Party Tip #3 - Don't mention your party on Facebook.

This is what can happen if you do....

We have heard some terrible stories about gatecrashing from uninvited guests in the Great Southern, especially in the 18 - 25 year old party bracket.  As difficult as it may seem in this technologically driven world, DO NOT mention your party on Facebook or other social media sites and instruct your friends not to either.

Receiving a hand written and artistically creative invitation in one's letterbox is one of life's pleasures.

Difficult to conceive for the younger generation, but very true.  Not only does it make the person on the receiving end feel important, but there is a great sense of satisfaction at the creative process and actually touching and feeling paper, envelopes and postage stamps.

Creative Art 101 - there was a reason we learnt these techniques at school. 

Party Tip #2 - Food is Important

When planning a party have a really good think about the food - whether it's gorgeous canapes, roast beef rolls, noodle boxes, a full sit down dinner or casual BBQ, good nosh always goes down well.

I went to a Russell Blaikie (Must Wine Bar) event at Emu Point Cafe recently, and to be honest I haven't stopped talking and thinking about the food!

Having enough food is the key - especially when people are having a few drinks. We have all been to the cocktail style wedding where you are chasing the waitress around in hunger - there is nothing worse!

For DIY catering, Albany Party Hire can provide bain maries (keep food warm), spits (rotating for a whole beast or rack for roasts, vegies etc), deep fryers, pie warmers, chocolate fondues, coolrooms etc to help feed your guests.

A cupcake stand full of luscious individual creations is always a winner for dessert.

Using a reputable catering company is also a great option - the host isn't slaving over a hot stove and everyone can relax. I think it is definitely true that food also tastes so much better when prepared by someone else! The Great Southern is blessed with some fantastic caterers - Terroir & Table, Kookas Catering and Sharp Infusion to name a few.

In either case, Albany Party Hire can provide cutlery, crockery and glassware to complete your requirements in delivering food to your guests.

MMMmmmmm.

Images by Krysta Guille Photography.

Party Tip # 1 - Advantages of a Marquee Wedding

One. It’s a blank canvas – no wood panelling, face brick, paisley tiles or outrageous wall colours. With the marquee being pure white, any colour that is introduced has a greater impact. Make sure you use a reputable hire company to ensure the marquee is clean to avoid disappointment on the day.

Two. You can create your own vibe – will you go cocktail lounge with ottoman seating, cocktail tables and bar stools? Will it be a traditional sit down at round tables or a long table banquet? It’s your space – do with it as you please.

Three. Celebrate well into the night – want to dance with your guests until 4am? A marquee on a private property offers unlimited time frames. No ushering everyone out at midnight.

Four. Want to save some money? You can use a marquee and save in other areas – DIY catering, purchase your own alcohol etc. Control your cost per head.

Five. Control the size of your venue – marquees come in a range of sizes to suit any amount of guests – no squeezing people in or feeling like you are in a massive barn. You can also put the door and windows wherever you like!

Six. Making it memorable – every wedding is memorable, however being able to celebrate your day at a location with emotional significance, such as a family farm, leaves an imprint on the families and guests that lasts a lifetime.

Seven. Lighting – no blaring fluorescents or spotlights. Go with romantic chandeliers, a basic round sphere or drum. Reputable hire companies will provide lights on a dimmer line so you can control the mood. Turn the lights down and let the dancing begin....