Etiquette Tips for Summer Weddings, Company Picnics and Family Reunions

Important events like weddings, corporate picnics and family reunions create considerable anticipation each year. People look forward to these types of events for months, thinking about what they are going to wear and remembering the fun (or awful) time they had at the last one. Often these events take place outdoors, which lends a little more casual flair to the whole occasion. Even though the party is outside, though, there are still some important tips in the area of etiquette that are crucial to remember. 1. Alcohol and the sun don't mix. If you're planning one of these functions, make sure that plenty of bottled water is on hand. You also want plenty of soft drinks and the sort of food that will help people avoid getting tipsy, but the truth is that when you start drinking champagne at the reception in the early afternoon, or you're first in line at the margarita machine at your company picnic, you need to take special precautions. The sun dehydrates the body, just as alcohol does, so if you're drinking heavily outside, you will feel the effects sooner -- and you may do some things you regret. This is one factor that party planners must take into account. 2. Keep the entertainment light and friendly. Extended families develop some drama over time, just like businesses do. With this in mind, choose entertainment for the event that the majority of the people attending are going to like, and present it in a way that will be fun for the guests. Is everyone at the party in their 30's, 40's and 50's? Sounds like an 80's party is brewing. This means you need a cover band who knows some of those crucial songs from "Say Anything" and "Sixteen Candles" going. Get a few tables with snow cones and perhaps a bounce house or a face painting table for the kids. Speaking of bounce houses, Astro Jump has a considerable selection to choose from, as well as water slides. These inflatables will keep the kids busy during the event. The key is to keep people too busy having fun to allow drama to take over. 3. Expect the kids to go crazy. In an era in which people allow the X Box and cable television to do a lot of their parenting for them, don't be surprised if kids show up at these events a little wired. Especially at a wedding or family reunion, when the kids are excited to see new cousins (or catch up with old ones), and the parents are busy catching up with one another, things can get out of hand sometimes. If you are the party planner, talk to the venue staff to ensure that breakable items are stored away, whenever possible, especially if your guest list looks as though there will be a number of urchins on hand. Whatever type of event you are planning, call Astro Jump today. We are ready and able to help you plan the ultimate event.