Work a Wedding with Us: Behind the Scenes with Our Venue Coordinators

Ever wonder what actually goes on behind the scenes at a wedding? Our events team are the first ones in and the last ones out, making sure every single detail is dialed in so the couple (and their guests) can just show up and enjoy. So, here’s a peek behind the scenes of what went down for R + C’s wedding. From early morning setup to late-night dance party, here’s how we helped bring their vision to life on the venue’s side of things (and kept things running smoothly every step of the way).

Morning: Unlock, Unload, and Haul

We start early. First thing? Unlock the venue and bridal suite so the wedding party can start getting ready. This couple rented their tables and chairs through us, so we had them delivered the night before.

Our setup crew already cleared out any furniture the couple didn’t want, so our first big task of the day is hauling everything—tables, chairs, linens—up to the second floor and placing them according to the floor plan. Once the tables are set and dressed, they’re ready for the florists and decorators to work their magic.

Meanwhile, we’re also setting up chairs in the ceremony space and double-checking every corner to make sure the space is clean, polished, and picture-ready. With so many moving parts on wedding day, there are bound to be things you just can’t plan for. We field all kinds of last-minute requests from both vendors and clients—like grabbing an extension cord for hair dryers or filling pitchers of water for the florist—and we’re always ready to jump in and handle whatever pops up.

Midday: Set, Style, and Snack (Briefly)

This couple also booked our in-house catering, so we set the buffet with chafers, plates, and everything in between. We fold napkins, polish silverware, and place water goblets on each place setting. We also make sure the bar menus up, do one last venue sweep to see if we missed anything, and set up any extra add-ons like a coffee and tea bar or our famous living-champagne wall.

Once we’ve finished all our prep, we sneak in a quick bite and hydrate—because the real action is about to start.

Afternoon: Guests, Vendors, and Ceremony Time

As guests start arriving, our team splits up. One of us hangs out by the gate with our security staff to welcome guests and help anyone who needs elevator access. Another team member checks in back upstairs and offers a helping hand to other vendors for the finishing touch if needed.

Once the ceremony kicks off, we help manage flow—aka we politely hold latecomers at the elevator so they don’t walk in during the processional. We keep eyes on everything so as soon as the ceremony ends, we can swoop in and flip the space. For this wedding, that meant moving the ceremony chairs over to the reception area during cocktail hour.

Evening: Cocktail Hour Hustle & Dinner Setup

It’s all hands on deck to clear out the ceremony chairs as quickly as possible so guests can filter outside to cocktail hour.

Our bartenders keep the drinks flowing while our food runner is on deck to make sure appetizers never run low—constantly checking and refilling as needed so guests are never left hungry. We keep guests in the Lounge during this time so that we can move the chairs unobstructed, as well as giving vendors the space to complete finishing touches to the reception area like lighting candles. Our team also starts bringing food from the kitchen to the buffet, and preparing this for service. This includes putting out menu cards, lighting the sternos, and placing all the serving ware and spoon rests.

After cocktail hour, we help transition everyone to the Main Bar for dinner. Once the grand entrance and speeches wrap, it’s time to serve. Our team plate the proteins at the buffet line to keep things moving and make sure everyone gets their fair share. Our team finally leaves the buffet once everyone has been served.

While guests eat, we finally get a second to grab some food ourselves to re-fuel for what’s next. If the couple has opted for any of our extras (like our cake-cutting service or Nintendo Switch station!) these are next up on our to-do list.

Night: Party Switch-Up & Tear Down

Now for the big transition: moving guests downstairs to Rabbit Hole for the afterparty. This is no small feat and involves our entire staff. We’ll take multiple trips to help guests down the elevator and assist anyone needing extra help onto the lift in Rabbit Hole. Meanwhile, vendors are tearing down decor, collecting signage and gifts, and wrapping up their setups.

We also break down the buffet, toss linens into the wash, and move tables back into storage. Once the dinner tables are cleared, we also have to bring these downstairs so they’re ready for rental pickup. Since The Circ Bar does reopen to the public later that night, we also have to reset all our original furniture and move that back upstairs.

Afterparty & Clocking Out

When the dance party in Rabbit Hole is in full swing, we hand things off to our night crew. A host manages the door (no party-crashers on our watch!), and our day-of event assistant stays to make sure the rest of the night runs smooth.

By the end of the night, we’re definitely exhausted—but it’s the best kind of tired. We truly love what we do. We love celebrating love, and we’re honored to play a part in one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life. Getting to provide this one-of-a-kind, all-in, immersive venue experience is something we’re incredibly proud of!

Quick Note

Just an FYI – our team manages the venue, not the wedding itself. While we’re happy to help out wherever we can, our services are not the same as a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. If you want someone dedicated to managing your timeline, vendors, and personal details, we highly recommend hiring a professional coordinator. Here’s a list of our favorites that we know our venue and that we’ve worked with before!

For more on the differences between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, check out our FAQ page here.

The Best Wedding Season

Choosing the perfect time of year for your wedding can set the tone for your entire celebration and shape everything from your decor to your guest experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a bright summer soirée, a cozy fall gathering, or a romantic spring affair, each season brings its own set of opportunities and challenges. Your choice will influence the overall atmosphere, the types of flowers available, the potential for outdoor events, and even how comfortable your guests will be. To help you make the best decision for your big day, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season to consider as you plan your perfect wedding.

Spring 🌸
Spring weddings are perfect for couples who want a romantic and fresh ambiance. The season brings gorgeous blooms like tulips, peonies, and cherry blossoms, offering vibrant colors for your decor and photos. The mild temperatures make outdoor ceremonies comfortable for guests, but be prepared for unpredictable weather. Rain showers are common in the spring, so having a backup plan for outdoor venues is a must.

Summer ☀️
Summer is a favorite for outdoor weddings, providing endless sunshine and warm evenings. If you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony or a lush garden party, this is your season! However, the heat can be intense, especially in warmer climates, so keeping guests cool with shaded areas, fans, and refreshing drinks is important. Summer is also peak wedding season, which can drive up costs for venues, vendors, and accommodations, so be prepared for higher prices and competition for dates.

Fall 🍂
Autumn offers a picturesque backdrop with its stunning fall foliage and warm, earthy tones. Our most popular months for weddings here at 210 Events are actually September and October because of the amazing Michigan foliage! The cooler temperatures are ideal for outdoor ceremonies without the scorching summer heat, making it a comfortable season for both you and your guests. Rustic themes and seasonal decor, like pumpkins and candles, can add a cozy touch. However, fall weather can be unpredictable, with rain and wind being more common. Days are also shorter, so evening weddings will need extra lighting. For our location in a college town, certain dates may not be available due to the football schedule!

Winter ❄️
Winter weddings are often magical, with a festive, intimate atmosphere. If you’re dreaming of a holiday or snow-themed celebration, winter offers unique and stunning possibilities. However, the cold weather may limit outdoor photo opportunities, and guests may face travel difficulties due to snow or icy conditions. Be sure to plan for cozy indoor spaces, and provide warmth with blankets or hot drinks to keep your guests comfortable. Venues may also not have many winter dates available, as their spaces may be booked up for holiday parties.

No matter the season, your wedding can be a beautiful and memorable event. Each time of year brings its own unique charm, and with careful planning, you can work around any potential challenges to create the day of your dreams. Whether you choose the blooming vibrancy of spring, the sunny warmth of summer, the cozy elegance of fall, or the magical intimacy of winter, the most important thing is that it reflects your vision as a couple. Ultimately, the right season is the one that feels perfect for you and your celebration. Happy planning!

Featured photo by Monica Jean Photography for K & M

Vendor Spotlight: Skosh

Have you ever met someone and instantly knew you were going to be friends? That’s what it felt like when Skosh walked into our space for the first time.

Skosh was one of those vendors that are unforgettable. This husband and wife team have the perfect blend of cool confidence and excitement about events. You could tell they were really thinking about the client and how to give them the best experience by the questions they asked and the options they recommended. After the logistics were locked down, they were talkative, personable, and just plain fun.

I was so happy to hear that Skosh was going to cater one of our holiday parties last year! From the get-go, the team showed up with plenty of time to unload, get setup and begin serving, all without seeming the slightest bit rushed. It was incredible to watch them in the kitchen. Everything was excellently timed, the space remained clean and orderly, and everyone had a smile. They used earpieces to keep track of food amounts in real time so that nothing ran out, not even for a minute.

Now to the literal “meat” of this blog post: the food. As someone who is regrettably a bit of a food snob, I can say with complete honesty that Skosk’s food was incredible. Not even, “catering” incredible, but super-nice-restaurant-with-your-rich in-laws incredible (editor’s note: without being pretentious). They had bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, a lamb pomegranate skewer, and a whole shrimp on a spoon in some delightful aioli situation. I did not see too much of the dinner buffet but I have no doubt that it was delicious given the continuous stream of empty catering pans that came back to the kitchen. Finally, what event is complete without dessert? Unsurprisingly Skosh nailed it again on the sweets. They had multiple displays that rivaled each other for beauty: I saw an espresso mousse, a salted caramel tartlet and a table FULL of chocolate bark.

Recently, Skosh also catered a glamorous “Vintage Vegas” haven for an exclusive corporate event. Guests were treated to an unforgettable night filled with classic Vegas vibes, from live entertainment and dazzling performances to the excitement of casino tables. The proverbial cherry on top were the incredible Skosh food stations set up around the venue.

Skosh set up the main buffet sections in Rabbit Hole’s Nave. The first food station served up was some delightful appetizers, which featured a Crudités Display (seasonal assortment of fresh vegetables, with lemon hummus and ranch dip), Breads and Spreads (crostini, sliced Baguettes, pimento cheese, pesto goat cheese, smoked whitefish spread, roasted tomato jam, and olive tapenade), and Bourbon Meatballs.

Next up was a one-of-a-kind salad display, with individual small portions served up in tiny little boxes that were hung up. The three salads featured were Hudson’s Maurice Salad (chopped romaine, sweet gherkins, pimento stuffed green olives, swiss, turkey, ham, maurice dressing), Green Goddess Salad (mixed greens, arugula, cucumber, broccoli, spring peas, avocado vinaigrette), and Kale Quinoa Salad (chopped kale, quinoa, cucumber, golden raisins, garbanzo beans, kalamata olives, sun dried tomato vinaigrette). The genius about this display was that not only were the salads perfectly portioned out, but since the little containers could be carriered, guests could save room on their plates to add more food!

Following that was a display with these little warmed entrée tins with Vegan Risotto (peppercorn risotto, balsamic mushroom ragu) , Coq Au Vin (burgundy braised chicken, carrots, onions, creamy mashed potatoes), Short Rib & Grits (rosemary braised boneless beef short rib, white cheddar grits, red wine demi-glace), and Mac & Cheese (smoked gouda, fontina, parmesan).

I was delighted to see the return of the chocolate bark station! Guests could find a dessert distation just around the corner from The Nave in The Warren (across the booths). There was the Michigan Chocolate Bark (dark chocolate, dried cherries, pepitas), Cookies & Cream (white chocolate and oreo), Detroit Chocolate Bark (dark chocolate, Better Made potato chips, sea salt), and Fruity Pebbles (white chocolate and pop rocks). This interactive station was a hit among guests as they could hammer and chisel out their own portions!

My biggest takeaway watching Skosh work is that everyone on the team loves hospitality. No one was there because they just “needed a job” but rather everyone was so passionate about food and service. They are also always innovating, creating something different every event.

Just a head’s up—some of the dishes in this blog post might be a one-time treat as this menu was designed specifically for this event. So if you do choose Skosh for your event, you can expect to see different tasty offerings next time!

This is one of the many reasons that our team will always recommend Skosh first for a client looking at outside catering. Every detail is thought out (editor’s note: did you SEE how they artistically staggered the plates? Incredible!), every food item crafted to excellency, and the service is next level.

Even though Skosh doesn’t have set menus, we hope this blog post has given you a glimpse into their exceptional offerings. Their commitment to crafting personalized experiences is just one of the many reasons we love working with them, and we’re excited to see what delicious creations they’ll bring to future events!

Visit their website at www.skoshcatering.com to start exploring their options!

Favorite Details

Welcome, event aficionados! Today, we’re thrilled to present a curated collection of our top favorite ideas from past weddings and private events. From elegant decor concepts to captivating entertainment choices, join us as we explore some of the most memorable highlights that have graced these occasions. Let’s delve into the world of celebration inspiration! In no particular order, here are some of our favorite ideas:

Wedding Ideas

  • “Just Married” written in ranch on late-night pizza
  • Ramen Bar AND Boba Bar
  • Wedding Map (bride’s father is a cartographer)
  • Thrifted mismatched cups, which also doubled as the couple’s favors
  • Modernly Disco Ball dance floor decor
  • Cornhole guest book

Private Event Ideas

  • Customized drink tickets with drawings of their cats (for a couple’s shower/engagement party)
  • Succulent dessert cups (for a baby shower)
  • Champagne Wall. An artificial hedge wall with a bell attached, when rung, someone behind the screen will hand a flute of champagne (for debut)
  • Interactive Dessert Station – breakable bark from Skosh (for X by 2’s holiday party)
  • Rented Casino Tables – for the Red Dress Gala, an annual Alphi Phi Fundraiser

In Consideration of Buffets: Tips for a Stunning Spread

In recent years, buffets have become the preferred choice for event catering, with plated meals falling out of fashion. Plated meals often come with several drawbacks, such as food arriving cold or not well-heated due to the time required to plate each dish before serving. Additionally, plated meals can result in portions that may not suit every guest, leading to either hungry attendees or unnecessary food waste. Buffets offer a solution to these issues by allowing guests to serve themselves and enjoy their meal at their own pace.

Tips for Creating an Impressive Buffet Spread

1. Incorporate Decorations from Tablescapes

  • Enhance the visual appeal of your buffet table by incorporating elements from your tablescapes. Adding greenery and tea lights can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This not only ties the buffet table into the overall decor but also adds a touch of elegance and warmth.

2. Utilize Risers and Different Displays

  • Achieve dimension and visual interest by using risers and varying displays. By incorporating different heights, you create a dynamic and engaging presentation. This technique helps to highlight each dish and makes the buffet more visually appealing.

3. Don’t Forget Signage

  • Clear signage is essential for a well-organized buffet. In addition to having food cards for each item, including designations like GF (gluten-free) and V (vegetarian), place a menu at the beginning of the buffet line. This menu should include a key for the designations and full dietary restrictions, such as dairy-free and nut-free options. Clear signage ensures that all guests, especially those with dietary restrictions, can navigate the buffet with ease.

4. Consider the Order of Items

  • Arrange the buffet in a logical order to enhance the dining experience. Start with appetizers and place dips after their corresponding food items (e.g., dressing after salad). This logical flow prevents bottlenecks and ensures guests can easily find and pair their food items.

5. Balance Color and Variety in Your Food Selections

When choosing food selections for your event, consider both color and balance to create a visually appealing and diverse spread. While pancakes, waffles, and scones are undoubtedly delicious, they are all carbs and predominantly brown, which can lead to a monotonous appearance on your buffet table. Variety is the spice of life, so aim to incorporate a range of offerings that not only include different food groups but also a spectrum of colors. Adding fruits, vegetables, and vibrant salads can break up the monotony and make your spread more attractive and enticing. By thoughtfully balancing both color and food types, you can elevate the overall dining experience and delight your guests.

By following these tips, you can create an impressive buffet spread that not only looks stunning but also provides a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for your guests. Buffets allow for flexibility and customization, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied and delighted with their meal. P.S. If you’re planning to create your own catering display, remember to hire catering staff to bus tables and replenish food as well! This service often comes included in catering packages (either through the venue or catering company) but is often forgotten if self-catering.

Punny Baby Shower Themes

Planning a baby shower can be a delightful experience, especially when you incorporate some playful and punny themes. Here are a few ideas to make the celebration memorable and full of laughs.

1. Oh Deer, a Baby is Near!

Turn your venue into a woodland wonderland with adorable deer decorations. Think rustic tables, woodland creature cutouts, and lots of greenery*. For activities, you can have a “Guess the Animal Baby” game and a “Pin the Tail on the Deer” contest.

*P.S. our venue has an amazing greenery champagne wall that you can rent for your event!

2. Taco ‘Bout a Baby!

Spice things up with a fiesta-themed baby shower. Set up a taco bar*, complete with all the fixings, and offer mocktails and margaritas. Decorate with vibrant colors, papel picado banners, and sombreros. A piñata filled with baby essentials makes for a fun and practical surprise!

*P.S. This is one of our venue’s catering options! Our interactive taco bar comes with chips and salsa, corn & flour tortillas, with 2 proteins (options: steak, barbacoa, chicken, carnitas, vegan mexican lentils), and all the toppings and sides you could possibly need (onions, cilantro, lime, tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, and black beans!)

3. Bun in the Oven

For a baking-themed baby shower, set up a mini bakery with various pastries* and sweets. Have a “Decorate Your Own Cupcake” station and a cookie-decorating contest. Send guests home with personalized oven mitts or aprons as favors.

*P.S. here’s a couple of our favorite local bakeries: Cannelle by Matt Knio, Bakehouse 46, and Ellen’s Fine Goods. See here for a full list of our recommended vendors!

4. Ahoy, It’s a Boy!

Sail into cuteness with a nautical-themed baby shower. Use navy blue, white, and red decorations with anchors, sailboats, and life preservers. Serve seafood bites and nautical-themed cupcakes. Play “Pin the Sail on the Boat” and send guests off with mini sailor hats.

*P.S. Our venue’s Saloon Suite is our recommended venue space for baby showers!

5. She’s Ready to Pop!

Celebrate with a popcorn-themed shower featuring different popcorn flavors, from caramel to cheddar. Use popcorn boxes as centerpieces and have a “Guess How Many Kernels” game. Popcorn-scented candles make great party favors. Serve a popcorn bar with different types of popcorn and toppings!

*P.S. Circ’s Main Bar would be perfect for this theme, since we even have a popcorn machine!

6. Sweet Pea in the Pod

Go green with a garden-themed baby shower*. Decorate with fresh flowers, potted plants, and peas in pods. Serve fresh salads, pea-themed appetizers, and green smoothies. Guests can paint mini flower pots and take home seed packets to grow their own sweet peas.

*P.S. This is a super popular theme! We actually hosted a “Little Sprout” themed baby shower in The Saloon Suite, read more about the event here.

7. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Create a celestial baby shower with starry decorations and twinkling lights. Use gold and silver accents, and serve star-shaped cookies and moon pies. A “Name the Constellation” game can be both fun and educational. Give out star-themed bookmarks as favors.

*P.S. Our newest venue space King and White would be perfect for this theme. The venue space features multiple hanging light strands to achieve that twinkling light effect.

8. Little Pumpkin on the Way

Perfect for a fall baby shower, decorate with pumpkins and autumn leaves. Serve pumpkin spice treats and apple cider. Have a “Pumpkin Painting” contest and play “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin.”

*P.S. Our outdoor space Mural Courtyard and Railway Patio would be perfect for this theme. We actually decorate the space with backdrops and haybales in the fall! But just be mindful about the weather and have a rain plan in place!

These punny themes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and make the baby shower a memorable event. So, pick your favorite, get creative, and let the fun begin!

An Intimate Wedding in King and White

Our new private events space, King and White, recently hosted a beautiful and intimate wedding for R & J. Dedicated solely to private events, King and White offers a completely private setting, unlike our bars The Circ Bar and Rabbit Hole, which reopen to the public after events. This venue is a blank canvas with a mix of industrial-historic charm, allowing each client to bring their unique vision to life.

R & J Reception

For R & J’s wedding, the couple transformed King and White into a cozy and elegant space that perfectly reflected their style. Here’s a look at how they personalized the venue for their special day:

Ceremony and Reception Setup The wedding ceremony began in our Lounge and Roof Deck, where guests enjoyed a champagne toast. They then made their way through the Mural Courtyard and entered King and White via the side entrance. This seamless transition set the stage for a memorable celebration.

Venue Decor and Layout R & J chose a beautiful blue and yellow color scheme, which added a vibrant yet sophisticated touch to the space. The bright yellow and blue florals in clear mismatched vases, complemented by small tealights and votives, made the space feel both cozy and bright, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the intimate wedding.

The couple chose round tables to encourage more conversation, ensuring that all guests could easily see and interact with each other, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. A sweetheart table was placed at the top of the space, near street entrance (this door remained closed during their event) providing the perfect spot for the couple to enjoy their reception. Next to their table, they utilized one of the venue’s barrel’s for their “Welcome Table” where they had their guests drop off cards.

To keep the atmosphere relaxed and social, a couple of cocktail rounds were positioned next to the bar. This encouraged mingling and created a comfortable space for guests to enjoy drinks and conversation.

Dining and Dessert The buffet table and dessert station, featuring a wedding cake and macarons, were elegantly set up by the bank vault door. This unique backdrop added a touch of historic charm to the dining experience, enhancing the overall ambiance. This also strategically used an otherwise awkward corner in the space, allowing for maximum flow between tables.

Dancing and Entertainment With a smaller guest count, R & J didn’t need to move or break down tables for the dance floor. Instead, they set up the dance area right in front of the DJ booth, located in the corner opposite the sweetheart table. This allowed for a seamless flow of activities and ensured that guests could easily transition from dining to dancing.

R & J’s wedding at King and White was a perfect example of how this versatile space can be transformed to fit any vision. The mix of industrial-historic elements, combined with the couple’s personal touches, created a warm and inviting atmosphere that will be remembered by all who attended.

We look forward to hosting more intimate and personalized events at King and White, helping each client bring their unique vision to life. If you’re planning a wedding or special event, we invite you to explore the possibilities at King and White. Your dream celebration awaits! Fill out an inquiry form here to start talking to a member of our Events Team!

10 Common Forgotten Items When Event Planning

Planning an event involves juggling countless details, and even the most organized planners can overlook some essential items. While the venue may carry these items, it is important not to rely on them to have everything you need. Here are the top 10 things venues often find that clients forget to bring:

  1. Scissors It might seem basic, but scissors are a versatile tool for cutting ribbons, trimming decorations, or opening packaging. Don’t underestimate their importance.
  2. Easel for Sign Whether it’s for a welcome sign, schedule, or seating chart, an easel is a must-have. Forgetting this means your beautifully designed sign may end up propped awkwardly against a wall.
  3. Tape From securing decorations to quick fixes, tape is indispensable. Masking, painters tape, and double-sided tapes are all useful for different purposes, so it’s smart to bring a variety, especially if you plan to hangup any decorations.
  4. Extension Cords Power outlets are often not where you need them. Extension cords ensure that all your devices, from lighting to audio-visual equipment, are powered up and ready to go.
  5. HDMI Adapter and Cable In today’s digital age, HDMI adapters and cables are critical for connecting laptops and other devices to monitors. Forgetting an HDMI cable might mean you cannot present, or showcase any slideshows or videos that were planned.
  6. Pens and Markers Signing guest books, labeling items, or jotting down last-minute notes all require pens and markers. Having a stash on hand is always a good idea.
  7. Lighters If you have any candles as decoration, this is an absolute must-have!
  8. Batteries & Chargers If you have any items that rely on battery power, bring extras to avoid any power-related mishaps. Make sure all your devices, from phones to tablets, stay powered on throughout the event by bringing extra chargers.
  9. Utensils, Plates, Napkins for Desserts If you’re bringing in your own dessert, don’t expect your venue or catering company to provide supplies for these, as they often only order enough for the food that they’re providing.
  10. Printed Backups It’s important to have printed backups of the seating chart, schedule, and other critical documents!

By double-checking your packing list for these often-forgotten items, you can ensure that your event runs seamlessly and avoid any last-minute scrambles. Happy planning!

Unique Entertainment Ideas for Your Next Party!

Planning a wedding or private event involves countless decisions, but one of the most exciting choices is deciding how to entertain your guests. Here are some unique entertainment ideas that will leave your guests talking about your event for years to come.

1. Live Painters and Sketch Artists

Imagine capturing the magic of your event in real-time with a live painter or sketch artists. These talented artists can create a beautiful piece of art as the event unfolds, offering a unique keepsake for you and an intriguing spectacle for your guests.

Our Local Recommendation: Live Wedding Illustration by Sarah Nisbett (Drawn on The Way)

2. Interactive Photo Booths

Photo booths are a classic, and a guest favorite! From photo booth rentals to a DIY one with customized props, photo booths are a great way to capture the memories of the night, as well as being a great way to do favors and souvenirs! Add a social media station for guests to share their fun photos instantly, with QR codes and apps.

3. Game Stations

Set up game stations to entertain guests of all ages. Options include lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga for outdoor events, or casino tables and board games for indoor gatherings. This is a great way to encourage mingling and friendly competition.

4. Live Music and Performances

Beyond the typical DJ or band, consider unique live performances such as a string quartet, a jazz band, or even cultural performances. This adds an unexpected element and enhances the atmosphere.

5. Interactive Food Stations

Elevate your event’s food game with fun, interactive options like strolling stations. Skip the usual buffets and have chefs or servers roam with gourmet bites, letting guests sample a variety of dishes. Cool stations like build-your-own taco bars, sushi rolling classes, or DIY dessert setups add excitement and make the dining experience truly memorable.

Our Local Recommendation: Skosh Catering

Choosing the right entertainment and interactive experiences can transform your wedding or private event into an unforgettable celebration. Not everyone wants to spend the night dancing, so adding diverse entertainment options ensures that everyone has a great time. From live painters to interactive food stations, there are many ways to keep all your guests engaged and entertained. By incorporating some of these unique ideas, you’ll create an event where every attendee feels included and enjoys themselves, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attends. So, get creative and start planning the event of a lifetime!

Overlooked Venue Details You Should Consider

Planning an event involves meticulous attention to detail, and the choice of venue can make or break the experience. While you’re busy envisioning the perfect setting, here are five often overlooked venue details to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Access Timing: Ever wondered how soon you can access the venue on the big day? It’s crucial to clarify this with the venue management. Knowing when you can start setting up can save you from last-minute rushes and ensure everything runs smoothly. If there aren’t any time conflicts, your venue may be able to allow earlier access in addition to the access time in your contract for a small fee.

2️⃣ Room Transitions & Logistics: If your event involves multiple spaces or transitions, who handles the coordination? Understanding who is responsible for moving furniture, managing transitions, and ensuring cleanliness between spaces is vital for a seamless flow.

  • Typically, the vendor whom you’ve rented from will handle setup and tear-down/cleanup. For example, your catering company will typically clean up used dishes, while the bar staff will cleanup their glassware.
  • The venue staff *may* be able to handle this task for you, remember to inquire and ask about pricing options!
  • Your event planner/day-of-coordinator is responsible for handling your timeline, including transitions between spaces! If you do not have one, remember to discuss how any transitions will be handled with your venue coordinator.

3️⃣ Decoration Guidelines: While you’re busy envisioning your dream decor, don’t forget to check the venue’s decoration limitations. Some venues may have restrictions on hanging items, use of candles, or other decor elements. Knowing these in advance can help you plan accordingly.

  • These are some of our venue’s decoration guidelines: candles should have a wax catch or be in a votive, candle # limit to avoid excess smoke; no permanent damage to the building (no screws, nails, etc…); no paper confetti (they stain our bar), glitter, and similar substances and no artificial flower petals (impossible to cleanup). Bio-degradable alternatives are sometimes allowed – when in doubt, ask!

4️⃣ Guest Transportation & Navigation: How will your guests arrive at the venue, and how easy is it to navigate once they’re there? Consider transportation options and provide clear directions or signage if the venue is tricky to find. Ensuring a smooth arrival sets the tone for the event. Consider utilizing ushers, or ask the venue beforehand if there are any staff that can assist with navigation.

5️⃣ Post-Event Cleanup & Departure: The party’s over, but what happens next? Clarify the venue’s policies on cleanup, guest departure, and any additional fees associated with exceeding the agreed-upon rental time. Knowing these details in advance helps you plan for a stress-free wrap-up. If your venue re-opens to the public, make sure you have all of your essentials packed up and stored away properly! The venue may be willing to store your items overnight, but be sure to ask them about this beforehand.

⭐ Bonus Tip: A bunch of your questions can be easily sorted by checking out the contract you signed. It’s packed with all the nitty-gritty details about the venue’s rules and policies, so be sure to read it fully and consult it when you have questions!

Remember, attention to these details ensures that your event not only looks fantastic but also runs seamlessly from start to finish. Happy planning! 🎉

Cover Photo: K & E Wedding by Nicole Clarey