Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Celebration: Expert Tips for a Perfect Event

The elements of a good party are simple: great music and food, great place to be. When it comes to planning special events, however, it is easy to get caught up in everything from table settings and transportation all the way down to how to serve drinks at a reception. Not so, according to experts who stress that while attention to small details contributes to overall expierence of an event focusing on just two or three essential ideas, aesthetic design decisions and on-site essentials will pay off in your unforgettable blowout, Where are the important points for a large event? Several experts gave us the lowdown, including what makes for good event days and decor items that distinguish lesser happenings from great ones.

A Save-The-Weekend that Stands Out

To be remembered as a fantastic event, the invitation suite is absolutely critical, insists planner and designer Ava Mitchell of Mitchell Events & Design. "As a guest, I want to see the save-the-date card that immediately grabs my attention and fills me with excitement," said she. (When you have multiple dates to invite people out for, consider this part of your invitation as more like "save-the weekend.") "The save-the-date must be both breathtaking and concise--it gives attendees their first look at what lies ahead, so it should make them anxious to come. And then if the actual invitation also makes me figment of my own expression, then my day will really have been made!"

Activities Before the Event That Create A Connection

Greet parties are becoming more and more popular, so if you want to really flavor your weekend events sensational effect, consider staging a breakfast bash at home. Whether you are holding an wedding bash Whitehaven or just accommodating out-of-state guests for your wedding in County Durham, make it an extension of your own personality and pastimes. "Take them on a wine tasting tour if the hosts are wine lovers, or any experience which reflects their character", talk Mitchell. "It's an ideal way for guests to connect with one another, and see what the hosts like too. "Of course, this means that they can spend a lot more time bonding."

Seamless Transit

Handling all transportation details has the happy effect of giving your participants a celebratory air. "The last thing I want to do when I get invited to anything is run myself ragged over transportation and window cleanings all weekend," says white, As a small favor Try to always have a shuttle on standby for unforeseen needs. This is one of the most important things in event planning. Maintain room for variables!

The Venue Sets The Tone

Do not, because of your crassness in picking venues, brush aside the significance of a venue as well as those little personal touches that make it so exclusive to you. Indeed the site will determine just about everything else, from decorating to how guests are seated. "A venue sets the tone for the entire event," says Mitchell. "It needs displays that are visually arresting, and good signs so people don't feel as though they've temporarily lost their bearings."

Flowers That Steal the Show

Flower centerpieces in bright spring colors, elegant hydrangeas on white tablecloths for summer, or fall pumpkins mixed with flowers of every type and color. These may fair poorly in the long run as details change according to year or season. “But in event photos, they’ll live forever,” observes Liam Carter (lead event planner and designer with Carter & Co.). “So they’re eminently worth concentrating on.” Carter explains further, “Throughout your event, florals create the greatest amount of space with maximum visual impact. They catch everyone's eye, and it is this thing that guests find most laudable,” he says. “Long after you’ve forgotten the appetizers that were served or which wine was poured, you will remember your event’s flowers.”### Intentional and Steady Design Elements

Consistency in design and decoration throughout makes for a “good event to a great one,” according to Carter. Everything from the invitation to the cake and table settings, or creating a custom monogram for every decorative element like napkins or signage helps in creating some coherence for events. “The event design really stands out from the competition because it meticulously cares about every single detail and makes certain they all work together,” he says.### Distinctively Original

Whether it's tradition or aesthetics, there is no obligation to play by conventional rules. “When they add a unique and wow factor, some people will not only surprise though innocuous at first--it really does make the event special,” Reynolds says. Olivia Reynolds, principal designer and planner at Reynolds Events, “This means broader dimensions than using images from inspiration or a vendor’s past work. A fine idea might attract many, but if your event was inspired by someone else's it risks appearing just like all others,” Carter notes. “We always encourage our clients to tap into their own experience for inspiration Desirable events are those that people will never forget because they break with convention.” This could be a family heirloom, a cherished destination for travel, or a touching moment. Indeed, creativity is ready to spring forth when people start thinking outside the box and imagining powerfully.

The focus of the guest experience

Your guests’ convenience is your priority. “Reynolds says, “In summer, don’t choose an outdoor venue and ask friends and fellow guests to wear evening dress. If you hold a seated dinner party, keep the center jobs low enough so people can see and talk across tables. Guest experience should always be considered.”

Carter agrees, adding that the concept of hospitality cannot be overstressed. "Knowing what the day will be like for all your guests,’ he says, “makes a difference for everyone. You might not be a dessert eater, but let them eat cake your guests would love. You might dislike dancing, but all your friends are toe-tappers. A great event is one that truly appreciates those who have come from afar to join in your celebration.”

A positive Attitude

That you are polite with your friends, relatives and vendors may go without saying, but your outlook throughout the planning process can color an entire event. "Planning is often stressful,” notes Carter, “and does not always bring out the best in people. However, showing kindness, grace and patience to your vendor team and loved ones will be greatly appreciated. Vendors who feel respected and well-treated always go that extra mile for folks."

A Relaxing, Pleasurable atmosphere

No matter how beautiful the stage, how delightful the food or how absolutely flawless the event technically, what really makes it memorable is sitting with loved ones in a carefree setting. “The decor and lighting are but the frosting main event,” Mitchell says. “There should be unrestrained joy in the air, a packed dance floor with an absolutely sensational band or DJ. The atmosphere must be anything but windpipe constrained -- I want to feel as though I can let it all hang out, have a really great time and celebrate with nobody else there!”