The Wedding Guide sat down last week, and caught up with Festival Tent & Party Rental owner Lea Ann Suzor to discuss what this season’s weddings will look like from her side of the desk. Celebrating their 25th year in the rental and party business, she has seen a lot of wedding celebrations and has been a part of a lot of memory-making.
New this year are covers for stand-up tables, which look elegant in black or white and match the chair covers. Lanterns are also still a popular hanging item in the tent.
“There are definitely more outdoor weddings this year”, Suzor said, “and we are seeing an average guest count of 65-75 persons. We have booked larger groups, but we are finding some of today’s couples are looking to go smaller, more meaningful and elegant.” The tent wedding allows them to have a one-stop venue for both the ceremony and the reception.
She further states that, “afternoon ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular with butler service hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for the guests, with the festivities winding down by early evening. Of course, full service receptions are still happening as in the past, with big dinners, dancing and late evening departures.”
When asked about the food and libations, we were pleasantly surprised to hear Lea Ann talk about champagne fountains, a rental we had thought to be a relic from weddings of days gone by. Today’s fountains are filled with non-alcoholic punch, lemonade and even margaritas or a signature drink made especially for the newlyweds, providing a great conversation piece. And, lots of weddings are also serving water with lemons and limes, that are so needed during the heat of an Essex County summer.
What hasn’t escaped Lea Ann is the amount of children that are being invited to the nuptials; more than in recent years. She loves seeing the kids enjoying themselves and interacting with all the guests!
Whatever your occasion from showers to wedding receptions or birthdays to family reunions, Festival has 4 and 6 burner charcoal B.B.Q’s, Slushie machines, chafing dishes, Royal Doulton china, glasses, cutlery, table coverings and napkins. If there’s a party, Festival Tent & Party Rental has the items that you’ll need to rent. http://www.festivaltent.com
