Part 2: Elevate Your Event!

Elevate... Your Drinks Reception

Get Busy With the Fizzy.

‘Drinks reception’ sounds easy enough right? Cocktails, canapés...sorted?! Alas, until a few of those Aperol Spritzers get quaffed, this is the party moment that has the most potential for awkwardness. As event planner, it’s up to you to avoid your guests falling into the usual office cliques or feeling left out. Luckily, entertainment is a magic bullet when it comes to helping people get to know each other.

Mix and Mingle

Wandering entertainment like close up magicians and caricaturists are a great way to get the conversation flowing. Think sleight of hand, mind bending skills and genuine jaw drops.

Lookalikes

Fancy having Johnny Depp, David Beckham or Gordon Ramsey at your event? Well, on the off chance those guys are busy, you can have the next best thing. Choose a doppelganger lookalike to add some serious amusement value to party schmoozing.

Photo Booths & Selfie Mirrors

Photo booths are now a party must-have, and for good reason. There’s nothing like a daft prop to help guests loosen up, and group shots are a great way to bring together shared parties or mix up siloed departments – IT, we’re looking at you! – as well as being a guaranteed crowd pleaser into the night.

Live Music

Your go-to party starter is live music, and whatever your vibe there are lots of options to get things popping and fizzing. A string quartet, harpist, pianist or jazz ensemble are perfect choices for a sparkling and sophisticated champagne reception.

For something less muted, acoustic bands, or of course, a Christmas choir, are brilliant, warming up guests with a bit of carolling and/or shoulder shimmying. Or how about a mariachi band? The second best Mexican import after tequila, these guys are an immediate injection of fun and energy, making them perfect for parties.