The Wandering Social… why you shouldn’t plan a party without them!
We all see these Pinterest perfect parties these days all over social media, and I can’t be the only one drooling over them! But have you ever tried to plan one yourself? It’s HARD! They (who’s they?!) make it look so easy, but turns out most people have a lot of helpers— party planners, rentals, balloon artists, caterers, you name it! I came across The Wandering Social in a picture perfect Instagram party post and the rentals she has to offer are divine! (They would go perfect with my rustic studio… maybe I should plan a party at the photo studio!!) I reached out to her to get some more information about the rentals she offers and of course to get to know a little bit more about her small family owned business.
The Wandering Social as a Small Business
The Wandering Social is locally owned and operated by Charlene, who is a busy mom of two beautiful children, turned entrepreneur. I can relate to this- as I started my own photography business after I had my second child in an effort to be more present in my kiddos’ everyday lives!
I asked Charlene the story of her business and this is what she shared-
“My family loves to camp, and we once saw an old Shasta camper at a campground that we'd walk by numorous times a day as we came and went to our site. It was just so tiny and adorable, and I immediately wanted one. Obviously I’d never want to camp in it because we were glamping in luxury instead, but I just couldnt shake the idea of having one. Some time later I was thumbing through a magazine and came across a photo of an old horse trailer retrofitted to be a mobile bar for weddings. I have always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, and it doesnt take me long to dream of a vision. My husband is extremely handy and also incredibly kind to always agree to my many projects. When I pitched him the idea of turning a vintage Shasta into a mobile bar, his reponse was nothing short of, "Sure. I can do that." So, I sketched out a detailed vision and he got to work on the weekends. This took him year to do, and by the end of it he wanted to roll it into a lake. I'm sure me being his project manager wasnt very fun, either-- but it was a labor of love and we are both so proud of what we built. He quickly said he'd never do it again, but less than six months later I had a vision to retrofit a Cushman Haulster (farm vehicle) into a tap truck... And so, well, he got to work once again. Our second bar rig was then born.” Check out photos of her mobile bar rig here!
Since it’s always nice to know that you are supporting someone in their business, and especially a family… I asked Charlene to share 3 facts about her family so you can get to know her a little better.
1. We are a military family and have lived in 7 different states!
2. Music is my second passion
3. Traveling and being adventurous fills our soul
The Wandering Social— Endless possibilities
If you checked out the pictures of The Wandering Social’s mobile vintage bar, I’m sure your brain is already trying to think of all the events or ways you could use a rental like this! I have seen these rentals used for epic baby showers, weddings, children’s birthdays and even adult birthday or other celebration. Want to have a party with your friends? Rent the small cart to make your party unforgettable! (And please don’t forget to invite me, I would love to come too!) Now that you’ve thought about the awesome possibilities of Charlene’s rentals, I asked for some of the details on renting and turnaround times!
First off- location. The Wandering Social is based in little ole’ Waxhaw, BUT they do travel anywhere within about 100 mile radius. So if you live near Charlotte, but are planning an event in the mountains, it could definitely still be an option!
Second- what can you rent from The Wandering Social exactly? What all is included? Here is what Charlene shared— We bring the party! Our flagship camper bar, which is perfect for larger events, has two double tap commercial kegerators inside perfect for pouring your favorite beer, seltzer, cider, or kegged cocktails on tap. Our Tap Truck was created with a smaller, more intimate gathering in mind. It is absolutely tiny-- only 10 feet long and 4 feet wide-- and it drives! This allows us to fit into smaller spaces like backyards and through gates. Our tap truck has 3 taps and still allows the host to choose a variety of beverages, without the larger feeling of visual space like a camper can bring. Last is our newly launched Photo Booth camper. A replica of our camper bar, this vintage rental allows guests to step inside, pose, and print a classic photo strip.
Third- How far in advance do you need to reach out to The Wandering Social to reserve your party date? We recommend booking 8-10 months in advance. Our 2023 books were 80% filled by February of this year, and we are very actively booking 2024. We always encourage people to reach out and inquire, because theres always a chance you'll land on that random date that is still available... but earlier is always better!
How can you find out more? Visit The Wandering Social’s links below!
Website is https://thewanderingsocial.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWanderingSocialBar/
Instagram: @thewanderingsocial
The Wandering Social… The ones you should always invite to your party!
If you want to host a great event for your family and friends, make sure to include The Wandering Social! And if you are expecting or have young children… please feel free to check out my photography page while you are here! I have an adorable little rustic studio out in the country in Monroe and I love shooting glam portraits for moms during their pregnancy, or even for a birthday celebration, and portraits of your little ones are always a go!!
