Planning an At-Home Event (2 of 4)

Continued…

The Basics

• Tents: There is a lot of variety in tents - a tent rental company or your planner can help you decide how large a tent you need, how many tables & chairs you need, and luckily most are flexible enough to allow you adjust quantities once you have your RSVPs back. You’ll also have to mark out any areas that cannot be staked (electrical lines, etc)

• Dance Floor/Stage: You can put a full floor inside your tent, opt for just a dance floor, create a stage. A raised stage may also require some carpeting and skirting. Dance floors can be anything from regular wooden floors or really amazing LED panels. There are many options.

• Toilets: Are the bathrooms in the home easily accessible and are there enough? Do you need a “luxury” porta-potty area setup?

• Fabrics - Draping, tablecloths & chair covers. Ceiling draping is often best rented from the company doing the tent (if they offer it) - as often they can be set up simultaneously. Make sure that any decor on the ceiling is completed prior to setting up the tables and chairs. You also need to make sure your tablecloths and other fabrics are secure so in a windy situation they aren’t flying off the table.

Permits

• Most cities and suburbs do require a permit. They may also dictate timings for your event - for instance that all music needs to be off by 10pm.

• Do you know the neighbors? It is probably in good form to include them on the guest list if you are going to have a big event; this would allow them to enjoy the party and would reduce the likelihood of a complaint.

• Depending on the size of the event and city requirements, you may need a security officer present. 

Electricity 

• Do you want lights in the tent? Are you having a DJ? Most likely you’ll need a generator big enough to support any and all electrical elements you require. You also need to make sure you hire someone to set up any hanging lights properly so you don’t face any unnecessary hazards.

Upcoming post: Food!