HOW TO...
Make an Event Unforgettable
These golden rules will have you throwing a celebration for the ages.
WORDS Anna Christensen
Hosting a sensational party is about so much more than logistics. It requires imagination, personalisation, and moments of pure magic. Eureka 89’s Events and Business Development Manager and resident event planner Lara Leigh spills the champagne on creating an event your guests won’t stop talking about.
CONSIDER A THEME
It could be as simple as a seasonal colour or as abstract as a feeling, but a unified theme will capture the imagination of your guests and guide all the finer details. Think a glamorous Great Gatsby do with glittering flapper dresses, ostrich feather centrepieces, and champagne served in coupe glasses. Or a summery La Dolce Vita soiree with prosecco, extravagant flowers, and gold jewellery galore. “Create a mood board with Pinterest,” suggests Leigh. “Get specific on things like colours, decorations, what you want on the tables. That way you can show your vendors, like florists and event or venue managers, exactly what you want.” And don’t forget a dress code to alleviate the pre-party agonising: your guests will thank you for it.
CHOOSE YOUR VENUE WISELY
The spot where the magic unfolds should be both functional and photo-worthy – a venue that can flow from drinks to dinner to dancing, with gorgeous decor or a killer view. It also helps if you can outsource some of the finicky details, so you can focus on the personal touches. “At Eureka 89, we have event managers who are there to collaborate with you, make recommendations for external suppliers, and manage in-house requirements such as tech set-up, seating plans, and menu options,” says Leigh.
CURATE YOUR GUEST LIST
Spark interesting conversations – and potential new friendships – by inviting guests from different backgrounds, ages, and slices of life. And don’t be afraid to mix up your tables with introverts and extroverts – particularly when you have guests who are new on the scene or don’t know many guests. Leigh adds that “adding things like fun conversation starter cards to each place-setting can help break the ice.”
Create pockets or corners that call for fun group shots or romantic couple pics with wonderfully bold props.
“The spot where the magic unfolds should be both functional and photo-worthy.”
PUT ON AN EXCEPTIONAL SPREAD
Gone are the days of “chicken or fish”. An unmissable event needs food to match, whether it’s light but punchy finger food, artful food stations, or lush gourmet fare such as smoked crème spanner crab or quail with pickled cherries and charred radicchio à la Eureka 89. To decide, Leigh suggests visualising how your party will play out. “Do you want people to be mingling for cocktails and light canapes? Or do you want a sit-down dinner with a robust five-course meal or a fine-dining degustation?” And don’t forget the drinks. “Ask your venue manager or caterer for a selection of crowd-pleasing beverages, or opt for a degustation menu if you want this taken care of for you.”
TOAST THE OCCASION WITH A SIGNATURE DRINK
“Create a memorable flourish by choosing a signature drink that reflects you or has special meaning to you,” suggests Leigh. For example, your wine list might hero a sangiovese from the Italian village you got engaged. Or perhaps you could feature a favourite cocktail with a creative name, such as a playful pun on your surname or a nod to your event theme.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT IN STYLE
In a social media-centric world, your guests will document the festivities. Make it worthy of their Insta squares by designating a stylish area for photo opps, such as a flower board, a festoon-lit garden corner, or a photo booth with props. “You could also create a custom hashtag to link all the photos,” says Leigh. “This creates an amazing virtual photo album to relive all the memories.”
SPRINKLE IN MAGIC MOMENTS
One sure-fire way to make your event unforgettable is to add in some magic moments. A surprise performance from a local musician, an interactive art installation, or custom party favours: embrace the unexpected to delight your guests. “Create something for them to experience together,” says Leigh. “They won’t just have fun on the night, they’ll talk about it for years to come.’”