Planning a luxury celebration this summer? From birthday garden parties to anniversaries and wedding receptions, few things are as enjoyable as letting your hair down and raising a glass to a special occasion – but all of the planning involved with bringing your vision to fruition can prove stressful and, at times, overwhelming.
Whilst it’s easy to get swept up in all of the different options for décor and flowers, not to mention pretty table settings and numerous other extras that hadn’t even crossed your mind until you opened Pinterest, the key to successful planning is in keeping things simple. There are a few essentials every celebration needs to be deemed a success, so focus on those first, and leave the fun stuff until later.
Although hand-painted name cards and extravagant flower displays can elevate an occasion to show-stopper status, without the foundations in place, you won’t get very far – so make a list of what is most important, and start from there. Then, if you have time left once it’s all ticked off, you can go as wild as you like with the details.
If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to the party planning process, then we’ve got you covered. These are the most important things to consider before anything else – and before those gorgeous ‘Pinspiration’ boards get the better of you.
The catering
Food is often at the heart of special occasions, and rightly so, but it’s important to consider your options carefully to ensure that your catering style suits the type of event you’re looking to create. For formal occasions like weddings or gala dinners, sit-down banquets are a great choice, and hiring in a private chef to take care of the menu for you will take a weight off your shoulders. But if you’re looking to create a buzzy atmosphere for a birthday or summer party, where everyone is up and dancing, then avoid table service dining and opt for a lavish buffet instead.
Having staff circulating with canapes and drinks is a luxurious touch that works for all types of events and ensures that guests receive a warm welcome, so be sure to consider this, too.
The entertainment
Every good party needs some excellent entertainment, and while beautiful decorations undoubtedly have a role to play when it comes to the overall atmosphere, the right act truly has the power to make or break the vibe.
If you’re unsure exactly what you’re looking for, then entertainment artists like Asher Laub are a great place to start. Offering function bands that are tailored to meet any set of specifications and any type of event, the opportunities abound.
If you’re organising the event for yourself, then think about the kind of atmosphere you’re looking to create. A sophisticated, classical band can provide a beautiful soundtrack for a sit-down banquet, while a DJ mixing some modern beats or a fun 80s band are certain to fill the dance floor.
The décor
To avoid getting magpie syndrome and being distracted by every shiny object you see during the planning process, decide on a theme or colour scheme from the get go, and do not deviate. Approaching it this way will ensure you remain focused, and give you a strict set of rules and requirements to refer to when seeking out inspiration and later, suppliers.
Flowers are a simple way to add an air of luxury to any occasion, and having some centre-pieces made up for tables at weddings or sit-down dinners is a lovely touch. By choosing a small selection of different flowers in complementary colours or similar shades, you can get as extravagant as you want – the easiest way to finalise your requirements is to chat with your chosen florist and ask to see some visuals of their work for ideas.
Avoid tacky decorations like streamers and inflatables, and say no to non-biodegradable extras like sequins, glitter and confetti, which as well as creating overkill, can be harmful to the environment. As a general rule, keeping things simple and minimalistic is the best way to create a sophisticated look that exudes luxury. By doing so, you’ll let the important details do the talking, without distracting attention from the guest(s) of honour.
