One of our favorite party formats is to transform a traditional sit-down family celebration into a modern cocktail setting. While some entertaining purists find this a little unorthodox in formality, we know that for the right client, a casual chic party lounge environment works beautifully! Luckily for us, for this hip B’Nai Mitzvah we had the ideal family who not only asked us for something nontraditional, but whom also embraced our efforts from location selection to event design and party management. Armed with their trust in our planning and design skills, we orchestrated a cool, modern Bohemian-style lounge that everyone enjoyed. Take a look…

{Photos: Tyler Boye Photography}

As with any momentous party, selecting the PERFECT location for the party was key. For our clients, that was the Skybox at 2424 Studios in Philadelphia. As event designers and party planners, the giant urban loft was a blank canvas we could play in with our entire arsenal of artistic weapons.  The number one element for the space would be dramatic lighting on all the walls, including the building facade, walkways and entrance halls. High ceilings inside the usually-white loft generally lend themselves to grand decor and elaborate lighting schemes, some of which we employed for this sophisticated lounge vibe. However, we brought in our giant white fringe curtains and used them for room dividers, backdrops and additional lighting effects.

When planning a cocktail style event it’s crucial to plan for enough seating for all of the guests. While most of the guests will mingle and dance, they will at some point, need a place to perch. For most of our lounge environments like this we provide enough seating for all the guests to be seated at once, with a little extra just in case. Think of it as seating for 125% of your guest list. The space will feel warm, inviting and FULL which supports a sense of intimacy that every party needs.

As we like to do, seating varied here from traditional cocktail rounds to high and low community tables and eclectic upholstered seating groups. Keeping to our Bohemian Lounge concept, we brought in deep jewel tones, animal prints and glamorous accessories. The main color used was cobalt blue and it was washed through the space through the linens and lighting. Then, layers of texture and color were added in such elements as Leopard wing back Confessional Chairs, ornate silver chairs, Moroccan lamps and tables, white fringe, tables and vases, pillows and rugs, as well as purple, orange and red floral arrangements. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But one must remember that when the lights go down all the white picks up the lighting colors and becomes yet another blue or magenta element in the space. Everything has a purpose that has been carefully thought out for the greatest impact!

Although the whole party environment was important, this party was really all about the twin B’nai Mitzvah boys! And from the moment the chaperoned buses arrived loaded down with kids ready to party, we were set and ready to dazzle them! Games and activities were placed throughout the space, from walls of arcade games and simulators to Peter Max photos, tattoo artists, Fathead games, Video Horse racing and an iPad sign in station, to name a few. Illuminated dance platforms, bar fronts, food station displays and light up cups were used to advantage in the deep blue environment.

Soda bars, service bars, signature drinks and clever food stations from Starr Events were placed all around the space for kids {and adults!} to enjoy at their whim. One of the most popular was a charcuterie station with a mix of antipasti as well as aged meats, terrines, pates and cheeses.

Throughout the night, guests were welcome to mix and mingle or join in on the dance floor. As the heart of any party, the traditional elements such as the Hora, Hamotzi and Candlelighting all took place on the center of the dance floor for the best viewing.

Personalized t-shirts were created for the dance motivators, dee jay and emcee, as well as the waiters. We also made sure the boys’ names were found on the walls, bar fronts, cocktail napkins, favor boxes, candy bar, knapsacks and cups.

The sensational sports-themed celebration cake was created by Van Earl’s Cakes and tasted better than it looked! Delicious!  If only that was the sole dessert on tap for the party! We brought out huge displays of cupcakes from Crumbs NYC as well as an elaborate chocolate fondue station, a GIANT candy bar, homemade cookie bar and ice cream sundae bar. The perfect ending to a fabulous family celebration!

{Photos: Tyler Boye Photography}