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- Make an appointment with a costume shop or supplier.
- Many costume shops have books of pictures or picture boards that display the various types of costumes available for your event.
- Select a costume that fits with your theme and arrange for a fitting to make sure everything fits properly.
- You should allow plenty of time to select a costume and get fitted. Sometimes this can take up to an hour or more, especially if other people are in the store at the same time.
- Some costume stores or designers can custom make an outfit for you but you need to allow at least a few weeks or a month for them to finalize the production.
- Think about the shoes that you may need to wear. Costume shops vary, some carry a full supply of shoes and some don't. Ask ahead of time so you're not scrambling at the last minute to try to find shoes for a themed costume with no place to turn!
- Costume shops require a deposit in order to rent a costume. This deposit covers expenses in the event that you return a damaged costume.
- Wigs can be rented or purchased. If you buy a wig you can either have it dry cleaned after you've finished wearing it or you can wash the lining by hand, not the hair.
- If you're renting things like Santa wigs and beards then remember to get the other accompanying items like white stick to white out your eye brows, rouge for your cheeks, glasses, etc. This will give you a more authentic look. Spirit gum is used to hold the beard in place and to remove the adhesive later you can apply spirit gum remover.
DECOR TIPS & SUGGESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR NEXT EVENT
- The first step in decorating is to decide whether or not you will be having any kind of a theme. Once you establish this the doors should begin to open for you as you progress through the research and development of your event.
- Themes are a little easier to work with because you can draw upon several different ideas tied into the concept you're working with. If you're planning a tropical theme party the list is endless.
- Many theme party decorators suggest that you brainstorm and let your imagination run wild. Here's how you do it:
- Get several sheets of paper
- Find a peaceful place to sit, put on your favorite music, or make a cup of tea, etc. Get comfortable so you will not be distracted. Pick a time in your day when you feel good about yourself and can think clearly.
- Begin by writing everything on the paper that you even remotely associate with your theme. For example, for a tropical brainstorming session, the list would look something like this: palm trees, seashells, parrots, Hawaii, Hawaiian shirts, hula dancers, fire-eating, coconuts, sand, raffia, Polynesia, steel drums, Jamaica, leis, tropical drinks, tropical attire and hats, fiber mats, raffia skirting, tea leaves, masks, sea horses, tropical birds and fish, underwater, coral reefs, boats, yachts, cruises, sailing, anything to do with the water, colors of fuchsia and teal and yellow, etc., jellyfish, and so on. Just keep going until you can't write any more associations.
- Do the same thing with food. Think of all of the foods you associate with a tropical party.
- Now, you need to decide if this is something you want to tackle on your own or should you hire a professional? For the do-it-your-selfer this can be fun but if you're planning an event of any size you'll have plenty to do without getting involved in the party decorating business. Plus, who's going to set everything up for you and take it down? You need to be fresh and alert and the host or hostess not the person at the top of the ladder attaching decor to the ceiling.
- There are many creative companies available who specialize in providing decor, balloons, props, scenery, centerpieces, floral arrangements, entertainment, seating cards, signs, sign in boards and creative party ideas for theme parties and special events. Once you establish your theme idea take it to a pro and let them package everything for you. You'll be glad you did!
- Always find out what time you can get into your party room to begin with the decorating! Many venues rent out their facility all day. There may be a party in your chosen room in the morning and you'll only have a two hour turnaround time after that party ends, before yours begins. Your decorator may have to hire additional staff in order to set your party up in a shorter time period.
- Most establishments have rules that apply to decorating. Some venues allow you to attach things to their ceiling or walls and some don't. Always get a list of rules from your catering director to ensure that you don't plan to do something that can't be done in your room.
- Fire marshals require fire permits for the use of many different kinds of fabric, candles and other decor items. This policy will vary but you should inquire as to the guidelines you'll need to use when decorating your event.
- Find out about cleanup. Do you need to make arrangements for someone to remove the balloons from the venue after the event or will the cleanup crew take care of it for you?