Unlocking Unforgettable Celebrations

Butter Studios Photography

A Message to Our Valued Clients on the Benefits of Early Event Planning

As the holiday season unfolds with joy and excitement, we're reaching out to share insights on why it’s not too early to start thinking of the festivities ahead (and yes, we mean NEXT year). While the merriment of the current celebrations is about to be in full swing, considering the future now can elevate your events to new heights and reduce that planning stress to a manageable simmer.

Securing Your Ideal Date and Venue:

Imagine the perfect date for your event and an ideal venue (ehem!) that complements your vision. By starting the planning process early, you increase your chances of securing the date that best aligns with your preferences. Early booking ensures that you have the flexibility to choose the perfect setting for your celebration, whether it's a corporate gathering, a family reunion, or a special holiday party.

Tailoring Packages to Your Unique Vision:

Early planning gives you the opportunity to work closely with vendors to customize packages that bring your vision to life. Whether it's a themed décor, specialized bar menu, or unique entertainment options, the extra time allows for curating a personalized packages that reflects your distinct style, making your event truly one-of-a-kind.

Budgeting for Success:

Finances play a crucial role in event planning. Starting the process early enables you to collaborate on a detailed budget with your team, allowing you to allocate resources strategically.

Minimizing Last-Minute Stress:

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, and we want your experience to be stress-free. Early planning minimizes the last-minute rush and allows us as well as your other vendors to handle logistical details seamlessly. From coordinating staff schedules to ensuring all necessary equipment is in place, early preparation ensures that you can focus on enjoying the festivities rather than managing unforeseen challenges.

Creating Memorable Experiences:

Your event is not just a gathering; it's an experience. Early planning provides the time needed to brainstorm creative concepts, design unique themes, and implement special touches that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. By partnering with us early, you're investing in an event that goes beyond expectations, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

As the festive spirit surrounds us in the present, we encourage you to consider the future of your celebrations. Early event planning is the key to stress-free, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Let's embark on this journey together, ensuring that your upcoming events shine as bright as the holiday lights. Secure your ideal date, envision your dream celebration, and let's make it a reality together.

Wishing you a joyous and memorable holiday season!

Partnering with Preferred Vendors

Are you ready to elevate your event to extraordinary heights? It's time to unveil the secret behind a truly successful gathering. While the perfect venue sets the stage, there's more to it than meets the eye. Luckily, you're in on the secret, and I'll let you in on it too, with a cheeky wink.

These special beings, known as "preferred vendors," possess an enchanting touch that can transform your event into a dazzling spectacle. So, fasten your seatbelts, because we're about to embark on a whimsical journey through the realm of preferred vendors!

The Golden Rule of Event Planning:

Let's face it, organizing an event can be as challenging as juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. However, preferred vendors are like seasoned circus performers in the event world. They've mastered their craft and navigated through countless challenges. Their familiarity with the event venue means fewer headaches for you, ensuring your event becomes a legendary affair.

Handpicked Gems of Awesomeness:

These preferred vendors are not just random peeps with a booths and a dream. They have been carefully selected by the event venue for their exceptional talents. Rest assured, you'll be working with the crème de la crème of event professionals. From caterers who can turn a brussel sprout into a culinary masterpiece to photographers who capture the perfect candid shot, each vendor brings their unique superpowers to the table, creating an unforgettable experience.

Synchrony and Harmony:

Imagine your event as a symphony orchestra. Each vendor plays a crucial role in composing a harmonious masterpiece. When you opt for preferred vendors, they already have a strong rapport with the event venue. It's as if they are part of the same musical family, speaking the same language, and dancing to the same beat. This synergy translates into seamless coordination, flawless execution, and zero chaos. No one wants the caterer setting up a chocolate fountain on the dance floor or the DJ playing a slow song during a high-energy dance-off. With preferred vendors, everything falls into place like a perfectly choreographed flash mob.

So there you have it, embrace the power of preferred vendors, and witness the magic unfold at your event. Remember, it's not just about the venue; it's about the dream team that accompanies it. Allow the preferred vendors to wave their wands of expertise, and watch as the enchantment unfolds!

Now, go forth and plan the most epic event of the century.

Sara Rogers Photography

Unleash the Magic

Why Good Planning is Essential For an Enchanting Event

Planning a wedding or any special event can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be incredibly stressful. From selecting the perfect venue to coordinating with vendors, there are numerous details to manage. These skills may all seem invisible to you - but that is why event planners are complete wizards at what they do - it looks like magic.

To ensure your big day runs smoothly and stress-free, hiring a day-of coordinator can be an invaluable investment. Let's delve into the benefits of having a dedicated professional oversee the execution of your wedding or event.

Experience and Expertise:

Event planners are seasoned professionals who have extensive experience in event planning and execution. They possess the knowledge and expertise to handle any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the event. From creating a detailed timeline to managing vendors and coordinating logistics, their expertise ensures that everything flows seamlessly.

Stress Reduction:

One of the primary benefits of hiring an event planner is the significant reduction in stress for you and your loved ones. Instead of worrying about the minute details and troubleshooting issues on your special day, you can relax and enjoy the moment. With a coordinator managing all the behind-the-scenes tasks, you can focus on making memories and cherishing the experience.

Vendor Coordination:

Coordinating with various vendors can be a complex and time-consuming task. A planner or day-of coordinator will take charge of communicating with your vendors, ensuring they arrive on time and are aware of their responsibilities. They will handle any last-minute changes or issues that may arise, allowing you to enjoy a seamless event without any unnecessary distractions. Most venues actually mandate that all weddings have a day-of coordinator or planner for the entire duration of their event, so it's a requirement that you'll need to fulfill.

Timeline and Logistics:

Creating a comprehensive timeline and managing logistics are essential elements of any successful event. An event manager meticulously plans the schedule, from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. They will oversee the setup, handle any necessary adjustments, and keep the event on track, leaving you free to focus on enjoying the celebration.

Problem-Solving:

No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues can occur during an event. An event professional is a problem-solving expert, equipped to handle any last-minute hiccups efficiently and effectively. They have the experience to quickly think on their feet, making decisions that keep the event running smoothly without disturbing the flow or causing unnecessary stress.

Attention to Detail:

Planners and coordinators have a keen eye for detail and will ensure that your vision for the event is executed flawlessly. From ensuring the decorations are set up correctly to coordinating with the venue staff, they will pay attention to every small detail, leaving no room for oversight. Their meticulous approach guarantees that your event will be a true reflection of your style and preferences. If you need recommendations, consulting the venue's preferred vendors list is a great place to start.

Hiring a planner for your wedding or special event is an investment that pays off in many ways. Their experience, expertise, and ability to handle logistics and problem-solving are invaluable assets that ensure your event is executed seamlessly. By alleviating stress and allowing you to fully enjoy your special day, a day-of coordinator or full-fledged planning team lets you create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, sit back, relax, and let the professionals take care of the behind-the-scenes magic, while you bask in the joy of your celebration.

Image from our GM, Louisa Cohen’s wedding - being handed a glass of bubbles right after her ‘I DOs’ this was a special request made and executed with her planner, Jess Minnie (Petite Pearl Events)

ONE YEAR IN.... a note from Louisa

She's typically on the other side of the wood... but our art-glass bar makes one killer backdrop for GM, Louisa Cohen

I can’t believe it’s been one full year at the helm of this wonderful venue. Sometimes it feels like only a few weeks ago that I stepped into my role as GM - it also feels like I’ve been here since 1907 (that’s an Easter egg for anyone who’s paying attention…)

As I settled into the 'Bank Manager's Office' one year ago things were happening at lighting speed - I was eating, sleeping, and breathing this place - to be honest almost any given week you'll still find my dry cleaning at The Permanent if you know where to look... When 330 West Pender was a functioning bank - the manager lived on site - so perhaps this is apropos for the space I've assumed... 

Seeing this stunning heritage bank building transform from a restoration project and renovation site into a busy and elegant event space has been so exciting me for me. My father's passion for heritage spaces combined with Vancouver’s need for unique and exciting spaces has been inspiring.

For me personally It has also been scary, challenging, and really just a super awesome wild ride into the event and hospitality industry. 

We’ve played home to the cast of Riverdale, partied through the holidays with classy corporate crews of all sorts, hosted the launch virtual reality headsets to top-of-the-line toothbrushes, showcased incredible catering, created cocktail magic… and of course watched so many incredible couples ‘lock it down’ in front of the vault.

I don’t think any of this could have been accomplished successfully without a killer staff, our talented vendors, partners, and the stories of our phenomenal clients - all of them in-part making this old building sing.

After this year in - a heartfelt thank you to all of you I’ve met along the way... to many more celebrations together.

With my very best, Louisa

Permanent profiles michelle apples

Michelle being cheeky at an event we hosted this month for Starbucks Canada

We are excited to give you an insiders look at our wonderful (and busy!) event space - what better way to start than profiling some of the people that make this place run... Without further ado she’s the apple of our eye… and this Vancouver event space runs on her positive attitude and tireless work ethic - this is a little bit about Michelle Apples… the Renaissance-Woman of The Permanent.

What’s your role with The Permanent?
When I first got hired on at The Permanent I started off as a bartender, and quickly moved into an Event Supervisor role, from there I then filled the role as Event Coordinator with also adding Day of Coordinator for Weddings, sometimes Film Liaison, and now to Bar Manager/Women Of All Trades. So I consider my role a flexible one, filling shoes wherever they are needed in the event space.

Tell me about a typical day on the job… 
Every day is different which is probably my favourite thing about the job. Whether it is site visits with newly engaged couples, keeping Riverdale fans at bay, coordinating a wedding, running around like a crazy person to execute the perfect event, supervising events, heavy lifting and inventory, training staff, meetings, or sitting in the office “green room” with celebrities while they are filming. I don’t think any two days are ever the same. There is no such thing as a typical day at The Permanent. 

What is your favourite lunch in the ‘hood?
Finch’s… I am addicted to the Applewood Smoked Cheddar Baguette and the Chocolate Chip Cookies. I really need an intervention. 

Give us some behind-the-scenes secrets about the venue…what don’t we know?
Well I have yet to see a ghost (but I am patiently waiting). The whole building has such character, from the architecture and design, to the stained glass windows, the light fixtures, the original vault door and the secret entrance. This place is so unique. I constantly discover something new about this buildings design - unless you were constantly studying the building you wouldn’t even begin to be able to see it all. 

Most memorable event that you worked at The Permanent? 
Oh man, that is a hard question! To pick just one event is difficult there has been so many great ones. I love weddings because there is so much love that goes into them, but there have also been so many crazy designs - for example the 'Lush Scientist Awards'. Everything was science based (cocktails made in test tubes, diagonal lights all over the walls, these crazy cube type things on the tables). The smallest details were not overlooked for this event and the outcome was phenomenal. Of course I am a huge fan of Christmas so I love when people bring Christmas trees and decorations in as well. 

If you hosted an evening at The Permanent what kind of night would it be?
If I could host an evening here I would probably host a charity event, because I love to be able to give back to causes that I care about. I would also have live performances from local artists to be able to give them exposure. I feel like the Vancouver scene is really lacking live music. I recently spent some time in Nashville and it was incredible seeing live music everywhere you went. Live music really creates this amazing energy and atmosphere.