Wedding Marquees – How to Use the Space

Your marquee gives you a rectangular room to fill with everything you need for your wedding day. But how do you use the space? As your marquee supplier, we can help you choose the best option for your day, but it is worth having a think about what you want your marquee to do for you.

1. Different Zones in your Marquee

Marquees can be divided into different areas to enable you to congregate people together for a ceremony, receptions drinks, dining and later dancing.

To create a physical barrier we can install a dividing curtain, these are a really practical solution if you want to section off an area of the marquee. This might be to hold a ceremony and then the curtain is raised once you are ready to dine or to hide the dance floor/band area which you don’t want on show until the evening. We can also use a dividing curtain if we need to reduce the size of the marquee during the afternoon prior to more guests arriving in the evening.

Below is an example of a wedding marquee layout with an image of the real thing underneath!

We can also add a marquee onto the side of the main structure; again this often has clear roofs and is referred to as a ‘bubble’ and is usually used as a reception area. Brides and Grooms sometimes want this extra space if they are concerned about providing shelter if the weather isn’t tip top for pre-dining drinks and then later it can be used as the bar area.

To create a visual division we can use clear roofs to create a different feel to an area. The clear roofs are often used over dance floors or for reception/bar areas (as above).However, if you are feeling creative then how about something decorative to separate areas by using topiary, potted plants or hanging decorations. The wedding marquee below used potted olive and lavender plants to separate the bar and dining areas.

2. Table Layouts

Have a think about what style of tables you would like to use and whether you want a top table or not. Round tables enable guests to be able to chat easily and usually seat 8 or 10 people.

Alternatively you can use trestle tables singularly or have longer rows for banquet style dining.

Photo Credit: Freckle Photography

3. Party Time

Decide if you are going to have a band or DJ or manage music yourself with speakers and an ipod. if you are having a band then we need to allow some space behind the dance floor for them to set up. Staging is great as it makes the band more visible, but it isn’t always necessary if you need to keep costs down. Of course you will want space to party, so a dance floor is a must – we can give guidance on the size to make sure that you have enough room for your family and friends to dance the night away.

4. Bars and Extra Tables

Space will usually be needed for a bar area so make an allowance and think about whether you want your bar nearer the dance floor or away from the hubbub. Also you may require extra tables for buffets, cakes, presents etc.

Photo Credit: Helen Lisk Photography

5. Chill Out Area

If you want to let your guests, relax, chat and chill out for a while then a little space set aside for a couple of sofas and coffee tables away from the band and the party goers can be a good idea. it can be a good spot for more elderly family and friends to congregate, so they are still part of the celebrations but not in the thick of the action! To incorporate additional space like this will require a bit of planning to ensure that your marquee is big enough.

Photo Credit: Staple Photography

6. Games and Photo Booths

Photo Booths are a popular addition to weddings and come in all shapes and sizes. think about where you want to position your booth to capture lots of great photos of your guests – don’t tuck it out of the way too much. If you have several children to entertain why not give them a selection of toys/activities to do – giant games like Jenga/Connect Four can be a fun addition for the kids and they don’t take up too much room or can be played outside.

So whatever your ideas for your special day, have a think about how you want to use the space. Contact a reputable marquee hire company in your area such as Hatch Marquee Hire or Tentickle Stretch Tents UK, if you are looking for marquee hire, UK specifically.

Article source: http://www.southwestmarqueehire.co.uk/wedding-marquees-how-to-use-the-space/

Top Outdoor Corporate Event Ideas for the Summer

Because many organizations plan seminars and indoor business events during the winter months, event planning for the warmer weather months of May through September offers a welcomed change of pace and the chance to get outside.

As an event planner, you should always be prepared to suggest summer event ideas for your various corporate hospitality events, customer and employee appreciation events, product launches, and even sales meetings. Here are seven of the best corporate summer event ideas that will take advantage of the summer weather.

1. Golf Outings and Tournaments

With about 27 million golfers in the United States, golf outings and tournaments are among the most popular corporate events each year. Planning a golf event is on the top of the list for consideration by most executives. Whether you plan your own golf outing or make a day out of attending a golf event like a tournament on the PGA tour, don't forget to bring the golf gifts for your guests!

2. Baseball Games

With a history that goes back to the 1800s, planning an event surrounding America's favorite pastime remains on top of the list for pleasing groups and crowds. Baseball teams and stadiums around the country have developed several options to entertain groups within the ballpark, not to mention the party and event options available just outside of the park. Here are some corporate baseball event ideas to consider:

• Suites
• Bleacher parties
• Picnic parties
• Field and upper deck party areas
• American League and National League Baseball Stadium and Entertainment Options

3. Thoroughbred Horse Racing Events

"Win, place, or show!" A day of Thoroughbred racing, manicured grounds, and fantastic food is a great way to build business relationships whether it's with employees, clients, or even business partners. Thoroughbred race tracks can be found in most states across the country. Group entertainment package options may include the following:

• Executive suites and millionaire's dining room
• Event tents
• Box seats
• Meeting facilities

Event Planner Pro Tip: Make sure your program includes a winner's circle group photo for your guests.

4. Concerts and Performing Art Events

In nearly every city there's an "in the park" outdoor concert series with some of the best performers in pop, folk, blues, jazz, opera, orchestra, country, and world music. These music festivals include pavilion or lawn seating, private tents for group entertainment, and options for private catered dining. These event options, combined with the live music, natural scenery of the park, the night sky, and perhaps some wine and cheese will be a sure hit for a corporate event.

Event Planner Pro Tip: In addition to music programs, many city park districts plan outdoor community theater in the park. If they do, consider a family BBQ night or similar outdoor event followed by the entertainment of the play performance.

5. Cruise and Sailing Events

If you are located near water - an ocean, lake, or even a river - chartering a private yacht or boat during the day or evening offers incredible views and is bound to help deliver a successful program. Depending on your location, most cruise lines charge a three or four-hour minimum and rates for weekends are higher than weekdays. The following are popular corporate event options:

• Booze cruise (cocktails with live music)
• Brunch or dinner cruise
• Historical or architectural cruise

Event Planner Pro Tip: In addition to a captain with a great personality, consider hiring a docent to serve as guide and storyteller if your locale offers up interesting or historic views.

6. Motor Speedway Events

NASCAR is known for having some of the most loyal fans. If your guests are among those fans, hosting an event at one of the famous motor speedways is a surefire way to delight your guests. Similar to the horse track (number 3 above), motor speedways offer private entertainment options for business events that includes suites, meeting facilities, and catering options that really enhance the track experience.

Event Planner Pro Tip: Consider hosting your event at a speedway on a non-race day as an alternative to traditional business meetings in a hotel environment.

7. Your Own Private Hospitality or Adventure Program

In addition to taking your group to the most popular events and venues in town, there are countless other options to consider for planning a unique outdoor summer event. Consider planning a private reception with ethnic dining, music, and dance performances as a signature company event at any of the following venue types:

• Best restaurant patio
• Art gallery and garden
• Museum or zoo
• Horse barn
• Winery
• Botanic garden

Or, consider taking your group for a day to one of these planned group events:

• Team building retreat in the woods
• Fishing retreat
• Horseback riding
• Walking city tours
• Hiking and biking
• Off-road and jeep tours

Article source: https://www.thebalance.com/top-outdoor-corporate-event-ideas-for-the-summer-1223901