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 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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Can I bring my own alcoholic beverages?
No. Florida laws prohibit guests from bringing their own alcoholic beverages. This is the same law that prohibits you bringing your own alcoholic beverages to public sporting events. Please keep in mind that the enforcement of this regulation will be in effect with the presence of OPD Special Event officers during the event. Violators will be held accountable and will be asked to leave. The person will also be removed from the guest list and will be blacklisted from future events.
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What alcoholic beverages are allowed at the event?
Only wine and champagne are allowed at Le Diner en Blanc event.
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Will hard liquor or beer be available?
No. Only wine and champagne are allowed in keeping with the original French concept.
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Where can I purchase my wine and/or champagne?
For your convenience, once you have registered, you can head to our e-store where you can pre-purchase from a selection of wines and champagnes. Each table/couple is allowed to purchase up to two (2) bottles.
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I don’t drink. Can I bring non-alcoholic beverages with me?
Yes. You are allowed to bring NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages (i.e. water, fruit juices, coffee or tea) with you to the event. All bottle must be sealed.
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Will I be able to purchase another bottle of wine or champagne during the event?
No. Florida regulations prohibit us from offering the sale of alcoholic beverages during the event. There will be no sales of alcoholic beverages on site.
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How will I receive what I ordered?
All items bought on the e-store will be available at the secret location on the night of the event. It’s very important that you print all your online receipts and bring them with you the evening of the event. You will need this proof of purchase to ensure that you receive the correct items.
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Where and when will I receive my purchases (food and beverages)?
All pre-purchased items will be delivered to you on site the evening of the event.
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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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