Spice’s own industry insider Betty Dargie from Dargie Entertainment shares her tips for the silly season ahead.
On the eve of 2014 busy season, I have had many event colleagues come to me asking for predictions on this year’s event trends. They are busy brainstorming and trying to come up with that theme or special inclusion that will blast this year’s event far beyond the last one. This is actually one of my favourite part of the event process so I love passing on my thoughts about this.
I think that we’ve all been pushing the boundaries so much over the last few years. We’ve all been searching for that theme, cuisine or entertainment option that has never been done before. I think this year, instead of trying to look forward again, why not look backwards?
I’m not talking another 80s event (not that there is anything wrong with that – love the 80s!). I’m saying look back further, much further …
Below are two event themes that may give you some inspiration for this year’s big bash:
1940s vintage glamour
This era is definitely a favourite of mine as there are so many options. You can style with a war-time Americana theme – even go as far as showcasing vintage automobiles. Guests will love the dress-code because it’s easy and glamorous. Females can add a touch of vintage with a headscarf or go all-out with a ‘pin-up’ inspired outfit. Men can be comfy in a vintage style suit or go for the 1940s Army look. Something for everyone.
Entertainment is fun for this theme. Big budgets can splurge on a Glen Miller style Big Band (everyone loves swing) or an Andrew Sisters inspired vocal group. Set the mood with vintage ‘cigar girls’ handing out treats (these can be switched to pop-corn or branded merchandise if preferred) and feature a Dixie style tap dance group to get the party pumping.
Classic
Sometimes those large events need to exude nothing but timeless sophistication. A black tie event with VIPs and esteemed guests needs to have a theme that encapsulates cultured glamour. If this is the case, take your guests back to a time when this was abundant.
A string quartet is the perfect way to start off an event such as this. Champagne on arrival with beautiful classical music shows your guests that a sophisticated event is on the cards. Styling theme should be crisp, clean whites with chandeliers and high-end detailing.
The feature of the event needs to have a high-end quality to fit in with this cultured theming. A classical performance with professional ballerinas also featuring an operatic tenor would be the ultimate entertainment option for this kind of event. Your guests will have the experience of a night at the opera and the ballet all at once.
