Dream Occasions
Follow us on Twiter Follow us on Facebook
Family matters
Fabulous lunch at Downhall Hotel
Posted 3 days ago

When I'm organising events for clients I always ask what is important for them, what memories do they want in years to come? For many, they want their friends and…

Fabulous lunch at Downhall Hotel
Love Token (Paranormal Fiction)
Love Token (Paranormal Fiction)
Posted 11 days ago

"You're not crazy. In fact, you're perfect. Everything about you couldnt be more so if I made a list of all the qualities I wanted in a partner and special…

Love Token (Paranormal Fiction)
I adore: Girl meets dress
I adore: Girl meets dress
Posted 18 days ago

We all have those pieces at the back of the wardrobe, bought for yet another wedding/party/job interview but then not worn more than a couple of times. Girl Meets Dress.com…

I adore: Girl meets dress
An elaborate 'mobbed' proposal
An elaborate ‘mobbed’ proposal
Posted 23 days ago

This weekend (on my birthday) one of my clients will be proposing to his girlfriend. I can’t tell you where or how, but it is a beautiful and simple proposal.

So…

I adore: Swapping the heels for flats
I adore: Swapping the heels for flats
Posted 25 days ago

Every now and then you discover a product and think “ how clever” , “how simple” and “wish I’d thought of it!”

I was contacted recently by Rollasole about their pumps…

I adore: Swapping the heels for flats
Engaged? Read Our Wedding Planning Guide (2)
Engaged? Read Our Wedding Planning Guide (2)
Posted 30 days ago

Congratulations you’re engaged! You’re on glad nine, your fiancé has declared his love and asked you to become his wife, you excitedly talk about the future and your wedding day.…

Engaged? Read Our Wedding Planning Guide (2)
Client Testimonial: Caroline & Guy
Client Testimonial: Caroline & Guy
Posted 32 days ago

Thanks for such a wonderful wedding – there is absolutely no way that we could have done it without you. All your fantastic ideas helped make the day so perfect,…

Client Testimonial: Caroline & Guy
Client Testimonial: Josephine & Gordon
Client Testimonial: Josephine & Gordon
Posted 32 days ago

I would highly recommend Dream Occasions, our wedding was a huge success, attention to detail was excellent and working with Bernadette was great fun.

Josephine & Gordon, wedding 2009

Photo Credit: Kate…

Client Testimonial: Josephine & Gordon
New Games for Dream Occasions Hire
New Games for Dream Occasions Hire
Posted 35 days ago

As soon as the sun comes out we find the phone calls flood in with last minute garden game orders, but this hasn't stopped Paul from purchasing a few more games for…

New Games for Dream Occasions Hire
I adore: Muddy Creek Signs
I adore: Muddy Creek Signs
Posted 39 days ago

Recently I was contacted by Suzy from Muddy Creek Signs about her range of signs suitable for the wedding market. Now, signs have been popular over the last few years…

I adore: Muddy Creek Signs
PreviousNext
  • Dream Occasions have been designing stylish Weddings & Parties since 2002

  • Posts Tagged ‘ marquee events ’

    Marquee top tips – catering

    April 28th, 2010 | Marquee Functions, Weddings | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? Congratulations on having the opportunity to create an event truly personal and individual. But has the initial excitement now paved way for disorder and distress? If so you’re not alone, home weddings are DIFFICULT. It’s a much greater challenge than a hotel or venue because you have to organise everything from scratch, with no professional to guide you along the way. Over the last 7 years I have organised many home events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its hard work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tip.
    Like with all suppliers meet at least 2 caterers before making a decision on who to use. When comparing quotations check whether it includes:

      • Staff for the wedding breakfast, drink reception, bar, wine serving & clearing
      • Cutlery, crockery and glassware
      • All cooking equipment & refrigeration trailers
    • I also advise asking whether their staff is agency or regular waitresses they have worked with frequently. This can make a big difference on the day.
    • Check with your caterers what size catering tent they need to service your wedding proficiently
    • Ensure your caterers have access to fresh water, this can be simply an extendable hose into the catering tent
    • Ask your caterer how many staff they need to cater for your wedding in a timely manner, this is not an area to save costs on. As a guide for a plated service you need 1 waitress/waiter per 10 guests.
    • Reiterate to the caterers that all wastage, including water from the urn should be taken off site and disposed of, otherwise you may be looking at a hefty bill for damage to the lawn

    canapeesPhoto credit: Nick KontouServices: If you need help planning your marquee event view our main website for more information on how we can help you.

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    February 22nd, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    HATS – Hand out soft edged pegs to the ladies to peg their hats to the marquee lining or hang ribbon along the marquee sides, not only does this look fantastic seeing all the hats, it protects them from being stamped on.If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    February 15th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    NEIGHBOURS – Ensure the neighbours are aware of the wedding and anticipated noise. If they are not invited then why not pay for a night away for them? That way you should reduce any requests for music to be turned down, well worth the £100-200 it will cost you.If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    February 8th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    POWER – Be very aware of power, how much do the band, toilets and caterer need? Is the home supply enough and more importantly do you want to risk the power tripping? Think seriously about hiring a small generator if only for peace of mind.If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    February 1st, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    TOILETS – even if the house is right next to the marquee I strongly advise hiring a mobile toilet, they are very luxurious now and well worth the hassle they will save you. Think about lighting the way to the toilets and perhaps laying stepping stones across the grass. For my larger events I house this within a marquee attached to the dining marquee, I then create a vanity area with mirrors, tables and chairs.toiletIf you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.Photo credit: Weatherill Marquee Hire

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    January 25th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    PRIVACY – Make sure there is a partition between the catering tent and the main marquee; guests do not want to see staff dishing up food!If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    January 18th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    ENTRANCE – Have a small porch to make it grander and keep the warmth in. Flag the entrance with floral pedestals or hire in some topiary trees.

    marquee-exterior1If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.Photo credit: Kerry Morgan

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    January 11th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    WEATHER – I’m assuming you will want the drink reception in the garden grounds but what if it rains? Think about a contingency plan whether you hire an additional small tent or hold the reception in the marquee on the dance floor if uncovered. If space and budget is not an issue then you can have a special lounge area in the marquee with a partition to the wedding breakfast, this is then unveiled at the special moment.lisa-and-umbrellas1If you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for details on the services we offer.Photo credit: Harvey Collard

    Top Tips: Marquee Events

    January 4th, 2010 | Marquee Functions | 0 Comments

    Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? If so this new series is for you. Over the last 7 years I have organised many marquee events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its HARD work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tips.

    Things to consider before meeting marquee companies:

    - What style marquee you prefer, framed, traditional and modern versions like capris.

    - Will you want windows and doors or completely open on one side?

    - What type of flooring would you prefer? The ideal solution is a hard floor on its own or with carpet/Hessian on the top, this provides a solid and even surface for guests to walk on.

    - Where do you envisage the catering tent, portable toilets and marquee entrance.

    - Will you want a dance floor & stage as a feature with tables surrounding it?

    - Do you prefer round tables or long banqueting tables?

    - Do you have a feature in the garden you want to incorporate? For example perhaps you have a tree, pond or flower border that is in the area of the proposed marquee?

    caroline-marquee-interiorIf you need help with your marquee event then visit our website for more information.Photo credit: Kerry Morgan