Imagine this…The spacious train station would be split in two by the impressive décor, and two variations on a Roaring Twenties theme party would double the fun within the same event.
Guests got their first taste of the theme when they boarded the vintage trolley bus shuttling them to the venue. Stepping onto the red carpet outside the venue when they arrived only reinforced that impression. Staff members in authentic Twenties costumes welcomed the guests, giving each one a special envelope.
Inside, drink vouchers, some play money for the casino games, the house rules for gambling, and the most important piece of information; the password necessary to gain entrance to hidden attractions of the Roaring Speakeasy.
Next, the guests were invited to accessorize their own costumes with complimentary props, outfitting themselves with long strands of pearls, flapper headbands, and fedoras, draped in feather boas, or chomping on fake cigars. The guests become part of the décor, as the costumed participants help reinforce the ambience. At the entrance to the venue, a stunning arrangement of beautifully lit golden twig vases with red ostrich feathers and surrounding boas previews the Twenties glamour awaiting within.
Inside, a shimmering scene of sophistication. The spacious room glows, with white draping and flower arrangements, vases filled with gel pearls, and cocktail lamps. Lighting effects and projections shine amidst candelabras and mirror tiles. A swing band sets the scene, jazz favourites providing a musical backdrop, while dramatic spotlights and red and black feather decor accents highlight the glamorous feel of the space. Classic silent films flicker against a silver screen, the birth of Hollywood providing an entertaining window into the popular culture of the time.
Scattered among the formal black and white linen and candelabras of the dining tables, tables in red linens featured crystal teardrop cocktail lamps, in a turn-of-the-century contrast. But that was only half the room. What lay behind the brick facade that split the room in two? It was wallpapered with “Wanted Posters” of tough looking characters and ominous notices – the first hint to guests; they were about to cross over to the other side of the tracks. Next was the bouncer at the entrance. He wasn’t letting anyone in without the secret password.
Hopefully you didn’t forget your envelope on a table somewhere. The burly bouncer reminds guests of The Rules of Big Al’s Speakeasy. Number one: no coppers! Number two: if anyone asks, you’re drinking tea, and Number three, in case of a raid – tell ‘em you just wandered in to use the can. Now, just make your way past these crates and barrels. Spread before you, a bootleg casino in a backroom setting, well hidden from coppers looking for gin joints!
Artful single bulbs hang from the ceiling. Black drape surrounds the room for a dark, mysterious atmosphere. The sounds of cards and dice, winners and losers evoke the familiar atmosphere of the casino, but illicit whiskey barrels and Tommy guns leaned casually against the wall remind one and all that Big Al is in charge on this side of the wall.
Cigarette girls circulate with candy cigarettes in their trays, adding to the vintage scene, as whiskey tasting stations turn a blind eye to the laws of Prohibition and guests sample a variety of premium labels ‘bootlegged’ across the border.
And guests were eager to join in the fun too. After all, they were gambling with somebody else’s money! The banter flowed and the luck came and went, our would-be gangsters and flappers trading wisecracks and good-natured jibes in true Twenties fashion, making the casino aspect of the evening a crowd favorite.
The lavish décor and cool jazz sounds on one side of the event provided a sumptuous and relaxing atmosphere – the perfect place for guests who wanted to mingle. Guests also really embraced the concept, arriving in costume and eager to add to their look with our free hats and other goodies. The high rate of participation with so many guests in Twenties-style attire was a fantastic way to enhance the illusion created by the décor.
From the sophisticated to the speakeasy, this was a party where the entertainment and the décor delivered the perfect setting for a memorable corporate party. For Bright Ideas Events, it had the most important component of all – the highly satisfied client. To enjoy more photos, click here.
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