This Easter, eggs— dyed or deviled, aren’t the only plans we’re hatching in our creative minds. One of the secrets to our events is a style often deployed by Taylor Swift, we enjoy the concept of “Easter Eggs” or little hints that are peppered throughout the event planning process to give guests a peek at what’s in store. Our goal is always to capture the guests’ interests BEFORE the event begins and keep them engaged every step of the way. Think elevated, layered surprises that are revealed, both leading up to, and during, the event.
With an early Easter around the corner and Spring + Summer events on the horizon, we decided there’s no better time to break down the thrill of the hunt and share a few of our expert tips for leveraging event details to bring continuity to an event design. From the invitation to the exit, learn how to pique guests’ interests from beginning to end.
Be Our Guest
Don’t sleep on an opportunity to make jaws drop from the first moment guests hear of your event! The more whimsical, clever, and unique the better.
Pro tip: work backwards and weave elements that you are planning for the event experience itself into the invitation and pre-event communication. If there’s a design element that is going to be prominent at the event, why not tease it out ahead of time by giving a first look at the patterns, themes, or cuisine planned for the lucky guests?
You’ve Arrived
Rethink the experience of guest arrivals at your event. By using the concept of world creating, you can immediately transport guests into the environment (and mindset) that you’re wanting them to embody.
For example, look at how Disney designs the space where you wait in line for a ride. Upon arrival, you begin to be immersed in the sights and sounds of the ride’s theme. The space is strategically created to begin to usher you into the specific scene, which causes your excitement and anticipation to build.
The same can be true for event entrances. Everyone loves to make an entrance- give guests the portal to go all in! Characters + entertainers, large-scale decor elements, and defined pathways filled with floral or candles all visually indicate that guests have stepped foot into an alternative world and helps guide them in the direction you’re wanting them to explore.
Creative Writing
Carefully consider the titles used for elements such as beverages, signage, bar details, and menus. By dreaming up creative language to attach to these details, this is an accessible, zero cost way to further integrate your details and theme into the event experience.
Making signature moments out of core event elements give guests a taste of what’s to come. If you have a French themed dinner menu, label the featured drinks in the cocktail hour to reflect the je ne sais quois of your brasserie. If you’re transporting guests to a midnight disco after-party, brand directional signage with directions to “Funky Town” to get everyone ready to boogie on the dance floor.
Leave Them Wanting More
We’ve already discussed the importance of the entrance and, you guessed it, the exit is just as essential! Our team believes in the power of ending on a high note and sending guests off with one last surprise that will leave them wanting more.
Take this opportunity to wow attendees one last time with a takeaway gift or post-event delivery that will be a reminder of the good times had by all. Use must-have amenities like valet or coat check as an opportunity to surprise guests with one more detail as they depart. These touch points can often be clunky or include a wait, so why not give these stations a dose of creativity to keep the magic going? Making transitions seamless and frictionless is highly impactful to the overall guest experience.
Think of it this way: have you ever been on the best trip of your life and arrive at the airport riding an absolute vacation-high, when all of a sudden you’re jolted back into reality with a banal environment, delays, and less-than-hospitable service? How wonderful would it be if could you make the travel back home as enjoyable, and part of, the trip experience? This is the idea behind the exit- allow guests to linger in the joy of the event just a little bit longer before they have to come back to reality. After all, aren’t events all about escapism?
If your event is an annual occasion, this is the perfect time to reveal a first look at next year’s theme or date. Drop gifts in guests’ valeted vehicle, late-night snacks for the rideshare trip home, or an envelope presented with an exclusive first look at the save the date for next year’s celebration will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Weaving together details is key and by creating a story arc for your event, you’ll help tell a compelling tale that is guaranteed to captivate guests. Consider us your go-to experts for making every detail, every moment a wow and remember that no opportunity is too big, or too small, to reimagine.