Wimbledon – the Pimms, Champagne, strawberries and arrival of summer – inspires us to deliver the most stylish garden parties. And the key to garden party success at this time of year is keeping the changeable weather top of mind when party planning.
This week sees the start of Wimbledon and The Championships have already seen some light but persistent rain.
Parties that Work in the Rain
Preparing for a garden party can be a minefield of organisation. When it comes to preparing for grey skies or blue, thorough attention to detail and creativity are key. Here’s how to plan a party that works in the rain.
Event Structure
Marquees these days are excellent structures and can keep the worst of the elements at bay. Do not underestimate the amount of water that a marquee roof will capture in a heavy shower. Unless guttering is created and managed properly water in the marquee will always be an issue.
A marquee doesn’t need to be a purely functional structure. Marquees and temporary event structures make amazing venues with varied shapes, sizes and designs lending themselves beautifully to styling and different party themes, whilst delivering a wonderful atmosphere and sense of occasion.
From modular and multi-zoned structures for intimate seating, bars and chill out lounges, to vast open plan spaces, it’s good to know that you have multiple options, including;
- Elegant Japanese-style pagoda marquees
- Iconic Mughal pearl tents
- Contemporary clearspan party marquees
- Versatile stretch tents
- Belgian mirror tents
- Indian marquees
- Giant tipis and yurts
Styling
Striking styling can transform a marquee into wonderful venue when coupled with high spec heating, flooring and lighting. Create atmosphere with unexpected and delightful props and draping to bring your party theme to life. Consider a colour pallet of shades that work together to inject colour while keeping your party coordinated. Vibrant colours of summer – Rio Olympic orange and yellow hues, or Wimbledon garden green and mauve – create a strong style during daylight hours before bespoke lighting can take over from dusk.
Marquee Flooring
Get your marquee flooring right or wellies will be required! There are several options to consider:
Carpet over a raised timber floor is a very good option for looking after your grass and gives an even, flat floor and a very smart finish.
Carpet over a raised cassette floor is more substantial than the timber version and can be used for gradients up to one meter drop. There’s no problems with water ingress and this option provides a raised surface.
Carpet over gridmat is quick to go down and creates an air gap over the grass to help it breath. Grass will go pale but will recover in a week. Not recommended for dining on unless ground is very flat as it will lay to the undulations of the ground.
Matting or carpet over a waterproof layer works well for more informal settings like giant tipis or stretched tents, preventing heels sinking into the grass. Carpet is fast to lay and most is recyclable too.
Grass is great if the Glastonbury feel is what you are after. Wellies will be essential and mud guaranteed unless you are having your event on bone dry ground.
Garden Party Firepits
Firepits offer a spectacular centrepiece to the most luxurious garden party, raised or sunk into your party structure with soft seating under cover facing in towards the fires warmth. Add multiple throws in your party colour pallet – this is the finer attention to detail that will make your guests, friends and family feel the hygge.
Glorious Food
Catering is a highlight of the finest celebrations and needs to be considered carefully. A plated starter for everyone followed by a serve yourself main course from a covered barbecue area works very well. Chefs can be cooking food alongside a temptingly displayed salad bar. Lovely pudding tables can carrying a selection of sweet options.
Entertainment
Your options are limitless! One recommendation is to ward of the drizzle and storms and whip your guests out of the marquee for a moment to witness a spectacular fire show. Our professional, high-energy fire artists will leave you and your guests in need of a serious cool down. Perhaps a little rain shower isn’t all bad news!
Come rain or shine this summer you’ll want to deliver a seamless, faultless and above all superb garden party.
Looking for party planning and management to eliminate the stress? From conception to clear-up, we’re there every step of the way.
