How do you celebrate 2019-style?
- Written by
- Dee Ellwood
We’ve got thousands of reasons to celebrate in New Zealand – literally.
Aside from 4.7 million birthdays to sing along to each year, our wedding and civil union numbers are creeping up too. According to Stats NZ, 20,685 weddings and civil unions were registered in 2017, so we’re never short of a good excuse to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a business function, wedding or a special celebration, here we share tiptop event planning direction from local and international experts for 2019 and beyond…
Innovation and harnessing the power of the unknown
Want to make a scene? Aim for ‘true’ innovation to liven up your party.
“Call upon your audience to do something i.e. ask them to write something down and post it to a wall or tuck it into a Chinese lantern to send into the sky. Or go big with a design component,” suggests Julius Solaris, editor of internationally acclaimed, Event Manager Blog.
For example: lighting – experiment with gobos (lights with patterned stencils), LED strip lights or combining light with form on furniture and bars; texture – encourage guests to touch and engage with interesting walls or bouncy pillows; colour – for focussed events think blues and greens, for decadence think black and white.
Going ‘big’ can also mean leaving the ‘big’ stuff a secret right up until the start of an event, says Claudia West, director of Mount Maunganui-based events company, The Project Collective. Afterall, the unknown can inspire us to instantly tick yes on the reply invitation!
“Keep guests on their toes, like the Dinner en Blanc concept –a secret venue revealed in the 11th hour – which Tauranga plays host to,” she enthuses.
Space out the difference
Maximising your venue is not just about offering multiple services under one roof, it’s about the service space itself, says Julius.
Think a landmark venue – museum, church, Town Hall – which can add an element of grandeur, and then find ways to incorporate the story of the building into your event for greater connection with surrounds.
Events reproduce and thrive on social media too – the weirder and more wonderful the venue and themes – the more it’ll get shared around.
“Think open spaces – barns, sheds – and rural locations that provide a blank canvas to create a magical night out with festoon fairy lights hung between trees or poles and a big marquee,” says Tracey Thompson of Taupo Hire. “Off the beaten track venues encourage guests to switch offand truly appreciate the atmosphere, sights and surrounds.”
“A top venue to watch for in 2019 is Black Walnut – set in rural Tauranga. They are constantly adding amazing features to their property,” says Claudia. “Alongside the main black barn building they have an amphitheatre, bamboo grove and marble run, and they’ve just built a glass house to host events in too!”
Food, oh glorious food
With new foodie trends at every corner, it can be tough choosing the right fodder for your feasting, but broad appeal, effective styling and flexibility are all areas to be considered before plating up.
Bring people together with deconstruction! Popular make-your-own stations include: pizza – set out bases and toppings, bruschetta bar – toast up a ton of crostini with toppings on the side, wings – supply guests with plain wings and bowls of unique sauces they can mix and match, candy – fill clear bowls and jars with treats for guests to grab and take home!
If you’re wanting less construction but still the interaction, food trucks and grazing tables remain event staples.
“Buffets have taken a step back, the likes of food trucks and grazing platters provide a more social and relaxed way of eating,” says Tracey.
Claudia agrees and also notes greater support for local goods and pared back menus.
“You have the likes of No Biggie Food who focus on seasonal eats and source their products locally,” she says. “This year I think there’s a movement towards offering less on the menu, but making the offerings epic.” Tacos and margaritas anyone?
Channel your creative display streak
Forget the plain white tablecloths, take your food to an artistic level this year.
“Artify your food,” says Julius. “Make an ice sculpture multi-functional by converting it into a bar to chill food, or do a dessert showcase.”
Tracey agrees. “Fun, grabbing and playful features like donut walls or chocolate fountains are effective and affordable.”
Don’t rule out the balloons either, says Tracey. “Organic balloon clusters – balloons mixed in with greenery and flowers – are fast becoming popular especially at business-type events.”
Or, channel the 2019 Pantone colour of the year – Living Coral – into your styling, or blossoms!
“Large-scale floral prints in every colour imaginable lead the way, whether on tables or splashed across a wall or dance floor,” enthuses Julius.
Party Checklist:
- Keep guests on their toes with ‘secret’ elements – last-minute location reveals – or engage them in ‘unique’ activities – posting notes and sending them into outer space!
- Spark guests interests with ‘weird and wonderful’ spaces – airport hangers, barns, landmark venues.
- Food involvement – food bars and make-your-own stations. Or, opt for cool casual with food trucks and grazing tables.
- Get arty with donut walls, towers and bold styling with 2019’s blossoms and corals must-haves!