Absolutely Weddings’ experts answer your wedding planning questions. Here, Sarah Balfour, CEO and founder of luxury event and wedding planners Orchid Events and sister company Music By Arrangement, discusses how to make a wedding feel less like a formal event by carefully designing key ‘icebreaker’ elements that put people into party mood
Q: We want our wedding to feel more like a party than a formal celebration so that our guests can mix and let their hair down. What elements would you suggest we consider introducing to keep the celebration moving?
A: Occasional seating will instantly create a more relaxed atmosphere than, say, the typical six-foot round tables. A mix of seating styles – you could add in sofas too – helps to break down the formality of the occasion and encourages people to mix. Food is another key factor in ensuring a chilled-out atmosphere. Rather than a formal serving style, opt for food stations and pass around food.
Music is a key element to create a party vibe. I’m passionate about this because of my background as a musician. It’s the best way to build party energy. For instance, live musicians will instantly add an energy and get people’s toes tapping and can be mixed in with a DJ set. Interactive and charismatic live acts are also a great way to entertain guests and contribute to the party atmosphere.
Set the right tone with music, seating and food and you will ensure a memorable and personal wedding celebration, and with a party vibe that ensures everyone wants to let their hair down.
