Planning the Perfect Themed Party

It’s no secret any more that themed parties are all the rage now and that the right theme when delivered well can make the difference between just another event, and a successful business event that will be talked about for years to come. So then what are some of the secrets that professional event planners keep in their tool box and use to ensure that “every” party they set up is a success? You see, for professionals who have a reputation to uphold there can be no guesswork, or in time they'll find themselves out of a job.

One thing from the beginning that you can do is not try to re-invent the wheel when it comes to choosing an actual theme for your event. That is that you really don't need to spend a whole lot of time coming up with a basic concept because there are about 8 that are proven, and those are what you should choose from. As an example, Mardi Gras is very popular as an event theme and no one will be disappointed that you chose to go with one so familiar. On the other hand, something like Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Fin would be seen as quite unique, but at the same time you would probably be the first to try it.

Now for starters you're going to have to come up not only with what all the props are for this type of unique, untried theme, but then you have to find out where you can in fact get your hands on them. In the end what you'll no doubt end up making, is a series of compromises with regards to decorating. On a similar topic, 3-D “stuff” is all the rage now in themed events, so the days are long gone when you can get by with simply hanging up some two dimensional images. Three dimensional objects and solid statuary allow people to become more immersed in the “total experience”.

Still one more aspect that you'll want to work into your scheme is creative mood lighting. Now the good news on this end is there are services available that specialize in lighting effects because going it on your own and doing it right is simply economically unfeasible, due to the cost of the actual lighting hardware. The perfect themed party will also have a bar that's “decked out to the last detail” with theme related “stuff”. Cups, drinks, napkins, and for sure even the bartender all have to be perfectly coordinated with the particular theme that you are drawing on. Don't think about skimping at the bar.

In the end though, the best advice you can receive, is to talk to an expert and not use your guests as “guinea pigs” for any theming experiments. Not only can an expert themed party planner take all of the guesswork out of your planning process, but they can also provide you with all of your props, hardware and project management.

Chris Tyrrell writes for Freestyle Design and Fabrications, a company who specialise in the creation of themed events. Visit the site for more details. Themed Parties