Hosting a red-carpet event can be a thrilling experience, whether you’re organising a corporate awards night, charity gala, wedding, anniversary do, birthday bash or New Year’s Eve party. No matter the occasion, you want to plan a red-carpet party theme and event that creates an unforgettable experience for everyone present, and that exudes plenty of glitz and glam. Here’s how to make your event shine brighter than the most famous of Hollywood stars.
The first step is to determine the specific theme you want to put in place for your event. For example, you might host a fun Hollywood-themed party for your birthday where you invite all the guests to come dressed as their favourite film star, or you could arrange a “Happily Ever After” theme for a romantic wedding and make the long red carpet the aisle you walk down to get to the altar.
Other choices include a Hollywood glam theme, where people simply wear their most special outfits, or an “Oscars After-Party” vibe. Plus, there’s the option of going classic with an “Old Hollywood” theme, where you evoke the golden age of cinema and ask guests to dress as iconic movie stars from the 1930s, ‘40s, or beyond.
One of the most important aspects of any special occasion is the venue. Select a venue that screams glitz and glamour, such as a huge ballroom with stunning chandeliers, a magnificent yacht or party boat, or an historic theatre you can hire for a night and dress up like you’re hosting the Academy Awards.
Other options include luxurious private rooms in five-star boutique hotels, trendy rooftop bars, waterfront restaurants, or beautifully designed art galleries, museums, or grand libraries. The venue sets the tone for your event, so ensure it complements your theme and style and has plenty of room for a red carpet entrance for you and your guests.
Of course, it’s not a red carpet event without the carpet! Hire a high-quality red carpet and make sure it’s properly secured to the ground to prevent slips and trips. Don’t forget to add red ropes and black bollards for that VIP feel, too.
Plus, be sure to hire furniture you might need to finish off the venue space with plenty of “ooh la la”, such as a luxurious velvet lounge or banquet lounge package or some black and gold marble side tables. You might also need to consider party hire items such as a romantic Havana swing or sophisticated mobile bar. (Check out our guide to bar styling tips and inspiration for ideas on how to set up a bar at your event.)
Don’t forget to add other decoration bits and pieces that add to a Hollywood glam theme, such as fabric draping, glamorous French birdcages, and gold Moroccan lanterns. At Hampton Event Hire, we can supply all of your event hire needs in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and in surrounding regions in Southeast QLD and Northern NSW.
While the red carpet is one of the main aspects of your venue decoration for a Hollywood-themed party, you also want to create a stunning backdrop that you and your guests can use to ensure photos taken during the event really pop. The right backdrop will serve as the perfect photo op and encourage more people to get their picture taken.
Plus, if you’re planning a work event, a beautiful backdrop that features your branding can serve as excellent brand exposure well past the day of the special occasion and be incredibly memorable. No matter your corporate event hire needs, Hampton Event Hire has a backdrop to suit. For instance, you could select round or arched backdrops, geometrical ones, or even a stunning green wall backdrop. Check out our roundup of photo backdrop ideas for inspiration.
While there are many times when we might not be keen for photographers to be around, a red carpet event is not one of them! For your special party, be sure to arrange some special “paparazzi” who can come and take plenty of pictures during the event.
Brief your professional photographer or other picture-taker on key attendees and any specific shots you want. Remember, though, it’s important to respect privacy laws and obtain necessary permissions from those who get photographed during the event.
Everyone loves good food and drink, and at a red-carpet type of event, this is an area you also need to focus on. Offer a selection of mouth-watering canapes and other easy-to-eat food if your guests won’t be seated for a formal meal, and be sure to use quality tableware to elevate the event further. For example, French-style crockery, crystal-cut champagne coupes, and quality napkins will bring even more glitz and glam to your do.
As for drinks, it pays to create a signature cocktail and mocktail for your special party that perfectly suits a red-carpet party theme. You could serve a “Hollywood Mule”, “Silver-Screen Martini”, and “Leading Lady Negroni”, or come up with your own creative ideas.
Lastly, since the weather can be unpredictable, you need a contingency plan for any outdoor event or guest arrival. For instance, you could source appropriate corporate, party, or wedding hire items such as a gazebo that you can cover with suitable material if rain starts, or outdoor umbrellas to protect people from the hot sun. Get in touch with our friendly team for more ideas and tips, too.
By focusing on these elements, you’ll create a glitzy red carpet event that’s lots of fun and utterly unforgettable for all of your guests. Just remember to enjoy the celebrations yourself, too, and party like you’ve won an Oscar – after all, you’ve earned your moment in the spotlight! If you’d like help finding the best solutions for your event, get in touch with our friendly team for suggestions and pricing. We’re here to help you wow everyone at your Oscar-worthy event!
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