The differences between a nylon and canvas gazebo are important to consider, based on the type of use you want out of it.
Continue readingCanvas vs Nylon Gazebo.
Affordable Wedding Venue Location Ideas that average South Africans will adore.
As South Africans there are certain places we love and love to spend time at. Outdoorsy places that shout, ‘local is lekker’. Fortunately, when it comes to wedding venues, this statement is no different with our variety for choice in our beautiful country. From elegant country houses, luxury game lodges, cozy inns, seaside resorts, rustic barns, romantic castles, to exclusive, luxurious hotels and resorts.
Needless to say, these types of venues are quite pricey and certainly not attainable for the regular person. We have a few suggestions that will grasp your South African’ness, incorporate magic and beauty, all the while staying cost effective for the average Jo. Most of these will be local, which means travelling costs for you and your guests will be minimal too.
Farm and Game Farm Weddings
Everybody knows somebody who has a farm or lives on a farm. A nice open flat piece of terrain will suffice as a good spot to pitch a marquee tent and have your rustic country style wedding vision come to life. Time your nuptials perfectly and you will have a picture-perfect African sunset as a backdrop to your two silhouettes as you exchange vows in the ‘veldt’.
Beachside Weddings
Living by the coast has its advantages, you are fortunate to have a plethora of beauty at your disposal for free. If you envisioned sunny-skies, salty breeze and sandy toes for your big day, it is doable. Should your budget for decoration be low, get the sea behind you and you are done! A strategically placed gazebo, some light snacks and refreshments – creates a casual, easy-going wedding that is suitable to your pocket.
Tips: First contact your local municipality for permissions and etiquette. Also keep an eye on the weather conditions in the season you are planning to get married.
A Park or Garden
A wedding space that allows flexibility in terms of décor and saving money is most definitely a garden or park wedding. Ideal for small, intimate wedding setups. Ask a friend with a spacious or beautiful garden to host you there. Hire a marquee tent, chairs and tables, outsource the food and voilà! Hassle free, intimate, gorgeous and cost effective.
Most cities have public parks, look for your favorite one – call the authorities for permission and follow the same principle – marquee tent, chairs, tables, outsource the food and voilà!
South African gardens and parks boast with luscious greenery, your forever snaps will have a majestic settings even in the most humble of venues.
Whatever your dream South African wedding location might be, whether it is a quaint river side do, or an elaborate shindig at a Sport Stadium, we have more than enough options to create a dream event even on a tight budget.
For all your marquee tent, chair and table hire contact Rams Hiring Solutions. Situated in East London, South Africa and in business for over 50 years, we are always ready and waiting to assist with your event needs.
info@ramshiring.co.za
Rishi – 083 457 6043
Lance Street, Baysville, East London (by appointment)
Christmas Office Party Ideas, Themes, Games and Activities.
It is that time of year again, annual holiday parties are around the corner. We are all starved for some festive spirit as the year ends. If you are a host, you probably want to keep it interesting and upbeat. To help you in your event planning journey for the year end festivities, we have compiled a list of our favorite event ideas, themes and activities. These are just some ways to ensure that your guests do not watch the clock or find themselves bored and ready to go home. After all the aim is to entertain, spread some holiday cheer and build some team spirit in the process, whether it is for family, friends or colleagues.
The following games, themes, activities and ideas can be minimised, supersized and are basically perfect for every type of event and venue:
- Small office Christmas parties
- Corporate Christmas parties
- Friend and family Christmas gatherings
- Client appreciation events
Games
Children are not the only ones that love games, adults love them too! Incorporate on of these top Christmas games for some extra entertainment and fun.
Holiday Bingo
Simply Head on over to Google and search Free Christmas Bingo printable. This is an easy, cost-effective game to play during your party.
Tree Decorating Competition
What better way to encourage teamwork and togetherness, than with a good tree decorating session?
How it works?
- You will need Mini Christmas trees and assorted decorations
- Split your guests into teams
- Give them 15 minutes to decorate their tree
- Each team explain their design
- Creativity wins the prize!
Gingerbread House Build-off
Find a local baker to supply you with some gingerbread kits that include frosting and fun candies for decorating.
Allocate a time limit, work in teams or as individuals (see how many gingerbread kits your budget allows), snap plenty of pics and declare a winner with the most skill in gingerbread house building.
Never ho-ho-have I ever
If you are not familiar with the traditional game of “never have I ever” it is an icebreaker game that has players fess up to past deeds. Never ho-ho-have I Ever is the Christmas version of that game.
The game starts with players holding up ten fingers, or “reindeer antlers.” Participants take turns making statements that start with “neer have I ever…” Player who are guilt of commiting the act must lower one finger. The game continues until only one player remains, or , if playing with a larger group, after a certain number of rounds.
Prompt ideas, Never have I ever…
- Regifted a present
- Ruined a Christmas surprise ecuase I snooped
- Kissed someone under mistletoe
- Broken up with someone on Christmas day
- Been to the hospital on Christmas
- Accidentally drank alcoholic punch
- Enjoyed fruit cake
- Dressed up like an elf
- Forgotten to buy somebody a gift
- Watched ‘home alone’ on Christmas eve
- Threatended my children tha Santa was not coming
This or That
An effective, get to know each other game. In this game the participants choose between two related, typically opposite options. They can move to one side of the room or communicate the choice.
Some holiday This or That prompts:
- Store bought presents or homemade gifts
- Gingerbread or sugar cookies
- Snoop for presents or wait to be surprised
- Open presents the night before Christmas or Christmas morning
- Christmas tree up in November or December
- Travel or stay home for the holidays
- Christmas shopping done months in advance or day before shopping
Themes
Christmas Around the World
With inclusivity in mind, this theme highlights ways different cultures celebrate the holiday.Research celebrations in different nations. Gather appropriate foods and drinks, decorations, entertainment and music ( eg. Christmas carols in different languages)
Not Quite new Years
Instead of a Christmas party, you can have a New Years themed bash for your office party. It is a more inclusive option and is also a way to end the current year and start a new one.
Champagne, noisemakers, resolutions and maybe even a faux countdown.
Christmas carnival
If you are big on Christmas parties and want to include the entire family, your colleagues coworkers and everybody you know, this is for you.
Think Christmas Themed Game booths, jumping castles, tractor rides, petting zoos, Christmas village out of plywood, photo-booths, Christmas outfits and resounding festive music.
Merry Movie night
A party that is low-key, but social and not high pressure. Everybody loves a good Christmas movie and popcorn!
Set up a projector in a marquee tent with some comfortable seating and snacks, party sorted. This idea is especially great when including the kiddies
Movie suggestions:
- Home alone
- Klaus
- Jingle Jangle
- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
- Christmas in Connecticut
Activities and ideas
Take your event to the next level with these activities:
* Holiday Miracles
Because Christmas is all about giving.
Hold a silent auction with proceeds that go to worthy community organization Or hold a toy and clothing drive amongst your guests. This could even be a volunteering event for half a day at a local old age home, animal welfare centre or homeless shelter.
* White elephant exchange
Ditch the secret Santa swaps. White elephant exchange are fun and participants also have the option of stealing gifts from other players.
* Holiday photo-booth
* Card Crafting
Set up a card crafting station. This adds a handson element and guest get to take home a souvenir to send to family or friends.
* Gourmet Hot Cocoa bar
* Candy Bar/Cookie Bar
Why go through all the effort? Going above and beyond at your event will show your employees, friends or family that they are loved and appreciated. What more could we ask for, then knowing we have brought cheer into another persons life.
From our Rams Hiring family to yours, we hope to have inspired you in creating a warm, loving, fun atmosphere at your next event.
For all your event equipment hire including marquee tents, gazebos, chairs, tables, jumping castles and more, contact Rams Hiring Solutions. Situated in East London, South Africa always waiting and ready to deliver.
Lance Street, Baysville, East London (by appointment)
083 457 6043
WHEN TO USE A FRAMED MARQUEE TENT
Finding a suitable tent for your needs shouldn’t be a challenge. With the wide range of options available for hire. Comparing the materials, sizes, designs, and the underlying structure will help make that decision.
Description of a frame tent
These tents are a free-standing framework of aluminium or steel pipe that supports a vinyl roof without the use of interior poles. It is a self-supporting structure with peaks and curves, using an anchoring system of stakes or weights to secure it in place.
Ideal for gatherings limited by confined spaces for example in a backyard, over a patio, in a parking lot or against a building. The frame tent can be erected temporarily or semi-permanently.
5 Benefits of using a frame tent
- It doesn’t need stakes in the ground for support, in other words it is free-standing.
- Easy and comfortable to erect or install on any type of surface.
- A frame tent does not have a centre pole, meaning you have more space to move around and use inside.
- Frame tents are strong and sturdy and can withstand diverse weather conditions. It is ideal if you need a structure a few hours, a couple of days or even a week.
- These tents allow for solid flooring or a dance floor to be added.
These framed marquee tents are durable, easy to setup and takedown, they are complete blank canvases for decorating, weather-proof and versatile. Perfect for weddings, funerals, themed parties, corporate gatherings, musical events, and more.
A venue with limitless options and cost-effective to boot. South African party season is upon us, make the most of the weather and scenic surrounding by using this outdoor-indoor framed marquee tent option for your event.
But before you decide, give Rams Hiring Solutions a call for professional advice and service.
Situated in Lance Street, Baysville, East London – you call, we deliver, always on time.
4 TOP MARQUEE TENT PARTY THEME IDEAS
If you are looking for the perfect theme for your party and truly make it a unique experience, a hired marquee provides the perfect blank canvas to work with.
Today we are sharing some classic-themed party ideas with you. Whatever the occasion, there are plenty of local event providers who can help develop your theme into reality. Whether you are going with a masquerade, Vegas, or Bollywood theme, a marquee can be transformed into the venue of your dreams.
Who doesn’t like a good-themed party to look forward to during the festive season?
- Masquerade Ball Theme
Should you prefer a more sophisticated party atmosphere, a masquerade ball theme is ideal. Think beautiful lighting, flowing linens, classy dresses, and elegant masks.
- Decades Theme
Brightly colored cocktails, cheesy pop music, leggings, and leather jackets. Everybody has a decade that speaks to their soul. Popular party decades are the 60’s, 80’s and 90’s, take your pick and turn your marquee into the decade of your choice. Use a mobile disco or live band delivering the playlist inspired by that era.
- Bollywood Theme
Ivory or white linings with opulent orange, gold, and red lighting. Saris, draped gazebos, flower garlands, Bollywood sign, Taj Mahal feature images, gold pots, and beads. Consider a local Bollywood Band and Bollywood Dancers to bring the Raj to your event.
- Vegas Casino Theme
Red and gold lighting. Your guests can fancy dress or just dress fancy. Décor can include giant playing cards, dice, large glittery money props, and casino signs. If you really want to get wild, hire a Casino table and dealers.
With plenty of local event service providers that can help you create the theme of your choice and one of our marquees as a blank canvas to build on, all you have to do is choose your location.
Situated in Lance Street, Baysville, Rams Hiring Solutions satisfies a variety of your party hiring needs. Tables, chairs, covers, gazebos, jumping castles, marquee tents, and more. Give us a call today. You call, we deliver, always on time.
How to host a safe gathering during the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted our ability to safely gather with others. Our inherent human need, however, is to have community and interact. Many people have been forced to cancel important gatherings and events such as weddings, parties, ceremonies, and traditional family get-togethers. Alas, there might be a way to compromise and still safely host your gathering within guidelines and protocols. Being informed, when making decisions about planning or attending an event, is your greatest power in this season.
Please note that in the Covid19 context, there is no ‘zero risks’ gathering. We should rather take precautions to protect ourselves and others from getting infected.
Regardless of the size of your gathering, the virus can spread, especially in poorly ventilated settings. As a starting point, we would suggest planning a gathering outdoors ensuring lots of ventilation. Marquee tents and gazebos are great ways to host your guest outdoors.
Covid19 Preventative measures during gatherings:
- Keep at least 1 meter distance from one another
- Make mask wearing compulsory
- Avoid crowded or badly ventilated settings
- Have a little speech where you include the proper way to sneeze and cough
- Make sure alcohol-based sanitizer is easily available at entrances and exits
- Ensure a sufficient supply of soap/handwash in your bathrooms, as well as tissues and paddle step bins with lids.
- Keep your gathering as small as possible
- Limit the timeline of your event
- Encourage verbal greetings, rather than physical touch.
The past year and a half have been tough on us South Africans because we are notoriously social creatures. This too shall pass, but for now, let us keep each other safe and explore new ways in which we can engage with one another.
What chair to use for your gathering during a pandemic?
Are you planning a socially distanced event or gathering? Will you be using chairs? Then this article is for you! We aim to provide a few points to consider regarding social distancing and hygiene when setting up such an event or gathering.
Chairs are clearly absolute essentials when arranging an event. Your guests will need a place to sit during speeches, ceremonies, and throughout the reception, but the types of chairs you choose can also influence your compliance with Covid19 regulations.
Where do you find chair rentals?
If you do not have a sufficient supply of chairs or if your venue does not offer chairs in-house or if you want to consider your options, the best place to look is by researching hire solution companies in your area. Once you have found a vendor you are interested in, ask if they have a showroom you can visit to check out your options in person. Considering that we are living in a pandemic, it might be safer to discuss options telephonically.
Along with chairs, most event rental specialists will provide other event rentals you might need. Think tents, gazebo, tables, table covers, etc.
Top 3 chair considerations to be Covid19 compliant and stylish if needs be.
1. How easy are the chairs to clean?
You want to consider easy to clean chairs, meaning something that you can sanitize quite easily by wiping it off. Chairs with fabrics are best avoided, plastic or wooden chairs will be easy to clean before, during, and after your gathering.
2. Can you maintain optimal distancing with your seating option?
Single, free-standing chairs will be ideal in order to effectively socially distance guests during seating. Benches on the other hand might be more of a liability when trying to create visible guides for your guests to follow. Also, the chairs that interconnect with one another to create rows are not aesthetically pleasing when separated.
3. Does the chair match the event aesthetic?
With so many chairs options available, there is surely a chair for every event. Below are three types of chairs, for three different event aesthetics and that still can successfully comply with Covid19 protocol.
- Standard plastic chair – perfect for events such as funerals or informal gatherings.
- Fold up tennis chair – deal for semi-formal outdoor seating
- Classic banquet chair – timeless and elegant, must have for more formal events like weddings.
There you have it our 5 cents about seating and Covid19 protocol consideration for your event.
Rams Hiring Solution is a specialist in the event equipment rental field and can supply you with chairs, tents, tables, gazebos, and more. Contact us today for professional advice, quality service, and effective help.
Situated in the beautiful city of East London, South Africa, we always deliver on time!
Hospital and medical facility Covid 19 testing tents
Temporary tent structures have been the go-to option for various healthcare facilities and hospitals in South Africa since the onset of the pandemic. It has not slowed down as numbers continue to rise. Framed tents seem to be the most popular option to handle the influx of people who need to be tested for the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Hospitals are looking for ways to create additional space because of the impact of Covid-19 and the surge of people that need to be treated and tested. By using frame tents patients can be tested without being inside the hospital or healthcare facility. The reduction in admittance reduces the risk of infection to hospital staff and other patients.
Should you be looking to buy or rent a Covid-19 testing tent for use in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, contact Rams Hiring Solutions at info@ramshiring.co.za for more information.
Frame tents as Coronavirus testing facility
Hospital reception staff can check in with patients who may be experiencing signs of coronavirus outside the tent. The nurses and doctors can then provide the necessary testing inside the tent, which would include a check of vital signs and a nasal swab.
As soon as the coronavirus (covid-19) testing is complete, medical staff can send patients back home with self-quarantine instructions without having them admitted inside the hospital. This proves to be an effective workflow leading to a decrease in exposure while conserving gear that is used to care for those infected with COVID-19.
Why frame tents?
Framed tents are amazing as you can add on extra space and areas. For example, we can create an entryway into the main tent, connect pathways between multiple tents or add more space around the tent exterior, allowing hospital staff additional space.
They are beneficial because they can be used as:
*Entryways and walkways to larger tents or physical buildings.
*Shelter from the weather and elements.
* Framed marquees are easy to set up due to their compact size and are easily used to create hospital storage spaces or even waiting areas outside.
Keyframe marquee tent features:
- These tents are extremely versatile because they are freestanding.
- Low maintenance fabric and design, which aids your BUDGET friendliness.
CONTACT RAMS HIRING SOLUTIONS about MEDICAL TENT RENTAL during the COVID-19 CRISIS.
Should you be a healthcare facility or hospital experiencing an overflow of patients or need a separate location to provide coronavirus testing, we will assist in your decision in purchasing a tent or hiring a tent.
What is the difference between a marquee and a frame tent?
Hiring extra space for your wedding, party, office, or event might leave you perplexed. The internet is flooded with coverage and add-on space options. You might have read about marquees, party tents, gazebos, peg poles, or stretch tents. But which one do you need?
So, if you are reading this blog post because you are lost and have no idea which one you are looking for, we understand. Below we aim to clear up the difference between these tents and hope to assist in deciding which outdoor structure is best for you.
What is a marquee?
Marquee tents are a hybrid variety of pole tents and frame tents. It is specifically designed to give you are the showiness of a high-pitched pole tent but allows the same benefits of installation from a framed tent.
Marquees have heavier frames with higher apex rooves to allow the hanging of heavier items such as chandeliers.
They are highly wind-resistant, can be decorated with lining, can be set up with clear roofs, sides, and ends. Sizes range from small to exceptionally large.
What is a frame tent?
Frame tents have a roof-like structure built with tent poles that hold up the tent top. They are the better option for long-term installations as they have an exceptional wind tolerance. Another added benefit is that they do not require any center poles, freeing up square footage for unobstructed layouts.
What is a gazebo?
These tents are freestanding or attached to a wall, roofed, and open on all sides. They provide shade and shelter from the rain. These are lightweight units, not intended for permanent use.
At Rams Hiring solutions, we do not just provide tents, we provide incomparable service, quality, and affordability. We ensure that all our clients are perfectly covered. Whether you are hiring 10 chairs and a gazebo or whether you are hiring 1000 chairs and our largest frame tent – you are treated as a priority. We will install, deliver, and dismantle to relieve your burden.
WOW gatherings in your garden size marquee tent.
South Africa is all about being outdoors, braaiing, socializing and celebrating. With the recent onset of Covid-19 many people, businesses and organizations have felt frustrated and deprived, because they are not able to live life and share the spirit that comes so naturally to us.
We have had to adapt and become accustomed to only the odd get together, because keeping your distance might not always be possible if the space you occupy is limited and more so in winter when we are ushered indoors by our chill.
An often-overlooked alternative is a garden sized marquee tent to create extra usable indoor/outdoor space. “Extra room” for your home, office, business, or organization with enough coverage to protect us from weather and enough ventilation to help us avoid potentially spreading the dreaded virus is a clever way to make small gatherings possible and a little more special.
It could also be useful for businesses to collaborate and invest in a marquee as a shared resource for their gatherings, or as an asset to sub-hire for events.
We find it noteworthy to realize how useful and flexible such an area can be and how necessary it is now. Investing in a temporary or permanent tent structure as an extension on your property will provide a comfortable and elegant space for you, your family, your guests, your customers, and colleagues to enjoy and engage.
Now, let us share some simple, affordable ideas to make those small get togethers in your marquee tent a little bit more special.
- Lustrous Lighting and lanterns – your space can instantly be transformed into a spectacular venue by clever use of lights. And elegance does not have to be expensive – strung fairy lights are effective and easily manipulated to create a magical overhead canopy. Birdcage lanterns positioned around a marquee or open floor is equally dramatic.
Simple paper lanterns hung from the ceiling is another cost-effective way to create the wow factor.
- Balloons and Bunting – harness a theme or colour scheme with DIY bunting and some helium balloons to add glamour to an occasion.Balloon arches work well at an entrance.
Framed tents are easy add-ons to existing structures and absolutely no drilling is required because it is free standing. It will instantly give you much needed space and neatly fitted over any door. It is literally like having an extra room.
Speak to us, we have been in the business for about 50 years. Rams hiring solution can give your advice on sizing, costs, delivery, and erection options. Click here to contact us.
Quick garden party idea:
A garden marquee could be a perfect setting for a ‘secret cinema’ using a projector and sound bar, bean bags and some popcorn.