Quick answer: To keep guests cool at an outdoor party in Brisbane, combine shade, moving air and cold drinks. Put seating under a pagoda or structure marquee. Add portable misting fans at the edge of the cover. Keep plenty of iced water on hand. Time the main part of the party for the cooler hours of the day.
A Brisbane summer brings long sunny days that are perfect for outdoor celebrations. It also brings heat and humidity that can leave guests flagging by mid-afternoon. The good news is that a few smart choices make a big difference. Here is how to host an outdoor party in the heat so your guests stay comfortable from the first drink to the last song.
Start with the timing
The easiest way to beat the heat is to avoid the worst of it. In Brisbane the middle of the day is usually the hottest. If you can, start later in the afternoon so guests arrive as the temperature eases. A twilight start also means you can enjoy festoon lights once the sun goes down.
If a long lunch is the plan, serve the main meal once your shade is at its best. Keep the most active part of the party for later in the day.
Create proper shade
Shade is the foundation of a cool party. Umbrellas and trees help but they shift as the sun moves. A marquee gives you a dependable shaded area for the whole event.
- Pagoda marquees are a great fit for most backyards. They are installed by our team and waterproof, so they double as cover if a storm arrives. Browse pagoda marquee hire.
- Structure marquees give you a large open space for a seated dinner. We hire 6m, 8m or 10m wide options. Our structure marquees can also be cooled with a split system air conditioner add-on. One air conditioner will cool between 30m² and 60m². It needs 15 amp power to run. Select it in the Add-Ons section of any structure marquee when you book.
- Pop-up gazebos are handy for extra shade over a drinks station or a play area. See pop-up gazebo hire.
Think about where the sun will be when guests arrive. Position the marquee so the main seating sits in shade at that time rather than at midday.
Add moving air with misting fans
Shade alone can still feel stuffy on a humid Brisbane day. Moving air is what makes guests feel comfortable. Our portable misting fan is a commercial-grade fan built for events rather than a domestic unit.
Here is how it works:
- It runs from a standard 240v power outlet.
- It connects to a standard garden hose.
- It has a 75cm fan with a telescopic mast up to 1.67m.
- Its effective distance is 8 to 10 metres, with coverage of up to 100m².
- It can be used indoors or outdoors.
- The cooling mist reduces temperature by up to 10 degrees.
Place fans at the open sides of the marquee, angled across the seating. Keep them pointed away from food tables and electrical gear. For a larger group add a second fan on the opposite side. Browse our cooling hire range to book.
Keep drinks and food cold
Cold drinks are one of the simplest comforts at a summer party. Plan for more ice than you think you need. Our esky and refrigeration hire range includes eskies, esky wine barrels, drinks tubs, chest freezers and display fridges.
A few tips:
- Set up a self-serve water station with plenty of ice so guests can help themselves.
- Keep drinks in a separate esky from food so the food lid stays closed.
- Place eskies in the shade. A cold esky in direct sun loses its ice much faster.
Plan a layout that works with the heat
How you arrange the space affects how cool it feels. Leave the sides of the marquee open where you can to let air flow through. Keep a clear path between tables so guests are not packed tightly together.
Choose tables and chairs that suit your space without crowding it. A relaxed lounge area with bean bags in the shade gives guests somewhere to unwind away from the busiest spot.
Look after the guests who feel the heat most
Older guests, young children and anyone who has travelled a long way may feel the heat sooner than others. Seat them in the coolest spot, close to a misting fan and away from the sun. Keep water within easy reach of every table. Let guests know where they can find shade and cold drinks as they arrive.
Have a plan for a storm too
In Brisbane a hot afternoon can turn into a storm by evening. Our pagodas and structure marquees are waterproof, so the same cover that shades your guests also keeps them dry. Pop-up gazebos are suitable for light rain only. Read our storm season guide to planning an outdoor party in the rain for more.
Plan the details
- Delivery: our standard fee shows in your cart as Delivery & Collection (incl. tolls). If equipment needs to go into a backyard, Extended Carry & Access may apply. See our delivery information. We deliver across Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.
- Booking: check live availability on any product page. You can book online 24/7. All hire is covered by $20,000,000 public liability insurance.
- More ideas: see our backyard party hire page.
Frequently asked questions
How do misting fans work?
Our portable misting fans plug into a standard power outlet and connect to a standard garden hose. The fan pushes a fine mist into the air to cool the space around it. The cooling mist reduces temperature by up to 10 degrees.
Can misting fans be used inside a marquee?
They can be used indoors or outdoors. For a marquee we suggest placing them at the open sides, angled across the seating and away from food and electrical gear.
How many misting fans do I need?
It depends on the size of your space and your guest numbers. Each fan has an effective distance of 8 to 10 metres with coverage of up to 100m². Contact us and we can help you work it out.
What is the best time to hold an outdoor summer party in Brisbane?
Later in the afternoon is often the most comfortable. Guests arrive as the heat eases and the party can run into the evening under festoon lights.
Ready to plan a cool summer party? Check live availability on any product page or send us an enquiry.
