FOR EVERY OCCASION
WHAT TO WALK ON by Kristin Devoto
Outdoor events are a fabulous way to take advantage of Atlanta’s temperate Spring and Fall. While nature provides the beautiful weather, keeping guests comfortable is up to the host. Rental flooring is key to a successful outdoor event, and provides a smooth, sturdy platform for any party. Unless guests are expected to arrive in flip-flops, there’s no reason their heels should sink into grass or spend the event balanced on their toes.
Dan Nolan of TENTS UNLIMITED, explains “the goal is usually to make the floor and ceiling of an outdoor event disappear, which only happens when guests are comfortable.” In some cases, though, the flooring can become a stunning focal point of the event. When it comes to communicating with special event industry professionals, it’s nice to know what your looking for and how to ask for it. Check out our handy translations for rental flooring below...
OUTDOOR CEREMONY ASK FOR: LAYDOWN WOOD
Don’t leave guests craning their necks to see you say I do. Laydown wood flooring is raised slightly off the ground and assembled with a classic stained wood. (Runners available, too!)
WHY IT WORKS:
COCKTAILS ON THE LAWN ASK FOR: SEMI-LEVELED
All of those cocktails call for sturdy ground to walk on. Semi-leveled flooring offers comfort guests are looking for, using board planks and minor shimming.
WHY IT WORKS:
pOOLSIDE RECEpTION ASK FOR: ACRYLIC
WHY IT WORKS: Popularity for acrylic flooring has recently surged. Lay this modern option over your pool for a dramatic dance floor.
BACKYARD BBQ
ASK FOR: GROUND COVER
SHOWN ABOVE Large: A Big To Do Event orchestrated a beautiful wedding at a private residence complete with custom pool covering by Holt & Holt. Image by David Murray Weddings. Small: Tent and Flooring set up by Tents Unlimited
26 | THE MAGAZINE FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE
WHY IT WORKS: A quick and relatively inexpensive way to protect your lawn from too much foot -- or high heeled --traffic! A simple layer of plastic covered by carpet, laid directly on the ground.
Keep in mind rental flooring isn’t one size fits all. Talk with a professional in depth about your event to ensure that you’re getting the option that’s right for you. Says Dan of the flooring opportunities at Tents Unlimited: “We can cover floors with everything from indoor/outdoor green turf to $25/sq. ft. hardwood flooring, If it’s made to cover a floor, we can put it down. Linoleum, tile, plywood, stain, paint, the [options] are endless.” Utilizing special event flooring can do more than just provide solid ground for your big day.