It is no secret that new technology, specifically anything having to do with the internet, has been driving new marketing strategies these past few years. However, one thing that all marketers agree upon is that live events and experiences continue to be one of the most effective marketing strategies for long-term brand awareness and consumer engagement. In fact, as more people turn toward their mobiles or computers to interact with others, it seems that as a whole, society is craving authentic, live experiences.

Live Events Continuously Rank as One of the Most Effective Marketing Techniques in ANY Marketing Campaign

While there are not a lot of hard statistics to be found concerning New Zealand, specifically – US statistics (Forrester Research) reveal that tradeshows and live events rank as the second most effective marketing technique (the first being a company’s website) for both B2B and B2C campaigns. In fact, 25% of marketing budgets are solely dedicated to in-person events.

Events allow you to engage existing and prospective clientele, generate leads, as well as build and promote your brand. Essentially you are fast-tracking the sales process by creating significant face time with your target audience. So how do you ensure that your brand stands out amongst the competition? Schupepe has you covered. Schupepe marquees are not only durable and flexible- they are also completely weather-proof and absolutely eye-catching.

See below for a list of live events that Schupepe’s corporate clients will be covering this year.

The Basics: Pop Up Tents vs Semi-Permanent Custom Fit Tents

The majority of businesses will choose semi-permanent marquees over pop-up tents – not just because of their aesthetic appeal but because of their durability and the over-all protection that they offer the public – from the elements as well as practical safety issues. While pop-up tents are easily assembled, they do not suit commercial purposes due to the fact that larger crowds require safer, sturdier structures.

Handy Infographic:

What Size Will I Require:

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are a lot of variables involved when deciding the size of tent you will require. Listed below are some guidelines for specific events:

Formal dining: If you are going to use round tables – allow 12 sq ft per person. Rectangular tables will require 10 sq ft per person.

Seminars, lectures, or events – that require auditorium-style seating -should allow for up to 6 sq ft per chair (more if a lot of movement is needed)

Entertainment equipment (DJ’s/Bands/Theatrical/Dance) – basically anything that requires stages, dance floors, or bulky audio-visual/sound equipment – will require more exact measurements

Please note that Schupepe offers Interior Hire Options, Truss Structures and Theatre Flats

Sturdy Material – a Worthy Investment

FreeformFlexⓇ Fabric is the best in the industry!

Our FreeformFlexⓇ is the first of its kind and has set the standard in the rental industry for semi-permanent custom fits. It is completely weather-proof (water-proof and UV Resistant) and compliant with New Zealand’s fire and safety standards (AS/NZS 1530.2 1993, AS/NZS 1530.3 1999).

Other features include:

Completely Waterproof!

Our fabric has machine welded seams & joins making them 100% watertight
The seam tape actually melts into the top coating
The patches are welded – not sewn – so there are no needle holes

Perfect Stretch

Ability to enhance the existing architecture of any building
Instantly turn dead zones into viable, spacious venues
Can be installed/rigged quickly
The material can be created into practically any shape or form
Boasts a 3.5 ton bursting point but retracts back instantly to its original shape
Poles can be positioned and repositioned repeatedly
Innovative Fascia Guttering System which allows tents to be rigged off existing architectural features or existing walls

Elastic Polymer Coating

Able to withstand long periods out in the elements without deteriorating
Unparalleled ROI in comparison to the competition

Easily Repaired

Repairs can be made without damaging its waterproofing capabilities
A patch can be applied with heat to the elastic polymer coating with ease

High Tenacity Substrate

Easily branded
Schupepe even offers 3-D Animation so that you can visualise the effect

Machine Washable

It can also be instantly cleaned onsite
Will need a high-pressure hose & soft detergents

Polymer is Chemically Treated for Longevity

UV Stabilizers protect your guests and the tent itself
Teflon-treated/ Mould Inhibitors\
Anti-microbial treatment

Extremely Stable

When rigged properly our tents are less likely to:
Billow, lift, or flap in the wind

Range of Colours

Available in a range of monotones or two-tones
White underside with any colour you choose on the top

The Frames

We use commercial grade aluminum, wooden or stainless steel poles
Our “King Pole Jack” allows our riggers to jack up the tent for the perfect amount of tension before inserting the poles
Our aluminum pole connectors have been designed to ensure that the structure does not move once the poles are joined
Easily disassembled (complete with heavy-duty bag for transport) – allowing 2m and 1.5m lengths to be stored and hauled from point A to point B

TAILORED BRANDING SOLUTIONS

Venue owners, event management companies, and corporate sponsors may find that it is more cost-effective to purchase a branded tent from Schupepe if they host numerous events during the year. Your company’s logo can be digitally printed onto the canvas and we offer tailored branding solutions within the tent as well. If you would like to try a temporary branding solution – we offer the use of decals as well. You can use your branded marquee at charity events/fundraisers, expos, marathons, festivals, – basically any type of outdoor promotional event! Many of our clients have found that it is more cost-effective to purchase a branded tent, rather than hire a marquee several times throughout the year.

Eliminate The Guess-Work With 3-D Animation

Schupepe offers its corporate and event management clients a specialised 3-D animation service. Once we have completed our free on-site inspection, we can provide you with a detailed 3-D animation of exactly how a Schupepe marquee will look at your outdoor venue. There will be no doubt as to how impressive a stunning Schupepe canopy will be in any given space. Cost will be determined based on the complexity of the structure and the requirements of the interior. You can browse through our gallery to get a sense of how our 3-D animation service works.

Can’t Spare the Staff or the Space? Is Time of the Essence?

Schupepe Offers Managed Agreements!

Spend your time promoting your event and leave the maintenance and installation of the tent itself to the experts. We offer our clients a contract that ensures that we will look after your tent and install it when required.

What specifically does the Managed Agreement entail?

Set Fees
Tents will be cleaned & maintained
We will deliver it to site
Our expert rigging crew will install it
We will provide all necessary accessories such as poles, rope & pole caps, and baseplates
We will retrieve the tent from the site
Our expert rigging crew will take it down & pack it away
It will be stored safely at our warehouse

Additional Information!

TRUSS RIGS

A truss rig is basically a framework generally consisting of posts, struts, and rafters that support a roof, or other structure. These types of rigs are ideal for multi-day events such as festivals or corporate branded events. Our truss is able to withstand bulky, heavy equipment, larger lighting structures, and any type of signage or branding that you want to display. Our semi-permanent custom-made tents can not only handle four seasons in one day, but it can also withstand a substantial amount of foot traffic.

Interior Options

Schupepe is basically your one stop shop for outdoor events. We provide furniture, lighting, heating, flooring (this include dance floors!), and can provide additional smaller tents if your catering service requires a separate space. We understand that value of time and we do our best to make sure our client’s have everything they need to make their corporate event a success.

LIVE EVENTS WHERE YOUR CORPORATE TENT COULD MAKE YOUR BRAND A HOUSEHOLD NAME:

BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH SOME NEW CLIENTELE

Northern Bass New Year’s Fest

In Auckland’s popular summer town, Mangawhai, Northern Bass is three days and nights of bringing in the New Year with a bang! Big name musicians, DJs and producers gather together to bring crowds internationally acclaimed bass music. In its fifth year and still going strong, it is the perfect place to set up your branded tent.

Prana Fest

This 4-day grass-roots, New Year’s festival is located at the end of Ohui Beach on New Zealand’s beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. This is a sponsorship-free event but if your organisation believes in ethical selling practices and minimising global footprints, it would be a perfect place to make your brand a well-known name. This is not your normal, mainstream event, but it is perfect for those who like to step outside of the norm.

Highlife New Year’s Party

Based on the success of last year’s party, Highlife NYE will be returning to the stunning Stoneyridge Vineyard on the one and only Waiheke Island. This party is strictly for adults (a strictly enforced R22) and is complete with fireworks and world-renown dance music. This is an ideal venue to give your brand the buzz it needs.

Tairua Food and Wine Fest

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help to support Tairua’s school. This year it will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 9 am to 4 pm at Tairua school. Last year they were able to use the funds to build a new storage shed and this year the funding will go toward school sports supplies, classroom technology, library resources, and a long list of other items that the school so desperately needs. This is a great way to show that your company is community-minded and perfect for a branded tent.

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND COULD BE YOUR BRAND’S TIME TO SHINE

Auckland Seafood Festival

This year’s annual Auckland Seafood Festival will take place from January 29th to February 1st at Halsey Wharf, right in the heart of the city. This year there will be Friday and Saturday night sessions to add to the glorious four day event. Big crowds are always lured in by the decadent seafood, celebrity chef appearances, and live music. Place your branded tent in the thick of it all and your company is guaranteed to be noticed.

Seeport Festival

Ports of Auckland will be opening its gate to the public again for its annual celebration, the Seeport Festival. Held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend from 10 am to 6 pm on January 30 through to February 1st. There will be tours, live music, food, tours, and lots of family-friendly fun to be had. Allow your employees to put a face to the company name under a branded marquee next year.

The Pioneer

New Zealand’s very own unique event for mountain biking enthusiasts around the world allows riders to view some of the most remote parts of the South Island. The race starts in Christchurch and ends in NZ’s adventure capital, Queenstown. Bikers get to choose between a 7 -day, 3 -day, or 1-day course. Don’t miss your chance to sponsor some of New Zealand’s finest athletes starting January 30th and ending February 6th.

Splore

The Splore Festival will be returning again this year from February 19th to the 21st on the shores of Tapapakanga Park. There is always an eclectic line up of international and world class local musicians, an extraordinary visual arts display and a wide variety of unusual performances. Just 70 kms east of Auckland’s CBD, this festival is not one to be missed. Place your branded tent in the park and sit back and watch your popularity grow.

Auckland Arts Festival

This yearly event brings a full 19 days (March 2-20) of the world’s best dance, music, theatre, and circus to Auckland. It has everything from urban art to Opera, hilarious circus acts to emotional, high-drama theatre acts. If you want to impress your clients and VIPS – this is certainly the place to do it.

Contact us today and we will discuss your options. Purchasing a branded semi-permanent Schupepe tent will definitely expand your market without stretching your budget.

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In the past, your choice of tent structures was limited to the traditional square or rectangular frame tents or pole tents. The good news is that Schupepe Tents in Auckland has made these boring, boxy tents a thing of the past, with our unique Freeform™ Fabric tents and marquees.

Want to know what makes our tents and marquee structures so special? Here’s a list of the top 9 things our customers love about our Freeform™ Fabric stretch tents and marquees:

#1: The Look

The unique look of our tents is what makes most people fall in love with them. Anything but boxy, our tents are made with specially developed 2-way stretch fabric that allows a variety of shapes. Based on traditional Bedouin tents of the nomadic North African tribe, this design gives our tents beautiful parabolic curves, aesthetic appeal, and a totally unique look.

#2: Easy and Flexible Installation Anywhere

Our tents are quick and easy to install and take down. Thanks to the flexible stretch fabric, we can install them virtually anywhere—on beaches, cliff-tops, even rooftops. Let your imagination run wild when choosing a location!

#3: Branding Opportunity

Whether permanent or temporary, our tailor-made branding solutions let you display logos and full-colour images on decals or directly on the canvas. No matter your budget, we’ll deliver a solution that boosts your brand exposure and identity.

#4: Fully Customised Tents

We don’t just offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs—we offer complete customisation. We’ve helped countless customers create marquee solutions tailored to specific brand or event themes. Our team loves creative challenges and logistically tricky setups. If you can think it, we can create it!

#5: Flexibility

Our stretch tents offer multiple configurations, so presentations never get boring. Sides can be left up for air and light or pulled down for a cozy atmosphere. They can even extend existing spaces—up stairs, over slopes, around pools—you name it!

#6: Protection Against the Elements

Rain or shine, our 100% weatherproof and UV-resistant tents can handle anything. Rated for severe weather, they’re fully waterproof and UV-stabilised for long-lasting protection.

#7: Accessories

From furniture and flooring to lighting and heating, we have everything you need to complete your event. Need something unusual? We’ll do our best to source it, and we can also recommend top local caterers.

#8: Affordability

Hiring a tent or marquee can be more affordable and gives you more control over your event. Our customers appreciate our transparent pricing—no surprise costs, just value for money.

#9: Quality

Our Freeform™ tents and marquees are designed and manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa, and used globally. Each one is thoroughly inspected, UV-treated, and antibacterial-coated to prolong fabric life and prevent stains and odors.

If you’re interested in owning your own Freeform™ tent, we have options available in New Zealand and Australia. Give our sales team a call—they’d love to help!

The post 9 Reasons Our Customers Love Our Tents appeared first on Schupepe.

Set a Date & a Venue

If you want a particular venue that requires advanced booking, you will need to be more flexible than if you were to hold your event at your home. The great thing about stretch tents is that we can set up in your backyard, at the beach, anywhere your heart desires. This makes it easier to have a unique event on the day that you want.

Confirm the Amount of Guests

It is imperative that you have a good idea of how many people will be attending your event. This may prove difficult with some people not responding to invites or last minute circumstances changing your invitee’s plans. A good rule of thumb is to assume that at least 15% of the people on your guest list will not be able to attend. Use that number to base decisions on size of venue and structure, as well as determining catering choices. Stretch tents come in many shapes and sizes, flexible enough to accommodate any and all of your needs.

Set a Firm Budget

Shupepe Tents makes this easier by providing you with package deals that provide everything you need to make your event a success. Take into consideration how much it would cost to pay for everything separately, which means the cost of the venue, décor, catering, etc… The only additional thing that you would need to consider is outside entertainment. However, most of the time when you have created the right ambience and provide great food, just being with your loved ones is all the entertainment you will need. Schupepe Tents can accommodate every budget and various styles to make your private party the coolest event this Autumn.

The post Remember The Party – Not The Stress – With Schupepe’s Stretch Tents appeared first on Schupepe.

Go Paperless!

There are various ways to use electronic forms of communication to invite or inform people of your event. The fewer items in print or on paper means that there will be less waste is created.

Recycle – The Easiest Way To Reduce Waste.

Buy items in bulk so that there is less packaging to dispose of. Use as many reusable items as you can from linens to serving dishes. Opt for drink items that have the least amount of glass bottles or aluminum cans. Make sure that there are enough recycle bins that are appropriately labeled to make it easier on your guests to do the right thing.

Waste Not, Want Not…

There is generally a lot of leftovers that can be given to charities after the event. Food that cannot be given away can certainly be used for composting. Even decorations can be given away to guests at the end of the event instead of being thrown away.

There Are So Many Ways To Keep It Green.

Use as much natural light as you can or use LED lights to save on electricity. Encourage car-pooling or provide mass transportation to and from your event.

And Last But Not Least…

Schupepe Tents can provide you with the option of buying your own tent to reuse or hiring a tent that we will reuse. It is a win-win either way. We have high-quality, weather-proof, environmentally-friendly tents and sustainable catering options to make your tented event as green as you want it to be.

The post Eco Friendly Schupepe appeared first on Schupepe.

For lunch you’re likely to find something like musssels in red curry and coconut with fresh hand-made (on-site) foccacia or barbecued pulled pork with chipotle and green beans served with fresh heritage-tomato salad and fresh mozzarella. Of course marinated strawberries with creme anglaise and mint will leave you completely satisfied and not weighed down by starchy carbohydrates.

Mark met Jo Warren (co-owner of Doof Doof) while on Xena where Jo was an assistant director. After Xena wrapped up Jo joined Mark and Doof Doof. She admits she “had a baptism by fire” working in the kitchen with Mark catering for a Volvo Ocean Race team which took them right around the world. It definitely set them up well for running a business together. “Let’s just say it ironed out all of the kinks” she says.

Having catered to such a high standard in such challenging environments, Doof Doof are now a preferred industry supplier. Doof Doof cater to the corporate, event and wedding markets and have a vast array of menu varieties – they prefer to custom-design menus to clients wants and requirements rather than give you set menu’s to choose from. If your next event is in a difficult location this team is definitely the one you need to talk to.

The post Exceptional Caterers: ‘Doof Doof Catering’ appeared first on Schupepe.

As the real estate agents are fond of saying: Location! Location! Location!

The venue is definitely the most expensive item on the budget when planning an event, especially if you need to include a food and beverage service. First of all, given that our tents are weatherproof, you can have your event practically anywhere outside – providing a natural ambience. We also provide “event-ready” services, so you don’t have the added headache of having to cater the event or rent essentials such as tables and chairs, etc…Basically, you can save lots of money by hiring one company to provide everything you need to entertain a crowd.

Off-the-scale sales to be made…

When your company hosts an event, it enables you to present your products and services to a larger group of people – rather than attempting to sell your products or services on a one-to-one basis. The sales process is essentially more efficient and less costly.

Captivate Your Audience.

The enclosed and intimate space that marquees have to offer will guarantee that your emcee will capture the crowd’s attention. You will be able to use the opportunity to tell your future clients about the products or services you have to offer without any outside distractions.

Escalate the Level of Trust.

Statistically speaking, most people are prone to respond in a more trusting manner in face-to-face situations. Eye contact is essential and is much more effective than cold-calling or promoting via social media.

Instantaneous Sign-Ups.

Throughout the event you can provide people the opportunity to buy your product or service or simply provide their contact information so that you may send them promotional material at a later date. Schupepe Tents offers exceptional service. We can digitally print logos or full colour images onto the canvas to maximize your brand’s exposure. We provide temporary branding solutions as well. Contact us so that we can help you expand your business without shrinking your budget.

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One of the resounding benefits of our stretch fabric tents is the speed with which they can cover almost any space, attractively and cost effectively – turning a dead zone into a viable space for business or leisure in no time.

The unique style of our stretch fabric tents will enhance the existing architecture of most buildings – creating interest with their complimentary colours and their parabolic curves. And because they are 100% waterproof and UV proof , you get complete protection from the elements – making them the ideal solution for your outdoor space.

If you’re interested in maximising your space, give us a call and we can come and do a site inspection to have a look at your possibilities. After that, our designers will simulate an architectural 3D rendering of the tent covering your space based on photographs and dimensions supplied. This will enable us to design the best solution for your space, and it gives you the opportunity to see the tent in situ.

It’s plain sailing after that. Once you have given it the “OK”, we’ll send a team to do the initial installation – and we’ll show you how it’s done. It’s dead easy, and you’ll be dismantling it and installing it yourself in no time.

We can even go a step further with our branding options. We use a number of different printing methods when it comes to branding our tents; and logos or full colour images can be digitally printed onto the canvas to provide highly effective brand exposure that will ensure your business gets noticed.

So think outside the box and maximise on your space with style – call Schupepe Tents today.

The post Maximise Your Space With Style – Semi Permanent Stretch Fabric Tents appeared first on Schupepe.

At Schupepe Tents, we’ve had over 25 years of experience in the local events industry and we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to planning and creating summer events in New Zealand; and we’ve used all that experience to find solutions for the things that haven’t worked so well – ending up with a product and service that pretty much covers any kind of event eventuality…

From dealing with unpredictable weather, to rigging our marquees as an extension of a complicated existing structure – or rigging them in some of the country’s most unusual locations; we’ll make make sure that you get the look you want and that every tiny detail of your event is taken care of – no matter what kind of event situation you throw at us!

At Schupepe Tents, we’re a team that offer a start-to-finish service – from rigging your chosen marquee and supplying and setting up the furniture, to rigging the lighting and constructing the flooring; we’ll make sure your event is completely covered – on every level.

Our flooring options alone cover:

– Basic flooring

– Raised dance-floors

– Band platforms

– Festival M/C platforms and stages

– Red carpeting

And if you need branding, we can do that too – both externally and within the tent, where logos and full colour images can be digitally printed onto decals or directly onto the canvas for effective brand exposure. And no matter what kind of budget you have to work with, we’ll make sure that we deliver a solution that will build your brand identity, maximise your brand exposure, and leave a long lasting impression.

So step into 2025 with style, and call Schupepe Tents when you need to plan and organise a public event, wedding or private party this year. And don’t hold back your imagination when it comes to deciding on your location – our riggers love a good challenge!

The post Entertain In Style This Year With Schupepe Tents appeared first on Schupepe.

“A well-set table isn’t just furniture—it’s the foundation of your event’s atmosphere.”

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate function, or private gathering, the choice of tables impacts not just aesthetics but also practicality and budget. Timber trestle tables bring warmth and elegance. Standard trestles maximize space and efficiency. Round tables foster conversation and connection. But which is best for your event?

This guide breaks down the pros, costs, and ideal uses for each type—so you can make a confident choice that balances beauty and function.

Timber Trestle Tables: A Timeless Trend

Solid timber trestle tables have become a global favourite for weddings and events in recent years. While New Zealand was initially slow to adopt this trend, boutique hire suppliers now offer these stunning tables for rent.

Timber tables are not only visually appealing but also highly practical. Unlike standard tables that require linen—which can be costly and susceptible to spills—timber tables maintain their charm without additional coverings. Although they come at a higher rental price than traditional trestles with linen, their aesthetic appeal complements vintage-themed weddings and events, often reducing the need for elaborate floral centrepieces and decor, balancing out the overall cost.

Industry Standard Sizes:

• 2.2m x 900mm (Seats 8–10 guests) – Average hire cost: $50 + GST (delivery charges may apply)

Trestle Tables: The Practical Choice

Trestle tables are a staple in event planning due to their durability, ease of transport, and convenient folding design. Modern trestles have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental collapses, making them a reliable choice for any gathering.

The hire industry typically offers two standard sizes, with linen options to match. While linen colours vary, white linen tends to cost more due to additional cleaning requirements. Compared to round tables, trestles save space and can be arranged in long banquet-style setups, ideal for large gatherings. Some hire companies also provide leg extensions to convert trestle tables into bar-leaners, further enhancing their versatility.

Industry Standard Sizes:

• 1.8m x 750mm (Seats 6–8 guests) – Average hire cost: $12.50 per day
• 2.4m x 750mm (Seats 8–10 guests) – Average hire cost: $12.50 per day

Linen Options:

• 1.8m x 750mm tablecloth – Average hire cost: $15–20 (depending on colour)
• 2.4m x 750mm tablecloth – Average hire cost: $15–20 (depending on colour)

Round Tables: A Classic Touch

Round tables offer a traditional feel to weddings and events, promoting a social atmosphere where all guests can easily see and interact with each other. While they take up more space and can be challenging to transport, they now come with fold-out locking legs for added stability.

The circular layout has a historical charm, reminiscent of the legendary Round Table of King Arthur—everyone is included. If your event leans toward a classic and inclusive ambiance, round tables are a great choice.

Industry Standard Sizes:

• 1.5m diameter – Average hire cost: $18 per day
• 1.8m diameter – Average hire cost: $23 per day

Linen Options:

• 1.5m diameter – Average hire cost: $15–25 (depending on colour/fabric)
• 1.8m diameter – Average hire cost: $18–25 (depending on colour/fabric)

Choosing the Right Table for Your Event

When selecting tables for your wedding or event, consider the venue space, guest count, and desired aesthetic. Timber trestle tables bring a rustic, elegant charm, while traditional trestles offer unmatched practicality. Round tables, on the other hand, create a warm, communal atmosphere perfect for formal gatherings.

Whatever your choice, the right tables will enhance both the functionality and beauty of your event setup, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Trestle and Round Tables for Weddings & Events appeared first on Schupepe.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

Location

The bonus of having a marquee wedding is that you can virtually pick the location of your dreams for your big day and avoid costly venue-hirage. Whether at your own home (or someone else’s), on a beach, at a regional park, or atop a building, your location options are endless. You do however need to consider what key suppliers you have available to you if your chosen site is outside of main centres. Transportation costs can be hefty if you have a number of different suppliers, so try to book as many services as you can with a single reputable vendor.

Caterers

There are a number of excellent caterers out there so make sure you ask around and get at least 3 recommendations before you book anyone. Don’t just book a caterer based on their website. Great food is a very important part of a great celebration, and you want to be able to trust everyone is going to enjoy it, including yourself. Established caterers are happy to set up ‘sampling sessions’ so you can try their wares. Of course, do keep in mind any guests that may have certain dietary restrictions. If you have chosen a location such as a park, paddock, hill-top or similar, do remember your caterers will need to bring all heating and cooking equipment to site – this is no mean feat when you are talking numerous ovens and gas bottles. Consider also that they will need a reliable power source and cover for their catering area. There’s nothing worse than tepid food on your wedding day. Most good caterers are able to supply all glassware, crockery, linen and cutlery too. Compare their rates with a local supplier to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Power

Don’t rely on a near-by house or venue to supply your power source for your caterers, lighting, and sound. Hiring a generator will eliminate any potential fuse-blows (imagine the lights and sound going out mid first-dance!). Generators are reasonably priced and worth the extra expense. Depending on where your location is, you are looking at around $300 for a basic generator, plus transportation. They really are worth their weight in gold and will save you any unnecessary stress.

Floor Plan And Run-Sheet

Always draw up a floor-plan (or have a supplier create one for you). It doesn’t have to be a perfect drawing – just a simple sketch of where you want your bridal table, guest’s tables, dance-floor, and the likes. Having one floor-plan makes everything so much easier for suppliers, and eliminates any confusion about placement of furniture, lights, heating, and so on. With one simple floor-plan, suppliers can work together to put everything in place as you want it, on your behalf. A floor-plan will save you time and money in the long run. To have everything run smoothly on your big day, also write up a ‘run-sheet’. List exactly what times you want everything on your big day to take place, from when you arrive at your wedding location to when you leave it. Give copies of your run-sheet to all of your suppliers, particularly your caterer/s, so they can all have a timing plan to work toward on the day.

Ambience – Lighting, Decor, And Sound

Simple, quality lighting makes the world of difference under a marquee and is not to be underestimated. At Schupepe, we believe ‘less is more’ because the interiors of our tents are as striking as the exterior which means you don’t need to worry about installing costly decor or props. With a few up-lights and a trim of fairy-lights, you really don’t need anything more to set a stunning romantic vibe.

Get creative with your table centre-pieces. Your guests will love to see your own personal touches so dust off some old photos and trinkets and mix them in with candles and flowers. And don’t forget to grab a nicely bound blank book for guests to write in as they arrive at your reception – while you will have all of your closest friends and family around you on this big day, you won’t necessarily get to talk to them all, so give them the opportunity to leave you a special note that you can treasure and reflect on in future.

Sound is very important too. Guests want to hear your speeches, so invest in a simple hired sound system with either lapel or standard microphones. Test your sound-levels before your big day (or have a sound technician set the levels for you on the day). Always bring a back-up iPod or CDs ‘just in case’. Make sure your music is set at levels that aren’t ear-splitting so all guests young and old can enjoy it. A basic sound system shouldn’t cost more than $400 to hire, and you will only need a sound technician for a few hours – a ‘sound’ investment!

Allocate Someone To Manage Your Big Day For You!

Everyone wants their wedding day to run smoothly but we don’t all have funds for a wedding planner or event manager. Once you have picked your caterers and suppliers and have a basic plan together, pick someone you trust to be your ‘big day manager’ – even if it costs you a couple of hundred dollars. Don’t expect this of your maid-of-honour or groomsman, close family or friends as they will want (and deserve) to celebrate your big day with you. Ask around for recommendations for a hospitality professional that will work on your behalf to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. You should be able to get a professional in for an entire day for around $300. Good hospitality professionals know how an event should run and can operate as the ‘go-to’ person for all other suppliers should a problem arise. The key focus here is to ensure everybody has a fantastic day and is fed, watered, and entertained. You want beautiful pictures of happy content guests, right? While you will have a catering manager on site, they may not be familiar with your sound system or lighting, and you need them to focus on your food, not manage the entire affair. Sit down with your ‘big day manager’ a few days before your wedding day and finalise your run-sheet and floor-plan with them. Have them call your suppliers and introduce themselves so on the day everyone knows ‘who’s in charge’. This person will know when it’s time to light candles, turn on lights, turn music up or down, serve your mains, call taxis for guests, change a table-cloth if someone spills a drink, clear empty glassware and bottles, clean ashtrays, and all those other things that you shouldn’t have to worry about on your big day.

You need to allow yourself to ‘let go’ of controlling the day and really enjoy yourself. This will be one of the most important days of your life so let the professionals do what they do best!

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