Themed Lunch
A regular client of Complete Events came to us wanting to hold a fantastic daytime party to celebrate her birthday in style (we had previously put on a 21st Birthday Party for one of her children and, unbeknown to us at the time, were also soon to manage another of her children's 16th Birthday Party followed by yet another 21st Celebration).
Her friends were very used to her lavish and original parties, and in-keeping with this tradition, our brief was to provide a slick and spectacular party with a difference for up to 200 lively individuals!
The client specified that she wanted to host a Wild West Extravaganza, with an emphasis on authenticity throughout the event, from the catering to the entertainment, the décor to the peripheral services. There is nothing more pleasurable for us than to be involved in an event where the attention to detail needs to be 100% and the client is so enthusiastic to make the party a success!
Complete Events organised and managed the entire event, from invitation design to waste removal.
Date: Sunday 6th June
Location: Marquee and Paddocks at
client's address
Occasion: 50th Birthday Party
Theme: Wild West Hoe Down, Fancy
Dress in-keeping with the theme
Interior Design Scheme: Trestles
with Gingham, Fresh summer look - blue and red rosettes and bunting, Fun
and Wacky with authentic decoration
Numbers: Approximately 160-200
Guests
Timing: Midday until 6pm
Format: Sit Down Lunch, Dancing and
Western Entertainment
Entertainment: Many, and varied.
Guests must be busy at all times
The majority of guests were
to be bussed from London to the location in the country. Upon their
arrival it was evident how much they got 'into their roles' - every
single guest was in costume and 'yee-harring' as they got off the buses.
It really makes all the difference when guests are as enthusiastic as
the host!
The event took place both inside a wonderful fully themed marquee and
also in a 'rodeo coral' in an adjacent paddock.
The client had been secretly training for many weeks prior to the event
with a world renowned horse stunt rider/trainer, organised through
Complete Events, so as to join in with the entertainments by giving a
surprise stunt riding display. Not even her husband knew of this
dangerous yet exhilarating personal involvement. The client's
performance was truly
awesome, and for many it was the moment of the party!
Entertainment included:
1.
Wild West Arena Show in the paddock outside the marquee:
(approximately 3 hours of entertainment)
A stunning spectacle incorporating:
- Whip Cracking: A traditional whip cracking act in true Buffalo Bill style, hitting hand held and moving targets.
- Rope Spinning: A roping display of the Mexican school including lassoing, spinning, roping, and 'hog tying'. Features acrobatic tricks, fire ropes and giant spins (30ft diameter). Also includes rope spinning competitions.
- Quick Draw Demonstration
- Shoot-Out with Audience Participation
Above Acts repeated - 2 x half hour shows
2. Inside the Marquee:
- Wild West Cabaret:
Knife and Axe Throwing, Ball Whipping, Two entertainers in authentic costume provide a series of mind-blowing acts. - Line Dancing:
Experienced Line Dance caller together with assistant - American 4 Piece Square Dance Band:
A professional and fun group providing Country Music and Singing - Card Sharp/MC Sheriff:
Skilful close up magic with card tricks. This entertainer also doubles up as an all American Master of Ceremonies/Sheriff - Rodeo Bull:
Excellent activity, very visual and as good for participants as for spectators. - Quickdraw Machine:
Very addictive - how fast will your guests react, even after they have had several drinks! - Horse shoe Throwing
- Lassooing Cacti
- Panning for Gold
- Rifle Range
Decorative Theming inside the Marquee
Buildings
and Backdrops
(To create a Wild West Town in a Horseshoe Shape)
- Saloon Doors and Saloon Front
- Hotel, General Stores
- Gun Smith
- Livery Stable
- Ma's Eating House
- 16ft Western Bar with mirrors, pictures of ladies, authentic wood finish
Props
- Stage Coach - 6ft high, 8ft long
- Numerous Cacti
- Wagon Wheels
- Corn Sacks
- Straw bales - a trailer load!
- Bunting (over 100m!)
- Boards to put over straw bales for guests to sit on
- Flags - American and Confederate
- Red, White and Blue Rosettes
- Picket & Ranch Fencing
- Wigwam
- Totem Pole
- Mexican with cart
- Give away Stetsons for guests
- Bespoke A2 sized 'Wanted' Posters with client as the 'Wanted'
Table Centres
Bespoke - Slice of Tree Trunk, with Hurricane Lamp & authentic flags.
For more information about how we can organise your themed lunch please CLICK HERE
Catering
Guests ate from tin plates, and drank from tin cups, to continue the authenticity. The catering staff wore authentic costumes to serve a running buffet of:
Lunch Menu
Corn on the Cob Barbecue
Baked Potatoes
BBQ Beef Steaks
American Hamburgers
Variety of Sausages
Metal Cauldron of Baked Beans
Metal Cauldron of Chilli Beans
Served from the buffet table:
Hash Browns
Big Bowls of Lettuce, Tomato and Onion Salad
Mayonnaise
Sliced Cucumber
Relish
Chilli Sauce
On the individual tables:
Heinz Ketchup Bottles
Plastic Bottles of American Mustard
Pots of English Mustard
Pots of French Mustard
From the Buffet:
Ma's Apple Pie
(served with cream or ice cream)
Fresh Fruit Display
Vanilla Ice Cream
Pecan Pie
Coffee (normal & decaff)
When guests left, it may have only been 6pm, but to them it felt more like midnight - they had been involved in a tiring but hugely successful party that they will never forget. They had danced as if their lives depended on it, had taken part in every possible piece of participatory entertainment they could, and had eaten till their check shirts and chaps were fit to burst!
The repeat business Complete Events received following this event, as mentioned above, is the strongest evidence of the success of the occasion.
Complete Events' parties always provide the perfect setting for your guests to have a wild time. Of course it helps when the guests themselves are so very willing to oblige!
