-themed party. Complete this with makeup, eye patches, and all! Ahoy, mate!
  • Outdoor movie night. This is a simple idea that the kids will love. Use a projector and a white sheet (or the sidewall of your tent). Have a movie theme for the night, such as comic books, Disney classics, or the like. Serve up some popcorn and movie candy treats.
  • An overnight glamp. Instead of filling your living room with a handful of kids, why not set up a tent and let them glamp? It’s glamorous camping – sleeping outdoors with all the luxuries. And, bonus –  you won’t be kept awake by the late-night giggles!
  • A fairytale lemonade/tea party. Time to get fancy! Create a space full of lace tablecloths. Then, serve tea and lemonade in delicate cups, along with light sandwiches and snacks on decorative platters.
  • Dinosaur party. All things dinosaur – complete with a fossil dig! It’s outdoors so you can!
  • The magic of science party. Most kids hate science projects but love doing the actual experiment. Why not set up a party complete with lab coats and a list of fun science experiments? Make things bubble, make things go poof, and make the kids take a step back in wonder.

Go All Out

Now you have a few theme ideas for your summertime kid’s birthday party in a tent. The idea is to go all out. You know, go big or don’t go at all. Think total transformation. In order to have the ultimate party, you need to not leave one detail untouched. Plan it right – you can do it.

Entertainment and Games

The entertainment and games must match the party theme. After all, it’d be a bit silly to have a bunch of decked out pirates sitting around sipping on a dainty cup ‘o tea, don’t you think? Another thing – you will want to make it awesome. Kids remember the activities they do and the lasting impression is worth it.

If your theme fits, why not hire characters? Just as you could invite law enforcement officers or firemen to a local heroes’ party, you can also hire pirates and face painters to attend the pirate party. Or, have a dinosaur expert from your local museum come share some facts and artifacts with the kids.

In other words, playing the radio is boring, but hiring a local band leads to an ultimate event. Get the idea?

Creating the Ultimate Birthday Party Menu

Just as you aren’t going to slack with entertainment and decorations, you will not slack with food and other goodies. Because it will match your theme, it will make your party stand out.

Summer parties outdoors usually consist of easy food to throw on a grill, such as hot dogs and hamburgers. Maybe some bbq chicken for those who want to be daring. However, those items don’t really make an ultimate birthday party menu. No, no. You will want to whisk yourself away with the party theme and cook up some delicious eats. For example, a treasure chest full of chocolate gold coins, fruit swords, and a seafood feast at a pirate party. Or, popcorn, nachos and cheese, soft pretzels, and boxes of candy at a movie night.

An ultimate birthday party in a tent needs an ultimate party planner. Go on and make that summer birthday boy or girl smile!

Exit mobile version