Tag Archives: outdoor party planning

Blog, Event Planning

Outdoor Event Spaces Must-Haves

An outdoor event provides an affordable alternative to pricy venues. However, there are some essential amenities that the outdoor space must have and the South Florida climate also presents some challenges that will require solutions.

Permits and Insurance

At least one permit will be required, and possibly more, depending on the location, number of people that will attend, or if roadways will be affected by the volume of traffic. The permit is especially important when food or beverages will be available.

Liability insurance provides protection should someone be injured during the event and is typically a requirement by municipalities for before issuing a permit. Individuals will have to secure the use of the property before applying for any permit and there may be time limits on when the application must be submitted.

Bathrooms

Whether its restroom facilities in a park or portable toilets, they’re critical. When portable toilets are used, they need to be strategically placed and in sufficient numbers that long lines and waits don’t occur.

Pest Control & Sanitation

No one can enjoy activities if they’re constantly being bothered by insects. The pests also have the potential to spread disease. Have a professional treat the area prior to the event. Be sure plenty of trash receptacles are placed strategically throughout the grounds and plenty of help is available to assist with clean-up and other details. Consider contracting with a professional trash service for trash receptacles and removal of trash.

Food

Whether it’s prepared meals or traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, burgers and popcorn, people want to eat. They’ll also expect water and soda. That’s where professional vendors are invaluable.

Running Water

People need a source of clean running water for spills and other situations. It provides a source of fresh water for people if bottled water isn’t available and for service dogs.

Electricity

Any event will require access to electricity whether its held day or night. It’s critical for safety lighting, entertainment and food vendors. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand.

Phone Access

Most people have cell phones and it’s a mistake to plan an event where service is unavailable or sketchy. Attendees won’t be happy and it may be needed in the event of an emergency.

Tents and Canopies

Tents and canopies provide shade from the sun or an unexpected rain shower. Seriously consider at least one air-conditioned tent, especially for infants and the elderly where they can cool off.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

An Indoor or Outdoor Event? Things to Consider

There are many of the same concerns and details connected with an event whether it’s held indoors or outside. However, there are some major differences of which every host needs to be aware. The primary concern will be the comfort of guests, enabling them to enjoy themselves.

Budgetary Concerns

There’s a myriad of outdoor options that are free to use and they may even contain grills for a BBQ and playground equipment to entertain children. Be sure there’s ample shade, a canopy or tent for a respite from the heat and humidity. For those that will be renting a hall or other building for indoor festivities, it’s essential that hosts know exactly how much they have to spend. Indoor venues can be expensive.

Capacity Limits

Know how many will be in attendance and make sure the venue is up to the task in terms of space and seating ability. Keep in mind that there are often guests that won’t RSVP, but will show up anyway. Never rent a space sight unseen. Take the time to actually view the venue for space, functionality, cleanliness, and sufficient bathroom facilities. Amenities can be more of a problem at a free outdoor venue so choose carefully.

Entertainment

Older individuals may be content to sit and talk, while younger attendees won’t be so easily pleased. An outdoor venue allows for a greater range of potential activities, but bear in mind that permits may be required. An indoor event is limited in the array of amusements that can take place.

Weather

There’s no controlling the weather and outdoor events are at the whims of Mother Nature. Rain, wind and lightning will have guests scrambling for their cars since the majority of outdoor events won’t provide any type of shelter unless the host rents tents or canopies. An indoor event eliminates those problems and will be air-conditioned.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

Throwing a Big Party in a Small Yard

outdoor event

One of the best things about summer is the ability to gather outdoors with friends and families. However, for those with small yards and a large number of family or friends, hosting a summer bash can present some significant logistical problems. Before scrapping the party plans or limiting the guest list, consider the following ways to maximize the space.

The Grill

Choose a smaller grill so it can be moved out of the way once everyone has eaten. There’s a wealth of small, compact grills on the market that operate with charcoal, gas and electric. Individuals can also choose from tabletop grills and there are even convertible models that transform from a traditional upright grill to a hibachi.

Multiple Tables

Separate the food from the beverages on separate tables, each in its own space. It prevents guests from crowding around a single place and evens out the foot traffic. Instead of trying to offer a full bar, consider a single beverage that can be served in a pitcher and made prior to the event.

Seating

Forget lawn chairs in small spaces. The modern way to provide seating is through stackable stools. They’re inexpensive, require less room, and can be pressed into service as a small table when needed. Establish seating areas on the perimeter of the party area. It’s a method that enhances the flow and ebb of foot traffic and leaves room for guests to mingle in the middle.

Fire Pits

Rather than try to control a bonfire, which may be illegal in urban settings anyway, consider a fire pit. They’re available in multiple styles and sizes to fit any deck or patio, including portable models. Some are even equipped with protective glass. It’s an important safety feature if alcohol is being served, someone imbibes too much, and becomes tipsy and unsteady.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

Tips for Planning a Great Outdoor Event

 

Planning any type of event can be a frustrating and nerve-wracking experience without a definite plan in place. Individuals have many more options for an outdoor event than one that’s held inside and in South Florida there are problems unique to the environment. The following tips will aid in creating a great outdoor event.

Permits

Each municipality is different and has its own ordinances, laws, and requirements. There may be restrictions about the number of people that can attend. If the event is held in a public park, permits may be required and the space may need to be reserved in advance. Permits, scheduling, and location will all impact the event.

Budget

It’s essential that individuals know the budget they have to work with as it will affect everything from the cuisine that’s served to the entertainment. Organizers may have to make decisions on where they want to focus their money – food or entertainment – and make appropriate adjustments.

Logistics

It’s a good idea to take a photo of the area where the event will be held. It will help in planning where vendors, entertainments, and seating will be placed. Don’t forget that concessionaires, amusements, games, and sound equipment will require power sources.

Comfort

A benchmark of a good host is seeing to the comfort of guests. That means ensuring that attendees have ample seating to rest and relax. That can also necessitate arranging for tents and awnings to provide shade, or an air-conditioned space for the very young or the elderly to escape the heat and humidity. Tents with roll-down sides are essential in the event of rain.

Sanitation and Pest Control

Cleanliness and pest control go hand-in-hand. An adequate supply of trash receptacles will aid in minimizing the potential for pests. Hiring a professional to treat the area where the event will take place is an excellent idea. Have sufficient helpers to assist in clean up details when the event comes to a close.

Safety

For evening events, adequate lighting is critical to avoid accidents and injuries. It will also help attendees locate amenities quickly and efficiently. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit available at all times.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

End the Virtual School Year with an Outdoor Event

outdoor event

For many youngsters, their school year was a virtual one – at least in part – while others never made it into the classroom at all. Now is a great time to get the gang together to end the school year with an outdoor event. It will enable kids to visit with their friends and get some much-needed exercise. Outdoor events are also safer in terms of the pandemic.

Outdoor events can be held at home, in a park, or an outdoor venue can be booked. The location will have an impact on the type of refreshments served to the amusements and decorations that are planned. Conversely, there are many events that really don’t need decorations – just people sharing good times.

There are dozens of ideas for celebrating, whether it’s an event held during the day or in the evening. Commemorate the event with a T-shirt or other keepsake that can be imprinted with a novel message.

Water Party

This is a great idea for at-home events. Give everyone a squirt gun or large supply of water balloons and let the fun begin. For those that have the available space, consider renting a water slide.

Ice Cream Bar

Nothing says summer like ice cream and it’s an ideal way to kick off the end of the virtual school year. Play music appropriate to the event and offer attendees a rainbow of ice cream flavors, along with their favorite toppings.

Scavenger Hunt

Hide summer-related items around the yard appropriate for the kids’ age. Let them search for items such as sunglasses, small bottles of sunscreen, bubbles and sidewalk chalk, miniature inflatable beach balls, beach toys and paddle balls.

Be Inventive

Parents can throw a tailgate party or backyard BBQ, hold a movie night, a pool party, or camp out in the backyard. Inflatables are available ranging from games and mazes to bounce houses, along with bubble machines and foam/snow machines to create a winterscape. The important thing is to just have fun and celebrate the end of a virtual school year that’s kept everyone cooped up indoors.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

Why Plan your Event Outdoors?

 

Many people automatically begin searching for an indoor venue when planning a special event, but there’s a lot to be said for holding a celebration outside. You can have all the amenities associated with an indoor event, including air-conditioned tents, to provide a respite from the heat and humidity. You can book a party planner or handle the details yourself.

COVID-19

Even though vaccines are now available, not everyone has been inoculated. Some guests are at greater risk if masks aren’t worn and social distancing is almost impossible with a large gathering. Outdoor events provide less potential for anyone to be unwittingly infected.

Weather

Outdoor events enable guests to take advantage of the sunlight for an effective boost in mood. Another advantage is that it provides natural lighting for the dozens of pictures that are always taken to commemorate a gathering.

Space

An outdoor location will provide more space for people to mingle and if children are in attendance, it gives them space to play. Outdoor events are especially beneficial if you have a large family, an extensive guest list, or aren’t sure how many people will attend.

Beautiful Scenery

No matter how elaborately decorated, an indoor venue means guests are looking at four walls. Florida is resplendent with picturesque views and scenery that make ideal backdrops for photos and videos.

Family-Friendly

If children will be in attendance, it can be extremely difficult to find a suitable location that’s able to accommodate them. There are no such limitations for events held outside. Parks are especially popular as the facilities typically provide bathrooms, equipment for youngsters to play on, and some include grills for cookouts.

Reduced Costs

Planning any event can be expensive and an outdoor location is a cost-effective way to have a great time without a huge associated cost. There are a variety of free locations where gatherings can be held and some party planners offer outdoor spaces at reduced costs.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Event Planning

Top 7 Must-Haves when Planning an Outdoor Party

 

Parties play an essential role in celebrating events ranging from employee appreciation days and retirements to weddings. However, planning the event can be extremely stressful as individuals attempt to ensure every detail is correct – from food to entertainment. There are some essentials for any gathering that are non-negotiable and must-haves for a successful party – especially in Florida.

  1. Food

The quickest way to ruin a party is for guests to leave the event hungry. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a sophisticated soiree. Food is viewed universally as a demonstration of love and regard.

Professionals caterers will know exactly how much food to prepare for the number of guests to ensure everyone is well-fed. They can also accommodate special dietary needs. Caterers will provide table service, glassware and servers, along with beverages, a bartender, and even bouncers if required.

  1. Seating

There should be a chair for every guest, including any children in attendance. They should also be easy to move, as there will always be groups of people rearranging chairs to sit together to converse.

  1. Tables

Guests should never be scrunched up together, which means sufficient tables so they can spread out a little for elbow room. It’s especially important if children will be attending.

  1. Tents

Florida can get very hot and humid during summer months. A tent provides convenient shade from the heat. It’s particularly important for older individuals. Portable air conditioning units are available to provide cooling inside tents. A tent also offers a means of expanding available space and provides shelter in the event of unforeseen rain.

  1. Entertainment

The type of entertainment selected will depend largely on the guest list. Adults enjoy dancing so a band or DJ, along with a portable dance floor, is ideal. If the party is for children, there are any number of inflatable games and activities that can be rented. Don’t discount the value of inflatables for adult parties, either.

  1. Decorations

The addition of appropriate decorations, whether it’s special lighting, banners or table centerpieces, are an essential element that will set the mood and tone of the party. They also provide an attractive backdrop for people to take photos as mementos of the event.

  1. Party Planner

A party planner is an excellent resource. They can help individuals stay within any budget and they have connections with entertainers, venues, caterers and other professionals. Party planners will relieve the stress and ensure a party for any occasion is a complete success.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce