Hi all, I could use some of your advice here.
Sure.
I want to build a .org site with some specific needs. I think they are all simple enough but not sure if all themes have these options.
Actually, themes are meant to be that way. If you need more functionality in a theme, then you can install a plugin that suits your needs. And imagine if you want to change your theme in future and your favourite functionality goes away with the theme... Won't that be a dreadful?!
My site will be to list my community workshops I have in different areas. These events will be a mixture of weekly workshops and one off workshops.
Then you need one of these:
I was thinking the simplest way would be to use the blog functionality as the events listing only problem being is I'd need the oldest blog to stay at the top and the newest are added to the bottom of the list. That way the most recent event will be the first you see.
Yes, you are right.
I will also need the blog post (event) to archive once the date has expired. Not sure if that can be automated or if i'd have to physically delete/move it to an archive section.
Blog posts are automatically archived. Older posts can be viewed at any time. On the other hand if you use a plugin to add events, it will mostly use the 'post' feature of WordPress, so it will be archived too. But do confirm this before using one.
It will have to have paypal functionality, so people can pay for the workshop.
A plugin like WP Easy Paypal Payment Accept can help. Find more here. Or you may just add the PayPal button code if you don't want to use a plugin. Though a plugin will give you additional features.
I will need to be able to have my specific brand colours and able to change fonts for the menu items/header.
Brand colours?! As to what.. the header, logo, or on images of posts?! Every theme (mostly) allows customization of the header/logo/widgets. Fonts can easily be changed using the Advanced Tiny MCE Editor.
I hope some of you will be able to point me in the right direction.
I hope I did.