Return of the Stack

When F.Scott Fitzgerald wrote the legendary Great Gatsby in 1925, little did he know that he had created such a legacy. Fast-forward to 2013 and his book is adapted for the silver screen, with Leonardo DiCaprio in the starring role of the Baz Luhrmann classic.

The opulence and glamour of the ‘Roaring 20s’ struck a chord with the wider public, giving rise to Great Gatsby themes for parties, soirees, weddings and office parties.

There’s something undeniable about the billionaire lifestyle that lends itself perfectly to celebrations of any kind. As such, the ‘Gatsby era’ has become one of the most popular themes for events in recent years.

The Champagne Lifestyle

Of course, central to any Great Gatsby theme is flowing drinks.

Ironically, the Prohibition era which attempted to ban alcohol had quite the opposite effect with underground parties in full swing. As a result, today we have an inspired list of cocktails from the 1920s, laced with gin, rye and of course, champagne!

Champagne has long been a favourite for those in well-heeled circles. When the first cork was popped in 1696, ‘bubbly’ became a hit with drink aficionados. Indeed, it has always held a certain cachet, associated with high-profile events and people. Tinged with a hint of danger while opening, it is also the perfect symbol of all things Gatsby. And while some drinks go in and out of fashion, champagne remains a true classic.

But presentation is just as important as pour, as anyone in corporate event hire will tell you. So, it’s no surprise that one of the hottest trends then and now is a champagne tower.

Raising a Glass

If there’s one way to make an event stand out, it’s with a champagne tower. Instantly ‘instagramable’ this focal point never fails to impress guests.

The ultimate must-have in party entertainment, the champagne coupe tower adds a sense of occasion and excitement, true to Great Gatsby themes. It also means that hosts don’t need to hire waiting staff to hand out drinks either.

Although champagne is traditionally used, in recent years Cava or Prosecco have become popular choices, gaining mainstream appeal. These sparkling alternatives also have the benefit of being more cost-effective.

Typically, up to 60 Champagne saucers, also known as coupes, are stacked to create a six-tier tower with a lit-up base. This eye-catching display can reach heights of 800mm, and is often brought to life with decorative features such as chocolate dipped strawberries, flowers and lights, usually part of the wedding decoration hire.

Champagne Supernovas

Whether wedding planning, hosting an event or office party, a champagne tower is one of the most exciting ways to dazzle guests with this on-trend theme.

The best way to create this centrepiece, is by using a professional company. After all, there’s no need for more pressure with shaky hands when you’re in the throes of hosting an important event.

Opt for a reputable events agency such as Connections Ents, to find a suitable supplier. Rates tend to start from £395, which includes set-up costs and staff, but excludes alcohol supply. Typically, allow for one case of champagne (that’s 12 bottles) per 50 guests, for one or two glasses per person.

In the words of Fitzgerald: ”In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars."

In Tribute

There’s tons of tribute act’s out there, but to find the right one, there’s a few things to consider.

First of all, speak to your wedding planning team at your chosen venue to see if there’s any restrictions. Some won’t allow drummers, others have live music curfew hours, and some may require additional power supply. They will also advise on other details such as set-up times and parking allocation.

Next, sit down as a couple and decide what ‘theme’ your wedding might have, or if there’s a certain band that holds significance to you.

If you’re stuck for inspiration, here’s a few of the most popular tribute acts that are available for wedding and corporate event hire:

The Classics

Do it your way and hire a Frank Sinatra tribute act, complete with all the sing-along favourites. From ‘My way’ to ‘Fly me to the moon’ his back catalogue of music remains as classy and timeless today, as it did sixty years ago. One of the most popular tributes with leading booking agency Connections Ent is So Sinatra – who even performed at Simon Cowell’s fiftieth birthday party.

In keeping with the swing theme, you can never go wrong with the seductive voice of Michael Buble. Jason Allen is one of the top tribute acts on the circuit, recently voted best male vocalist at the National Entertainment Awards.

For soulful female vocals, Amy Winehouse is one of the most in-demand acts performing all the hits, including ‘Valerie’ and ‘Back to Black’.

Throwback

Whether you’ve opted for a Great Gatsby theme and want a touch of jazz, or are going full Vegas and demand the King, there’s a tribute act for every occasion.

There’s nothing more fun than a throwback act to bring your party to life. Go all-out disco with everyone’s favourites – the Bee Gees, and boogies the night away. Or perhaps you’re more of a super trooper and fancy an Abba tribute? The great thing with throwback artists is that everyone can join in.

Poptastic

Finally, modern musos may prefer a current artist. There’s some great tribute performers available for hire, including fun-times with Olly Murs and the smooth vocals of Sam Smith.

But if you really want to party, then Lady Gaga is guaranteed to get even the most ‘poker faced’ guests on the dance floor!

As a final tip, before booking a tribute act, be sure to find a reputable agency that provides a show reel of their work, booking rates and details about how far they can travel. It’s a good idea to book as early as you can, as popular acts get reserved early.

1. Vintage Throwback

Everyone loves a throwback! If music is central to your theme, then consider a dedicated band like the Vintage Corporation that can take you on a musical journey from the 60s and 70s. Popular with office parties, invite your guests to dress in full authentic clothing from the era.

Another ever popular throwback is the Great Gatsby theme. This is best brought to life with the Gatsby Guys and Gals who promise to transport you back to a bygone era with a night of entertainment, escapism and enjoyment.

1. It’s a Kind of Magic

Ever-popular with corporate event hire, magicians can transform an evening with mind-boggling performances. There’s plenty of different types of acts to suit every occasion.

Bringing a touch of Vegas charm, Wayne Goodman fuses comedy and magic together, while Edd Crafter will bamboozle guests with his sleight of hand. There’s even award-winning magicians suited to bigger crowds with live performances.

1. Murder Mystery

Bring colleagues together without the formalities of ‘team away days’ by hosting a Murder Mystery event. This is a great way to grow internal relationships, as well as give-back to employees in a fun way they are sure to remember and appreciate.

The Murder Mystery theme includes performers and singers in a customised package that can also include food and beverage.

1. James Bond

Great for client-facing corporate functions, James Bond is a timeless theme that everyone will enjoy. There’s plenty of casinos to hire for events, which provide the perfect backdrop for a night of glamour.

Make the night even more special, with your very own 007. Steve Wright is one of the top Daniel Craig look-a-likes available for corporate event hire – you might even recognise him from TV appearances. Just don’t forget the dress code: tuxedos and black dress all the way.

1. Old Hollywood

Perfect for Christmas parties, pay tribute to an era of charm and elegance with a touch of Hollywood Glamour. Suzie Kennedy is one of the most famous Marilyn tributes in the world, having appeared in film and TV as the legendary pinup – and is a great addition to any Hollywood party.

Complete the evening with a touch of Sinatra, busting out everyone’s favourite tunes. Guaranteed by the end of the night, colleagues will be singing along with his timeless favourites.

1. Eighties Night

Dig out the legwarmers and shoulder pads for a night of eighties entertainment. One of the best office party themes, invite colleagues to dress in full retro regalia, for a night of nostalgia.

There’s plenty of fun tribute acts to hire for performing. You can go all-eighties with the Munch Band, playing a diverse selection of tunes from the era. Alternatively, why not hire a couple of tribute acts synonymous with the eighties, from Tina Turner to Michael Jackson, or rock out with Blondie.

So, there you have it, six inspiring acts for corporate event hire, sure to make your office party one to remember.