-
Parties: 40th’s are the new 21st’s
Turning 40 is a huge milestone, some say life begins at 40 so why not embrace this notion and throw an extravagant party to make this important occasion memorable.
Don’t take it too seriously; it is a great chance to be over the top with wacky ideas and a time to go big on the theming. Whether you make an entrance on a heliosphere, serve shot skis from an ice bar and cover Claridge’s ballroom with snow, or book a private performance by a world-class comedian, there are endless possibilities!
When choosing your theme, think about the things you love whether it’s a special place where memories were forged or a film that has defined your life. Start with the most basic of concepts, a sliver of an idea, and run with it – before you know it you will have an array of unique ideas to really make your 40th as outstanding as it should be.
Once you choose a party theme, the rest of the decision-making process becomes much simpler and lots of fun.
We have found that 40th birthday parties are a time to be wild; find your inner child and don’t hold back. At a Wes Anderson-themed rave guests arrived to giant inflatable tentacles breaking out of the windows, and were greeted by Lobby Boys at The Grand Budapest Hotel. Guests could enjoy a warming curry whilst sat on the train in Darjeeling and by ducking through a Fantastic Mr Fox rabbit hole, they were immersed into a Life Aquatic scene.
We love creating an environment full of secrets and surprises, giving a multi-dimensional and faceted experience, leaving guests walking away sharing their own narrative of the night.
Photography Credits: Stephanie Trowell, Sim Canetty-Clarke
-
How To Choose a Great Band and a DJ
How often do friends recommend a band or a DJ for your party, and you wonder whether they really know their stuff?
In which case, your research needs to dig deeper, taking in the band’s videos on their website, and any YouTube footage you can find. Ironically, the worse the footage like a film on an iphone, the better you can tell what the band are like as you can tell by the reaction of the crowd whether they are truly rocking the room!
For weddings, we recommend choosing a brilliant band who will play a range of well-known music. This isn’t the moment to bring out a newly formed band who play music no-one has heard of. Leave that for their gig, and instead pick a band who will have your dancefloor packed as all ages dance through the night.
For a party band, you can take more of a risk with your choice, as generally there is smaller age range at parties, so you can be daring and go wild. Tying in the band with your theme works well. We have previously had a 13 year old rehearse for 6 weeks before her Bat Mitzvah with a professional dance troupe, performed immaculately to guests during dinner. Quite a performance!
For a DJ, there’s less material online to give you direction, therefore we find it’s best to speak to the DJ over the phone to discuss what kind of music you like. Highlight the music you want to avoid but don’t give them a strict playlist, as the DJ needs to be able to read the crowd and bring more people onto the dancefloor. As one of our favourite DJ’s once quoted: “All killer, no filler!”.
Music is key to any party, and you should use it to its best advantage to enhance the energy, so you will have a packed dancefloor, with your guests dancing all night.
Follow us on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/albionparties
Twitter: @albion_parties
Instagram: @albionparties
-
The Hottest Floral Trends for 2017
Trends for 2017
Now Spring is on the way, the abundance of buds and blooms herald new trends in the floral design trade. We have compiled our favourite top styles that are ready to blossom this year and update any party or wedding.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2017
The Pantone colour of the year ‘Greenery’ is sure to excite florists, lending itself to both the natural and the exotic for a contemporary bride. ‘Greenery’ is a colour with a zesty lemon tone and is particularly enlivening after a bleak winter. It will make a statement at Easter, reminiscent of new shoots and Spring foliage. It is also an exciting trend to link into bespoke invitations for a pulled together look. It is surprisingly versatile for summer months and brings freshness to traditional combinations.
Romantic Flowers
The trend for wistful and wild floral design continues this year and comes in the appearance of deconstructed bouquets with trailing foliage and large tea roses and peonies. Use seasonal flowers for a natural look. Brides are predicted to have larger than average bouquets harking back to Victorian country weddings. Tables will have large centre pieces with seeded eucalyptus. Expect to see carnations, chrysanthemums and dahlias taking centre stage.Bold Blooms
The catwalk has seen the return of large floral designs and this is reflected in the floristry trend for bold flowers in jewel tones. Liven up tables for contemporary parties with clusters of rich tones of red, hot pink, emerald and sapphire.Dutch Old Masters
A muted palette of golden and burnished hues is set to be popular this year and will work well for late summer Autumn parties. Style the collection of oranges, whites and browns in dramatic combinations such as those of the painter Jan van Huysum. Add moody lighting to complete the picture.Hanging floral design
Albion Parties love floral installations that use striking hanging floral designs. These designs make an effective entrance to a party, and lend a whimsical nature to a room. The prominence of this stunning trend can be seen across Pinterest and Instagram.Follow us on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/albionparties
Twitter: @albion_parties
Instagram: @albionparties
-
Dante’s Inferno – VJ Light Projection Show
“I just wanted to pass my congratulations to all the team at CSA for an outstanding result on Saturday – you wowed an audience comprising many hardened party-goers which is no mean feat. Even party-giving demi-gods were gobsmacked! Such was the planning that I was totally relaxed and enjoyed myself hugely.” Happy Client to CSA after the party he threw a Dante’s Inferno-themed party.CSA brought their favourite VJ (Video-DJ) to Wiltshire for a light show mapped onto the front facade of the house (NB. the flames are projected, we didn’t actually set fire to the house…)
Home » Private Parties