With spring coming right around the corner, there is no time to waste as you begin to plan for your big event. The weather is becoming lovelier and more enjoyable with each passing day, so take advantage of it! Planning an event outside comes with a unique set of challenges. For any event, you need delicious food, tasty drinks and great music; logistically, things change quite a bit as you move out of doors. Here are five tips to implement as you put together your upcoming spring outdoor event.
Say Goodbye to the Bugs
If you are planning an event outside, especially during the late afternoon or early evening, be prepared for unwanted guests. The worst party crashers? Mosquitoes. There is nothing like having to worry about bug bites throughout the entire event. Consider ordering custom, miniature bug spray bottles as party favors to be handed out throughout the night, leaving your guests itch-free.
To help prevent mosquitoes from showing up at your event, try placing citronella candles strategically throughout the venue. The pesky bugs hate the scent of citronella as well as mint, garlic and rosemary. Consider placing sprigs of rosemary and mint into your flower arrangements or adding some fragrant garlic to a couple of your dishes. Finally, remove any standing water. A gorgeous birdbath or small pond seems like great decor to a venue, but if the water is still, it will only serve to attract more and more bugs.
Lighting is Everything
If your event is in the midmorning, early afternoon or any time prior to sundown, there is no need to provide additional lighting throughout the outdoor venue. However, as the sun sinks low, lighting will be required. The rental companies that are providing the tents and tables for your event usually offer different lighting options to choose from as well. Lighting is tricky to coordinate for outdoor venues, but it provides a great opportunity to get creative and innovative.
Hanging lanterns are a beautiful and unique way to add light overhead. Another way to light up the venue is to put spotlights on the larger trees on the property. This draws the eye up the trees and makes the space look and feel much larger. Finally, this is a fun time to play with candles. This is the time to pull out the citronella candles to add a warm candlelight glow while warding off mosquitoes, leaving your guests with great memories and zero bug bites.
Don’t Forget the Ice
There are very few times of the year that provide the perfect temperature for outside events. During the day, temperature levels can rise; however, as soon as the sun sets, it’ll plummet. Be sure to rent fans or space heaters to keep the space moderate and enjoyable for everyone.
Also, there’s nothing worse than a watered-down drink, so provide plenty of ice to keep the refreshments as refreshed as they can be. Ice is an easily forgotten aspect of many parties, but it is a simple and cheap addition that will keep guests happy and their drinks cold. If these are the things you are concerned about forgetting, hire a company that won’t be. AOC provides full bar services to ensure guests are being served the coldest drinks and the most delicious food.
Ensure Easy Bathroom Access
When nature calls upon your guests, it’s important to have the facilities ready and clearly stated. If you are using an established venue, this aspect will have already been taken care of. Be sure to provide signs to make the restrooms easier to find.
If you are having your event in a backyard or more rural area without indoor plumbing, you will need to rent portable toilets to accommodate all guests. These days, renting a portable toilet doesn’t mean you’ll have a bright orange box at your event. Proper toilets with sinks, stalls and structure are now rentable for any type of occasion.
Make Cleanup a Breeze
After a long day (week, or even month) of planning, executing and enjoying your event, who wants to spend their time cleaning up? By taking the necessary steps while setting up the event, clean-up will be as simple as possible. Disposable cutlery and plates are easy for guests to dispose of themselves and cut down on dishwashing time. Plastic cups for drinks serve the same purpose and still look classy at a low cost. Make trashcans and recycling bins readily available for guests to toss garbage without it becoming a hassle. With any catered event, All Occasion Catering offers clean-up services, so you don’t have to worry about lifting a finger once your event is over.
Outdoor events highlight the beauty of the area and make for gorgeous, spacious events. All Occasion Catering helps you pull off the event of your dreams, whether it be indoors or outdoors. AOC provides catering services, full bar services, a wide array of food service options, place setting rentals and clean-up services. When using All Occasion as your caterer, your party planning process is a breeze. With years of experience and an incredible staff at hand, your event will be flawless. Call them today at (865) 521-1300 or visit their website.
I found it interesting how you mentioned how having trash cans for paper plates and plastic cutlery readily available can help you cut down on the unwanted chore of cleaning when everyone leaves. My daughter is getting married soon and she has mentioned how she wants her reception to be extremely casual and inviting for everyone so they don’t have to feel pressured by common wedding tradition. I will keep this in mind as we search for a food truck catering service that offers trash collection for easy cleanup and that can help her achieve the reception of her dreams!
I liked that you mentioned you need to consider bathroom facilities ready for your event. My sister is thinking about planning a corporate event, and I’m helping her with information. I will let her know that renting a portable toilet for her event to ensure success.
very good blogs and thanks for sharing, keep rocking