Props and party pods
This season’s must-haves for your post-pandemic parties!
The countdown has officially begun. With less than 100 days until 21st June, it’s time to start planning those post-pandemic parties! From lockdown birthdays to postponed weddings, let’s mark the missed occasions that coronavirus cancelled, and make this summer one to remember.
Picture this: you’ve booked the venue, chosen the perfect outfit and sorted the guest list. But there’s something missing — those finishing touches that will give your celebration that extra sparkle.
Look no further than Bay Wedding Props, a prop hire and event décor company based in Kent.
Its founders, Clare and Ronald Talens, juggle their thriving business with their day jobs as NHS workers. Clare, who has worked as an NHS nurse for over 20 years, decided to turn her passion for arts and crafts into a business two years ago, and with the help of her husband, Ronald, Bay Wedding Props was born.
“I needed to do something creative but something that still involved meeting people. I feel blessed as I have the best of both worlds, although both equally as challenging this year”
And they haven’t let COVID-19 get in their way. Whilst working tirelessly on the frontline, they have campaigned for recognition of the wedding industry’s struggles, promoting the hashtag #WhatAboutWeddings on their Instagram page throughout the pandemic. They have shown true solidarity, always striving to support fellow local businesses and spread positivity during the darkest of times — a beacon of hope for the events industry.
Their props have been featured in Your Kent Wedding, Festival Brides and Alternative Wedding Magazine, with their biggest achievements to date including being shortlisted for Wedding Special Touch of the Year and Best Newcomer at The 2020 Wedding Industry Awards. Who knows what they will achieve next so watch this space!
I spoke to Clare at Bay Wedding Props, who revealed her top 5 picks of the must-have event décor for 2021:
5. Neon signs
Neon signs were on trend in 2020, so with the coronavirus pandemic putting a stop to our plans, these signs are bound to make a comeback. The “Happily Ever After” sign was the most popular choice for 2020 weddings, providing a beautiful backdrop for your first dance. But for a statement piece that will wow your guests all day long, the “Love Rocks” and “Hello Gorgeous” signs are the next big thing. Their subtle red glow adds a touch of romance during the day and becomes a bold centrepiece as night draws in.
4. Giant balloons
Everyone knows that balloons are essential for a party. But it’s time to take things to the next level. Reach new heights in 2021 with 3-foot giant balloons!
Available in a variety of colours and complete with rose garland tails or tassels, these balloons will last up to two weeks. From birthday parties to baby showers, hen parties to the big day, there’s a balloon for every occasion — the perfect prop for your Insta-worthy photos!
3. Backdrops
It all started with the flower wall, a classic way to achieve amazing photos without even trying. Handmade with over 2000 pink and white roses, hydrangeas and peonies, the Bay Wedding Props 8-foot Petula flower wall is TDF.
But this season is all about arches!
The moon gate arch provides a stunning backdrop for your nuptials and can be personalised with fresh or faux flowers of your choice to match your colour scheme.
If you want something quirky, the hexagonal arch and the naked tipi are perfect for adding boho chic to your event. Standing at 12 feet tall, the naked tipi would make a grand altar for the exchange of your vowels.
“Add macrame or pampas to the hexagonal arch for the ultimate boho vibes”
But if you desire sophisticated simplicity, the rustic arch and ornately carved wooden screen are the epitome of understated elegance, exquisitely styled with flowers, foliage or drapery of your choice.
2. Sweet treats
Indulge your sweet tooth with a retro donut wall or a vintage sweet cart, filled with childhood delights. Create your own world of pure imagination that even Willy Wonka would be proud of!
Pimp up your sweet cart with a colourful organic balloon display or adorn with flowers and fairy lights for a simple, elegant look.
This donut wall holds up to 54 donuts and comes with 4 additional rustic donut stackers (because you can never have too many donuts, right?!).
1. Dining dome & party pod
If you can’t go to the venue, the venue must come to you!
We are counting down the days until we can see our friends and family again, so what better way to celebrate than in the comfort of your own garden with this dining dome and party pod — perfect for the post-lockdown parties that we’ve been dreaming of.
Decorated with an abundance of fairy lights, party the night away in this fairy-tale dome. Cinderella shall go to the ball!
Bay Wedding Props has teamed up with other local businesses in Kent to offer a variety of bespoke packages. The dome can seat up to ten people for intimate dining, so treat yourself to afternoon tea, cocktail making, or a three-course Italian meal delivered straight to your door.
“Find your inner zen with our luxury spa weekend”
After indulging in a meal fit for royalty, relax in the hot tub with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Enjoy a magical night under the stars with a deluxe cinema kit, which includes a full HD projector, 86-inch screen, sound bar, popcorn machine, chocolate and pick-n-mix sweets.
