TEAMWORK IS KEY WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING:

After 15 years together, Silas and Melissa got engaged late December 2014. This gave them exactly four months to arrange their outdoor wedding. They were in the midst of building onto their house and had brothers and sisters getting married later on in the year. The wedding ceremony had to take place in April. Anyone that has ever planned a wedding will know that four months can be a very tight time frame, but they were determined to make it happen and knew that they had to work as a team to make it work.

BREAKING DOWN THE STEREOTYPES:

Much to the surprise of friends and family, Silas took the reins on 50% of the wedding planning activities. He basically said – it had to be done if their wedding was going to happen on time. Plus, he said that he and Melissa always worked together as a team – why should wedding planning be any different? Sorry ladies – Silas is taken!!! Silas was in charge of hiring the wedding marquee and the lighting from our team here at Schupepe. He also took over the hiring of the caterer and the DJ. He bought the roses, oysters and alcohol. Other than a little last minute hiccup with the catering, he claims everything ran fairly smoothly.

SILAS’S ADVICE TO FUTURE GROOMS:

(Pay attention future grooms!)
1. You shouldn’t comment if you are not happy with something if you are not contributing to the planning.
2. It is a great opportunity to work with your partner as a team.
3. It is only as problematic as you make it.
4. IT CAN BE FUN.

WHAT THE BRIDE HAD TO SAY:

Melissa said it was truly a team effort and all of the wedding tasks were divided 50/50. She said they had a lot to organise for a wedding of 100 adults, 23 kids, and 7 babies! “It wouldn’t have been possible to do by one person alone!”

WHAT ABOUT THE WEDDING MARQUEE?

Silas said that everyone at Schupepe was incredibly helpful – from the customer service team to the installation crew. He said that the best part was watching the marquee go up, then the lights, and seeing it all come together.

A twinkling, elegant marquee enhancing the natural landscape is indeed a sight to behold! Don’t procrastinate! Contact Schupepe today for your free on-site visit before we are all of our tents book out this season!

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1. Sapporo Snow Festival

This festival, held every year over seven days in February, is one of Japan’s largest winter events. More than 2 million people come to see the spectacular ice sculptures and frozen art in Odori Park and Susukino. You can witness the crowning of a new Susukino Queen of Ice during a live beauty contest!

2. Whitefish Winter Carnival

Held in Whitefish, Montana, this is a yearly event filled with a wide variety of winter sports, street and ski parades, and even the annual Penguin Plunge – a dip into the freezing Whitefish Lake. National Geographic has hailed this Carnival one of the top winter events around the world. If you are dying to see how much your body can take before hypothermia takes over, head out to the states in early February for this famous event.

3. Quebec Winter Carnival

No list of winter festivals would be complete without Canada making the list. They have loads of winter events that are quite popular, but this one seems to be the crème de la crème. This festival includes a winter-themed amusement park, snow sled slides, snow rafting and skiing. Generally held in February, artists from around the globe compete – making spectacular snow sculptures.

4. Dartmouth Winter Carnival

This event, which initially began in 1910 as a field day for students, has quickly become one of the most popular festivals in New England. Ice-skating parties and horse-drawn sleigh rides are just some of the traditions that folks around the world have come to enjoy. There are human dogsled races and characters competing in a 3K skiing race wearing nothing but pajamas or capes! It is indeed – a sight to behold.

5. Fur Rendezvous

This 10-day celebration held in late February in North America’s coldest state – Alaska – is an amazing event. There will be reindeer. Yes, actual reindeer! There is a famous frostbite footrace, along with snowshoe softball and sled dog races. The Fur Rendezvous in Alaska has been named the largest winter festival in North America!

While we may not get any snow in Auckland, we still know how to throw a good winter festival! The students at Auckland University did a great job with Winterfest this year. There was incredible carnival food, games, acrobatics, and an awesome set by P Money. Schupepe was happy to provide the marquees for the festival. It was a tricky rig because the location is considered “historic” and as such, we were not allowed to peg into the ground or tie off guy-ropes to any structures, buildings, walls, or poles. This meant we had to hire in a hiab-truck and bring in 12 x 1 tonne concrete weights in order to tie the tent/ropes effectively. We love thinking outside of the box. Our crew did a great job and the event went off without a hitch!

Start planning your festival as early as possible! Contact us today.

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There are fewer restrictions on the maximum number of guests, ranges of drink, menus, and finishing times. Marquees are the perfect solution for those that do not have the capacity to fit a large number of guests in their home, in addition to the fact that marquees add an element of elegance and grandeur to a wedding celebration.
Backyard weddings are a perfect opportunity to showcase a couple’s individual style in a sentimental backdrop. Here at Schupepe, weddings are what we do best! We want you to have a memorable, stress-free event so we have compiled a list of 4 tips to avoid backyard wedding blunders.

MAKE SURE TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE

A rule of thumb in wedding planning is to never assume that something will take less time than you think it will. Allow yourself enough set-up time. You may think that most people will arrive later than the time given on the invites, but the opposite is generally true. Guests will usually start arriving 30 minutes before the official ceremony time. The pre-wedding photos should be done as soon as possible and vendor delivery times should be scheduled accordingly.

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH CHAIRS

Some couples will try to cut down on wedding costs by only getting one set of chairs for the ceremony or the reception. Most wedding ceremonies last longer than 10 minutes – anything over 10 minutes is too long to be standing in high heels, straining to see over-top of people’s heads. Nana may be sprite for her age, but chances are she would appreciate a seat. If you are planning on moving chairs from the ceremony to the reception, you may want to reconsider. This would be a tricky logistical nightmare. No one wants to transfer chairs from one area to another, especially during cocktail hour when caterers are serving food and drinks. The last thing you want to do is ask your guests to move chairs. Another thing to think about is providing chairs outside of the tent. Schupepe offers a wide variety of affordable seating options to cover all your bases.

MONEY IS WELL-SPENT ON A WELL-LIT EVENT

Lighting not only sets the tone for your event, it also provides guidance for those tipsy, stiletto-clad guests who are trying to navigate their way to the restroom and back to the bar. You must take into consideration that guests need to be able to see what they are eating and the caterers need to see where they are serving and what needs to be taken away once the guests are finished with their meals. Guests will require a well-lit route to the parking area as well. Schupepe can provide string lights for the interior and exterior, as well as lamps for larger areas.

NO PINCHING PENNIES ON HEATING REGARDLESS OF SEASON

Even in the summer temperatures can drop drastically and suddenly. Space heaters inside the tent are a must-have for every season. Placing heaters strategically outside of the tent is also a smart idea. The last thing you want is for Nana to catch a chill! Schupepe provides a wide variety of heating hire options to help keep the warmth in and the cold out. We have standard patio heaters for the interior and exterior of the tent. Diesel fan heaters are also available for those cool, unpredictable summer evenings. These types of heaters are able to fill the entire tent will bursts of warmth.

Contact Schupepe today and let us help make your backyard wedding memorable – not stressful.

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1. First things, first – The Budget!

Obviously, the size of your budget will be the determining factor in the type of Christmas party that you organise. This is the first order of business so that you can plan accordingly. To be on the safe side, you will want to assume that everyone will be attending. Decisions will need to be made as to whether guests will be contributing to the ticket price. You will also want to put some money aside, as unexpected costs can occur at any time for any size event.

2. Think outside the box… forget the box… think outside.

Whether you are hosting a party for 20 or 2,000, it is absolutely essential to get the basics right. Venue sourcing should be the first thing on your list. The great thing about hiring a marquee for your corporate event is that you can have your party practically anywhere. You will not have to worry about furniture, lighting, or flooring as our interior hire options provide you with everything you need for a successful event.

3. Tone – the cornerstone of any event!

Will this be an informal, once-a-year celebration where the employees go a little wild or will it be a formal affair where clients and associates are invited? Perhaps presentations and award ceremonies will be involved? Regardless, if you choose a Schupepe tent to cover your event, we can ensure flexibility – altering the mood with clever lighting and stage flooring. It is also important to note that some corporate offices choose to have less formal Christmas parties – as everyone is desperate to get away from the office atmosphere. Industrial offices tend to prefer more formal events – giving everyone a chance to dress up. The most important thing is to create an environment that does not resemble work.

4. A unique theme pulls everything together.

A memorable Christmas party is an entirely themed event – and the options are endless. Once you have selected an appropriate theme, it is easier to make decisions concerning food, entertainment, and décor. Adding a bit of competition to the mix is always a crowd pleaser. Quizzes, murder mystery games, and casino evenings are very popular these days. If you would like something more upscale, wine tasting is always a safe bet! Schupepe Tents has a wide variety of interior options and a long list of trusted vendors to supply anything that we do not have in stock.

5. Eat, drink, and be merry!

You should start thinking about catering approximately two to three months before the event and choose a menu that is affordable and will appeal to various tastes. Incorporate the theme where possible, but also allow for vegetarian options and other dietary requirements. Depending on the tone and size of the event, you will need to decide if a buffet or a three-course sit-down meal is more appropriate. No party is complete without alcohol, but of course it is imperative to make responsible and cost-effective decisions. A general rule of thumb is to allow two drinks per guest for the first hour of the event and then one drink per hour thereafter. Don’t forget soft drinks, juice, and water – not everyone plans on getting sloshed at the annual Christmas party!

6. The Wow Factor – essentials for entertainment…

The difference between a ho-hum party and an all-out bash is the element of fun. Nothing says epic festive fail like an empty dance floor. Hire a DJ, musician, or live band – schupepe tents can supply the stage, dance floor, and lighting. We have truss rigs that are perfect for tolerating heavy sound equipment and large lighting rigs – ensuring your event is not only spectacular but safe! Give your employees something to talk about other than work and provide them with fodder for water-cooler talk for years to come.

Start planning this year’s epic festive event. A marquee is to an adult what bouncy castles are to children! Tents symbolize both fun and elegance. Contact us today and allow us to help you create a memorable holiday event for your staff and clientele.

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Unpredictable Wedding Venues

While some people still prefer to get married in churches, the vast majority of couples are exploring different and unexpected wedding venues. New Zealand is host to breath-taking landscapes and many of our clients take advantage of the natural beauty our country has to offer. Our weather-proof, flexible wedding marquees provide the perfect cover for ceremonies on isolated beaches, iconic cliff-tops, and lush, green open fields.

Wedding Weekends

Modern couples want their wedding to be a gala to remember instead of just another cookie-cutter, one-day event. Themes such as wedstivals and glamping-inspired weddings are becoming quite popular for those that want to keep the fun going all weekend long. Our marquees allow our client’s imaginations to run amok without worrying about the rain or mud. You can set up your own personal Wedstock or Wedfest in your backyard, a camping site, an island, or a paddock. You and your guests can celebrate anywhere, anytime while making use of the awe-inspiring backdrop that New Zealand provides and we make sure you are equipped with all the comforts of home.

A Truckload of Food

Traditionally, food has been served banquet or sit-down style – with three choices – beef, chicken or seafood. Couples are spicing things up a bit and giving their guests more options. Taco bars, crepe stations, cupcake corners, and even food trucks offering anything from oysters to mini-burgers.

The Tech Wedding

This can go either way. Some couples will want an unplugged event. They may want to discourage their guests from being tied to their phones during the wedding and will offer a phone check at the door. However, other couples will go to the other extreme and will want to memorialize every moment via social media outlets using custom hashtags. Some brides are putting a GoPro in their bouquets to capture a unique view of the ceremony. Photographers are even using drones to take amazing aerial shots of the wedding. For those couples getting married overseas, Skype and Facetime allow for virtual guest participation.

Keeping it Green

It is possible to have the wedding of your dreams without leaving a super-sized carbon footprint. Traditional venues such as resorts and hotels are not the most environmentally friendly options. Here at Schupepe we implement a sustainability programme with Instep that enables us to minimise our impact on the environment. We are also able to recommend caterers that grow food locally without pesticides. Couples who make use of our interior hire options also cut down on transportation emissions by reducing the need for multiple vendors.

Your wedding vows should be the only ties that bind you – not tradition! Let us help you create the wedding of your dreams. Call us today for a quote.

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Hearts & Bowels: Ready to Burst!

In Northern Borneo, specifically the tribes of the Tidong community, newlyweds are locked in their home and are prohibited from urinating or emptying their bowels for a total of three days and nights.

Who Needs Cupid?

Yugur (an ethnic Chinese minority) natives believe that eternal love can only be achieved if the groom shoots his bride with a bow and arrow before the wedding – not just once, but three times. Granted, the arrows don’t have spearheads, but still, it can’t be pleasant.

No Laughing Matter

Can you imagine not being able to smile at your own wedding? In the Congo, if you want your nuptials to be taken seriously, you and your partner cannot crack a grin.

Who Needs Rice When You Have Rubbish?

In certain areas of Scotland, brides get tied to a tree and then their friends throw the grossest things they can find at them. The general idea is that if you can endure this, you can handle marriage.

Who is the Weirdo Wearing White?

Many cultures around the world find it strange that women choose white wedding g owns. In many other countries, women choose dresses that are flamboyant and full of colour.
In this day and age, many people are doing away with out-dated traditions and making their wedding an event that fits both the bride and groom’s personalities. The options are limitless and here at Schupepe Tents & Marquees, we pride ourselves on our ability to make our customers’ king and queen for a day or an entire weekend.

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Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves may have made the idea of glamping inspired weddings popular, but Kiwi’s can take it to the next level. We have a wide variety of rustic and awe-inspiring outdoor settings. Here are some ideas to incorporate in your glamping wedding theme.

• Add elegance and colour by making use of New Zealand’s wildflowers for centrepieces.
• Have fire pits strategically placed around your glamp-site
• Organize outdoor activities instead of having a traditional wedding reception.
• Bring cricket bats, rugby balls, fishing gear (if appropriate)
• A bush walk procession to the altar may be fun.

There are a million ways that you can make your glamping inspired wedding a success. Regardless of venue, amount of guests, or unpredictable weather, we have you covered. Marquees are perfect for outdoor weddings as they provide that extra personalized touch to your special day. The material is extremely flexible, allowing it to be installed practically anywhere. We also provide freeform flex fabric stretch tents that are completely weatherproof – so you can have your wedding in an open field, in the woods, on the beach, the options are limitless. Our interior hire options will help to add the extra dash of glamour required for your glamping inspired wedding.

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The following weekend we helped provide shade and tented cover when the ASB Auckland Seafood Festival joined in the Auckland 175^th birthday celebrations in Auckland. Then there is our regular summer gig at The Tasting Shed. Located just outside the country township of Kumeu-Huapai, only 25 minutes northwest of downtown Auckland, The Tasting Shed overlooks the gentle slopes of beautiful Coopers Creek Vineyard. The dream child of Jo and Ganesh, The Tasting Shed is the perfect location for kiwi summer events; and Schupepe Tents are proud to have one of our tents up as a permanent feature to provide cover for the many weddings and events that are taking place at The Tasting Shed during the summer months ahead; including George FM’s Heineken Sundowners – great beer, great bbq and great tunes every Sunday afternoon from 4-7pm.

Oh, and as for weddings!!! In 2014 we installed our stretch tents for a total of 73 weddings! And so far this year, we have installed our tents as the venue covering for weddings on the Coromandel, in Ramarama, Mangawhai, Ponsonby, Pukekohe, and in Torbay on Auckland’s North Shore. Whew! It’s a good thing we love what we do, and that we have a product that is so exceptional  – along with a dedicated team who like nothing better than having their creativity challenged when it comes to conforming and rigging our incredibly flexible and versatile  Freeform™ stretch tents and marquees.

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