South Africa Event Planning

End-of-year functions, cocktail parties, product launches, team building after-parties, and other such corporate events all lend themselves to being themed events; allowing employers and employees to dress up and participate in the affair in a very real and tangible way. Themes are a fabulous way to create hype and excitement around the event and to involve the guests. A theme can also aid in conveying an idea or concept (e.g. a theme associated with a new product, service or company identity). Very importantly, getting all of the event’s guests to dress up or participate unites them, regardless of their position within the formal organisation. This is effective in breaking possible barriers and forcing them to see one another in a more human light, particularly in organisations in which there are large divides between management and the blue collar workers.

Some of the themes that translate particularly well for corporate events include:

Black and White Theme
This is formal, fun, easy to implement, dramatic, and usually quite open to interpretation. Décor items are widely available in black, white and a combination of the two. Some black and white ideas include:

• Chess
• Checkered flag (Formula 1 style)
• Cow or zebra print
• Dice
• Penguins
• Yin Yang symbols

Hawaiian
For an ultimately relaxed vibe, everyone loves pretending to be on an island as they sip their Pina Coladas from coconut shells. In addition, it is quite easy to create a Hawaiian or island theme while still achieving a very successful effect. Use the following items to do this:

• Bamboo
• Grass skirts
• Coconuts, pineapples, mangoes and bananas
• Shells
• Palm trees and palm fronds
• Flower garlands
• Umbrellas and deck chairs

Polka Dots
If you want to introduce a new brand that has a specific colour scheme, polka dots are a great way to go. They are fun, whimsical and work well for a variety of cultures, languages and sectors of society. Be innovative with your colour combinations and try out a few options before settling on one.

Arabian Nights
Use fantasy and intrigue, together with the undeniable glamour of authentic Arabian attire, to create a casual or formal theme. Incorporate genie lamps, Persian rugs, incense and ottomans for a gorgeous venue.

Western
This theme is great for informal office parties and other fun events, as opposed to very formal ones. A great advantage is that this theme can often be accomplished without too much effort on the part of the guests, who can often put together a Western-themed outfit from their existing wardrobes. The following décor items are sure to set the scene perfectly:

• Stetson hats
• Cactus trees and plants
• Horse shoes
• Guns
• Sheriff badges