1. Consider your choices properly
If your requirement involves a room in a field, a marquee is what will suit you the most. Marquees are classic, solid, versatile, and opulent and can be stripped back. They work fine irrespective of whether you are looking for string lights or chandeliers. A marquee offers a large degree of flexibility as it doesn’t have too many poles in the centre.

2. Number of guests
This is a given; still, people fail to consider the number of guests that are going to be in their party. Consequently, the size of the tent they choose may prove to be inadequate in accommodating everyone comfortably, or it may be too large and it may seem that a handful of people are sitting in a large hall, which will also look awkward.

3. Climate
This is another factor, which is surprisingly overlooked by people when it comes to choosing a marquee for outdoor parties. You need to consider both the average climatic and the temporary weather condition in your area and choose the right type of fabric accordingly. Decide whether you need a cold weather marquee or one for warm conditions. Such details will help you make better arrangements.

4. Extra space
The thought of extra space should be on your mind based on the type of event you’re hosting. For example, if a party requires a lot of tables and chairs, you may need a bit of extra space. This factor needs to be considered while zeroing in on the size of a marquee.

5. Quality of the fabric
Ensure that the fabric of the tent is of high quality and durable so that it doesn’t sustain scratches too easily.

6. Make an informed choice
This is again something that people don’t seem to care much about at all and can end up having a disappointing experience because of it. Marquees come in different varieties, offering a lot of flexibility based on your theme. You can choose a traditional marquee, stretch tent, modular pods or any other variant as per your requirement. Ask yourself whether you’re looking for a traditional option or a modern one.

Conclusion
Marquees are like a blank canvas, but when you choose them for a party, it is important to think of the vibe and the overall atmosphere you want to create, and the requirements you have. Whether you’re organising a band party, private party or want to erect a unique wedding venue, marquees make for the most versatile, flexible and beautiful choice for every occasion.

The post How to Choose the Right Marquee for Your Outdoor Party appeared first on Schupepe.

There are many aspects of planning a successful party such as timing, location, budget, number of guests etc. The decision should be weighed in terms of how flexible your choice is on different parameters. Hiring a marquee provides a lot of flexibility in terms of design and size, lighting, space, and, of course, location. You can arrange it in your small garden or in an open field; the options are limitless.Marquees over hotels, here are the reasons:

1. Flexible Design
Hiring a marquee for a wedding party has a clear advantage. It offers immense flexibility in terms of design. You can have larger clear span marquees with small Pagoda style marquees alongside for a bar or a dance floor. You can change everything, right from carpet designs to interior decoration. You can also add your own style and character, which is difficult to implement in hotels.

2. Advantage of Merging With Surroundings
Hiring a marquee enables you to merge with preferred surroundings. If you like a particular view, you will be able to make the most of it. Frame marquees are good for such occasions as they come with clear window walls and roofs. Your guests will have a fantastic view of the natural surroundings around them, even when they are inside the marquee.

3. No Restrictions on Number of Guests
Hotels have strict limitations on the number of guests because of their fixed size. That is not the case with marquee parties. You can make last minute changes to accommodate more guests. A marquee is like a flexible room, which can easily be expanded in size in order to make it a perfect fit for your celebration.4. Budget-Friendly
Managing a wedding party in a hotel is quite an expensive affair. Marquee weddings, on the other hand, fall within your budget. You have a wide range of options in everything, right from decor, caterers, menu to bar — you can really choose suppliers as per your pocket.

5. Ample Room for Creativity
Marquee wedding parties can be ideal if you want to do your own thing, which is a far cry from the traditional stuff. You can select a modern or a classic style, a vintage or a beach theme and the list goes on and on.

Summing Up…
By now, you should have some clarity about which of the two options is a better choice for a wedding party. There is no denying the fact that the kind of experience you get in marquee wedding parties is completely different from the one that you get to see in hotels or banquet halls. So, if a perfect setting for your events is what you are looking for, consider hiring a marquee wedding company.

The post Marquee or Hotel? What You Should Choose For Your Wedding Party appeared first on Schupepe.

Poronui Estate near Lake Taupo is a private 16,000-acre wedding venue renowned for its surrounding wilderness and world-class, luxurious accommodations. You are able to design your dream wedding according to your budget – by choosing the whole estate or a single venue on this sprawling private property. Fly in via helicopter, sample award-winning wines from their overflowing wine cellar and indulge in fine foods made by your very own chef.

http://www.poronui.com/index.php/special-events/weddings

Nestled in 5 acres of breath-taking sub-tropical gardens near the Takou River, Magic Cottages – is just that – purely magical. Considered both a wedding and a honeymoon venue, it is rated in the top 10 luxury accommodation sites in all of New Zealand. The property not only has enough room for a Schupepe marquee, but there is also plenty of space to land a helicopter or if you need to tie up your boat, there is a private jetty with access to the Takou Bay.

http://www.takouriver.com/index.html

One of Northland’s most sought after locations, the Totara Country Lodge is an ideal venue for weddings. Surrounded by native bush and placed high above the Whangaroa Harbour, this place has everything a nature lover could possibly want. You can take day trips out to the Bay of Islands, Waipoua Forest, or Cape Reinga or stay in the historic villa, taking in the majestic beauty of the native trees sprawling across the grounds.

http://totaracountrylodge.co.nz/

Nicara Lakeside Lodge, rated 5 Star by Qualmark, is one of Lake Rotorua’s most luxurious world-class accommodations. Ideal for outdoor weddings, this lakeside homestay is right on the water’s edge and is accessible by both boats and planes (and roads, of course!) Regardless of whether you prefer an intimate or grand affair, this top-notch venue has everything you could possibly dream of and more!

http://www.nicaralodge.co.nz/

Contact Schupepe to book a wedding marquee for your special day.
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The post WORLD CLASS NZ WEDDING VENUES [PART I] appeared first on Schupepe.

• Seed-Packet Invitations
• Lavender Lemonade: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/lavender_lemonade/
• Herb-Infused Water
• Herb centrepieces that double as favours or prizes
• Bulb Favours: place bulbs in water in votive candleholders
• Paper Lanterns with Fern Patterns
• Napkins with seed packets tucked inside
• Cucumber Roulades
• Parfait Potting Station

• Wonton Flower
• Hummingbird Cupcakes
• Edible Flower Biscuits/Cookies
• Make your own Moss Cake – You can make a fake one by stacking round boxes on top of each other and gluing sheets of moss on top of them. Or you can make an edible Moss Cake found here: http://thecakeblog.com/2015/03/diy-edible-moss-cake.html
• D.I.Y. Flower Bar – You can provide each guest with their own vase with their name on it (in lieu of place-cards). Then you can have pails of fresh flowers for everyone to fill their vases
• Play Games like Whiff the Herbs or Toss the Bouquet

There are limitless possibilities for your garden-themed bridal shower. Contact Schupepe to find out more about how our beautiful marquees can help keep your guests covered!

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1.Will you require a committee or a party planner/ event manager?

2.Set the date as soon as possible as venues book up quickly around Christmas time, also make sure that it does not coincide with any other work-related events

3.Determine the budget as this will affect all other decisions.

4.Find out if the Christmas Party is just for employees or will spouses/significant others and clients be invited?

5.Create a guest list.

6.Send out a save the date email – this email could also serve as a way to ask for suggestions for possible themes, as well as finding out if there are any special dietary requirements.

7.Will guests be contributing to the ticket price?

8.Once you know the budget, determine the level of formality and the style/theme of your Corporate Christmas Event.

9.Allocate the following common costs into the budget:

• Venue Hire/ Marquee Hire
• Insurance/Deposit/ Bonds (if applicable)
• Invitations (including postage)
• Decorations (if outside remember furniture, etc)
• Entertainment (DJ/ Band/ Etc…)
• Food & Beverages
• Catering/ Wait & Bar Staff
• Lighting & Sound (if applicable)
• Emergency Fund for Unexpected Costs!

10. Start calling venues immediately for quotes and to confirm availability.
11. Ensure that the venue is easily accessible to guests and has accommodation nearby (if applicable)
12. You should ask the venue the following questions:

• What is available for you to use and what exactly do you need to hire?
• This includes furniture, wait staff, entertainment equipment, decorations, etc…
• Is cleaning included in the quote?
• Will they supply the alcohol and if not, do they have a proper license?
• If it is an outdoor party, is there a noise ordinance you need to be aware of?
• Is parking available and is it sufficient for your amount of guests?
• Ask to organise a site visit and take pictures so that you can visualise the area when you are planning your theme
• If you haven’t received all the RSVP’s yet, you can ask if the venue is willing to allow you to add guests at a later date

Part II to follow!

Contact Schupepe today to hire a marquee for your Corporate Christmas Party!

The post The Ultimate Checklist on How to Plan an Epic Corporate Christmas Party [Part I] appeared first on Schupepe.

We are so happy to bring to light one of Northland’s best kept secrets, the stunning Pawhaoa Lodge & Villas are situated in Bland Bay, Hikurangi. It is truly a nature-lover’s paradise. You and your guests will be surrounded by sub-tropical bush and native wildlife. The decadent accommodation offers fully catered or self catered rooms. It is no surprise that this palatial place has received nothing but positive reviews – it has even received a qualmark 5 star rating.
http://www.northlandnz.com/…/accommodation/pawhaoa-bay-lodge

Perhaps you would like to treat you and your spouse to be, along with your wedding guests to a helicopter tour, horseback-riding on the beach, or a game of golf? If so, look no further than Kauri Cliff’s Owner’s Cottage, in Matauri Bay, Northland – overlooking the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course. This is certainly a 5 Star Luxury location for a wedding. Schupepe’s wedding marquees have graced the well-manicured lawns of the golf course for both lavish and intimate weddings! You better call soon for a booking!

http://www.kauricliffs.com/weddings-at-kauri-cliffs

The Huka Lodge boasts the exclusive “Owner’s Cottage” that is an extraordinary site for weddings and private events. It offers you and your partner complete privacy and a chance to tramp through the native bush located right on the Waikato River. There is nothing like getting pampered on your special day!

http://www.hukalodge.co.nz/occasions/weddings/venues/

Sun God Over the Ocean is the Maori translation for this epic villa nestled in The Bay of Islands. The Eagle’s Nest provides superior accommodation in the form of spectacular villas in The Bay of Islands, Schupepe has had the pleasure of rigging one of our wedding marquees on their 44 acre, jaw-dropping grounds – complete with 300 degree views of the sea, islands, and the breath-taking landscapes. This location is perfect for those wanting a memorable and elite wedding experience.

Rahimoana

Stay tuned for our next blog featuring Private Residences: The Ultimate Venue for Weddings in NZ
Contact Schupepe today for a free onsite visit!

The post Wedding Venues Outside of Auckland Part II appeared first on Schupepe.

St Margaret’s Café in Karaka specialises in weddings and private functions. The manicured gardens are a sprawling six acres – perfect for both intimate and larger weddings. The owner, who is also a renowned chef, will ensure that your guests dine on scrumptious food. Schupepe will ensure that your guests stay dry and comfortable under our marquees.
http://stmargaretscafe.co.nz/

Maree’s Mansion House Café Restaurant, located on Kawau Island, can comfortably seat up to 100 guests. With a Schupepe marquee – situated on the breath-taking water-front lawn, the sky is the limit. You can create the island wedding that you and your spouse-to-be have only dreamed of!
http://www.kawauisland.org.nz/weddings

Colenso House / Café in the Coromandel is quite a unique spot for a wedding. It is important to note that they do not host weddings from December through to February; however, this is an ideal location any other time of year. The sprawling lawns and lush trees make it perfect for an outdoor, marquee wedding.
http://www.colensocafe.co.nz/

Just a thirty-minute drive out of Auckland’s CBD, located in Kumeu, Provence provides seasonal food grown in their lush gardens. We’ve provided deck and lawn coverage at this particular venue and it is stunning to say the least! The Hipgroup has several beautiful venues to choose from and are renowned for providing a first-class service.
http://www.hipgroup.co.nz/

Stay tuned for our next blog featuring Wedding Venues Outside of Auckland Part II!
Contact Schupepe today for a free onsite visit!

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Howick Historic Village in Auckland is an ideal backdrop for weddings – this quaint little town was built in the 1850’s, combining a sense of history with all of the modern amenities needed to ensure that your wedding ceremony runs smoothly. Our wedding marquees are a sight to behold on the manicured lawns of Bell House, a delightful two-storied, timber homestead with a contemporary kitchen and restroom!
http://www.fencible.org.nz/venue-hire/

Highwic House, located in Epsom, Auckland is a magnificent Victorian estate situated on lush grounds, perfect for Schupepe’s marquees and a memorable garden wedding. A family home until 1978, this renowned venue offers a ballroom, a billiard house, and a tennis court! It’s central location is convenient for out-of-town guests as it close to the motorway and offers plenty of guest parking.

http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/auckland-region/highwic

Hunua Falls Camp, under an hour away from downtown Auckland, is an incredibly convenient and charming location for an outdoor, marquee wedding. It is close to the city, offers affordable accommodation and a multitude of outdoor activities in a lush, forest park setting. Encompassed by native bush and accompanied by its own, private chapel, Hunua Falls Camp is absolutely stunning.

http://www.hunuafallscamp.co.nz/weddings.html

Villa Maria Estate in Auckland, while the volcanic basin may be dormant, this setting is still very much alive with romance! With a spectacular Schupepe marquee, this location can accommodate up to 500 guests! Your guests will be in awe of the landscape – not to mention quenching their thirst with the award-winning wines!

http://www.villamaria.co.nz/news-and-events/functions-and-weddings/

Stay tuned for our spotlight on unique wedding venues on the North Island, as well as how so many people are opting to rent private estates and transform them into spectacular, exclusive sites for weddings!

Contact Schupepe today for a free on-site visit.

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First things first!

1/ The guest list must be completed so that you have an idea of how many people the venue will need to accommodate.
2/ You should have a list of dates that are suitable, so you can confirm availability.
3/ Obviously, you will need to consider your budget.
4/ You and your partner should compose a list of your most important, non-negotiable priorities before visiting any venue.
5/ As it is an outdoor event, you will want to ensure that the venue will allow marquees to be placed upon their grounds.

Venue Location

It is important to consider the location of your wedding venue in terms of how far your guests will need to travel. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• What is the traffic going to be like during the time-frames of your wedding?
• Will you be able to post signs to help out-of-town guests?
• If you are providing transport, ensure that guests are provided with entertainment and maybe even beverages!
• For those using their own vehicles, ensure that there are adequate parking facilities.
• Make sure that there is suitable accommodation nearby for out-of-town guests.

Questions you may not have considered:

1. Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday through Friday?
2. Is the deposit refundable?
3. Is the site handicap accessible?
4. What is the cancellation policy?
5. Is there an overtime fee if my ceremony runs longer than expected?
6. Can my vendors set up the day before? How early can deliveries be made?
7. Does the venue have liability insurance?
8. Is there a recycling policy?
9. Are there any areas that you and your guests will not have access to?
10. Is there a noise ordinance you need to be aware of?

Fortunately, here at Schupepe, we have everything you need as far as interior hire options – furniture, lighting, heating, and much more. New Zealand is host to some of the most beautiful venues in the world! The only limit is your own imagination when you decide to have your wedding under one of Schupepe’s spectacular marquees today for your free onsite visit.

The post Vetting Your Outdoor Wedding Venue: A Checklist appeared first on Schupepe.

Planning the Menu: Perfect Pairings

Pairing various cheeses with the right kind of wine can be a bit tricky. Here are some useful tips:
1/ Gouda: This buttery cheese has a mild, nutty flavour while still retaining a slightly sweet aftertaste. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or White Burgundy compliments a lighter or young Gouda. Aged gouda pairs will with Merlot or a tasty Bordeaux.
2/ Brie: Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, or reds such as; Chianti, Bordeaux, or Beaujolais go very well with this creamy, soft, mild French cheese.
3/ Gruyere: This dense, compact cheese has a texture that is slightly grainy. It goes well with a wide variety of wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir and Italian Chianti.
4/ Parmigiano Reggiano: This Italian hard cheese has a very sharp and nutty flavour which pairs well with most medium to full-bodied wines such as Pinot Noir, Chianti Riserva, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Barbaresco.
5/ Aged Cheddar: The longer this type of cheese ages, the taste becomes sharper and the texture becomes harder and crumblier. Rioja, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc are a perfect pair for this delicious cheese.
Various other items to include on the platter
Nuts, honey, jams, fruit and fruit paste are the perfect accompaniment to any wine and cheese platter. Italian meats such as Salami, Pancetta, and Prosciutto will be the proverbial icing on the cake! As far as fruit is concerned, you can let your imagination run away with you. Most people prefer strawberries, pears and figs; as well as nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Top this off with any type of French bread such as a baguette or flatbread, or Table Water Crackers and you have the ideal menu.

Keep it Classy with Superb Presentation

While wine-tasting events are elegant, they are not necessarily formal events. It is a chance for the guests to mingle and chat, while nibbling on tasty food and tasting beautiful wine. Here are some tips to keep it classy but informal.
1/ Prepare place cards for the wine stations – informing each guest of the background of each wine.
2/ Serve the wine in striking decanters, but keep the rest of the décor minimal.
3/ Whether you have a ceramic, glass or wooden cheeseboard, the importance lies in giving the background of each cheese as well. Perhaps you can separate the platters into specific regions.
There you have it, the perfect menu for your bestie’s Bridal Shower.

Contact Schupepe today to find out about our marquees for private parties!

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