Navigating Diner en Blanc Grand Rapids 2023

1. Plan and pack light.

Plan, plan, plan, we can't stress that enough. Plan your menu and table decor. Trust us when we say that less is more. Split the responsibilities. One person can be responsible for the table and decor and the other responsible for food and drink. You have the option of bringing your own food or ordering from the E-Store. ALL wine and champagne must be pre-ordered by clicking on our non-profit partner Baxter's square link found in the E-Store. The store is open until August 24th. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

2. Buy a portable table & have a cart.

You can definitely tell those previous year attendees from the beginners. Buy a portable cart to transport everything. The professionals strap their chairs to their carts and carry their "table in a bag" over their shoulders. Be sure to follow the rules on Dîner en Blanc's website for table and chair sizes. You are also welcome to shop on your own or with TL Sherlynn's Amazon store link: https://amzn.to/3KEXPis. You can also rent chairs from our After the White Party's PJDADJ at https://square.link/u/IVc74gXy. WARNING: If you shop on your own, your table size must meet the requirements or you will be turned away. All items not being using on your table, including your cart, MUST be stored underneath your table. This rule will be enforced this year.

4. Comfort is key.

Wear comfortable shoes, because you're happier when your feet aren't hurting (and so are the people around you). If you plan to wear heels for the photo ops, carry them along. Remember you can always find cute and comfy flats to dance the night away. Purchase fascinators and pearls to jazz up your outfits if you feel flats just arent fancy enough. Costumes such as wigs, wings, and masks also add invidiuality  and sass to this all-white themed dinner. Dress however you like but remember to wear white and have fun!

5. Bring a portable phone charger.

You'll be snapchatting, instagramming, and posting to the high heavens. Your phone is guaranteed to die. Be prepared.

6. Talk to your table neighbors.

You may not know anyone in the group, including your table leader, so be prepared to make lifelong friends. Chat and share, that's what its all about. It just makes for a more enjoyable evening. 

7. Bring copies of your printed receipts.

Be sure to have printed copies of your receipts ready when you arrive at your departure location and when you pick up at the distribution stations. If you purchased food from the E-store, you will need a receipt for that. If you purchased any of the items from our Baxter partner square site (wine/champagne, cigars, after-party tickets), you'll need to present those receipts as well. Your food receipts can be retrieved by logging into the member site, selecting the E-store and clicking receipts. Receipts for items purchased on the square site can be retrieved through the email used when you made that purchase. Be sure to print all receipts when you make your purchases. Technology is sure to fail when you least expect it!

8. Don't miss the napkin wave or sparklers.

Both are beautiful to witness and even more amazing to participate in. It's the wave heard around the world which signifies the start of dinner and only cloth napkins are acceptable! As we conclude the end of dinner and the opening of the dance floor, a sea of sparklers light up the night sky. Your table leaders will provide them, so be at your table and ready to sparkle!

9. Come with an open mind and positive attitude.

We won't lie. It can be a lot if you overdo it. The key is to pack smart and have a positive attitude. You'll be happy to have attended. You'll be thanking whomever invited you in Phase 1 or sponsored you in Phase 2. And if you signed up on the waitlist for Phase 3, you'll have to stretch out that arm to pat yourself on the back.

10. Last, but not least....book your room: