I feel incredibly fortunate to attend spectacular events in the most stunning locations. Whether it’s a corporate celebration, a luxury wedding, or a fabulous celebration, party planners and vendors consistently go above and beyond to impress and entertain their guests.
Here are 10 fantastic ideas I’ve come across, that will ensure your party is a hit. From painted guest portraits, to handcrafted gin and immersive experiences, these ideas are sure to make your event unforgettable.
1. funky CIRCULAR BAR
Create a focal point for your special celebration with an eye-catching circular bar.
The bar can be adorned with an artistic floral installation or you can opt for a beautiful faux tree like this one from Twilight Trees. This spectacular centrepiece will not only serve refreshing drinks, but also create a great atmosphere that invites your guests to gather and have fun. Santé!
2. SHOWSTOPPING CANAPES
This summer I attended a beautiful wedding at Hedsor House and Bubble Food caterers pulled out all the stops to impress guests with their delicious and creative canapes. Each piece was simply a work of art and the presentation was fabulously theatrical.
The real show stopper was the mini fish ‘n chips with edible printed newspaper with the couple’s initials and wedding date. Pure genius!
3. MONTAGE PAINTINGS
Montage paintings are a creative and unique way to document your event, capturing memories in real-time – entertaining your guests – while also creating a lasting keepsake.
I thoroughly enjoy creating montage paintings, as the artwork evolves organically during the event, giving me creative freedom and allowing for more spontaneity.
4. GIFTING PERSONALISED CANDLES
5. HAND-PAINTED GUEST PORTRAITS
Each guest receives a personal portrait to take home as a special keepsake. The original paintings can be scanned and edited in Photoshop to create a unique group portrait arranged in a perfect grid.
This artwork was used as a digital thank-you card for a corporate event which took place at the Ivy in Brighton. I chose white and grey paper, knowing it would create a perfect block pattern, and I am very pleased with how it turned out.
6. DESIGNER WINE & bespoke spirits
Earlier this year I attended a wedding where the happy couple received custom-made bottles of wine from a guest, who owns a vineyard in France. The label was carefully designed too, depicting personal elements of the couple’s lives and of course the wedding date.
If you don’t own a vineyard (life goal!), you can collaborate with Hawkridge Distillery and design your own limited edition gin or vodka. Working with award winning master distillers and their branding team, Hawkridge will guide you through the design process. From bottle selection and label design to flavour profiling, your vision for your perfect bespoke spirit will be brought to life withing 5 weeks!
7. PUNCH BALLOONS
Elevate the energy on the dancefloor another notch with colourful punch balloons.
I recently attended a wedding in the Netherlands where they were a huge hit. It made everyone smile, young and old and it adds a playful touch.
While punch balloons typically come in vibrant colours, you can make it more stylish by coordinating them with your colour scheme. Imagine how magical it would be to have balloons with LED lights illuminating the dance floor!
8. IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT – IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
Extravagant walkabout acts are a guaranteed way to surprise your guests and create perfect Instagrammable moments.
Back in March we emerged in the magical world that is Fantasia 3 created by visionary floral designer Amie Bone. Apart from huge, colourful displays there was immersive entertainment throughout the various spaces. When I entered the ladies toilets, I was greeted by a real-life mermaid in a bath! It was hilarious and as you can see we got on like a house on fire!
9. SCATTERED CHANDALIERS
Why not scatter huge chandeliers casually around the venue, to create a dramatic and elegant décor with a twist.
Recently, Moving Venue caterers celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Natural History Museum and they pulled out all the stops. The vibrant blooms by Lavender Green along with the chandeliers, beautifully lit by Wise Productions created a stunning effect in this grand setting.
10. MULTICOLOURED FLORAL ART INSTALLATIONS
Visionary floral artist Amie Bone is renowned for her vibrant use of colours, and the floral installations she created for Fantasia 3 at Waddesdon Manor were playful, jubilant and uplifting. I loved painting all the colour and texture.
Colour and lighting will have a real impact on any space. I highly recommend hiring a professional production team to elevate your chosen venue to the next level.
