Most couples stay away from a wedding date in the winter and understandably, considering the intimidating weather and busyness that the winter months bring. Regardless, all these obstacles have an easy fix and shouldn’t stop you from experiencing a wedding straight out of a wintery fairytale. The proper preparation beforehand will ensure a magical and unforgettable winter wedding
Attire
As we know, it’s tradition for the bride to be the star of the show. With a gorgeous gown and beautiful glow, the bride is halfway to the perfect wedding. A long sleeve dress or use of fashion pieces like capes, cardigans, or long veils can be a great way to stay warm as a winter bride.
Event attendees must also consider the weather when deciding on their attire for the night. Layered outfits and proper footwear will be important to keep yourself comfortable and safe during the wedding festivities.
For a cohesive and enjoyable wedding experience the bridal party must be on the same page. Taking care of your bridal party is essential in optimizing your weddings experience. Your bridal party are your guests with specific requirements and responsibilities. Give your party the resources they need to make the best of a winter wedding. Select gowns and footwear that will offer them a comfortable experience. If the bridal party is happy and feels good about their attire the energy will be felt through the venue. Now, the style isn’t only for women. Men also need special attention in the fashion department. Playing with textures, materials, and colors adds a unique touch while also adding warmth to a suit or coat.
Prepare your guests
Although weddings are solely for representing the love and commitment of the special couple, we know the guest experience can become the most important aspect of a wedding. When you are having a winter wedding there are a few factors to keep in mind when it comes to your guests. Notifying guests early is going to yield the best outcome. With all the chaos and festivities that come with the winter seasons, the guest will need to know about the wedding in advance. This way they can plan around the holidays and end-of-year events they might have.
For many weddings, there is a bit of traveling involved for everyone in attendance. Make this known to your guests and encourage them to give themselves extra traveling time. For example, if you are having your winter-themed wedding here in Florida, you might have guests driving in from other states. With the spike in health concerns that come with air travel, some of your extended family and friends will likely take a road trip if it’s doable. There is a chance that weather conditions could be hazardous for drivers so getting to the wedding safely is priority. Stress this to your guests and prepare them for any risks that could occur during travel. All this information can be included in your invitations to establish expectations for guests while also highlighting the theme.
Winter Wonderland
The most memorable aspect of your winter wedding is the Venue and Décor.
Venue
When it comes to a winter wedding, something that will make the transition from the ceremony to the reception a lot easier is finding a venue where you can do it all. Take your time to find the perfect place that will work for your ceremony, reception, and any other special aspect under one roof. One of the most beautiful things about a winter wedding is utilizing the snow and nature to incorporate into your venue. If guests can look out the window and see beautiful snowy mountains, or natural elements of winter, they will really feel like they are in a winter escape. Consider how a scenic venue will take your wedding to the next level.
A winter wedding essential is a coat check. A safe place for guests to put their belongings is a great addition to any wedding but especially one that takes place in winter. A coat check is not only functional but can be a place to include personal touches or carry on the theme of the décor. Cute additions like mini hand warmers, personal blankets, and winter-themed party favors will bring a special touch to the venue. These special touches done specifically for guests are what they will remember for years to come. Personalization like these that are done in the winter, gives brides and grooms space to play with unique ideas that maybe would not fit in during warmer months.
Another aspect that can take your event from comfortable to cozy is the selection of refreshments. Include warm drinks like apple cider, hot cocoa, or coffee. Warm and filling foods are best for a winter wedding. Cups of chili, soups, and hearty pasta are great examples of warm comfort foods to serve on your big day. Having the proper catering equipment is an efficient way to keep your food and refreshments fresh. Grimes Events & Party Tents offers heating, cooling, and storing, catering equipment.
Décor
The great thing about a winter wedding is being able to play with unique themes inspired by the season. Winter is a theme itself, so there are many variations of the special aspects of winter. With the incorporation of natural elements, lighting, and personal touches, you can create your dream winter wonderland. Get creative and do extensive research on winter themes and pick the one that best represents you and your partner.
A winter wedding is a catalyst to a unique experience and immaculate wedding pictures that look like they are straight from a magazine. Don’t let these winter months stop you from having the wedding of your dreams. Embrace the cold weather and the beauty it brings. Grimes Events & Party Tents has a variety of event rentals for the perfect winter wedding. Contact us today!
Cooking for a large group of people just got easier! Grimes Events & Party Tents has everything you need when it comes to catering rentals.
Cook the Food
Convection Oven – Our portable convection ovens work similarly to the oven found in most homes. They use a fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air to ensure the dishes on every rack cook evenly. Our convection ovens come in large or small and both options are equipped with wheels for ease of use.
Propane Grill – It’s time to fire up the grill! Whether you’re grilling up some hamburgers and hotdogs or grilling some vegetables, our propane grill can handle anything you need.
Gas Deep Fryer – The options are endless when it comes to our deep fryers! From French fries to fried chicken, churros to fried dough, rent a dent a deep dryer to give your guests both sweet and savory snacks!
Popcorn Machine – Add a bit of fun to your party by renting a popcorn machine! Its carnival-themed look provides a pop (pun intended) of color to your décor while delivering a tasty treat that all your guests will enjoy!
Keep It Warm
Warming Cabinet – You’ve cooked the food, now it’s time to keep it warm. If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, all the food must be ready to serve at the same time. Warming cabinets keep prepared food safe and warm until it’s time to be served.
Steam Table – Perhaps you’re planning to serve food to your guests buffet-style. Our steam tables come with three pans to hold food. The food is kept warm using steam that comes from boiling water directly beneath the pans.
Chafing Dish – Similar to a steam table, chafing dishes keep food warm for roughly 2 to 6 hours using the steam from boiling water. Individual chafing dishes are more portable than a steam table and allow for a more customized buffet layout. Chafing dishes can also be used to keep food chilled by filling the bottom tray with cold water and ice.
Heat Lamp – Sometimes the simplest of products offer the best solution! If you anticipate only needing to keep dishes warm for a short time, consider renting heat lamps.
Grimes Events & Party Tents has everything you need to throw the perfect party – tents, tables, chairs, tableware, and so much more! Contact us today at 561-853-8368 to get started!
Event planning is not for the faint of heart. Hiring an event planner can help bring the event you’re dreaming of to life while simultaneously relieving much of the stress that comes with the planning process. If you’re working with an event planner, make sure to get the most out of the experience by keeping these things in mind!
They’re On Your Side – Trust Them
Event planners do this for a living! Having experienced all the ups and downs of numerous events, they know what will result in a major success or a total failure. Your event planner should be listening to your desires but remember to take their advice if they say something won’t end well and work with them to come up with a creative solution!
Be Honest
It’s important to speak openly and honestly with your event planner. They are there to help create a perfect vision for your event! The only way to do this is to share your wants, goals, and opinions with them. If they suggest an idea you’re not crazy about, just tell them! It’s better to be honest in the beginning than to end up with an event that doesn’t turn out how you dreamt it would.
Let Them Do the Work
One of the most beneficial parts of hiring an event planner is getting the chance to relax and enjoy your event! While it may be tempting to have an active hand in the planning process, remember, you hired them for a reason. Especially with large-scale events, there are simply too many details for any one person to tend to. By hiring an event planner, you must be prepared to relinquish part of the control.
As you’re planning your outdoor event, you may wonder, “What if the weather doesn’t cooperate and there’s a storm during my event?” That’s a great question. With a little bit of prep work, you’ll have a great event – rain or shine!
Here are a few things you should do ahead of time when planning your event:
Have an evacuation plan for the extreme worst-case scenario
Designate one person to decide when the tent should be evacuated in extreme weather
Place the tent in an area that is not prone to flooding
Have a rain plan for any outdoor portion of your event
Consider renting a covered walkway for your guests to enter the tent
Consider renting an elevated floor if the ground may become muddy
If severe weather is imminent:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast
If high winds are expected, open the tent sidewalls to allow the wind to blow through the tent
Tighten the ratchet straps on the tent
If a storm does arrive during your event, you’ll be prepared. All of our tents are very sturdy and are designed to withstand storms. Of course, in the case of a very severe storm, tropical storm, or hurricane you should vacate the tent. Tents are designed to flex and move slightly during a high wind, but here are some signs that the tent is becoming unsafe:
Wind speed is over 38 miles per hour
Tent poles are lifting off the ground
Tent stakes are pulling out of the ground
Tent fabric is starting to tear
Nearby trees begin to fall
Lightning is striking nearby
If any of these conditions occur or you feel unsafe inside the tent, immediately evacuate everyone to a safe building. If no building is available, guests can go to their cars until the storm passes and the tent is secure.
If you are in a tent during a thunderstorm, keep everyone at least five feet from any tent pole. If the lightning is nearby evacuate everyone from the tent.
Grimes Events & Party Tents is always monitoring the weather. If a severe storm or hurricane is on the horizon, we take the tent down and will work with you on rescheduling your event.
Even though many events have beautiful weather, it’s always best to plan for the worst so that your event can be a success either way!
At Grimes Events & Party Tents, we take pride in the products we provide to our clients. We would never rent out products that do not meet our high standards. However, there’s no doubt that we favor some products over others for their beauty, functionality, and ability to make a statement!
Tents
Our number one favorite product is the heart and soul of our business – tents! Not only are they practical for a variety of circumstances such as protecting guests from the harsh sun or unexpected rain showers, but they also give any event a sense of formality and elegance. Specifically, we love our frame tents! They are classy on their own and can be decked out using any number of accessories including string lights, chandeliers, side curtains, tent drapery, and more!
Restroom Trailers
One of the newer additions to our inventory, luxury restroom trailers, will always be one of the rentals we suggest for any outdoor event! They come in a variety of options, perfect to fit any size or style event. Choose between 3-stall, 5-stall, 9-stall, or single-stall ADA compliant restroom trailers. Each trailer comes equipped with air conditioning and heating, hot and cold running water, a self-leveling jack, and vinyl skirting. If you want our suggestion, we highly recommend the 3-stall luxury restroom trailer which offers completely private spaces, LED lighting, and Bluetooth speakers!
Lounge Furniture
Our lounge furniture packages offer a myriad of benefits! They are fully customizable, give a modern look to any event, and help to keep your guests comfortable. Arrange several corner and center pieces into a variety of shapes and toss in a few ottomans. The options are endless! Are you looking to add a little flair to the look of your event? Our LED furniture is a great way to add some color to your event décor!
There are several advantages to renting your party equipment including cost efficiency and less stress for you! If you’re still unsure, consider our consulting service. For more information, contact us at 561-853-8368!
