By: Lindalee Gonzalez

Do you usually find yourself in trouble when it comes to planning an event? Many people struggle with the process of how to make their event come together for their special day. Planning an event takes some expertise no matter how simple or complex the event can be. This blog will take you through the general event planning process that can be applied to any event type. Below are three easy practical steps anyone can follow to get started on their event planning process.

STEP ONE

Figure out where you would like to hold your event, and how many people you
plan on inviting. Having this base gives you the general knowledge if you will need to look for a venue that fits your event space needs, or if your indoor home or backyard will do. Some venues include tables and chairs, but others do not. It is important to ask this question when looking for a venue since these simple questions will affect your budget.

STEP TWO

Once you have your location and the number of people nailed down, step number two is to figure out the color palette or theme of your event. This is important because it affects the way your guests feel about your event. When planning, you want to think about what the purpose of your event is. Create a “Mood Board” to help you stay on track with the look and feel of what you are going for. This is a great tip that the professionals use! Check out Pinterest, or even the Party Time Instagram or Website for ideas!

STEP THREE

After you have your design, step number three is to figure out what décor you may already have, and what else you need in order to complete the look you are trying to achieve! Whether balloons, floral, or rentals like linens, china, and chargers, having a written or electronic list of things you need to buy or rent, makes it easy for you to keep track of your needs.

IN CONCLUSION

These are the three basic steps to getting your event planning process in motion. They are easy to follow and are the correct way to get events started. If you would rather leave this process in the hands of a professional, you can always hire an event planner/coordinator to help you through every step.

In my wildest dreams, most pensive moments, I never envisioned the 2020 scenario that unfolded over these past 11 months. The year started much like any other – with high hopes and carefully laid plans – with optimism and confidence. In late 2019, as 2020 goals were prepared and objectives articulated, there was every reason to expect that Premiere Events would experience its 20th consecutive positive revenue growth year – every reason to believe that Party Time Rentals would continue to flourish.

As February began, storm clouds gathered on the horizon. Throughout the new year’s second month, the clouds darkened, and dire predictions about something called “COVID-19” were made. By March, news of a worldwide pandemic spread, until COVID’s very real threat to our physical and economic health dominated our thoughts – kept us awake at night – made us anxious and afraid.

Then came the deluge. Shut downs. Event bans. Cancellations, postponements and refunds. Unemployment, Furloughs, and Layoffs. For us, PPP was a ray of hope, and EIDL a means of restoring deposits. But the relief was short lived, and the economic challenges intensified. The psychological challenges deepened as well. Working, schooling and worshipping from home, we were adrift . . . our sense of community lost. Our very way of life changed fundamentally, perhaps, we feared, forever.

But what was, was, and what will be, will be. We cannot “cry over [figuratively] spilled milk”. In this 2021 New Year’s message, I’d like to share with you three important and decidedly positive lessons I, our company, and our teams learned from the unfortunate set of COVID circumstances.

First, we can do with much less than we think we need . . . or believe we “should” have. We can economize, tighten our belts and count our pennies. We can forgo the wants and the wows, and get back to basics. When our backs are against the wall and our bank accounts are shrinking fast, we can be frugal and fiscally conservative. Not stingy (we still awarded holiday team bonuses, albeit less impressive than normal and supported our favorite charities, although perhaps less generously), not miserly or tightfisted – but smart in our spending and wise in our use of all our resources, especially our cash. We can adapt, professionally certainly, and personally, when necessary, to a “lower standard of living”.

Second, we re-learned what we’d already known, but perhaps stored in the far reaches of consciousness – hope for the best, but wisely plan (and prepare) for the worst. Cindy Lo tweeted this week regarding Red Velvet’s pandemic experience, and pointed out how a cash reserve built up over the years helped her company cope with COVID’s economic impact. Had our company not done the same, we might not have made it.

Finally, we learned that yes, we truly are, all in this together. That’s a reality from which I, for one, took great comfort. Rick and Angela, two-thirds of the Premiere/ Party Time Executive Team, were rock solid. Their dedication and determination were (and are) invaluable. The “skeleton crew” that provided “essential services” and reported for duty during the shut down were brave and true. Working from home, our SACS (Sales and Customer Service Team) were rock stars. They responded to inquiries, fielded refund requests, provided information, attended webinars, and made meaningful contributions.

Marketing and website team members were diligent and creative, working hard, once the event ban was lifted, promoting micro-events and other event alternatives, reaching out to new markets, devising new strategies. Our DACS Team (Delivery and Customer Service) was diligent in following Clean, Safe and Essential (American Rental Association) protocols and remaining ever vigilant.

Sure, we did “it”, for us, but we did “it” for you, too. For each of you who rely on us to meet your rental needs. We kept our showrooms sanitary, treated our inventory as promised, purchased and provided products to help you better serve your customers. We kept in touch. We supported your efforts. We kept our promises and honored our commitments. Despite occasional drama, a dose of uncertainty and an element of doubt, we soldiered on. We’re grateful to each and all of you for the opportunity to have decidedly demonstrated that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That only the strong survive.

As we look forward to this New Year, we, like many of you, will emerge tougher, leaner and better prepared for what lies ahead. It is our fondest hope and fervent plea that all of our best days lie ahead. New Year’s blessings to you and yours.

Delores, Rick, Angela, Premiere Events and Party Time Rentals

By: Brandie Guice

There are so many popular trends in the wedding industry currently. Wedding trends are always evolving and growing, and while some trends may last only for a few months, some may stay around for years. I think that one of the longer-term trends in the wedding industry is finding unique ways to incorporate lighting to enhance the event space.

Whether it is through twinkle lights, rope lights, LED signs or bulbs, lit up marquee letters, chandeliers or paper lanterns, these types of lighting have the potential to greatly enrich the event scene. Lighting can significantly affect the mood of an event, both indoors and outdoors. 

Outdoor lighting can add elegance to events that are held completely outside or receptions with outdoor patios, and many opt to add patio lighting or stringed bulbs to their outdoor space. Additionally, sparklers and fireworks are a great way to add glow to the night as a newlywed couple makes their exit. 

If you are hosting your event at a venue, there are a few things to consider when planning the lighting for your event. First, know where the outlets are located and how much power they can accommodate. Next, you will want to know if any types of lighting are prohibited at the venue due to risk of overheating. Lastly, it is important to know what lighting is already provided at the venue to gage how much more you want to add.

There are so many ways to incorporate lighting at your event to help you bring your vision to life. If you are considering planning an event in the future, consider adding additional lighting to give your event a radiant glow that guests will remember forever.

By: Amy Kujawa

Are you searching for a rustic wedding venue, but still want it to be glamorous? Peach Creek Ranch’s wooden barn-like exterior paired with the crystal chandeliers of the reception hall encompass the country chic look every Texas Couple wants.

Peach Creek Ranch is one of the most popular wedding and event venues not only in the Bryan-College Station area, but in the Brazos Valley. Over the years we have done rentals for hundreds (yes- literally hundreds) of events and weddings. 

Check out this all white wedding which opted to substitute Peach Creek’s mahogany garden chairs for our white french country chair to complete the “all-white” wedding look. My favorite part about our french country chairs are the overlapping circles that make an infinity sign. A perfect way to start your love forever!

Taking a closer look at this tablescape, the couple opted for our Bennett Wood chargers. Although no plates are at the table, this is a perfect way to have a “setting” along with the gold capri flatware and gold rimmed charlotte beverage glass.

A great way to mix up your table settings is to mix round and rectangle tables to add dimension. This wedding chose to incorporate farmhouse style tables. Our white ventian table requires no linen and is simply elegant. Also, check out that beautiful Post Oak Florist arrangement!

Our gold iron lanterns come in two different sizes. The gold lanterns really frame the floral and make those pink accents pop!

Our larger lanterns set on top of wine barrels and wood blocks add dimension to the front of the aisle. What a fun way to welcome guests and mix modern and rustic pieces!

Contact sales@partytimerentals.com to be set up with an event consultant who can help you create the Peach Creek Wedding of your dreams!

Vendors:
Photographer- @katihewittphoto
Rentals – @partytimerentalscollegestation
Planning – @atplanned
Floral – @postoakflorist
Cake+Desserts – @sandeessweets
Stationery+Signage – @birdiemaedesigns
Entertainment – @gunpowdersoup
Sparkler Fountains – @broadwaybridalsparklers
Catering – @dvinecuisine