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Envisioning Your Event

Before you even begin to plan your party, ask yourself this simple question: "what is the overall impression I want to give to my guests?"

What statement do you want to make?  Do you imagine a sophisticated cocktail soiree with a black and white backdrop and smooth jazz in the air?  Or a garden party with a large marquee in the backyard, vintage jugs of blooms and plates of ribbon sandwiches and butterfly cakes on the tables?  Or is it a family affair you're after, with an old-fashioned barbecue, dozens of helium balloons and face painting for the kids?

Ask yourself:

• What do you want guests to say about your party?
• How do you want guests to feel?
• How do you want to remember about your party?

Taking the time to create your own party inspiration board can bring your dream theme to reality.  Inspiration boards (also called story or mood boards) are the best way to pull all your ideas together to create a unified theme.  Inspiration boards also help you to gain a ‘big picture' view of what works well together (and what doesn't). 

Start by scouring magazines and the internet for images that capture your imagination.  Think wild and expansively - don't let yourself be limited by budget (in the first instance, at least!) 

From there, start to assemble your inspiration board, which can include fabric swatches, cut outs from magazines, family photographs, words and inspirations.  Then, colour copy the board and hang it in a place that will remind you of your party inspiration. 

The inspiration board will keep you focused on your party theme, and also provide your party suppliers with a snapshot of your vision. 

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