The brief was simple: a black-and-gold Gatsby-style 50th birthday celebration in the back garden of our client’s Virginia Water home. Working closely with the client’s in-house team was essential here, as they had already arranged much of the evening’s entertainment. Coordination and timing were therefore essential to ensure our plans dovetailed seamlessly for a spectacular, well-run event.
The Styling
The theme was clear; black, gold and Gatsby themed, to create a party that goes down in history!
We designed an elegant black stretch tent that complemented the surrounding garden perfectly. Inside, luxurious gold velvet drapes and plush black and gold seating set a tone of sophisticated opulence. The undeniable showstoppers were the stunning golden trees that framed the dance floor and corners of the tent, reflecting light across the space
A large art deco island bar, built around another dramatic golden tree, greeted guests as they entered — the effect was dazzling. At the opposite end, a striking black-and-white dance floor, intelligent lighting, and a sparkling DJ booth flanked by golden trees, drew guests in as the night unfolded. Golden slash curtains fluttered gently in the breeze, subtly separating the bar and dance areas while adding another layer of Gatsby-inspired glamour.
The Experience
Guests entered through a small entrance tent that doubled as a cloakroom and an Instagram ready photo spot, complete with a giant golden frame proclaiming “Let’s Party Like Gatsby”; perfectly setting the tone for the evening.
Energy was high from the moment guests arrived, stilt-walking dancers welcomed them, while our flair bartenders wowed with theatrical cocktail service. As the night progressed, guests were treated to fire and hoop performances, truly world-class DJs, and even fireworks to celebrate a surprise proposal — an unforgettable highlight!
Elegant, substantial canapés circulated throughout the evening, keeping guests well-fed and energised for hours of dancing.
The Challenges
We pride ourselves on making the most of any outdoor space, and this garden was no exception. With half of it converted into a 4G football pitch, we knew part of the tent would have to be built over this area. Because we couldn’t stake into the ground, we used extensive water ballast to secure the structure safely, distributing the weight carefully to protect the surface of the pitch from damage. Other obstacles, such as built-in subwoofers and immovable pergolas, required creative planning — but by using multiple tents and thoughtful layout design, we created a seamless, guest experience that oozed luxury and photo opportunities.
Check out the videos our client posted on his socials highlighting this stunning event: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjoH1hjFDN/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DPovumQjB09/
