A SURPRISE 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY IN HAMPSHIRE 

Kate contacted me approximately 4 months ahead of a surprise 50th birthday party she wanted to throw for her wife. They had married at a very small ceremony during one of the Covid lock-downs and, as such, Kate also wanted to incorporate an informal vow renewal as part of the surprise so that they could celebrate with the friends who hadn’t been able to attend the wedding. By the point she contacted me Kate had already booked a tipi to be erected at the family house but really needed help to source the other suppliers and style the party so that it would offer a more refined experience for their guests.

Guests were welcomed with cocktails of caipirinhas and margaritas along with the obligatory Champagne whilst ‘The Wanderful Four’ played a relaxed set of folk inspired tunes and we waited for the birthday girl to arrive. We received the text from a friend to say they were almost there and the scene was set for the ‘SURPRISE’ moment. She was so delighted! We then explained that we’d also be having a vow renewal, luckily the birthday girl was up for it. I believe this was the first time, Lorna, the celebrant, had written a ceremony without the involvement of both partners. She did a fantastic job and there were more than a few tears from my lovely couple and their guests. Once the ceremony was completed guests took their seats for a wonderful three-course meal provided by caterers Caiger & Co. Drinks from the couples very own wine cellar flowed while guests were entertained by the fantastic band before gathering around the fire pits for a final after-dinner tipple.

Although a photographer didn’t record the party we did manage to get a few pictures behind the scenes of me and the very lovely Liz of Blue Sky Flowers hard at work during the set up which I’m delighted to share with you.

Here’s what Kate had to say about the process of working with Caroline Sian Weddings & Events to plan her surprise 50th birthday party:

“I reached out to a number of party planners in Hampshire, Surrey and London but I chose Caroline as she came across as super competent. Not flappy or soppy… I loved how in control and no-nonsense she seemed. It gave me confidence.

Before I met Caroline I had slight reservations that, being Hampshire-based, she might be limited on the suppliers she worked with but I needn’t have worried, she sourced the best suppliers for my party from across London and the south east.

I could trust Caroline. She is competent, out there in the detail and has the clients’ best interests at heart. She is persistent and will ensure that suppliers are doing exactly what they should be doing.

I would recommend Caroline without hesitation and I’ll be back in touch if I ever have any other celebrations to plan in the future.”

Photographer: Hannah McClune  |  Tipi: Tentario  |  Caterer: Caiger & Co  |  Celebrant: Lorna at Jenny Knight Ceremonies  |  Band: The Wanderful Four via Alive Network  |  Florist: Blue Sky Flowers  |  Place Settings: Couvert  |  Decor Hire: Dress It Yourself |  Stationery: Papier

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CAROLINE