Tag: outdoor event

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Tent Rentals

Rent a Tent for Your Fourth of July Celebration

Summertime brings about all sorts of fun times and memory-making events. It also brings a fun Fourth of July celebration that comes with it. Fireworks, barbecues, parades, and so much more. In fact, it is the ultimate summertime event. How do you celebrate Independence Day each year? However you choose to celebrate, it is definitely a day to be outdoors. This year, consider renting a tent and hosting an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration.

Renting a Tent

Contrary to what you may think, you absolutely cannot do fireworks indoors. Teaching kids – who love sparklers and bottle rockets – that it is okay to light them in the house could cause some serious issues. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take the party outdoors.

The downfall to this is that July is smack dab in the middle of summer. You are going to need some reprieve from the sun. Renting a tent can provide just that. It offers you and your guests a place to take cover and cool down in the shade. Tent rentals are also great for protecting against any unwelcome summertime rain showers. Depending on the size of the celebration, you can even customize your tent to fit your needs – and your backyard.

Independence Day Grub

What is the first thing you think of when it comes to food for a Fourth of July celebration? Anything you can grill, of course! But that doesn’t mean you must be limited to only hamburgers and hot dogs. You can cook just about anything on a grill and call it a barbecue! Here are a few food ideas that will make your event:

  • Grill everything. Chicken, pork, burgers, steaks, hot dogs, sausages, etc. – any type of meat can be grilled.
  • Grill the sides, too. Corn on the cob, potatoes, or any type of veggie tastes better on the grill!
  • Don’t forget the sweet treats! Providing ice cold popsicles or ice cream on a super-hot summer day will make your guests excited and thankful!

Fourth of July Celebration Activities

You are going to want to keep the kiddos content with some activities. They are going to be excited and anxious for the evening fireworks. So, until the sun goes down, make sure you have a list of fun things to occupy them. (The adults will all appreciate this, too!)

Because it is summer, anything water related will be welcome and very refreshing. And, no, you do not need to have a pool. Things such as sprinkler toys, a Slip N Slide, or a water balloon fight will work. Even consider setting up various kid pools. These can be enjoyed by kids and adults, alike.

Throw together a football game, play catch, corn hole, horseshoes, or soda pong. Just plan something to keep guests occupied throughout the day.

Your activities don’t have to be organized. You can just have them out and ready for your guests to enjoy should the mood strike. Be sure to have some music and a place for your guests to lounge under the tent – sometimes good mingling is the only activity required! Remember, just because you’re renting a tent doesn’t mean you can’t leave it all day!

Fireworks

Fireworks are key to every Fourth of July celebration. Depending on where you reside, your budget, and your interests, you may either decide to purchase your own fireworks or go see a community display. Your guests are going to want to know what you decide so they can prepare – make sure to be clear about your intentions.

There are pros and cons to each choice.

  • Fireworks can be extremely expensive. Tip: purchasing fireworks at the last minute can often lead to better deals.
  • Fireworks at home can bring some safety risks. Be prepared and be warned.
  • Unless you are willing to spend a lot in fireworks, your display will never match what you will see in an actual firework show.
  • If you prefer to keep your event low-key and not have to deal with crowds for the holiday, you may want to hit up your local firework stand.

You can always do both! Buy some small fireworks to do at home and excite the young ones. Then, move the party to your community firework display and enjoy.

Safety for Everyone

Combine high heat and summer sunshine, barbecue grills, drinks, and fireworks and you could have yourself a potentially hazardous situation. To keep your guests – and yourself – safe this Fourth of July, check out these safety tips:

  • It is easy to get dehydrated when the temperatures rise in the summer. Make sure to drink plenty of water and have it readily available for your guests.
  • Renting a tent will provide a great amount of shade and protection from the sun. Add fans to keep guests cool and safe from the heat.
  • If you have a pool, be sure to keep an eye on those swimming – especially those who do not know how to swim.
  • Grilling is a must have on the Fourth of July, but it can also be dangerous. Keep the grill outdoors and outside of the tent. You do not want any low patio roofs or trees near your grill, either. Have an experienced adult do the grilling.
  • The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends only adults handle the lighting of fireworks.
  • Light fireworks in an open, outdoor area.
  • Always, always have water nearby. A bucket of water is best, but a hose ready to go will work, too.
  • Have a designated location (near the water source) for fireworks that have been completed. This keeps the trash in one area, it keeps your guests safe from accidentally stepping on them, and it puts any fire risk in an isolated location.
  • Many pets are frightened by the sound of fireworks. Leave them indoors for their safety and yours.

Your Responsibility

Renting a tent does come with some responsibility, but as long as you take these safety tips into consideration, you will be fine.

The Fourth of July is a time for celebrating our country’s independence. Spend the day outdoors under your tent rental, fire up the grill, and watch the sky light up in beautiful colors. Make some memories this summer!

 

Categories
Outdoors

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Summer Celebration

Ready to celebrate with an outdoor event this summer? Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your summer celebration:

Keep it outdoors

One of the best things about having a summer celebration of any kind is that you can have it outdoors. The days are longer, the weather is warmer. Outdoor events can offer a lot of benefits. For example, since the outdoors are all around us, this increases the amount of options for where to have your party. You could celebrate at the park, you could keep the party in your own backyard, or anywhere that it is open and legal!

It isn’t all about enjoying the outdoors, either. There are other benefits to having an outdoor party:

  • Noise levels can be positively affected by being outdoors. Imagine having a house full of people in full celebration mode – it can get loud, right? Moving the party outdoors takes away the barrier walls, allowing the sound and all the noise to spread out and not seem so overwhelming!
  • Cleanup is easier outside. If the party is outdoors, you will no longer have to worry about spilled drinks, dropped food, sticky icing-caked fingers touching your walls. Outdoors there really isn’t anything that a hose can’t clean!

So, go on – take your party outdoors, turn the music up, and let everyone get as loud and wild and crazy as they want to be!

Outdoor fun

There are more things to do outdoors than indoors when it comes to summer celebration activities. You can play the same games (think pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey) outside that you would play inside. However, you can also play so much more!

  • Have a water balloon fight!
  • Set up water slides, sprinklers, or other water spraying toys.
  • If you have your party near a pool, make it a pool party!
  • In a park, you will likely have access to a playground to keep the kiddies entertained.
  • Play Soda Pong for the young ones.
  • Bring a ton of water guns and fill them up – then pass them out!
  • Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles. Pass them out to everyone to make a magical atmosphere.

Don’t forget classic games of catch, football, baseball, the ability to have bounce houses, etc. Outdoor parties increase the opportunities for fun, whether for kids or adults!

Cool down with sweet treats

When it comes to having an outdoor summer celebration, there is one thing you and all the party goers will be looking for – sweet treats to cool down. Think icy beverages, popsicles, Sno-cones, etc. There are a lot of ideas to make these treats enjoyable while serving the dual purpose of keeping you comfortable and cool.

  • Fill kiddie pools with ice and fill them up with beverages – juice boxes for the kids, adult drinks for the older folks. This not only looks cool, but makes the drinks easily accessible.
  • Stack ice cream bars and/or popsicles in an ice chest or cooler. These will be very welcome treats, no matter who is at your party!
  • Fresh fruit keeps you cool. Create fruit salads, or small fruit cups and have them accessible for your guests. You could take it a step further and make fruit kabobs or watermelon lollipops (use a slice of watermelon on a stick)!
  • Have a beverage of the day – for example, Ocean Water (mix blue fruit punch with lemon-lime soda and serve on ice. Add some gummy fish or sharks to the glass to top off the look!) Or, for the adults, Cucumber Sangria can keep you cool and refreshed.

The idea is to help everyone enjoy beating the summer heat and remain in party mode.

Summertime celebration theme ideas

Summertime parties are best with a theme to make it fun and memorable. There are many themes that allow you to turn the outdoors into a welcoming tropical oasis. Decide what party theme makes your heart skip a beat and then decorate like crazy. Here are a few of the most popular summer celebration theme ideas:

  • Hawaiian Luau. Complete with tiki torches, pineapples, and tropical flowers.
  • Beach theme. Decorate with sand and seashells, pails and shovels. This theme would work well with the Ocean Water beverage mentioned above!
  • Pool Party. If you are fortunate to have a pool (or even if you have a wide array of kiddie pools), blow up floats and beach balls and have them readily available.
  • Mexican fiesta. Decorate with bright colors, hang a piñata, and serve tacos with lime.

Whatever you decide for the theme of your party, make sure to share with your guests ahead of time so that they can participate and even dress in theme to impress!

Create some shade and other safety ideas

The heat can take a toll on outdoor party guests. It is important to make sure they are well and comfortable or else you can bet they will not be enjoying your party! Keep these ideas in mind to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all your guests.

  • The sun is hot and can be very harmful. Make sure to have a place of respite for your guests. In other words – shade! Rent a tent. Have your party outdoors, but have the benefit of the indoors. Tent rentals can give you a chance to cool off and be protected from the sun. These tents can even provide a climate controlled environment. And, in addition to providing a safe-haven for guests, tents can also protect food, electronic equipment, etc.
  • Provide your guests with essentials, such as handheld fans, flip flops, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Anything that can keep your guests cool and safe from the heat will be much welcomed.

Outdoor summer parties are a time to relax and enjoy your friends and family. Take precautions against the heat with some neat drinks, water games to play, and a tent rental to keep your guests comfortable. Following these steps will help you get the most out of your summer celebration!

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Categories
Outdoors

Outdoor Events You Don’t Want to Miss in Illinois

Illinois – home of the Chicago Cubs, the Willis Tower (one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers), and deep dish pizza. This state is a melting pot, including a mixture of farmland, urban life, and everything in between. While almost everyone knows someone from Chicago or something about this big city, you may not have paid much attention to the rest of what this state has to offer, or the outdoor events held here every year.

The summer months are coming up and there is no end to the vast number of outdoor events that will be taking place! While the Illinois weather can be a tad bit frosty during the winter months, the summers are full of sunshine, blue skies, and heat!

Pull up a seat under a tent and stay shady and cool at one of these most exciting outdoor events in Illinois!

Country Music Festivals

Ever heard of the Country Lake Shake Festival? It is probably safe to assume that it gets its name from the great lake, Lake Michigan. This country music show is a three-day event packed with musicians. With names like Miranda Lambert and Rascal Flatts, this is a sure to be a can’t miss event.

Music festivals have a way of bringing people together. Besides, what better way could you think to spend a long summer weekend than under a tent, on the lake, listening to some music?

The Illinois State Fair

This is one of the most popular and nostalgic outdoor events held in Illinois. Rides, cotton candy, balloon darts, and vendors of all kinds is what you will find at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois. The capital city hosts this event every summer and it is packed with visitors. It should be mentioned that this fair has a ton of things to see besides just eating and riding. They have harness races, auto races, a petting zoo and other animal exhibits, and they even have musical guests.

The great news is that, despite the hot August heat, the Illinois State Fair has enough activities that take place under outdoor event tents to keep you shaded and cool. So, in other words, don’t stall your sun due to the summer sun.

Oktoberfest Chicago

Beers and brats. Brats and beers. Oktoberfest Chicago is a huge celebration of the German culture. There is German music galore and let’s not forget to sharpen our dance moves for the chicken dance!

Despite the substantial number of people these October celebrations bring out, there is something fun, about hanging out in long lines with friends and strangers, under the shade of an event tent.

Grand Illinois Bike Tour

Up for a bike ride? How about a really, really long bike ride? Then check out the Grand Illinois Bike Tour. This is an annual 300-mile, six-day bike ride that takes place in various places within the state of Illinois. This year the bike tour is travelling through the river valleys of the Rock River and the Mississippi River.

Are you into biking an average of 51 miles per day? The Illinois summer sun will be shining and the heat will be upon you, but that only means that you will fill with joy as you stumble upon the water tents. Set up to give you a break, these tents can offer you shade and much needed hydration!

DeKalb Corn Fest

Corn, corn, and more corn. The DeKalb Corn Fest brings corn galore! And people, too! This is one of Illinois’ annual outdoor events. In addition to corn, it is full of entertainment and music, carnival games and rides, as well as tent after tent of vendors and crafters. The corn boil is something you will not want to miss.

Why are these outdoor events so much fun?

Some people prefer to stay indoors in the comfort of their own home. However, many others love to hit the road to check out the latest and greatest outdoor events. Whether music festivals, corn festivals, food and wine festivals, or the state fair, being outdoors with others and taking in the sights and sounds can be thrilling. Why is that?

  • The cold Illinois weather causes us to stay indoors more than not. The sun almost seems to disappear during the winter months. However, when the summer months hit and the sun finally shows its face again, the atmosphere really heats up. Outdoor tent events give residents a chance to get outdoors but have a place to catch some much-needed shade, too!
  • Tents seem to always bring something fun. For example, at the Oktoberfest celebrations, there will almost always be beer tents. You will have a fun-loving group of individuals just enjoying their beer or waiting in line for another one. At the Illinois State Fair, tents are used for housing all kinds of animals! From pig races to goats in the petting zoo – everyone loves the animal tents!
  • At many festivals, outdoor tents house food – and lots of it! The tents protect the food from the weather elements, bugs, and other potential hazards or disasters. Food cookoffs, German food, Italian food, fresh pizza, sno-cone machines, cotton candy, deep fried Oreos, and donut burgers. These and many more are the types of foods you will find under the tent at an outdoor event. The food you eat may not necessarily be good for you, but the vendors are good to the food by keeping it safe under the tent!

You could choose to head out of town for a while this summer.  Or you can choose to fill up your calendar with festivals and events found all throughout the State of Illinois.

Thanks to tents, these outdoor events can still be enjoyable, despite the hot summer weather Illinois usually brings. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, decide what it is that suits your taste – the fair rides, the corn tasting, scenic bike rides, etc. – and hit the road!

Categories
Event Industry

Having an Outdoor Music Festival? Rent a Tent

There is just something about being outdoors and listening to music. It is a lot different than being stuck between four walls with distasteful acoustics. When you are at an outdoor music festival, you are surrounded by the open air, the free-flowing music, and you have ample amount of room to spread out when the mood strikes you to start dancing.

If you have decided to have an outdoor music festival, there are a few things you are going to need:

  • Music (a band, singer, performer, DJ)
  • A large outdoor, open area (depending on how many guests you expect)
  • A stage (so everyone can see)
  • A tent (yes, a tent)

Wait, why do you need to rent tent? For many good reasons. Keep reading to discover how a tent is just as important as the music at your outdoor music festival.

Rent a tent to protect the stage and equipment

Maybe you are using your own equipment. Maybe the band you hired is bringing their own. Who it belongs to doesn’t matter, but taking care of it does. Festival rental equipment is expensive! You have speakers, amplifiers, computers, instruments, lighting, etc. And each is purchased at a high cost. These items get used to set up for the performance.

Now, imagine that your band is ready to perform – or in the middle of performing – and terrible, wet weather strikes. You know that electronics and water don’t mix. That one rainstorm could lead to one very expensive night in busted equipment.

Deciding to utilize a tent for the event could prevent this damage from occurring. There would be shelter and, thus, a means of protecting the equipment from any weather-related damage.

People, people, and more people

Many people love the freedom that an outdoor music festival will bring. For one, there are no assigned seats. Everyone is free to roam while listening to their favorite music. In fact, the patrons can wander and enjoy the music without even having to see the band.

Tents are very versatile when it comes to an outdoor music festival. They offer an open platform for music lovers to dance and be social without being restrained to aisles or seats. However, if the crowd gets too large, the sides can be opened, allowing people to flow in and out of the tent with ease.

Since most concerts go on whether rain or shine, having the festivities take place in a tent can bring peace of mind to concert-goers.

No barriers mean the music can fill the air

Have you ever heard a band in a stuffy music venue? Sometimes the sound gets muffled and, with the loud volume, all you hear is music and you cannot understand the words. That doesn’t happen outside. No, sir. The music is free to travel and fill the air, allowing you to hear it from just about anywhere in the vicinity.

There is no need to worry that using a tent will hinder the sound. With the soft fabric material and open airways, there is no chance that your sound will be penalized by the tent.

You cannot predict the weather

Chances are you are not a meteorologist. Standing outside and staring at a beautiful blue sky does not mean that the storm clouds won’t pop up out of nowhere smack dab in the middle of your bands third song of the night. Sure, you could watch the weather or your local news, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. Ever. You never know about Mother Nature.

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry?’ This is one of those instances when you are better off over preparing just in case. Think about it – you have the safety of people and festival rental equipment at stake. You may want to take this into consideration and rent that tent. Just in case.

If you are going to have a mess, have it outside

People love their music. They love being social. They love dancing and love having drinks. Combine these things together and you have a potentially messy situation.

Music, after all, is a social thing. When you are drinking adult beverages and feeling the vibe of the music, you may not realize just how much alcohol you have had. It isn’t uncommon for some one – or more than one – to get sick. Holding the event in a tent offers an easy – and welcomed — escape to the outdoors when you aren’t feeling so good.

Another red flag situation is having dancers trying to bust a move with a full glass of Heineken. This usually results in spills – leading to a gross and sometimes sticky situation. Multiply this by the amount of people you see finding their groove. Now, think about those same people when the band starts playing that most popular hit song everyone has been waiting for… Let’s just say you may not want to consider sitting on the floor.  It is a good thing you made the wise decision to have the music event outdoors for easy cleanup.

An outdoor music festival can create the perfect atmosphere to bring people together – especially this time of year. However, make sure that you are prepared for anything that comes your way – and that includes weather. You don’t want damaged equipment or potential safety disasters for your music lovers. Rent a tent to make sure your event goes off without a hitch!

Categories
Outdoors

Planning an Outdoor Summer Wedding

So, you have decided to have an outdoor summer wedding. Here is all you need to get started on piecing it together to make sure your special day is just that – special. From finding the perfect venue in a clear span tent to sending out the save-the-date invitations, read below to learn how to plan the perfect outdoor wedding.

Save-the-dates

Having a wedding during the summer means having to plan with and around the schedules of many. Since kids are out of school in the summer, most families plan vacations during that time. If you want to have a summer wedding and you want to make sure you have guests attend, you will want to make sure you send out save-the-date invitations to your guests.

Save-the-dates can be sent out six to eight months prior to the scheduled wedding date. This will provide ample time for your future guests to arrange their schedule so they will be able to see you tie the knot.

Don’t overlook this step in your preparation. You want a wedding – and you want guests to celebrate your day with you!

Use a clear span tent for the perfect outdoor venue

Okay, so you don’t have to have an outdoor summer wedding, but why wouldn’t you want to? Nature and the outdoors brings such a welcoming place for a celebration. Most people try to fill indoor venues with flowers – but, you can have your wedding outside amongst the flowers! Besides, having an outdoor wedding gives you ample amount of choices for location. You can rent a clear span tent and have it erected in a large backyard, an open field, a park, the beach – you name it!

Clear span tent rentals come in all shapes and sizes. You can customize your wedding tent to meet your exact needs, depending on the size of your wedding and the events you plan to partake in on your special day. For example, you are going to want to likely have seating, a food serving/prep area, dance floor and DJ location, etc.

Food for thought – best ideas for an outdoor summer wedding

There is something about eating a heavy meal on a hot day and then feeling miserable – heavy food and outdoor heat do not mix. If you are holding your wedding outdoors during summertime, it is best to go for a light meal that will not weigh your guests down and spoil any potential fun. Here are a few ideas to consider when planning your menu:

  • Offer a mixture of light salads on a salad bar, such as crisp tossed salad, chicken salad, fruit salad, etc.
  • Go barbecue style. Have ribs, chicken, burgers, etc. on the grill, along with all the fixins’ – potato salad, coleslaw, or chips.
  • How about a cool down station? A sundae bar, popsicle stand, or a shaved ice cart.
  • Like seafood? How about serving crab, sushi, shrimp cocktail, or a crawfish boil?
  • How about serving finger foods or appetizers to keep it a light menu?

Food isn’t the only thing you want to keep light. Have you considered the beverages you will serve? An outdoor summer wedding requires staying hydrated. However, there are many light and refreshing beverages and cocktails that your guests will appreciate. Use this list to get you started:

  • Have a drink station of pre-made beverages – Fill dispensers with a ton of ice and then fill them up with things like lemonade, iced tea, sangria, fruit spritzers. To add a decorative flair, add fresh fruit to the dispensers, too.
  • Fruit-infused waters add a lovely touch to wedding receptions, as well. Water is necessary on a hot day, but the fruit spruces it up a bit.

Decide what it is you and your guests will enjoy and then make it happen. Keep it cool, light, easy, and tasty.

Make your guests comfortable

Just because you chose to have a wedding outside, in the middle of summer, does not mean that your guests should suffer. It’s going to be hot. Depending on where you live, it could also be humid. While your friends and family may be fans of you, they may not be fans of the heat and the sun. So, treat them and make them comfortable on your special day.

Providing fans is one of the most important things you can do for your guests. Although, clear span tent rentals can be climate controlled, when you have a lot of people in an outdoor space in the summer, it may get a little sticky. Providing area fans throughout your celebration, as well as decorative hand-held fans can add a bit of relief. If you are feeling up to the spending, purchasing personal fans for your guests will likely be much appreciated.

Sunglasses and flip flops are other things that will help guests be more relaxed. Perhaps they spent their time dressing for a wedding, rather than remembering things such as sunglasses to protect their eyes or the fact that heels and grass don’t mix. These items are cheap to purchase in bulk and can make a big, welcoming impact.

All in all, make sure your guests are protected from the elements and are staying hydrated and cool throughout the festivities.

Don’t overlook the little things

You cannot please everyone, but you sure can try. There are lots of little things that you don’t want to overlook when planning your outdoor summer wedding. Make sure you take into consideration the venue and the pesky things that may lead to irritable guests.

For example, bugs. Your clear span tent can have side walls that will help keep a lot of the pests away. However, with so many guests coming in and out, the bugs are likely to find their way in. That doesn’t mean they must feel welcome when they get in. Make sure you use repellent and spray the area prior to the party. Then, provide your guests with repellent wipes to stay bug-free throughout the day!

Something else you will not want to overlook is hot guests. You want them to dance and let loose, but you don’t want them passing out from heat exhaustion. Therefore, providing your guests with ice rags to put on their necks can cool them down and keep them dancing!

Put yourself in your guests’ shoes and decide what would make you most comfortable – then provide that for your guests.

An outdoor summer wedding can be fun and beautiful. Plan to make it memorable – and enjoyable – for all involved.

Categories
Outdoors

Planning a Rain and Sun Proof BBQ Event

Hosting any successful event requires planning carefully for any possible contingency, and barbecues are one outdoor event that demands being ready for any type of weather. Whether you are hosting a formal corporate barbecue or a casual family reunion, planning ahead will ensure that no one gets sunburned and your food does not get drenched. As you get ready for your special BBQ event, use these tips to make sure everyone has a good time whether it rains or shines.

Select Your Meats Wisely

Barbecues are all about the meat, which means your guests will be looking forward to sampling your menu. On a rainy day, you may want to limit the amount of time that you are outside working with the grill. Fortunately, many delicious barbecue favorites cook quickly such as skinny sausages and lean meat. You can also grill boneless meats, such as chicken breasts, that you have pounded flat to tenderize and shorten the cooking time.

Consider Precooking Your Meat

It may seem like cheating, but lots of chefs precook meat in the oven before grilling. For example, ribs fall off the bone after slowly cooking them in the oven for a few hours before throwing them on the grill. Precooking indoors will help you avoid rushing through the cooking process due to the rain; yet giving the meat a few minutes on the grill will still give you that delicious barbecue flavor.

Serve Extra Sides

With any BBQ event, you should always plan for more than enough food. Set out some chips, dip and veggie trays, and consider requesting for your guests to bring some extra sides. Asking your guests to bring a side dish will help you ensure that there is plenty of food to go around, even if it takes a little extra time to finish with the meat. Everyone has a favorite barbecue recipe that they love to share, and good-natured debates about who makes the best potato salad or baked beans are great ways to encourage interaction among your guests.

Use Covers and Lids

While grilling, you will most likely be working in stages, which means that some dishes will finish while the meat is still cooking. Try to limit the amount of foods you leave outside until it is time to eat. This way, there will not be a mad scramble to gather up dishes if a rain shower comes along. For those dishes that do stay outside, bring covers that can help keep them dry in the event of rain while also keeping the hot sun from beating down on them and changing the temperature. Just make sure that any covers you use are waterproof. Those handmade bowl covers your grandmother sewed are pretty, but they will not hold up to a heavy rain.

Plan Indoor and Outdoor Activities

It is important to give your guests options for activities so that they can get out of the rain or relentless sun if it gets uncomfortable. In addition to the typical outdoor games such as corn hole and horseshoes, set up some comfortable seating inside. Place some board games and other conversation starters around the room, so that the guests who choose to go indoors will have something to keep them engaged. If you host your event under an awning, make sure to keep your activities close to the center of the event so that wind does not blow rain onto the fun, or choose a tent with sides that can keep out any type of inclement weather.

Be Flexible With Your Timing

Although your event will likely have a defined time for your guests to arrive, try to be flexible regarding when your BBQ event hits full swing. Often, storms pass quickly so waiting a few minutes to fire up the grill can make a big difference in how your food turns out. This is where those extra sides come in handy, since your guests will have something to stave off the hunger if you need to delay your start time for cooking.

A little preplanning can help here as well since the hottest part of the day tends to be the same during most seasons. If you know that a big storm or heat wave is coming, then consider hosting your event at a different time of the day. For large events, simply let your guests know that there will be shelter so that they don’t want to stay home out of fear that the rain will cause you to cancel your BBQ.

Set Up an Event Tent

Outdoor events always go more smoothly when there is a shelter available for guests to use as shade or to keep dry in the rain. Tent rentals can be found in a variety of sizes to fit everyone on your guest list while leaving plenty of room for mingling and activities.

Depending upon the type of BBQ event you are planning, you can also choose additional features to make your guests more comfortable such as temperature control. Having a shelter available helps prevent just about every weather-related concern along with others such as keeping insects away from your guest’s plates.

Keep Your Guests Dry

While an event tent will keep everyone comfortable for the duration of your event, you may add a few extra touches to make sure everyone gets to and from the shelter dry. Scatter a few extra umbrellas and one-size-fits all raincoats around your barbecue venue that everyone can use when traveling between their cars and the event tent. Alternatively, consider setting up a covered walkway between the parking area and your tent so that no one has to worry about a sudden gust of wind and rain. Weather-proofing your event will ensure your guests have a great time.

One of the best parts about planning a BBQ event is looking forward to spending the day outside. However, outdoor events can be as unpredictable as the weather. By planning beforehand for ways to battle the inclement weather, you can ensure that everyone on your guest list has a wonderful time whether it rains or shines on your special day.

 

Categories
Event Industry

How Tech Will Define Events in 2016 {Infographic}

Social media live streaming and mobile applications are becoming valuable assets to the events industry. Not only does live streaming increase an event’s visibility but it can also generate larger audiences and increase opportunity for revenue. Attendees and event professionals are also increasing their use of event applications. Take a look at this infographic from Losberger to learn more.

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