There are so may reasons to celebrate during the school year; prize giving ceremonies, end of term concerts, valedictory celebrations, sporting events, exhibitions and, of course, the all-important school prom.
At Trafalgar Marquees we have years of experience in helping schools across the south east of England celebrate their achievements and we’ve learnt one or two things about what makes a great event. So, below, we’ve put together a selection of our top tips to help you plan a school celebration and make sure it is one the pupils look back on fondly for years to come…
Form a committee
A great event takes a bit of planning, so get your team together early on. Ideally one person will take the lead, while others are divided into sub groups for perhaps, the decorations, food, entertainment, etc.
Set a budget
Different school events are funded in different ways. Some schools set aside a budget for the prom every year while others rely on fundraising, alongside ticket sales. Do some research into previous school events to get an idea of where too start and what kind of budget you might need. If you’re selling tickets, make sure you pick your price carefully. Too low and you won’t have enough funding but a high price may put people off attending.
Choose a date and location
Now for the most important bit, when and where to hold your event. Your school may already have a large hall or gymnasium but if you need a larger more flexible space, then a marquee is the perfect option. It means you can be in charge of every single aspect from the furnishings and decor to the lighting and the catering. What’s more, you won’t have to rely on finding a suitable venue that’s free on your chosen date. A marquee can go up in the school grounds exactly when and where you want it to!
How much size and space do you need?
When you plan a school celebration event, think about how you want to use the space. Would you like a dance floor? Would chill-out areas with comfy seating be good? Do you just need covered space for simple refreshments, perhaps for a summer graduation or sports day? Our marquees come in a huge range of sizes. For a smaller event we can supply a selection of small open-sided marquees. For larger events, like a prom, we have full size marquees which can be divided as you choose. They can also be erected in and taken down in as little as 24 hours, with minimal disruption.
Don’t forget the practical stuff
Your marquee can be kitted out to suit your requirements exactly. That includes flooring, lighting, heating, air conditioning and much more. Great lighting really lifts the atmosphere of an event. We can supply everything from elegant chandeliers and standing lamps to colourful paper lanterns and fairy lights. A starlit roof or roof lining, for example, is lovely for a celebration. Non-slip flooring is essential for catering areas too, while a dance floor is a must-have for a great prom. Lastly, think about guest numbers and whether your event will need additional toilet facilities, which can also be supplied.
Fabulous food and drink
Next on the list is great food and drink. Graduations and prize-giving ceremonies generally require simple refreshments, such as tea, coffee and biscuits, but when it comes to the school prom you’ll need a little more. An evening buffet is a popular choice for school proms, as it’s cheaper and less formal than a sit-down meal and gives students the chance to dance and socialise. For this option, you’ll need space for buffet tables and a selection of seating areas. We can also supply separate catering and serving areas too. For drinks, you may want to add a bar area with a choice of fun ‘mocktails’ for the students to enjoy. One of the many benefits of a marquee is that you’re also not restricted to a venue’s preferred suppliers. So, you can choose exactly the right people to suit your budget and event.
Decorations, lighting and more…
When it comes to decor we can supply anything you like. School proms often have a theme, so whether that’s Hollywood glamour, black tie or simply the school colours, we have something to suit. Most of our marquees come with an ivory lining but we can also supply coloured roof linings, with matching swags, walls and even coloured lighting. Alternatively, we have Arabian style interiors too, for a little extra drama. So, whether you want chandeliers and flowers, contemporary minimalism or a disco complete with glitter ball, the choice is yours!
Entertainment and music
Lastly, it’s the added extras that will really be remembered, particularly for a school prom. Great music is essential, whether that’s a live band or a good DJ. Plus, if the budget will allow, additions such as a red carpet, a professional photographer, a photo booth or a wandering magician, will really make sure your event stands out from the crowd.
Well, we hope we’ve given you some great ideas on how to plan your school celebration event. Our expert team is just at the other end of the phone if you have any queries about choosing the right marquee. Why not get started with our clever Marquee Calculator, to get a rough idea of costs. Then give us a call on 01932 620060 to chat further about your specific needs. Let us find you the right marquee at the right price.
