Planning and pulling off a great event will leave your guests with great memories, and you with a feeling of triumph. Our lifestyle managers have helped members plan many an unforgettable occasion, drawing together all the various aspects needed. Here, our events and venues expert Charlotte Knight tells all.
Everybody loves a good party. Does lifestyle concierge have much experience planning events for members?
Of course. We've helped members plan all sorts of get-togethers for many different occasions – birthdays, christenings, and bar mitzvahs, to name but a few. Recently we organised an 18th birthday party with Tinchy Stryder, a 50th birthday party featuring a performance by Annie Lennox, and ice sculptures and fire breathers for a corporate event.
To what lengths can you go to meet members' requests for unusual parties?
We are capable of pretty much anything. Last year a member wanted to have a ‘chic insect' theme for his Christmas party. We sourced scorpion vodka and chocolate-covered giant ants to be served to the guests. Another member wanted to throw a party for all three of his children, but they were very different ages. The solution was to hire three private function rooms in a hotel, one for each child. For each room we booked a DJ and decorations to suit the child's tastes. The three parties ran simultaneously, making for a fantastic atmosphere and very happy children.
Are parties the only events we can help members plan?
Certainly not. We're also on hand to help members organise all manner of bespoke events. From directors' dinners with a celebrity chef, to conferences and weddings – we can make suggestions for all the elements of a great event, and make bookings where necessary. For large-scale events we can even act as an event management company, and take care of every last detail.
What kinds of events have you managed?
We specialise in both corporate entertainment and private parties. One of the biggest events I managed this year was a golf day at the prestigious Wentworth Club for a number of VIP clients. I arranged for former World Number One Ian Woosnam to put on a clinic before tee-off, provide entertainment and give a speech in the evening.
We can arrange the venue, any celebrities you might want there, caterers, and the management of the event itself. We will send out invitations on your behalf, source and buy prizes and gift bags, and book a photographer for the event.
You mentioned weddings. Surely it takes a lot of experience to plan the perfect day?
Our range of contacts means we can, of course, assist members as they plan every aspect of their wedding. From finding the venue, to booking the caterers and deciding on the flowers, we know trusted suppliers who can help – but the assistance of a wedding planner can be invaluable. We've partnered with professionals that include GMTV's wedding expert Siobhan Craven-Robins.
How can a wedding planner add value?
Renowned for her ability to stamp her clients' own hallmark on their big day, Siobhan gives every couple a wedding that is totally unique to them and she will be there on the day to deal with any last-minute hiccups. In the past Siobhan has organised ceremonies on the London Eye, arranged for a couple to be ‘magicked' into their reception in a puff of smoke, and hired the Swiss Guard for an opening fanfare. She's also got plenty of experience in navigating couples through the planning process, from knowing when to book the venue and photographer to understanding the need for diplomacy with the in-laws.
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