Category:Wedding Venue’
Outdoor Wedding: Tent or No Tent
- by Kami
Tent or no tent? That is the big question..and frankly, rather common question for couples planning outdoor wedding ceremonies and/or receptions in the Pacific Northwest. The dilemma begins the day a couple chooses their outdoor venue. “What if it rains? What’s plan B? I don’t really want to pay to rent a tent.” Unfortunately, with the unpredictability of our climate, it is important to have a rental tent reserved for your big day unless your venue provides an indoor plan B option. The good news is that most rental companies will allow you to release the tent the Tuesday before your event with minimal to no charge. However, again, due to the unpredictability of our climate, sometimes this is too soon to make the call for your event. Do you risk it if the forecast is unclear and cancel the tent? Or, do you play it safe and rent the tent regardless of the unclear forecast? To eliminate financial stress as a factor in your decision, the recommendation is that you include tent rental in your budget from day one. If you need it, great! You have the tent reserved and the money set aside to pay for it. If you don’t, super great! You just saved yourself some money and are able to have the outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception you envisioned.
Now, this conversation is not over. When we think of the need for a tent in the Pacific Northwest, we think of impending rain. However, a tent is just as necessary if it’s a sunny, hot day. Here are some questions to ask yourself: How much natural shade is provided by the landscape and/or venue? What time of day is my event? Where will the sun fall during that time? The reality is that 80 – 85 degrees in the direct sun gets real hot, real fast. Shade of some sort is a must.
The moral of the story is to plan ahead, budget for plan b and think rain or shine! Besides, tents can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception.
Featuring…WINDOWS at the Red Lion – Convention Center
- by Kami
Last Wednesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of sharing a delicious raspberry-lemon drop with Sharyl Fickas, the catering manager for the Red Lion Convention Center, on the Windows patio overlooking downtown Portland. It was an incredible afternoon and the view was amazing! I kept thinking, “how did I not know this was here?” The stranger questions was, “why have I not coordinated a wedding here?” It is a lovely Portland wedding venue perfect for the couple looking to adhere to their budget and have a scenic downtown event.
The outside of the hotel is deceiving. The entire inside has been remodeled and is very much worth a look. Windows is on the 6th floor of the hotel. The bar area is clean and hip sporting a new recycled glass countertop. I love it! The outdoor patio is beautiful and spacious with the Portland skyline as it’s backdrop. With the view and the new modern look, it has many possibilities. I highly recommend contacting Sharyl at sharyl.fickas@gaha.biz or 503-820-4160 for a venue visit. Some highlights of their wedding reception package include:
- Complimentary Tasting with Chef (up to four people)
- Champagne/Sparkling Cider Toast Passed Butler-Style
- Wedding Cake Cut & Served By Banquet Staff
- Chine, Glassware, Flatware, Tables, Chairs, Setup and Cleanup
- A Variety of Tablecloth and Napkin Colors to Enhance Your Theme
- Dance Floor
- Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea, plus Sparkling Citrus Punch throughout Event
- Complimentary Premium King Room for the Bride & Groom with your choice of Champagne, Wine or Sparkling Cider (Bottle)
- Special Guest Room Rates for Out-of-Town Guests (Subject to Availability)
Portland Weddings of the World – Sunday, May 15, 2011
- by Kami
Portland’s ONLY multi-cultural bridal show is taking place this Sunday, May 15th, 2011 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. Come check out entire ballrooms decorated to feature the following cultures: Russian, Latino and Indian. The event will include three fashion shows highlighting multi-cultural fashions for the whole family. Here are the details:
Where: Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220
Date: Sunday, May 15th, 2011
Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE!! RSVP required at www.portlandweddingsoftheworld.com
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