THEME noun: An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif
© Melissa Nowakowski 2008
Themes are an integral part of any function. You may not realize it but every function has a theme whether it is as simple as a colour scheme or a tangible motif carried throughout. Themes not only add definition to your function but also provide excitement and keep your guests guessing as to where your theme details will pop up next.
The key to having a successful theme is to be consistent. There's nothing worse than implying that there is a theme but then only incorporating that theme into one or two areas of your function. It's important to find that perfect balance and follow through with it.
Some of the best places in which to incorporate your theme are as follows:
invitations
music and entertainment
decor (ie: centerpieces)
food and beverage
favours
Here are a few unique theme ideas that can transform your function from "cool" to "that is sooooo cool". (One of which I am currently planning. See if you can guess which one):
THE MAD HATTER TEA PARTY
Tea party themed functions have been done and done again. Why not mix it up a bit by having a Mad Hatter tea party theme? Fun, funky and offering oodles of play room and colour choices, a Mad Hatter Tea Party function is visually enticing (did I mention fun???)
Have each table clothed in a different bright-coloured linen (ie) one red, one yellow, one orange, one blue, etc. Top your tables with a variety of antique teapots holding striking florals mixed with coloured 'curly ting'. Instead of table rounds, join rectangular tables together so that they form a giant 'U' and have the head table at the top of the 'U'. During the cocktail hour serve mini-toast with butter and different jam flavours. For a wedding, why not turn a mad hatter hat upside down and provide blank cards upon which your guests can write their best wishes, then drop it into the hat. Have a three to four tiered Mad Hatter Cake. The possibilities (not to mention the fun!) are endless!
CIRQUE DE (YOU)
A circus theme is probably one of the most visually stunning and entertaining themes a person can do and yet they're rarely done. Now I'm not talking about a circus theme with clowns and tigers. I'm talking more about a circus theme inspired by the most fascinating of circus shows -- Cirque du Soleil.
Have a tented reception or transform your venue into a dreamy escape of purple, lavender, cream and blue tones. Utilize uplighting and draping in these royal tones wherever possible. Use pinspots to highlight centerpieces or specific details.
Provide exciting entertainment such as stilt walkers, fire breathers (if your venue will allow them of course), living statues or contortionists to roam about your cocktail hour. Top tables with high centerpieces of cascading vines and small-budded florals or remove the fabric from umbrella frames, situate them in a vase so that they stand open and drape beads throughout the frame spokes. Have a dance troupe perform after dinner. Serve candy apples as favours. Whatever you choose to do, the trick to this theme is to keep it elegant and dreamy but entertaining.
TRAVEL THE WORLD WITHOUT REALLY TRAVELLING
Everyone dreams of being able to travel the world, so why not bring the world to your guests? When done properly this theme can be an exciting experience, an educational opportunity and a personalized event all in one.
The vital detail in this theme is to name each of your tables after a different country in the world and dress it accordingly. For China for example, dress your table in a rich, red satin linen; provide chopsticks in addition to the utensils; have a Chinese takeout container of goodies as favours, etc. For France, combine a sheet of clear plastic, glue and wine glasses to form an Eiffel tour centerpiece; drape the table in blue linen, have a different kind of cheese delicately wrapped for each place setting or a miniature bottle of French wine, etc.
Incorporate different cultural food into your hors d'oeuvres and main courses; offer different kinds of wine to your guests (ie) Australian, Italian, French; have self-made passports replace place cards or seating arrangement charts; provide entertainment throughout the night such as Caribbean dancers, a Chinese dragon dance, steel pan drummers, etc.; incorporate different cultural elements into your function such as the bagpipes playing for a wedding ceremony.
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Whatever the theme, choose something that best reflects your interests or tastes and work with your vendors to bring them to life -- or hire a planner to develop a theme for you and carry it out.
Listen to your vendors -- they may have an exciting idea or may be very knowledgeable in a specific theme.
Know your budget -- some themes may cost a lot more to pull off than others.
And most importantly, have fun!
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