Archive for August, 2011
Sweet Summer Wedding
Last weekend, one of our own at Lonsdale Event Rentals married; the wedding was one of those very special kinds of weddings where the sense of family, friends and fun was felt in every aspect of the day.
Through friends we met, and with friends and family we wish to share the celebration of our love.
From the invitations to the reception, it was clear that this was a wedding full of personal touches. Everything about the day was simple, stylish and reflected the happy couple – who opted to manage the details of the wedding themselves.
The wedding took place at Minter Gardens – if you have not been there lately or are looking for a gorgeous spot to get married, we suggest you check them out.
Mother Nature took care of the décor for the ceremony, which was held under a tent in a private outlook in the gardens. The colour theme of teal carried through from the invitations to the ribbon on the bubbles that greeted guests at the ceremony. Pre-reception cocktails for the 40 guests were enjoyed under a cloudless summer sky. Guests mingled while Richelle Akimow (photographer extraordinaire) captured shots of the wedding party.
Friends and family offered a hand and helped to transform the conservatory in to a beautiful reception area. Chair covers were slipped on and sashes tied. Napkins were rolled and tablecloths smoothed into place. Cupcakes were arranged and sweet favours set out for guests. Yellow roses from the Minter Garden flower shop accented teal overlays and the room was transformed in under an hour. Bride and Groom were thrilled and party was ready to start!
Julia and Mike were hands-on when it came to planning their wedding. Friends helped make their vision become reality and, in the end, the wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are, and how they surround themselves with friends and family.
Congratulations Julia, Mike and baby Logan!
We are lucky to have been included in such a special day.
To see more pictures of the wedding, check out our album from the day.
Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue – Part 2
Continuing our series Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue – after you have spent time on the first two tips you should be down to your venue of choice (yay). Now it’s time to visit the venue and think about the nitty gritty details – both the fun ones and the dull ones.
Tip #3 – Visit the Venue
Never choose a venue on promotional material alone visit the venue visit and consider these four factors:
1. Event Space
See the space where your party will take place, from the reception area, through to the function suite, bathrooms and other facilities. Make sure there is enough room for guests to be comfortable, and for other equipment you may have like a dance floor, stage, AV equipment and room décor. (Christmas trees take up more space than you think!)
2. Service and Quality
Think about how you were treated on your visit – would you want your guests to be
treated in the same way? Were staff professional, polite and helpful? Take the time to look around the whole venue in detail; look at the chairs, the tables, bathrooms facilities and general appearance of the venue. How they take care of the space even when there is not an event can be very telling.
3. External Suppliers
If you are bringing in other suppliers to help create your party, make sure your venue
will allow this. For example, if you want to use draping or specialist lighting, you may well need permission from the venue to do this. Be sure to ask if there are additional charges for bringing in these outside suppliers.
4. Catering Policy
If you want to use an external caterer, ask your venue what their policy is and whom they have worked with in the past. Some locations will not allow outside caterers and some allow it at the cost of a galley fee.
If you are using their catering services make sure you try their food. Don’t choose a venue based on their menu selection alone – ask for a tasting of the menu you want for your event.
Tip #4 – Don’t forget the Details
Factors to consider:
1. Extra Facilities
Depending on the guests you are inviting, you will need to consider the facilities they offer. Is there acceptable disabled access to the venue? Do they operate a child friendly policy? Is there adequate parking?
2. Regulations
Check with your venue about any fire safety regulations they may have that will impact whether you can use candlelight or haze effects in the room. As what other people have done with the space and ask for pictures if possible.
3. Table Linens
If you are bringing in linens and chair covers, will the venue set this up for you? If so, what do they charge per piece? Are you happy for them to set-up for you or would you prefer someone on your team to handle it? Be sure to communicate the plan to your venue contact so they will know who is managing these details.
4. Rentals
Make sure you get a list of what is included with the venue. Many venues only rent the space and leave the details to you – enter Lonsdale Event Rentals.
If other amenities are included in your rentals ask to see them. Check the condition and quality of the pieces your guests will experience like plates, glassware and cutlery. If your budget allows, you may want to upgrade to more formal rental pieces like out Gold
Band Plates, Acqua cutlery or Crystal glassware.
We hope our Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue make your event amazing!
Have a suggestion on other party planning topics we can offer tips on?
We would love to hear from you -comment on the blog and let us know how we can help.
Thoroughbred: A Day at the Races Wrap Up
Thanks to all who commented and for following long with our ‘Fancy Hat of the Day’ comments contest. We hope to do more contests in the future so stay tuned!
Congratulations again to our winners Natasha and Bailey – We hope you and your guests had a great time at the races!
To see more pictures of the event check out our facebook page.
Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue
Whether you are planning a personal celebration like a wedding or birthday party, or a corporate function like the holiday party for work choosing a venue can be daunting.
There are many factors to consider so the team at Lonsdale Event Rentals decided to share
some tips to help you along the way:
Tip # 1 – Plan Your Options
Determining these Four Factors will help you make a short list of options for your event:
1.Capacity
Figure out the number of guests that you’re inviting, and the type of party you are
planning – Is it a reception? Buffet? Or sit down meal? These answers will all determine the size of the venue you require.
2. Location
Choose a location that is easy for your guests and suppliers to access. If you are serving alcohol make sure there are transportation options or accommodations nearby for your guests.
3. Availability
Before you contact a venue identify several possible dates for your party. If you
cannot be flexible on the date be prepared to be flexible on venue. It’s also never too soon to book a venue for peak seasons like holidays. Be sure to ask what the venue’s policy is on
reservations; some venues ask for a deposit and sometimes these are non
refundable.
4. Budget
Your budget will have a major impact on narrowing down a shortlist of venues. Be sensible; don’t overstretch yourself on the venue in an effort to impress people then
find you have little left in the kitty to actually make the experience enjoyable for your guests.
Tip # 2 – Think Outside the Box
Make it memorable and go beyond the banquet room:
Stuck for ideas? The Lonsdale team has the fortune of seeing lots of Interesting Venues in Vancouver and some we like:
Tourism Vancouveralso has a great list of unique venues including information on capacity – check it out here.
Check back next week for more
tips on Selecting Your Party Venue!
