Tents, tables, and chairs are a necessity for summer weddings and events like graduation parties, anniversaries, birthday parties, and family reunions. However, before you place your order for tents, tables, and chairs for your summer event, there are a few things you should know as a renter.

Things to Consider Before Renting Tents, Tables, and Chairs for Summer Events

One of the first things to consider before placing an order for tents, tables, and chairs for your summer event is where your event will take place. Is the venue outside or inside? How many square feet are available for seating? Does the rental hall have any restrictions about setting up equipment in the facility?

The answers to these questions will impact the types of tents, tables, and chairs you will need.

Another obvious factor in determining which tents, tables, and chairs you will be renting is the expected guest count. Be sure to include enough seating for the bridal party, ushers, and unexpected guests at weddings. Most weddings have a few uninvited guests who decide to tag along with someone on the guest list and it would be awkward to have guests standing throughout the entire wedding reception for lack of seating.

If you plan to use clip on table skirting for your summer event, make sure your selected tables are compatible with this type of decoration. You will also need exact tale measurements before selecting tablecloths for your event. It is also helpful to know how many tables will be delivered before making or ordering table centerpieces.

If you are ordering a tent for a special summer event, you should know that event tents come in many different colors. The classic red and white striped event tent may not be what you had in mind for your sunset summer wedding, so be sure to ask your rentals service representative what colors are available for your selected event date.

Be sure to ask your rental provider if the set up and tear down of tents, tables, and chairs is included in the rental contract or if you will be responsible for these duties. You may also want to ask if you are responsible for the cleaning and inspection of tents, tables, and chairs prior to return to the rental facility. Failure to follow your rental agreement may cost you your security deposit or incur extra charges o cover the rental agency’s cost of fulfilling your end of the agreement.

This guide to renting tents, tables, and chairs for your summer wedding or special event is not all-inclusive. It is imperative that you read, understand and follow the renter’s agreement provided by the rental agency to ensure a positive renting experience.

In Washington State, Inflatable Games are required to be inspected by a State Certified Amusement Inspector.

At Clowns Unlimited we have Amusement Inspectors on staff, and we have a strong relationship with the Folks over at Amusement Inspectors LLC- they are the leading provider of Inflatable Games inspections in the country. The company was formed in order to provide experienced inspectors and inspection programs that are customized for the Inflatable Games Market, as well as for Companies in that market that operate Climbing Walls, Rock Walls, Bungee Trampolines, and Trackless Trains.

Rental companies should always be Inspected and Insured to operate in the State of Washington. If you would like to find out if the company you are considering to use is inspected or insured contact Amusement Inspector, and they can assist you with your needs.

They can also assist people who are looking to get their rides and games inspected for use in any state. If you need an inflatable game inspection, insurance inspection, bungee trampoline inspection, climbing wall inspection, or even a trackless train inspection- they can help!

If you are in the process of planning a wedding, anniversary party, conference, large meeting, or other large event, you know how much work event planning can be.

If the details of planning your major event are overwhelming you, or if you are in the beginning phases of event planning, you may want to consider the reasons to hire an event planner.

Why Hire an Event Planner:

Saving Time

Hiring an event planner has several distinct advantages. One of the most obvious advantages to hiring an event planner is that you save time. By placing the details and coordination of event planning into the hands of a professional, you free up your calendar to focus on other issues such as your family or your business.

Saving Money

Hiring an event planner may seem like an extravagant waste of money, but the truth is that an experienced event planner will likely save you money in the end. A professional event planner knows what is a reasonable price for fresh flowers to decorate 25 tables, do you?

An event planner often has important contacts in the event planning circles that will provide discounted rates for large ticket items such as renting a meeting hall, providing catering services, or clean up after the event.

An event planner is familiar with the best deals in town for all the services your event requires. Your event planner may recover his or her fee plus a substantial amount of savings on the total bill for your event.

Greater Enjoyment

Utilizing the services of a professional event planner allows you the freedom to sit back, relax, and become a guest at your own event. An event planner handles all the details of coordinating services during the event and they handle any problems that crop up during the event, often without your knowledge.

For many occasions, such as the wedding of a son or daughter, this benefit of hiring an event planner is reason enough to justify employing an event planner.

Experience Makes a Difference

The experience of a professional event planner shows in the details of any event. Events that utilize an event planner experience fewer problems, greater enjoyment of the guests, and a smoothly running event. Overall, hiring an event planner means a better party, a more elegant wedding, or a hit birthday party.

Hiring an event planner is a wise investment for any major event. An event planner saves you time, saves money, provides a quality experience for you and your guests, and allows you to enjoy your own event.

Weddings, Graduation, Prom and More

Coming up with ideas for spring event planning is a challenge. Selecting the theme for your spring event is one of the first steps in event planning. Here are a few ideas for your spring event planning themes.

Weddings

Spring event planning often involves preparation for weddings. Springtime is bridal season and the event planning process for a spring wedding can be difficult if not started in advance. Services book well in advance and the early planner gets the best openings.

Weddings have a chosen color theme, but you can also incorporate a favorite theme such as hearts and flowers, horses, golfing, or any theme the wedded couple enjoys. Some couples opt to get married on horseback, under a giant picture of Elvis, or on a beachfront with their surf boards.

Graduation

Graduation parties are also a large portion of spring event planning bookings. Many graduation parties opt for a theme that reflects the college or university that the graduate will be attending. For graduates who have chosen not to continue their education, you can select a jailbird theme, celebrating their freedom from the constraints of required education.

Another graduation party theme is a celebration of the graduate coming of age. Decorations can include snapshots of the graduate growing up, favorite mementos from childhood, and special awards and achievements the graduate has received.

Prom

Prom is another major spring event that requires extensive event planning. Prom themes vary from year to year, but most incorporate a romantic theme. City lights, under the sea, celebrity red carpet, movie night, picnic in the park, and a stroll in the garden are all possible prom themes for event planners.

Spring Celebrations

Spring celebrations such as birthday parties, anniversaries, and family reunions all require spring event planning. Themes for these spring celebrations are often light and airy to reflect the break in winter weather. If your spring celebration will be held out of doors, be sure to have an alternate plan for an indoor location in case inclement weather strikes.

Spring celebration themes could include gardening themes such as choosing a particular springtime flower such as a magnolia blossom or combining a variety of spring bulbs and blooms. Another idea for spring celebration themes are the Mardi Gras party, spring camp out, spring fever, rainy days, or rainbows.

Butterfly Parties

Another idea appropriate for spring event planning themes is the butterfly party. As the butterfly emerges from the cocoon after a major transformation, so does nature emerge from the blanket of wintry sleep in the spring. Butterflies are a popular theme for every type of spring event.

Garden Parties

Garden clubs revel in the approach of spring. Garden party event planning is easiest during spring months. Packages containing gardening supplies, flower seeds, and bulbs are terrific door prizes for your spring garden party.

Spring event planning goes more smoothly once you select a theme for your event. These ideas can get your creative process started to make your spring event planning process a success.

If you are planning a corporate event, wedding, birthday party, or special event you may find all the details confusing. Avoid losing sleep over worrying about missing important details of your event by using the event-planning checklist below.

Form a Plan
Six to twelve months before your event, begin gathering ideas for your event. Then, form a framework plan to build up with details closer to the time of the event.

Gather Ideas
• Decide on a theme or purpose for your event (Fundraiser, celebrate an event, promote awareness of a cause, etc.)
• Select a team to help you with various tasks during the event planning
• Research possible locations for your event
• Research possible entertainment for your event
• Estimate the number of attendees for your event
• Set a budget for your event

Get Bids on Services
• Meeting place
• Caterer
• Flowers, if applicable
• Decorations
• Media coverage, including newspaper announcements for weddings and anniversaries
• Entertainment

Seek Additional Funding (if applicable)
• Set an admission price for the event if appropriate
• Seek out sponsors at various commitment levels
• Form mock-up of advertising space for local businesses who help sponsor the event

Create a Framework
• Finalize location of the event
• Finalize the date and time of the event
• Create an alternative plan for outdoor events in case of inclement weather
• Obtain written contracts for services to be provided at the event
• Create an invitation mailing list
• Select Invitations
• Prepare press release, newspaper announcement or other advertising media
• Hire a photographer and/or videographer for the event

Three to Six Months Before the Event
• Select flowers and decorations
• Decide on a menu for the event
• Secure permits for the event
• Finalize sponsorship contracts and advertising

Two Months Before the Event
• Mail invitations
• Arrange for transportation for the guests of honor
• Arrange lodging for guests arriving from out of town

One Month Ahead
• Print tickets and/or RSVP list
• Publish newspaper announcement and/or ads
• Compile seating arrangements
• Confirm number of expected guests with caterer
• Create a schedule of events for the event
• Confirm lodging accommodations for guests
• Hire security if desired

One Week Before the Event
• Delegate a team to handle unexpected events, including a few medical personnel to handle emergencies
• Enlist volunteers to assist with set up, errands, tear down and odd and ends during the event
• Schedule rehearsal
• Prepare payments for services and goods used during the event

The day before the event is usually the best time for a rehearsal. A rehearsal can point out any problems or adjustments needed before the big day. All activities that can be done beforehand should be completed the day before the event. The day of the event should be kept as simple as possible. Arrive early and review arrangements with key member like the caterer, entertainment, and service staff.

Keep a sewing kit, stain remover, extra pantyhose, and a small medicine kit on hand for the event. The event planner should delegate one person to supervise the delivery, set-up and return of all rental equipment. The event planner should delegate as many tasks as possible to free up time for coordinating activities and managing the unexpected.

This event-planning checklist can be adapted to meet the needs of a specific type of event, such as a corporate event or wedding. Planning an event is easier with proper organization and the use of a checklist.

Corporate event planning can be a stressful task. During the corporate event planning process, it is easy to overlook proper ethics and etiquette. This guide provides a list of the basics or ethics and etiquette at any corporate event.

Behavior Guidelines

When planning a corporate event, the goal is often to provide a relaxed and entertaining experience for your employees. However, guests at the corporate event still represent your company in public and should be expected to behave in a respectful manner. Behavior guidelines should be made clear to all attendees.

Alcoholic Drinks

Serving alcohol is a touchy subject for many corporate event planners. Many companies opt for a non-alcoholic event. If your corporate event does include alcohol, it is best to limit the number of alcoholic drinks consumed by each guest. This is most effectively done by requiring guests to pay for their own drinks after a complimentary cocktail with dinner. Providing a full bar at the company’s expense is often a recipe for disaster.

Gratuities

When planning a corporate event, the event planner should incorporate an appropriate gratuity into the event budget. Housekeepers, valets, servers, caterers, hosts, and barkeeps should all be provided with a gratuity for their service. Many facilities automatically incorporate a gratuity into the bill for large events, but this should not be assumed. The gratuity should never be left up to the attendees of the event.

Dealing with the Unexpected

Every corporate event has unexpected occurrences. Whether you are dealing with an obnoxious guest, spoiled food, a rude server, or cramped quarters, corporate events call for graciousness and self-control. It is a good idea to hire a few security personnel for large events to help handle any potential problems during the event.

Bring contact numbers for companies contracted to provide services during the corporate event in case problems arise with the staff or services provided. Expecting perfection during a corporate event is unrealistic. Stay flexible and poised during unexpected events.

Basic Corporate Event Etiquette

There are also a few basic etiquette guidelines for corporate events.

*Name-tags should be worn on the right shoulder. This allows people to read name-tags easily while shaking hands.

*If attendance at the corporate event is required, all employees should be told in advance that their presence is expected, not desired.

*The company sponsoring the corporate event should dictate an appropriate dress code for attendees, even if the dress is casual. This eliminates any confusion over what is appropriate for the event.

Planning a corporate event can be a positive experience. Proper etiquette and good ethics during a corporate event helps reflect positively on your company’s reputation.

Clowns Unlimited provides fun at the Whirligig Festival and transforms the Center House into a vibrant “House of Bounce” and offers amusement for all ages including…

Super-Sized Inflatable Rides
Clowns
Face Painters
Family Shows
Balloon Artists
Mouthwatering Food
Special Toddler Zone
More Information and Free Entertainment Schedule

Whirligig Prices:

All-Day Pass - $7.25
All Day Toddler Pass - $4.25
Single Ticket - $1.00
Kids ride FREE on Thursdays (in Center House only not the Fun Forest)
*** Avoid the crowds and come play on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Group Discounts Available!

Special Ticket Pricing is available for non-profit groups of ten or more. Please call Lance at
253-893-7514 for more information.

WHEN:
March 28 - April 13

TIMES:
Mondays - Thursdays:
11am - 4pm

Fridays - Sundays:
11am - 6pm

WHERE:
Center House Seattle Center
305 Harrison - Seattle, WA 98109

The company picnic is a very important aspect to many companies and firms. It is a great chance for co-workers to get together and see what and whom each other are working for. Taking the person out of the normal job duties, and putting them in a place where they are encouraged to have fun, encouraged to relax, and encouraged to enjoy the company and great food provided.

Many corporations have reported great results in both sales, happy customers, and a better working environment immediately following a successful company picnic event.

Picnic Games and Activities
There are all kinds of great games and activities which are available for company picnics. These days inflatable games are proving to be huge successes at all kinds of activities, and for an even longer period of time- classic picnic games like the tug-o-war, potato sack races, and other fun activities have been huge successes at all kinds of Portland Company Picnic events.

Picnic Food - Barbecue time!
Old fashioned picnic fare has been hugely popular at all kinds of special events and parties throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are talking about hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato or macaroni salad. But lately in our region people have been ordering ribs, chicken, and more notably- salmon has found it’s way onto many corporate picnic menus in the past several years.

Locations, Rental and Event Services
Finding the right place for your picnic can not only make a big determination on the attendance, but a nice area to host the event will also determine how long people will stick around, what kinds of activities and amenities are available to the group, and what kinds of rental services are required to pull off the event you are planning.

For more information on planning a company picnic contact us today!

The Grad Party is a huge part of the whole graduation experience! On the evening of graduation, parent groups and schools often plan a night of fun for the grads which includes any number of safe, fun, exciting, activities.

We have a huge amount of games and attractions which are successful for entertaining your graduates.

Our grad party games and activities are the perfect options to include for your upcoming graduation celebration. Keep your kids safe and plan your event with us!

Check out these links for some more information on graduation parties!

Grad Party - Grad Party Portland - Grad Party Seattle

For a good School Carnival 101 page, that will help you with planning your carnival and figuring out activities for your group check out our school carnival planning page here.

We are the Pacific Northwest’s leading provider of games, prizes, entertainers, and activities at local school canrivals and events.

With over 26 years of Experience, Clowns Unlimited has done thousands of school carnivals, grad parties, special events, and more. We are here to make the school carnival planners life easier, and will do our best to provide your organization with top level customer service and the best games in the industry.

Call us for a free brochure today, and we will be glad to offer you the best entertainment around!