• Estimating Tent Size
• Seating Rule of Thumb
• Beverage & Liquor Guide
• Wine Chart
• Coffee Equivalents
• Punch Recipes
• Theme Parties
• Planning An Outdoor Party

• Planning Timetable
• Guest List
• Invitations
• Caterers, Photographers & Others
• Gifts

• Transportation
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Reception Tips
• FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
• Planning Checklists

Party Planning Tips

• Plan as far ahead as possible. To be assured the party rentals you need will be available, reserve it early.
• If your special event is in a peak wedding month, like June (busy times for rental centers), you may have to reserve some equipment several months ahead.
• If a committee is involved in your event, pick one key person as your contact with us, just to avoid possible confusion.
• Want to make your event truly memorable? Set a theme. Our experienced processionals can help you carry a special theme throughout the event.
• Remember, we work every day with a network of other Chicago area professionals - caterers, entertainers, florists, musicians and more. Think of us as your most valuable resource for Chicago party rentals and event planning.

Indoors or outdoors, party themes take on a special flair for a holiday, family get together, brunch for out-of-town guests, or "just for fun." Check our catalog or speak with one of our party planning specialists for party theme ideas, equipment and decorations.

Many "special event" parties are more interesting with a theme. Graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, job promotions and any other occasion you want to celebrate can be enhanced with the addition of theme decorations, specialty food items, and theme-oriented games.

Try having your own Renaissance Fair. Grill up some turkey legs (for larger parties, consider renting one of our large grills), and treat your guests to a dunk tank.

Or throw a Summer Luau. Our Palm Trees will set the mood. Offer Sno-Kones and frozen drinks such as margaritas, and party goers will enjoy a game of volleyball or horseshoes.

How about a costume party? It doesn't have to be Halloween to have fun with a costume party. Pick any holiday, or create your own, and watch your guests enjoy the novelty! Party themes are always a party booster.

The Chocolate Fountain rental would be a great addition to any of these party themes. It can not only be an elegant inclusion at a black-tie affair, but it is fun enough for all occasions. You can change the dipping items to match the formal or informal tone of your event. From fresh fruit to cookies and marshmallows, the creative ideas for The Chocolate Fountain are endless. Check out more on our Chocolate Fountain rental page.

Suggestions of Party Themes

January: New Year's Day-After Brunch
February: Valentine Dinner
March: St. Patrick's Day Irish Party
Aprill: April Fool's Day Mixer
May: Makeup Day (missed birthdays & anniversaries)
June: Summer Luau
July: Independence Day Picnic
August: Renaissance Fair
September: Back To School BBQ
October: Masquerade Party
November: Thanksgiving Feastival
December: Christmas in Tahiti (Tropical) Party

Consider moving your next big party outdoors for a change. The benefits? The crowd won't parade through your house, there's generally more room so your guest list can expand and a change just might breathe new life into your old parties. What follows is a list of things to consider before entrusting your party to the great outdoors. And if you don't own the items discussed (most folks don't), consider renting them inexpensively (most folks do).

I'm anticipating your first concern: it's the weather right? No one ever invites Mother Nature, but she seems to have a tendency to crash parties. Well, barring hurricanes or snow storms, a good outdoor canopy tent can keep a party rolling through a bout of bad weather. Many tents even come with quick-snap sides to offer protection from a stiff wind or driving rain. A good rental tent is easy to transport and set up. And in many cases, we'll do it for you. We have a variety of sizes and styles of tents, from vinyl or canvas, to pole, frame or canopy, we are happy to assist you in selecting the right tent rental for your outdoor affair.

What's an outdoor party without a barbecue? A large grill makes it easier to prepare food for a hungry mob. Serving is easier with chafing dishes to keep food warm, beverage fountains, punch bowls, serving trays, etc. The buffet line is appropriate in most cases for several reasons: Guests can take what they want and as much as they want. It encourages mingling. And it's just plain easier on you, the host. Speaking of making things easier on you: You might consider making your meal a potluck, depending on the situation of course.

Don't forget tables and chairs on your list of things to rent. And when the sun makes an early exit, you don't have to call it quits. Party lights, even flood lights, can keep your party rolling late into the evening (or early morning, neighbors willing).

Set the right mood with music and even dancing. Some dance floors can be set up on a flat area of grass. We can build just about any size dance floor that you may need. And if running power to electrical items is a hassle, consider renting a generator.

Many people don't realize that outdoor parties can range from informal to very formal- from barbecues to full-blown weddings and receptions. The situation dictates the types of items you rent. Elegant serving pieces, fine dishes and dance floors set a very different mood from volleyball nets and paper plates. Table linens and chair covers can take a casual affair and make it into a memorable, black-tie event.

That should get your party plans started. If you have any questions or simply want to spark a few ideas, don't hesitate to stop by our showroom. Our Event Planning Experts are always here to help you plan your next party, indoors or out.