Plan a successful event

Use these tips below to help reduce your event budget, engage your guests, and plan a more successful corporate event or private party…

1. Hire Experts

Hiring expert party suppliers is a safe way to minimize potential hitches at an event. Make sure the planner has worked on similar events in the past as many types of events have their own special event organizers like ones who arrange a wedding, a charity function, a party at a nightclub, or a conference.

2. Stick to a Theme

Creating and sticking to a theme establishes an atmosphere that attendees can easily understand and enjoy. An event’s theme can be as simple as constantly using a logo or more involved with communicating a brand identity. In either case, the theme should be consistent from the messaging to the materials. Invitations, photo backdrops, signage, tableware, apparel, takeaway gifts, hashtags, etc. should all adhere to the theme.

3. Reserve a Venue Early On

Hiring a party venue in advance allows organizers to begin marketing efforts in advance, which would lead to more early bird sales. It also has a budgetary advantage as other venues with similar capacities and layouts could have significantly lower prices when reserved a few months before the event. Contacting potential venues early on also provides more leeway regarding the dates as the venues are more likely to negotiate and provide a discount. Adequate organisation prior to choosing a date ensures that other competing events aren’t scheduled around the same time or that your event doesn’t coincide with certain holidays that would impact attendance.

Fashion week ideas to hire

London Fashion Week, a joyous celebration of all things creative, imaginative. How else could a fashion house get their designs seen? By hiring entertainment of course!

Fanfare Trumpeters
How better to get people’s attention than simply blasting out a tune that ensures they turn in your direction? A perfect blend of British tradition and elegance. There will be no denying that fanfare trumpeters will be a superb choice to set the mood.

Hoop La La
Just. Look. At. Them! Hoop La La are a completely unique hula hoop act that combine the eccentricity of the fashion world with other circus skills that are sure to leave audiences absolutely astonished. Undoubtedly going to draw attention, if a designer is looking to stun the fashion world with their latest collection then Hoop La La are the only entertainment act you should consider. Brilliant!

Miss Thunderpussy
The outrageously wonderful drag star who drew rave reviews performing earlier this year, Miss Thunderpussy is a favourite for anybody interested in fashion or hearing her ruthless and sometimes a bit nasty, but with Miss Thunderpussy is unique, (but isn’t that what the fashion world is all about?) One of London’s most popular divas, the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race ain’t got nothin’ on this sister!

Desi Nach
What is London Fashion Week all about if not the outfits that look incredible but might actually turn out to be completely useless the moment you step out into London’s wintery weather? Exactly! That being said, if you just want to celebrate the zany side of fashion – and yes, we are talking about that Bollywood dance costumes, then you need look no further than the Desi Nach, a set of Bollywood dancers in costumes that are best explained through the medium of dance.

Toga party ideas

If you’re wanting to go with a historical theme, going as far back into the past is perhaps the best way to ensure that guests really feel as if they’ve escaped the modern world for a few hours. We thought we inspire you for some toga party entertainment ideas.

Costume

Many people turn up with their own bedsheet but if you want this to be the best toga party of all time then smidgen of authenticity is key. Not only can you provide togas to each and every individual as they arrive, you can also provide them with a few ancient props to enhance the atmosphere. Laurels for the head, a bunch of grapes… You name it, it’s all possible.

Living Statue
The ancient world was absolutely obsessed with statues. Big ones, small ones, ludicrously huge ones—Statues really were the embodiment of the ancient world. Sculptors were just as revered as the finest painters and hundreds of years later, their works are paraded in museums such as the V & A and the Louvre. Enhance your party by hiring living statues; they don’t have to move but they’ll certainly add to the toga party vibe!

Harp
One of the most elegant instruments of all time. Invented sometime around 3500BC, they didn’t actually make it across to Europe until sometime around the 8th century, but why let that get in the way of some fine musical entertainment? If you’re looking to book music for a party, there’s nothing better than a harp to get people in the mood for your historical event.

Olympic Games
You probably can’t hold the actual Olympic Games in the ground of your venue, but you can certainly modify the ancient Olympics for your needs. By booking a few fun-filled garden games – croquet competition anyone? – you can ensure there’ll be laughs aplenty, especially once the drink starts flowing! If you so desire, there can be rewards for the winners including (chocolate) gold coins and yes, more grapes!

What Makes A Great Party?

It is often surprising how late in the day many people consider booking a DJ to provide their private party entertainment despite how critical a great DJ is to the success of their event. This guide aims to help the first time booker understand what to look for when you hire a DJ, with tips and insights into how DJs work and what you need to do to get the best out of yours.

So what makes a great corporate or private party? Ask most of your guests and they’ll say they had a great time if they were up dancing all night to the music they love. But how do you know what music they’ll love? Surely everyone has varied tastes?

When guests decide to get on the dance floor at a party, there’s a certain process involved of losing their inhibitions as they escape into the exciting world of music & lights. Memories and emotions can be ignited by the DJ’s choice of music and songs, often taking people back to their youth. What a great journey this can turn out to be if the DJ perfectly judges all the right tunes to play for your guests.

A good DJ should have a passion for all genres of music so that he can predict the response of people in the room when he plays certain classic songs from his collection. It is important for a DJ to read his crowd and he should instinctively know what kind of music will get people dancing. If you are providing a DJ with a playlist, it is advisable to allow the DJ some discretion to choose which tracks to play from your list and at what time to play them.

When guests share the dance floor it is similar to an audience laughing together at a comedian. Dancing helps people to unwind and relax and laughter relaxes muscles, boosts energy and triggers the release of feel-good chemicals. The feel good factor can also be promoted by the DJ if he plays positive uplifting music that is mainly found in songs written in the major keys.

It can be quite a challenge for a DJ to get guests dancing, especially early on at an corporate event where many of the guests might not know each other. Sometimes interaction over the microphone is required to help people feel more relaxed, and occasionally a little encouragement can be given to help create that essential party spirit.

There are a variety of different techniques which can be used and this is where DJ’s have varying styles and approaches. Some people like a DJ to be vocally interactive with their audience, whereas others prefer the more modern approach of minimal talking with the focus mainly on good music and taking requests.

Celebration time

The celebration of becoming ‘Bar Mitzvah’ (or ‘Bat Mitzvah’ for girls) is the traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony usually observed at 13 years of age for boys and 12 for girls. It is the initiation into adulthood and is looked upon now as the equivalent of Western Christianity’s celebration of confirmation.

Traditionally however, becoming Bar Mitzvah meant that for the first time you could participate in community prayers known as mitzvot (commandments and laws.) Jewish custom requires a quorum of 10 people for public prayer so the traditional ceremony requires the child to call the congregation together by singing a prayer and reading a section from the Torah.

Bands Who Perform Jewish Music
Many celebrations now end with a party for friends, family and community members. No party is complete without live music entertainment. If you’re looking for a band who can provide exceptional music for a wide age range of guests, maybe performing a mixture of Jewish / Klezmer-style music as well as other styles such as classical, pop or swing, Red Masque has a selection of high quality bands for you.

Wonderful London Galleries

If you’re looking to hire the venue for a reception or dinner then there a multitude of fabulous locations to pick from depending on the numbers of your party. To entertain guests of up to 160 then the aforementioned courtyard is a must, with pre-dinner drinks able to be enjoyed in the Drawing Rooms Suite on the first floor, allowing lucky attendees to enjoy a private viewing which includes the opportunity to see The Laughing Cavalier in person. The courtyard itself offers an exceptional space with which to enjoy background music from a harp to guitar, right through to a four-piece jazz band for maximum entertainment value! For those looking for a more intimate occasion, the Venetian Room caters to just 24, whilst the Dining Room can hold up to 40 guests.

The first thing to note about The Wallace Collection is that it is contained within 25 glamorous galleries as well as a contemporary glazed courtyard that has to be seen to be believed. All of these areas are available to be hired for your corporate event, private party or wedding a beautiful setting in central London for somebody who is a huge fan of the ‘hidden gem’.

Although located near one of the most famous roads in the world, The Wallace Collection somehow manages to retain its status as a location only the most informed local or tourist knows about. You and your guests are able to enjoy masterpieces in virtually every room and when you hire the venue, the money goes straight back into preserving the collection for future generations to enjoy.

But perhaps your guests aren’t attending with dinner on the brain? If this is the case, then perhaps they are here to enjoy your wedding day! There are a number of incredible venues in which to exchange vows throughout the capital, so The Wallace Collection focuses on the most important part – the evening wedding reception! Naturally as an event entertainment supplier, we would say this, but we must stress just how gorgeous a reception one can enjoy in the Drawing Room Suite. Decorated with French silk, you will be able to delight friends and family amongst treasures that previously belonged to Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour, to name but two. Guests can then enjoy speeches, live music or a dance to a DJ in the courtyard.

The Wallace Collection really is a stunning space in which to enjoy party entertainment and is truly beautiful in the way it blends different styles of the old and the new.

Book through a reliable directory

With a reliable entertainment directory, you can get suitable price for hiring a band. You can also get the right price for other artists you may want to hire.

To locate us, you have to come online; which is the first step. There are several agencies offering unique services on the internet, but you need to consider some factors when looking for the right agency. You have to compare several agencies before making your choice. You can ask the manager some questions. Or you can also arrange a private interview with each artist. This will help you make the right choice.

You can save enough time and energy when you engage a good entertainment directory in most cases, we have taken care of the brain work you would have carried out, and have the best unique and highly acclaimed artists in the business.

Red Masque will help you filter available options. You can get several options when thinking of hiring bands, singers, musicians, comedians and other artists. You may be confused especially when you don’t know any of the artists in person. You can save yourself the trouble by ensuring that Red Masque only advertises the very best and whatever choice you make will always be the right one.

We understand exactly what you want. You are able to contact various artists of your choosing and meet if you so wish to choose suitable music or songs for your event.

Product launch entertainment

We love a good product launch. When done right, a product launch brings in huge numbers and the feedback you receive is invaluable. Not only that but a good product launch will ensure that people remember your brand and you may just notice a number of people sharing your special hashtag all over social media. How to attract the public to your product launch though? Well, we have a few event entertainment ideas.

Sticks and Stones

You need only look at Sticks and Stones not only are these wonderful entertainers on stilts – so sure to draw a crowd from far beyond the eye can see at street level – but they can also offer up a drink or two to your guests as they arrive. A sparkling sensation for events far and wide, we highly recommend this entertainment and they have been particularly successful at product launches in the past!

Fake Faces

“Was that–?” “Is that–?” “I think I just saw—“ A celebrity lookalike is great for pulling in the crowds; just ask any marketing manager at Disneyland or Disneyworld! Not only will a good lookalike be able to pull off an uncanny impression of a popular character or celebrity, but they’ll also be more than happy to pose for photographs and video. Sneak your brand into the shot and hey presto, your product is going places! Fun for all sorts of brands and product launches, a celebrity lookalike is an absolute must.

Arbie the Robot

Stop for a moment and imagine what you’d do if a walking robot came out of nowhere, started dancing around to a hit pop tune and then managed to announce your product to the world. You’d be impressed, right? Arbie the Robot can do all that and much more! A hit at corporate events all over the world, crowds will instantly be drawn in by his antics and left scratching their heads quite how he works. Is he a robot? Isn’t he? You’ll just have to hire Arbie to find out! A brilliant example of strolling entertainment that is a little bit more unique than most acts in the industry!

Magic

Who doesn’t love magic? Rather than be specific by naming one of our brilliant magicians, we thought we’d go all-encompassing and simply suggest hiring a magician for your next product launch. Whether making your company business cards disappear and reappear or producing the exciting new product into your hands, magicians are a brilliant way to launch a product and it’ll certainly be a memorable moment for the members of the public lucky enough to see the magic first hand.

Dare we mention Christmas?

It will soon be almost that time of year when you dig out your fluffy jumper, drink mulled wine and enjoy the holiday with friends and families. 

Did you know that almost 11 million Brits will go to their works’ Christmas party this year? It is an annual event to let your hair down and have fun and what Christmas party would be complete without some embarrassing dancing?!?

So without further ado, here are some fun ideas for your corporate event or private party in 2017;

1. Santa’s Grotto

This can be a truly magical way to bring some fun into the office! Why not get the boss to hand out everyone’s Secret Santa presents in a grotto whilst dressed like Father Christmas himself against a Winter Wonderland backdrop?

2.Snow Machine.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Add some festive spirit to your event with fake snow. Activate it to sprinkle soft snow drops over everyone as they arrive to the party. Everyone loves snow and it can transform your private party into a magical wonderland. 

3. Rodeo Reindeer

Who can resist having a go on a bucking, spinning and twisting bronco reindeer? Great entertainment in the office will have a barrel of laughs trying to stay on as long as possible. The question is, who out of the team will win?

4. Santa and Elf hire

If you don’t want to dress up, why not hire Santa and Elf characters? They are the perfect addition to your Christmas event and can help liven up the crowd to create a fun, memorable
evening.

5. Santa’s Thrones

What better way to surprise the boss than hire an Elaborate Santa throne? Fit for a King (or Queen), these beauties would look amazing in your office and definitely create a festive feel to get everyone excited for the holidays.

6. Christmas Prop Hire

If you just plan on throwing the work’s do at the office during work hours, go to town with Christmas decorations! We have a fabulous range of Christmas props to hire including a cute frosty snowman, beautifully decorated presents to put under the Christmas tree, reindeer ornaments and much more.  

7. Photo Booth

A better way to get all the staff together and have fun than in front of a festive background, wearing funny props and making fools of themselves? Hiring a photo booth can be the perfect entertainment idea and the staff can even record their own holiday cheer messages to each other with a video option. 

Everybody loves a good ‘selfie’

Featuring a new twist on the ever popular selfie pod / mirrors that have come before, this new addition to a new range of Hi-Tech equipment is sure to entertain, as well as capture, the fun at your corporate event.

The Magic Selfie Mirror not only takes your photos and prints them out instantly, but also features new software that allows the mirror to interact with some fun randomised responses, both verbally and animated on the mirror itself!  You can even personalise your photos with a message across all the prints!

A standout at any event including private parties, corporate events and exhibition / promotional events, the Magic Selfie Mirror will attract the eye of any guest and entertain as they can pose with friends or family for four photos. Choosing from a fantastic selection of fun props, strike and check your pose in the mirror – or check your makeup if there is a queue for the bathroom – and have fun as the mirror decides if you’re a beauty or just maybe, you’ll crack the screen!

Using state of the art software as with our range of Photo Booth’s and Graffiti Walls, the Magic Selfie Mirror is a great way to keep guests entertained and allow them to take a little something away from your event.

And remember … The mirror does not lie!