When it comes to throwing legendary parties that will be remembered by guests for years to come, nobody does it better than Sophie Lillingston, an expert in her field. Here are her top tips, from choosing the right location to settling on a theme, to help you plan your best-ever summer party
1) Write a list of descriptive words that describes the party you are wanting to host and really think about what is important to you. Get yourself excited and really into it. If you like visuals put together mood boards of all the ideas of the look and feel you are aiming to achieve.
2) Location, Location, Location – I am a great believer that if you find the right the location you are off to a great start and if you are doing it at home, getting the right structure to set the scene. So much of the time we hear clients choosing a location to make it easy for guests but I think that your true friends will travel wherever it takes to make it to a great party and often a little bit of planning builds the excitement. You also have to think about transport and accommodation, if required. Guests don’t want to go miles to accommodation after a great party and you could always consider glamping!
3) Really put some thought into setting the scene with the first thing the guests get, whether it be the Save the Date teaser or the invitation. Is it going to be formal, whacky, chic, cool, relaxed or fun? At Lillingston we have built a reputation for doing some really different invitations using all sorts of objects from beach bats to bodrans. Give guests the information that they really need to know but leave room for surprises. RSVP cards are a great idea as you can be sure you have the guests information that you need to know i.e., mobile numbers, dietary requirements, travel information and where they are staying, but most of all are they actually coming!
4) Some people love themes and others would rather not. Themes are a great way for people to get guests to let their hair down and reinvent themselves. It brings an instant look and energy to the party – deciding the right theme can be the hardest part.
5) There are so many great suppliers around so it is worth meeting a few people to see who gets most into your vision (and sometimes budget). Once you have decided your suppliers, get them to arrange tastings, samples so you can relax and have peace of mind that everything has been thought through.
6) It is helpful to make a list of the different stages of the party and work on the senses. What are guests seeing, smelling, tasting and hearing. Great entertainment is important and can really make the party rock but it can often be the small touches people really appreciate and remember.
7) Guest list – try to work on the seating plan well in advance. A great way to do this is to put all the male names on blue paper and ladies on pink. Lay out your floor plan on a pinboard and keep moving them around until you feel happy. Use escort cards (where you have a guest’s name on the outside of the envelope and tables names inside). This makes last- minute changes really easy.
8) If you are inviting guests with children make sure that the children are really well looked after so everyone is able to have a great time.
9) Give the photographer a good briefing about what is important for you to have as a record. Guests love being able to access photographs as soon as possible after the party so this can be easily done online.
10) Enjoy yourself! This is often achieved by having enough help so you can actually relax at your own party and have fun with your friends.
Sophie is founder of Lillingston, an international events company with a wealth of experience in organising spectacular events for high-profile corporate and private clients.
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