Many of us dream of attending an award ceremony. We dream of the dramatic few moments before the category we’re nominated for (because of course we’re nominated; what kind of dream would it be if we were just there) is presented. We imagine the suspense. We’ve planned the face we’ll make if we lose. But, of course, we don’t lose. Our name is called and, oh!, how exciting! How surprising! Did we hear that right? Yes? We won! We take our slow stroll up to the stage, the sound of applause booming through our ears, and make our humble acceptance speech.
The upshot of our obsession, though, is that we know how to plan a perfect Award Ceremony. We’ve thought long and hard. And here are our helpful hints…
Invitations
There’s only one way to do an award ceremony: elegant and tasteful. And there’s no better way to establish this style than by sending out lovely invitations to all the invitees. Spend some time with this. An invitation is your ceremony’s first impression, so think of it as a blueprint for the tone of the evening. Make this look as beautiful and elegant as you’d like your event to be. Research the style of famous award ceremonies: Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys, etc. and find a style that works for your event.
Dress
What better excuse to dress to the nines and bring out your most dashing outfit? Awards are supposed to celebrate achievements, so establishing a “black-tie” dress code is appropriate, and is likely one of the very few occasions you’ll get to be super dressed up without saying “I do” to anyone. If you’re going all out, this is a great excuse to hire a Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist to put the final touches on your glamorous look!
Press
Nothing says award ceremony like the paparazzi. Let the local press know that the event is happening, or for more intimate events, hire some Photographers to stand outside and flash photos at your guests. Paparazzi are the bane of celebrities’ lives, but to a regular person, for one night, it’ll make the experience memorable. Plus, the professional photos make great party favors for your guests.
Decor
We don’t even have to say it, do we? Well, we will anyway: a red carpet is absolutely essential to any award ceremony. It’s a bit cliche, we know, but in all of our dreams (and probably yours, too), there’s a red carpet. Start there, and already your event will look be official!
For the inside, it’s best to keep things as simple as possible. White linens covering every table with elegant centerpieces of candles and fresh flowers. Most importantly, though, try and match the decor with both the award-giving organization and the theme of the night. Hire a Party Decorator if necessary. Or look to a Party Rentals company to find the perfect accouterments to suit your needs.
Food
If you’re serving food, like everything else, it has to be simple and elegant. Don’t get too extravagant here. Simplicity is key, and creative, delicious hors d’oeuvres are sure to be a hit. Hire a Caterer, discuss your night’s theme, and figure out the perfect dishes to serve your nervous nominees. A pre-party cocktail hour with Bartenders and Wait Staff strolling with trays of hors d’oeuvres adds a touch of class.
Gift Bags
Have you ever seen what’s in a typical gift bag at the big award shows? If you haven’t, take a moment to look it up. It’s crazy. Now, we’re not suggesting that you fill up your gift bags with expensive items (like a $1,500 getaway package to Switzerland; thanks, Oscars). But you can treat all your nominees (or, if you don’t have nominees, all your attendees) to some goodies. These can range from customized party favors to something as simple as a note thanking you for coming. It’s an opportunity for you to have direct contact with supporters of your company. Don’t miss it!
Host
The right host is just as important as the red carpet. A host can make or break the success of your ceremony, so take time to find the right person. Check out various Comedians and Emcees to find an appropriate performer. Discuss all the information about your awards with the host well in advance, so they can write material specific to your ceremony and theme.
Music
Less obvious as a host but just as vital, a house band will grant your event all the needed elegant ambiance. Consider a Jazz Band or a String Quartet for this role. You’ll want something pleasant and lovely, but also unobtrusive. The band is not meant to be the center of the night, but they will definitely enhance the evening.
Now, we realize that you’re not competing, but if you follow the tips above, your event will become the party of the year! Even if a nominee doesn’t win, they’ll leave thinking, “And the award for best party goes to…”