Creating the Perfect Party: Tips for Planning Like a Pro
Photo via Unsplash
Parties are a great opportunity to show off your creative side while enjoying time with friends. But throwing your first real party can be a little overwhelming. With a little guidance from Greenbelt Event Rentals and some helpful list-making skills, you will have your home ready for entertaining in no time!
Make A List
It is easy to feel unprepared when it comes to party planning, but it really just takes some forethought and follow through. Start with a simple list of obvious items and then get more detailed regarding the specifics for the party of your dreams.
Start with the basics of when, where, who, and why. Understanding how many people, the purpose of the party, how formal the event will be, and where you’ll hold it will guide the other items on your list. Preparing for backyard weddings will be different from graduation parties.
Check out this list of party planning mistakes to avoid as you make your list. Now is the time to safeguard against faux paus like an unclear party theme or not enough beverages.
Depending on the season, installing a well-reviewed propane fire pit may be just the thing your backyard needs.
If you’re hosting the party at your place, take an honest look at the space. Add preparations for cleaning and organization steps to your list to prepare over time. If you cram cleaning, shopping, food prep, and decorating into a few days, you’ll never want to host another party again.
Finally, think through what sort of food and beverages you want to serve, and if you’re cooking or catering. If you plan to cook, you’ll need to add groceries to your list. If you plan to outsource, add finding a caterer to your list.
Get Creative
Once you’ve figured out the party planning basics, it’s time to have fun! You can go all out or keep it simple. Just let your creativity — and your budget — be your guide.
Make your party stand out with personalized invitations. You can go the formal route through a paper store, or pay a few bucks for a customizable PDF of your choice through sites like Etsy. Or consider sending an evite. Although less traditional, they come with the added benefits of RSVP tracking, chats, and regular updates or reminders.
Remote education opportunities have a lot of great perks, but might leave you without a proper graduation celebration. Whether you're enrolled in online IT programs or getting a doctorate in nursing, Austin TX party rentals has your back.
Decorating doesn’t have to break the bank. You can shop at discount or dollar stores and still end up with some pretty amazing decor. There are also great DIY sites online with additional tips.
Sometimes it’s more about staging than anything else. Learn a few tricks of the trade from the party planners at The Spruce.
Holiday parties come with their own decoration guidelines, although you can always customize. See what other people are doing, and then make the holiday your own!
Now that you’ve got a plan, you’re ready for the fun stuff! So pour some wine and make your lists, then get ready to enjoy the compliments, laughter, and food as you host your first party.
Hosting a Memorable House Party: Your Ultimate Guide
Planning a memorable house party or event requires careful consideration and preparation. In this guide, we will walk you through seven key points to help you create an unforgettable experience for your guests. From the budget to the atmosphere, we've got you covered. By adhering to these guidelines from Greenbelt Event Rentals, you can avoid common pitfalls and throw a party that will be the talk of the town. Your friends will leave with cherished memories, and you'll gain the reputation as a phenomenal host. So, let's dive in!
Setting Your Financial Limits
Start by setting a clear budget for your event. Knowing how much you can spend will guide your decisions on everything from food and drinks to entertainment. It's essential to establish this financial framework early to avoid last-minute stress. Be realistic, yet flexible; it's okay to splurge on one or two special items. Keep track of your spending as you go along. This helps you stay within the limits and make necessary adjustments if needed.
Paving the Way with Preparations
Early planning is crucial to a successful party. Begin organizing your event well in advance to ensure you have enough time for every detail. This early-bird approach gives you the advantage of first picks from vendors, venues, or even date selection. Start with a checklist of all the elements you need to consider. This way, you can cross off tasks, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Crafting Irresistible Invitations
Make a great first impression by designing custom invitations. You can design your invitation in minutes using free online tools to craft beautiful and personalized invites that set the tone for your party. Your invite serves as a sneak-peek into the event, generating excitement and curiosity. Besides essential information like date, time, and place, add a personal touch—maybe a joke, a quote, or a teaser about the party theme. This extra step makes your invite memorable and irresistible.
Assembling Your Ideal Crowd
Decide who you want to invite to your event. Be mindful of the space available and the atmosphere you want to create, ensuring a mix of guests who will enjoy each other's company. Keep track of RSVPs and be prepared for some last-minute additions or dropouts. The people you invite shape the event's overall vibe, so choose wisely.
Curating a Mouth-Watering Menu
Think about the types of food and drinks you'll offer. Consider your guests' preferences and dietary restrictions. A well-planned menu can elevate your party to a gourmet gathering. It's not just about what's delicious; it's about what suits the event. Are you going for sophisticated canapés or easy comfort food? Opt for a mix of both sweet and savory options.
Entertaining Your Guests with Activities
To keep your guests entertained, plan a variety of activities. Whether it's games, music, or themed activities, having a schedule of enjoyable events will keep the party going. Get creative: a mini-tournament, a karaoke setup, or even a DIY photo booth can add unique flair. Make sure there's something for everyone, from the introverts to the social butterflies.
Consider a House Party Away from Home
Renting a space outside of your own home for hosting an event can be an excellent option for those who wish to avoid the potential mess and wear and tear on their personal living space. Hosting a "house party" at a dedicated event space can offer more flexibility in terms of size, amenities, and layout, ensuring that guests have an unforgettable experience. Greenbelt Event Rentals is a trusted name in the industry, providing clients with a diverse range of venues and additional rental options to cater to individual needs. By choosing a venue like Greenbelt Event Rentals, hosts can ensure a professional setting and service, leaving them free to focus on enjoying the event rather than concerning themselves with logistical challenges.
Hosting a memorable house party is all about careful planning and attention to detail. By following these seven key points, you'll be well on your way to creating an event that your guests will talk about for years to come. So, start your preparations early, stay within your budget, and focus on making your party a truly unforgettable experience. Your friends will thank you, and you'll enjoy the process of creating something extraordinary.
How To Survive ACL
ACL is no simple feat. It is a beast of its own! Check out these tips, use it as a checklist, to make sure your experience will be perfect!
ACL 2023 Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive at Austin's Iconic Music Festival
The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) is an epic, jam-packed weekend full of incredible live shows. But navigating the crowds, Texas heat, and non-stop action can be daunting for first-timers. Use this guide to get equipped with the top ACL essentials for surviving and thriving at one of the country’s best music festivals.
Stay Hydrated
The number one ACL essential is proper hydration. With temperatures climbing into the 90s, you’ll sweat a lot at Zilker Park. Bringing a reusable water backpack is a must. You can never go wrong with the Camelback Backpack. The Camelback has been a staple in the outdoor event and concert space since its inception. Countless knockoffs have came out since, none better than the original. To replenish nutrients lost from sweating, bring electrolyte tablets like Nuun Sport to add to your water. Hydrating well ahead of time in the days before the festival will also give you a head start.
Protect Your Skin
Don't forget sunscreen - aim for SPF 30 or higher in a lightweight, non-greasy formula like Neutrogena Dry Touch. You'll need to reapply often. Bring lip balm with UV protection as well, like Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF 25. Wearing a breezy sun hat helps block rays while keeping you cooler - brands like Tilley, Columbia and Outdoor Research make great quality options. And don’t forget the sunglasses to shield your eyes from harsh glare that can lead to headaches. Look for polarized lenses that block 100% UV rays.
Comfy Shoes
With all the walking, dancing, and standing at ACL, your feet will take a beating. Choose flexible, supportive shoes like Nike Roshe Ones or Adidas Ultraboosts over flimsy flip flops or fashion boots that lack support. If it’s wet, waterproof boots can keep your feet dry. Bring an extra pair of shoes so you can swap if your feet get sore or wet. Packing some moleskin, blister bandages and petroleum jelly can save you if you get blisters on your feet.
Beat the Crowds
A foldable chair like the ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous is essential for rests between sets. Chairs help you get off your feet and avoid losing your space. A telescoping selfie stick from XShot lets you get epic panoramic footage over the crowds when your view gets blocked. And a waterproof fanny pack like the Venture Pal ensures you don’t lose valuables on rides. Arrive early each day and catch the headliner’s set live instead of on the screens to beat long exits.
Stay Charged
Keep your phone charged all festival long with a high-capacity portable power bank like the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000. Getting separated from friends is common - so make sure you stay connected. Separate your phone in a water-resistant pouch like the JOTO CellPhone Dry Bag when hydrating so it doesn’t get damaged. Download the ACL app and sync set time reminders so you don’t miss shows. And consider buying a disposable film camera to capture iconic moments unencumbered by devices.
Layer for Comfort
Austin weather fluctuates, so layered clothing is key. Pack lightweight moisture-wicking tees and tanks that won’t get heavy with sweat. Bring items like flannels, ponchos, or a hoodie like The North Face Venture for when the sun sets and it gets chilly. Brands like Kuhl and Columbia make great lightweight pants perfect for hot festival days. And keep a compact rain poncho handy in case of storms.
Stay Protected
Keep daily essentials like sunscreen, cash, cards, and ID in a crossbody bag for security in crowds. Pack a small first aid kit with bandaids, alcohol wipes, medications, etc. in case of scrapes or headaches. Earplugs help prevent long-term hearing damage in front of speakers. And keep your valuables locked in your hotel or secured in a locker to avoid theft on the festival grounds.
Fuel Up
Pack nutritious snacks like protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit and mixed nuts to power you through the long festival days. Stop by the various food vendors scattered throughout the park for heartier Austin-style bites like tacos, burgers, pizza and more. Stay hydrated with water and drinks like Gatorade. And be sure to eat balanced meals before and after each day to properly refuel.
With the proper essentials, you can take on the iconic ACL festival in comfort and style. Follow these tips to stay hydrated, powered up, and equipped for an epic experience immersed in amazing live music. Get ready to rock in the Austin sunshine!
Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette parties can be a lot of fun for the bride-to-be, but they can be tricky for the maid of honor planning all the fun. It can get even trickier if you’re trying to manage how much money you spend on the festivities. Fortunately, Greenbelt Event Rentals is here to share some ways you can maintain your budget but still have fun.
Be Clear on Your Budget
The Zoe Report states that a bachelorette party can cost each person $500 or more, and that’s a lot before you even factor in a bridesmaid dress or posh wedding gift! Start thinking about your budget by researching bachelorette party destinations and accommodations, in addition to essentials like party favors, games, drinkware, and a quality speaker for music.
Remember that you’re not in this by yourself, though, so plan to have a budget talk with the rest of the bridal party. Whether everyone decides to pay upfront or on a set schedule, make sure you keep track of what’s required and the timelines involved. This helps keep the communication channels open and everyone stays on the same page.
Keep it Local and Short
It’s common these days for bachelorette parties to become destination events that last all weekend long. If you’re thinking along those lines, The Knot will help you weigh the pros and cons. While you can have a lot of fun in a different location, there are a lot of details involved and it can be stressful to plan.
Heading to another location can also put a huge dent in your budget, whereas a local party is more budget-friendly. By staying local, you may even be able to get discounted prices from people familiar with the bride. There’s also less pressure to keep the party going when you have the festivities in one day instead of spreading it out over a three-day period.
If you host the party at your place, make sure that your bridal party is on board helping to clean up the next day. There’s nothing more stressful than a trashed house a few days before the bride’s big day. Have some safe and natural cleaning products on hand so everyone can dive in and have the place tidy in no time!
Get Discounts Where You Can
If you have your heart set on a destination bachelorette party, be sure to check out cities that offer tons of fun activities at an affordable cost, such as Austin and Savannah. When checking for discounted flights, Thrifty Nomads gives some advice on how to find them. For example, it’s best to use certain search engines or keep your search information hidden when using regular websites.
You’ll likely get better deals if you don’t limit your trip to the weekend, and find out if anyone has points they’d be willing to use. To keep the party budget-friendly, don’t be afraid to bring your own entertainment.
Think Non-Traditional
A bachelorette party doesn’t have to be a traditional party at all. The point is to celebrate your friend’s upcoming wedding and for everyone to have fun. Why not ditch the full itinerary of activities for something less fussy? You can have a get together over lunch or go out for a night of karaoke. If you’re up for trying something physically intense, why not try a local dance class?
Ditching the alcohol can be a big boon to your budget. If you’re not sold on drinking it up with the girls, go sober and leave that (generally large) portion of your budget for more fun activities that you’ll actually remember the next day. Plus, no one will be nursing a hangover in the morning.
A relaxing spa day or a camping trip can be fun and a great bonding exercise at the same time. If you want to just stay in the hotel and relax, you can play fun games like Jenga or trivia tailored to the bride-to-be.
If the wedding will be at your house, ask your bridal party to chip in with preparations. You can have a blast putting together centerpieces, making party favors, or adding fairy lights to the new pergola or patio you installed for the occasion. (Added bonus: those renovations may increase your property’s value, too!)
For great night-time entertainment, use a streaming TV device to play your favorite movies, shows or songs. With a portable device, you have access to thousands of options in terms of movies and TV, so you can forego the hotel’s pay-per-view channels and save money.
Make a Budget-Friendly Party You’ll Love
No matter what, a bachelorette party won’t be fun if you’re stressed about how you’re going to afford it all. With some careful planning and attention to detail, you can find budget-friendly ways that balance both fun and affordability.
Are you having an outdoor wedding and are in need of event tents? Then contact Greenbelt Event Rentals to set up your reservation today!
Christopher Haymon of Adulting Digest
5 Creative Photo Background for Memorable Photos.
"Make your party unforgettable with a stunning photo space! Our expert team can help you create a unique and memorable setup that will have your guests talking for weeks. We believe these are the best ways to have your party stand out! Check out the list below.
Are you planning an event and want to ensure that your guests have a memorable experience? One way to do so is by setting up photo opportunities that will make for great memories and social media posts. In this article, we will explore the best photo opp items to have at an event that will help you create a buzz and stand out from the crowd.
At Greenbelt Event Rentals, we can personally provide, or work closely with small businesses that can create you desired photo opp!
Grass/Greenery Wall
Our grass walls are great for events or photo shoots!
A grass/greenery wall is a popular choice for events, as it provides a natural and aesthetic background for photos. It is perfect for outdoor events such as weddings, garden parties, and corporate events. The wall can be decorated with flowers, lights, or other decorative elements that complement the theme of your event. A grass/greenery wall is a great investment as it can be reused for future events.
Balloon Arches
Balloon arches are a classic and versatile option for photo opportunities at events. They can be customized to match the color scheme and theme of your event. Balloon arches can be placed at the entrance of the event or at the backdrop of the photo booth. They create a fun and playful atmosphere that will encourage guests to take photos and share them on social media.
Giant Props
Giant props are a popular trend for events as they create a fun and interactive atmosphere. They are perfect for photo opportunities as guests can take photos with the props and share them on social media. Giant props can range from oversized letters and numbers to oversized food items such as donuts or pizza slices. The props can be customized to match the theme of your event.
Flower Walls
Flower walls are another popular option for events. They provide a beautiful and luxurious backdrop for photos. Flower walls can be customized to match the color scheme and theme of your event. They can be made with real or artificial flowers, depending on your budget and preference. Flower walls are perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and other events that require a touch of elegance.
Neon Signs
Neon signs are a modern and trendy option for events. They create a fun and vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for photo opportunities. Neon signs can be customized with phrases, logos, or hashtags that are relevant to your event. They can be placed at the entrance of the event or at the backdrop of the photo booth.
In conclusion, the best photo opp items to have at an event are those that are fun, creative, and customizable. Grass/greenery walls, balloon arches, giant props, flower walls, and neon signs are just a few examples of items that will make for great photos and memories. Remember to customize the photo opportunities to match the theme and color scheme of your event. With these tips, you will be sure to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
Backyard Party Tips & Tricks
Backyard Parties Tips & Tricks for a Texas Summer
Planning a backyard party during the summer season can be an exciting and memorable experience for you and your guests. However, organizing a successful event can be daunting and challenging, especially if you don't know where to start. But don't worry, because we are here to help you plan the ultimate backyard party that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
At Greenbelt Event Rentals, we understand the importance of creating the perfect atmosphere for your event. Our tents with AC units can provide a cool and comfortable environment for your guests, no matter how hot it gets outside. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan a successful backyard party.
Choose a Theme
Having a theme for your backyard party can make it more fun and exciting. It can also help you plan your decorations, food, and activities. You can choose a theme that matches the occasion, such as a luau for a summer party or a BBQ for a Fourth of July celebration. Make sure to inform your guests about the theme so they can dress accordingly.
Plan Your Menu
Food is an essential part of any backyard party. Make sure to plan your menu well in advance and take into account any dietary restrictions your guests may have. You can include traditional BBQ favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken, along with some vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or a salad. Don't forget to provide plenty of drinks, including water, soda, and alcoholic beverages.
Set Up Your Tent
If you are planning an outdoor event during the summer season, it's essential to have a shaded area to protect your guests from the sun's harmful rays. Our tents with AC units can provide a cool and comfortable environment for your guests, even on the hottest days. Make sure to set up your tent in an area that is easily accessible and provides enough space for your guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
Consider the number of guests: Before selecting a tent size, consider the number of guests you are expecting. A 20x20 high canopy tent can comfortably accommodate up to 40 people, but if you are planning on having tables, chairs, or a dance floor, you may want to consider a larger tent.
Create a Seating Area
Having a seating area is essential for any backyard party. You can rent tables and chairs from [Your Event Rental Business] to provide a comfortable space for your guests to sit and eat. You can also create a cozy lounge area with some outdoor furniture and cushions.
Plan Your Activities
Keeping your guests entertained is crucial for any successful backyard party. You can plan some fun activities like cornhole, horseshoes, or a water balloon toss. You can also hire a DJ or a live band to provide some entertainment for your guests.
Decorate Your Space
Decorating your backyard can make it more festive and create a fun atmosphere for your guests. You can use colorful tablecloths, balloons, and streamers to create a festive look. You can also use some outdoor lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Choose the right tent lighting: The right tent lighting can make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your backyard party. Consider hanging string lights or lanterns from the ceiling of your 20x20 high canopy tent to create a cozy and intimate ambiance.