The Brief
The previous year we created a fabulous vintage Illusionist’s Ball at One Embankment for this client’s Holiday Party. Their guests loved the vintage elements of the party, which the client wanted to retain for this event, but with a completely different theme and a stunning new venue. Our client liked the idea of the roaring 20’s but didn’t want to go down the familiar Gatsby route. As such we began looking at a more classic vintage look, taking inspiration from the swing era, Big Bands and classic film stars.
The venue selected was the incredible Sky Garden, set up on the top floor of the Walkie Talkie building in Fenchurch Street. The event space features pods of botanical decor in a spacious, modern setting, with awe inspiring high ceilings and breathtaking city views. It was natural that we incorporated this vibe into our vintage theming, leading to our final concept; ‘Fly Me to the Moon’.
What We Did
Our biggest hurdle with this fabulous event is that we very nearly did nothing! After the necessary sign in procedures and health and safety briefings, we arrived at the loading bay in good spirits, only to discover a two hour queue for the goods lift! It transpired that one of the offices on a lower floor had chosen our event date for a full office fit out, and unfortunately as the goods lift was shared between the building’s tenants, the venue did not have authority to take precedence.
After a slightly panicked production meeting we reprioritised our load in and setup into three categories; (1) essential, (2) ideal, (3) if at all possible, based on the limited setup time we predicted we would now have available. We booked in additional last minute crew to double our team and thanked our lucky stars that we had already booked in a full days setup time with the venue.
As soon as the first load hit the deck it was all systems go! We built and carpeted the stage with a bespoke vintage DJ Booth, working gramophone and retro props.
We constructed our trio of buffet stations in ornate gold and white, designed with an illuminated Art Deco backdrop, centred with a bespoke ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ event logo. We then raced over to set up 6x Hair & Makeup stations on the upper levels, a cluster of Casino Tables for the top bar’s drink reception, and of course, last but not least our stunning moon over the water Photo Op with a bridge and illuminated moon backdrop.
Relieved we had managed to install all of the ‘essential elements’ we began placing clusters of furniture around the space, laid out in pods, such as our secret botanical VIP Bar, our retro cafe area and our velvet pink and green chill out seating sections.
We then added a final top layer of decor; large floral displays for the bars with vases of vintage roses for the coffee tables. Table lamps with old fashioned lampshades for the cafe area. Tall potted palm plants dotted across the space, adding to the botanical design of the Sky Garden.
Highlights
THE BAND. Positioned high up, looking down over the main space, our stunning vocalist sparkled in her long, vintage gown as she charmed the guests below with her velvety vocals.
Our beautiful photo op, featuring a bridge over the water, reflecting a glowing full moon set behind.
The hair and makeup station. Hidden up in one of the Sky Garden’s greenery pods, our team of artists transformed both our male and female guests into dashing vintage versions of themselves!
Our team of 1920’s dancers who took to the floor as a set of fabulous swing dancing couples, in their furs, frills and tassels.
The bespoke gold poseur tables, filled with printed vintage Big Band merch, designed bespoke with our ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ logo.
Our secret botanical VIP Bar serving Old Fashioned cocktails amongst stylish bronze furniture, positioned in one of the hidden botanical pods, set behind the Band.
Achieving what had seemed impossible at the start of the setup – amazingly we managed to get everything loaded into the venue and fully setup in time for the start of the event, without loosing any of the magic of what we had designed and planned. So a big success all round!
Contact Us
Address
Boo Productions Ltd
Studio C, 23 Lombard Road,
Wimbledon,
London SW19 3TZ
Phone
020 8542 1480
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