eventstyling

Dress Codes Explained

Have you ever rocked up to what you thought was a smart casual event in jeans and boots, yet everyone is in a dress and heels. Not a vibe…

Dress codes are confusing, they seem simple and straightforward, but we do admit, sometimes you are left guessing ‘WTF am I meant to wear?!’.

When we think smart casual, our mind automatically jumps to relaxed vibes with a ‘help yourself’ drinks table, opposed to black tie which paints the picture of bow ties and tuxedos, saxophones and caviar.

So, what do black tie, cocktail and semi formal dress codes all have in common? Well, other than the fact they are a description on what you should be wearing to the event on your social calendar, they don’t have a whole lot in common! Especially when you throw a ‘formal fancy garden party’, or ‘boho-chic cocktail’ dress code into the mix.

Image @alicemahran

Wouldn’t it be great to have a cheat sheet which tells you point blank, the do’s and don’ts for the dress code we see on our social calendars? 

We have put our fashionista hats on to brainstorm what we think falls under the socially acceptable dress standards for the typical dress codes you hear on the daily. So, here you have it, our dress code cheat sheet.

Image @_westerly

BLACK TIE

Meaning: the epitome of formal. In other words, as fancy as it gets. This is your opportunity to dress to the nines in your finest threads.

What should I wear?

Guys: Tuxedo, bow tie and dress shoes. Stick to a black and white palette, or dark colours and skip the trendy colours and patterns, black tie is not the time or place. Don’t forget your suit jacket!

Gals: Full length gown, heels, and bling. Go all out – when do you ever get the chance??

Image @adamlevibrownephotography

 FORMAL

Meaning: Sophisticated and fancy, otherwise known as a black tie optional event. A formal dress code tends to have the most wriggle room. The classic tux, bow tie and full length gown is acceptable at a formal event, though you can still get away with a three-piece suit or cocktail style dress. The one key piece to remember: Formal is still formal! 

What should I wear?

Guys: Stick to the classic suit and white shirt combo, tie (or bow tie) and dress shoes. opt for darker colours such as black, navy or grey and keep the bright colours for a cocktail dress code. 

Gals: Full length gown, midi gown, or formal dress, just steer clear of casual materials and patterns – in other words, no cotton or palm trees. A two peice suit combo is acceptable as is a bold pattern or bright colours. Dress it up with heels and accessories to match.

Image @_thelovediaries

COCKTAIL

Meaning: Fun, flirty and fabulous. AKA ‘Semi-formal’ or ‘After five’. We are talking party dresses, bold ties, pocket squares. A Cocktail dress code is still an opportunity to dress up  – in other words, effort is still required! Just with a shorter hemline that isn’t too revealing and a tie is optional. 

What Should I wear?

Guys: Suits are still encouraged, however feel free to mix it up. Opt for chinos and a blue suit jacket, colourful shirts and patterned ties, or if ties aren’t your thing, you are free to ditch it! Brown shoes, boat shoes and loafers are acceptable.

Gals: Fun, but still elegant, dress, pant suit, jump suit or separates. Heels or wedges and accessories are encouraged. Cocktail means you can break out your favourite mini, floral patterns, or bold details that will turn a head.

Image @nickwhiteweddings

BUSINESS / CORPORATE

Meaning: Classic, ‘professional’ and more on the conservative side, something that can turn from 9 to after 5. In other words, something that isn’t uniform or overly formal.

What should I wear?

Guys: Think, a well-dressed day at the office. 2 piece suit, shirt, tie and dress shoes. Basic colours – black, brown, grey and blues.

Gals: Something a little more on the conservative side. Pants, classy midi skirts, a button down shirt and blazer, or a midi pencil dress. Hem lines should be kept below the knee and a sensible heel height should be your heel of choice, ideally with an enclosed toe. Muted colours or neutrals are your best friends for a business/corporate. 

Image @tessaeckersley.photo

SMART CASUAL

Meaning: Your classic, jeans and a cute top dress code. Relaxed, neat, and ‘informal’, otherwise more on the comfortable side. Denim is acceptable when paired with something classy, though keep the active wear at home. Our advice, consider the occasion and venue before choosing your outfit. A casual wedding will have a different dress vibe to a casual backyard BBQ.

 What do I wear?

Guys: Jeans, chinos or dress shorts with a long or short sleeve shirt. Boat shoes and loafers are given the tick of approval.

Gals: Your nicest pair of jeans, or dress pants, jumpsuit, dresses and skirts are also encouraged. There really aren’t any rules other than, ‘dress with a degree of polish’. When in doubt, add a blazer, jewellery or cute pair of heels or flats.

Image @marikimedia

Our top rules to live by:

  1. When in doubt, always over-dress.
  2. Use your common sense – in other words, if the dress code says formal attire,  don’t wear a Hawaiian shirt.
  3. Always remember to include a dress code on your invitation!

Did someone say canapés?

What kind of catering style do you need for your event?

 

If there is one thing we know to be true, no matter the event, everyone always remembers the food. Whether it was the best arancini you have EVER tasted, if there was too much food (though, is this even a thing? Doubt it!) or whether there was not enough, catering becomes a topic of conversation before, and during an event, while also leaving a lasting impression.

From large corporate functions, to intimate sundowners, catering should be one of the first things you put on your planning to-do list. But what kind of catering is right for your event style? Let us break down your options so you can be sure your guests are left happy, and not hangry.

Before we dive into the different catering styles, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which style is best suited for you…

Image: @shannon_stent_images

Type of event:

The nature and formalities;

– The size: Is your event small and intimate or large and OTT?

-The Style: Are you hosting a presentation night, something glitzy like the ARIAS or something still formal, but a bit more low-key like your local Footy club B&F night?

-Are you having guest speakers or speeches?

-Seated or cocktail?

-And we can’t forget about the numbers – how many people are you inviting? 

 

What is the vibe?

Choosing food for the mood;

-Time of day: is it a Lunchtime soiree vs dinner kind of vibe?

-What’s the dress code? Casual, smart casual, formal, black tie?

-The location: Are there onsite facilities for a full service kitchen? Or does your caterer need to bring their own?

-The age group: is your event kid friendly or adults only?

 

We aren’t done yet, here are a few more things for you to consider:

-Dietary requirements. Hint hint*, put this on the invitation so you know well in advance what kind of dietary requirements you need to cater for.

-What’s in season? Be sure to keep in mind that ingredients are seasonal, so your menu choices may have to be a little flexible too.

-Last but not least, keep in mind your set up plan of attack and run sheet. Whatever catering selection you choose to go with, will need to fit into this plan!

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part! What catering style is more your style…

Image: @weareallstardust_

 

COCKTAIL

Includes:

-Roaming canapes

-Grazing tables

-Oyster bar

-Seafood station

-Dessert table

 

Style: The social option. For events where guests are encouraged to mingle and move around the room. Cocktail catering can be more of a budget conscious menu style, with smaller dishes and no hire fees for dining furniture and table wares.

 The downside of cocktail catering? The classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Guests may not cross paths with catering staff, or they may be too busy mingling that the grazing table is empty by the time they get around to paying it a visit. We suggest, if you are opting for a cocktail style function with a cocktail menu, that you make this known to guests prior to.  

 

Image: @alexcohenphotography

 

FOOD VANS

Includes: 

-Yep you guessed it, food vans! Paella, pizza, soul food?

-Psst, did you know you can also hire cocktail vans?! Check out some of our faves @mintevents  @caravanandtonic  @thefrosecart  @allurechampagnecart

 

Style: Social, casual and relaxed. Another option for a cocktail style event, with food choices designed to be easily devoured while mingling. Food vans are a great option is your event is taking place at a venue where there isn’t a service area, as the kitchen literally comes to you.

 

Image: @victoria_barker_photographer

 

BUFFET

Style: A ‘relaxed’, sit down affair. If you are wanting a catering menu that is a little more hearty, than a canapés, but your budget may not stretch to include table service, then a buffet might be a good fit.

This catering style works well on a ‘seats yourself ’  basis, where your guests can easily serve themselves up a plate from the buffet, and seat themselves. Another pro, buffets tend to include more food options, meaning more variety for fussy eaters.

 

Image: @madlovenation

SIT DOWN TABLE SERVICE

Includes:

-Banquet style

-Alternative drop

-A la carte

Style: A more formal affair; formal, black tie, gala style vibes. Whether your event is a fundraiser with an auction, a formal presentation night or awards night or a wedding, a sit down table service catering option will totally elevate your overall event. Think beautiful table styling, seating charts and place cards, and waiters to match.

Seated table service also brings efficiency to your event, allows for conversation between your guests, and of course your desired table service.

 

Image: @oviscreative

For a more modern take on traditional, a banquet style menu might be more up your alley. A bridge between a full-plated service, and a serve-yourself option, your guests will still experience the formal, seated dining style, yet they have the option to taste it all!

This catering option is a great conversation starter, we can guarantee the table dynamics will change when you have to ask someone you have just met to ‘pass the carrots’.

Image: @annimariaphotography

Are you hungry yet?

Here are some of our favourite catering suppliers in the South West: 

Tiller Dining @tillerdining

Supper Road @supper_road

Formaggio @formaggioformaggio

Hide & Feast @hideandfeast

Yallingup Cheese Company @yallingupcheese

Kirby’s Atelier @kirbys_atelier

Pepper & Salt @pepperandsaltrestaurant_wa

Wood Fired Catering Co Instagram: @woodfiredcateringco

Mint Event Collective @minteventscollective

Your Turn Events @yourturnevents

 

 

Summer Soirees & Boozy Banquets: Four festive event planning tips you should know

The Festive Season is upon us! The season where your social calendar fills up with long luncheons, end of year celebrations, boozy banquets and of course, Christmas festivities. Is there any better time of the year?

If you are throwing an outdoor soiree, here are a few little pointers from the experts on how to make it one to top this festive season.

 

1. Comfort is key

It’s safe to say that everyone’s ideal weather situation for an outdoor event is a beautifully clear, mild day with a light breeze and a warm, balmy evening. Though let’s face it, this isn’t always the case, especially in December…

Our number one piece of advice; be prepared for every possible scenario and keep your guests comfort your number one priority. We are talking adequate shade, furniture, food & beverages, and last but certainly not least, always have a backup plan just in-case the weather gods decide to put on a show!

For example:

If you are longing for classy, long table lunch, at midday, set up on the grass so your guests can take in the picturesque views of the gardens or vineyards. Then be sure you provide:

–    SHADE! A luxury tent, marquee or canvas umbrellas.

–    Plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Heatstroke, sunburn or mosquitos are not a vibe.

Oh and if there is a forecast of 40 degrees (this is a high chance in December), consider changing your event start time to a later time, or moving your event inside or to an undercover shot where there are outdoor fans.

 

Image: @blackbirdtale_

 

2. Styling & Cohesion

 

It is the silly season after all, so why not go big with your styling! 

Gone are the days where red and green are the key elements to your festive celebration colour scheme. Instead, break the boundaries, gimme that atmosphere and make it WOW.

 

Here are some tips to keep you on track:

–    Cohesion – pick a theme and stick to it. Think Parisian Party, Havana Nights or Backyard Boho for something different.

–    Base all of your styling choices around the theme: including furniture, florals, lighting and stationery.

–    Group your styling items based on colour, texture & materials.

–    Add some flare and personality to create something totally unique. Think of a seasonal menu, complete with a gelato cart, or oyster bar.

 

If you are traditional, and want to keep the Festive spirit alive, opt for a classic white theme and add a pop of colour with a sage green, terracotta and beige combo. Or instead play with duck egg blue and gold for a festive ‘Winter’ wonderland vibe.

 

Image: @photogerson

 

3. Use appropriate furniture

 

Festive events are usually when we see 20-plus people around the table, so look into hiring some furniture to fit everyone in with enough elbow room as well as to create a beautiful and consistent table.

Here are our top hire items we think are essential when planning a festive event:

–    Hydration stations – AKA, Bars. If you have a larger guest list, or two separate entertaining areas, consider hiring multiple bars.

–    Beverage Accessories: glassware, water carafes, champagne bowls and ice buckets.

–    Tables & Chairs – to suit your event style. Bar chairs & tables and lounges for a cocktail vibe, or long banquet tables & chairs for seated.

–    Shade – whether it be a marquee, or luxury tent, this is a big one if you are hosting a large celebration.

–    Lighting – especially if your festivities will run into the evening.

 

4. Communication and flexibility is key

 

Understand all of your vendors’ needs – from power requirements to space needed and time frames. Look at the event holistically and then make sure those needs are fulfilled as much as possible to avoid misunderstandings or issues on the day. Know what everyone is and isn’t taking care of so you can identify any double-ups or gaps that need to be resolved.