“The night was amazing. Eventify offer such a good personable service. They know the venues and how to put an event together. Both Sam and Becky are experts in event management!! They are professional and will always consider all the elements of the night to help you plan the perfect events.”

Michelle Wright, Event Manager, Aston Lark

Their previous event was held at the notorious Café de Paris – have a read of the case study to find out all the details. For this follow-up event they wanted an equally ‘statement’ venue with a sumptuous vibe.  In January 2020, we compiled a detailed venue proposal using our first-hand experience and in-depth understanding of their brief. Together with the client, we conducted site visits at Sheraton Grand Park Lane, Sway Bar, Salsa Temple and their final chosen venue, Proud Embankment which was the clear winner! 

The style of venue is perfect for a ball – decadently grand with plenty of space to accommodate their 600 guests. Proud Embankment, situated directly under Waterloo Bridge, is the West End’s venue of choice for a wide range of events from celebrity parties to intimate dinners, champagne receptions, corporate away days and club nights. The venue has hosted some of London’s most prestigious events, including The Elle Style Awards and the BRITS after-party with Universal Music and Soho House. We have worked at the venue many times and love the fabulous viewing area overlooking the River Thames and Victoria Embankment. Furthermore, the location ticked all the right boxes being walking distance to several train and tube stations. The only issue we faced; the total bill was slightly over their budget. To remedy this, we used all our negotiation skills and relationship with Proud Embankment to agree on a package that suited the client perfectly.   

In February 2020, the venue was confirmed, as were our event management services. It was all steam ahead, that is until COVID struck. The client held out for a few months, hoping all would be ok. However, by summer 2020, the decision was made to postpone the event until October 2021.  Thankfully by summer 2021, with restrictions lifting, pre-event site visits with the client and venue operations teams could resume.  By September, menu tasting sessions could go ahead.  

After months of postponements and planning, at last, it was the night of the ball! The venue looked stunning with pink and purple lighting – Aston Lark’s brand colours – with screens around the dancefloor showing branded content. Guests arrived from 18.30 to enjoy a champagne and canape reception complete with an aerialist act, a spectacular way to kick off the night. The CEO and MD gave speeches followed by a short awards ceremony to congratulate top performers and a staff raffle.  

Next up, generously sized bowl food was served. The menu consisted of roasted salmon with teriyaki, chicken curry and vegetarian dishes, then chocolate brownies with a salted caramel sauce in a bamboo cup for dessert. 

Entertainment was provided throughout the evening. A fire act performed during dinner and drinks and a photo booth stationed close to the dancefloor for staff selfies! The resident DJ played up-tempo beats and dancefloor classics. Occasional furniture and mezzanine level was perfect for those who wanted to take a break from the dancefloor. For those with late-night munchies, snacks were served at 11 pm – beef and veggie burgers. The event finished at 12.30.

? Estimating process – 5/5

? Site visit quality – 5/5

? Pre-event management, responsiveness, knowledge, willingness to help – 5/5

? Management on the day – 5/5

? Invoicing – 5/5

? Value for money – 5/5