AboutJohn Gordon Expertise Stuck for ideas? I can help with ideas on theming, entertainment and anything creative. I specialise in the unusual and have created party experiences for small gatherings right up to large international corporations. I have a great original idea that is totally flexible and personalises the party in a way that touches people.
Experience I have been involved with Corporate and Private Events for many years. I both organise and provide entertainment at a wide range from house parties, anniversaries, celebrations, fun days, conferences, seminars, workshops and street parties.
Expert: John Gordon Date: 6/6/2008 Subject: my 19th birthday
Question QUESTION: its my 19th birthday in september and although its about fours months away i want to get somethink interesting and fun planned. i didnt do much for my 18th so want to have a good 19th before everyone goes off to university. i will concider all ideas.
Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Kirsty
I know that I say this on here all the time but the more info you give the better the answers you'll get!
I could throw you 100 ideas and be WAY off the mark. The ideas may 'miss' because they don't apply to the location you are in, the numbers attending, the time of day you are thinking of, the numbers attending, the budget restrictions etc etc etc.
Then the question of likes and dislikes, taste, whether intend to eat, sit down or not, music etc.
Clearly a creative idea for 6 people in a very hot climate would differ from something for perhaps 200 in 'Black Tie' in a hotel. Budgets affect whether theming is a possibility and location decides what is available in terms of unusual space for hire.
So ..... let me know some more and I'll do what I can with what you give :o)
John Gordon
PartyMagic
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks.
i live in surrey so somewhere around here hopefully, or maybe london or areas around. i am thinking of having around 150ish people with music. as i am a student and will be paying for some of this, with help from parents i would like it to be a cheap as possible but i understand with my idea there will be a fairly large pricing.
i like the idea of themes as it is always a fun thing to do but dont mind either way. all guests will be 18 years or over.
thanks!
Answer Kirsty
I attend and organise parts of events like this all the time.
Here's what I suggest:
=> Get a clear, very clear budget in your head. One you can and will spend. Then, stick to that ... like everything, it WILL run away with you.
=> There are plenty of event organisers around to help you. They charge but they also know people, places and suppliers of everything from venues, marquee hire, dance foloors, staging, lighting, catering, floral displays, insurance (very important), guest arrival and belongings management, drinks, staffing (servers, security etc) .... and you'll need some of this if not all!
They have all kinds of events a la carte at a price per head basis that come with all the above so the package is complete, leaving you to only be concerned with invitations and hostessing on the night.
Then, depending upon your budget you can add on stuff like live music, some live entertainmant etc etc.
Look in your Yellow Pages under Entertainers, Entertainment Agents, Corporate Entertainment ... and look for Party Planners. Also look on Google and dop a UK search for the same. I know many as I work with them all the time. Beware ... they'll try to 'upsell' you ... be clear first what your limits are!
One I'd strongly recommend a company I've worked with over many years (in Surrey) called Prelude. They started representing Harpists and String Quartets and grew into a tasteful event organiser.Reach them at http://www.preludeentertainment.co.uk/ and ask for Julie and mention me.
I can help a LOT more but don't know where you want to go next. Gove me some thoughts ....
