What are the membership and guest fees for?
Membership and guest fees are used to cover the inherent costs of training, support and technological services to all the organizers around the world, to enable them to organize their own event, as offered by Dîner en Blanc International. These services allow us to preserve and convey the concept’s values, to sustain our corporate standards by regrouping them within a single network and, to develop technical tools. The membership offers members a number of online services that will grow in the coming years.
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Is Dîner en Blanc an illegal activity?
All events produced according to Le Dîner en Blanc International guidelines require local hosts to acquire the proper authorization, permits, and insurances before proceeding with their event. On the other hand, since its beginning, Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris has been taking place without authorization, in some of the city’s most prestigious sites. The first editions were not easy to pull off. Today, French authorities know that the event is always well organized and that guests are always respectful of public property. Moreover, the event’s photogenic quality helps promote the city’s image as a stylish Metropolis.
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How many Dîner en Blanc events are there in the world?
Founded in 2012, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world with over 130,000 participants. The largest and most internationally recognized Le Dîner en Blanc remains the original Paris event.
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How can I participate?
Registration for Le Dîner en Blanc takes place in 3 phases:
Phase 1: Members from the previous year and friends of the organization and leaders
Phase 2: Friends "sponsored" by Phase 1 members
Phase 3: People who signed up to the waiting list
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What are the key rules of the event?
Le Dîner en Blanc requires from the participants an exemplary citizenship and discipline. Here are the main rules:
● Rain or shine, guests are expected.
● Exude Elegance … in white. Originality is encouraged, as long as it remains elegant and tasteful.
● Bring your own table, chairs, and picnic basket.
● Follow the Volunteer Leader’s instructions.
● Arrive and leave with your Leader. Nobody arrives at the site on their own.
● Drink responsibly. Champagne or wine only. No spirits or beer.
● Clean up: Take all your garbage with you and clean the area around your table.
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What must guests wear?
All guests must dress elegantly in head-to-toe white. This means no ivory, no off-white, and no beige… Originality is always encouraged, as long as it stays stylish and tasteful.
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What must guests bring?
A square folding-table and two white chairs; a white picnic basket and/or bag including a gourmet meal for two, a white tablecloth and cloth-napkins, cutlery, dishware, and glassware; and a garbage bag.
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What kind of table do I need to bring?
The table must be square, foldable, and easy to carry. The size must be between 27 and 32 inches (68 and 81 cm). The table does not have to be white as it will be covered with a white tablecloth.
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Why not let guests decide on the size and shape of their table?
Le Dîner en Blanc is always held in a public location with space limitations, and local organizers must therefore limit the size of the tables to optimize the given space.
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Do I have to bring a guest?
Yes, registration is always for 2 people. You will sit opposite your guest at your table.
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My guest can no longer attend. What should I do?
You will be able to change the name of your guest up until a week before the event.
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I want to choose a departure location that is filled. What should I do?
Each departure location has a specific number of spaces and; once those are filled, you will need to select a different location.
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I received an invitation but can't attend this year. How do I make sure I get a priority invitation next year?
If you cannot attend this year and want to maintain your priority invitation for next year, use your invite code to register as an absent member during your registration period. This way you will ensure a Phase 1 invite next year.
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Will members who registered for the last year be automatically re-invited?
Yes. Members who register for Le Dîner en Blanc the previous year and who respect the rules and regulations will be automatically invited to the following year’s event. Please note that members who disrespect Dîner en Blanc rules will be disinvited from the following editions. Their name and email will be black-listed, prohibiting them from registering for future editions.
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I was invited by a member to attend the last Dîner en Blanc. Will I automatically be invited back this year?
Unfortunately, you will not automatically receive an invitation to this year’s event. The current online system allows for one “registered member” and one “invited guest” to be seated at each table, making registered members the only ones to be automatically re-invited. You may return this year with the same person, get invited/sponsored by another member, or register to the waiting list to become a member yourself.
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Will the event be cancelled or postponed in case of rain?
Le Dîner en Blanc is a rain or shine event. Each guests’ presence is necessary and mandatory, regardless of the weather. In case of rain, guests must remember to bring a white or transparent raincoat, poncho and/or umbrella. However, if public safety becomes an issue due to severe weather (ex. thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados…), the local Hosts may decide to cancel or postpone the event.
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Are tickets refundable?
Tickets to the event are not refundable or transferable.
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Are the memberships and attendance transferable?
Memberships are not transferable, according to Le Dîner en Blanc policy. Catered meals and beverages are likewise not transferrable.
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What are the cut-off dates for catered meal and beverage purchases?
Le Dîner en Blanc runs very differently from most events as all purchases must be made well in advance. Meal packages should be ordered approximately 3 weeks prior to the event. Alcohol purchases should be done in 2-3 days' advance as Le Dîner en Blanc wine supplier requires our order a few days in advance of the event.
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With a waiting list of several thousand people, why not open up more registration this year?
Le Dîner en Blanc is not trying to continuously beat participation records. We wish to maintain the spirit and quality of the event. For this reason, we prefer to favor quality over quantity and to expand organically without taking shortcuts.
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There are lots of rules, and guests may find them restrictive. Isn’t there a risk that this will inhibit the spontaneity and festivity which are at the heart of the concept?
While these rules may seem restrictive, one must keep in mind that Le Dîner en Blanc is not an ordinary event. The evening takes place in a public place that was not designed for such a purpose and is often very busy. It must necessarily be very controlled in order for future editions to be held. Such measures never taint the festive and friendly spirit that prevails each year.
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Can I use the Dîner en Blanc concept to support a local humanitarian or social cause?
Le Dîner en Blanc has no political or ideological agendas and minimal branding. It is simply a friendly gathering whose sole purpose is to create a magical evening, where guests are in good company, and in an environment, which is both unusual and extraordinary. Le Dîner en Blanc may not be associated with, or used as a means to raise funds for, another organization.
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Is this a BYO event?
YES. However only Wine (White or Red) & Champagne is permitted. Please limit yourself to no more than 1 bottle of alcohol per person. Don't forget to bring water too!
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Do I need to bring my own food?
You can prepare and bring your own food, or you can enhance your dining experience by ordering from our online store. Your selection from 3 incredible menu choices will be waiting for you upon arrival at the secret location. Bring only your table settings, and appetite!
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Where can I RENT a folding table and white chairs?
For where you can rent approved Le Diner en Blanc table size (28" to 32" square) and white chairs, see:
Production Hawaii – www.productionhawaii.com or 808.832.7878, Kalihi area - for white resin chairs @ $3.00ea, 30"x30" wood square table @ $10.00ea (10#).
Hawaiian Rent-All- www.hawaiianrentall.com or 808.949.3961, McCully area - for 30"x30" resin pedestal 3-piece table @ $12.00ea (8#).
Island Event Rentals- www.islandeventrentals.com or 808.677.1964 - Waipahu area for tables and white resin chairs.
Pacific Party Rentals - www.pacificpartyrentals.net or 808.236.3738 - Kaneohe area for tables and white resin chairs.
If you find or know of other locations and better prices, please share your good finds with us by sending a message to your Table Leader and/or posting on the wall...
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Why are the tables and chairs not being rented this year?
As part of the original Parisian Diner en Blanc concept, guests around the world bring their own table and chairs every year. This one-time investment is both practical and cost-effective, and it ensures that guests do no waste time and enjoyment on the night of the event by dealing with the logistics that renting large amounts of equipment will entail.
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Where can I BUY a folding table?
Here is a list of places to purchase folding tables, as follows: Amazon.com (search for “Tall Aluminum Table in a bag”, $40-$49.95). Amazon.com: (search for “Bistro Table Square Folding”, $52 or “Personal folding table”, $40). Walmart and Walmart.com (search for "Ozark Trail 5' center folding table. **note: this table is good for 2 COUPLES). Of course, you may find other locations and prices. Feel free to share your good finds with us by sending a message to your Table Leader and/or posting on our Facebook wall! facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.honolulu.
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Where can I BUY chairs and a rolling cart?
All 8 City Mill locations have folding chairs for $39.99 each and 3 types of rolling carts at $29.99, $34.99, $39.99. Amazon.com has white folding chairs and usually free shipping (search: white folding chairs) starting at $10ea. Of course, you may find other locations and prices. Feel free to share your good finds with us by sending a message to your Table Leader and/or posting on our Facebook wall! facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.honolulu.
Please keep in mind that you will have to walk with your items so, the sturdier and lighter they are, easier it will be!
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Where can I rent OR buy white linen tablecloth and napkins?
RENTAL: Accel Party Rentals & Design (www.accelrentals.com, 808.484.2258, Halawa Area) for white poly-cotton or white specialty linen for 61"x61", 87"x87" or 90" round linens from $6-$20ea and white napkins $.50-1.50 ea. Les Saisons: Fine Linen & Chair Cover (www.les-saisons.net, 808.636.1704, Honolulu Ward Area) for white cotton or specialty linen from $18 and up. BUY: Target (www.target.com, Kailua, Salt Lake & Kapolei), Bed, Bath & Beyond (www.bedbathandbeyond.com, Honolulu Ward), Walmart (www.walmart.com, all Hawaii locations). In store and on-line pricing availability. All pricing starting at $10 and up. Feel free to share your good finds with us by sending a message to your Table Leader and/or posting on our Facebook wall! facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.honolulu.
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