Rhoda's 50th Birthday
The Tattershall Club, Brisbane City
Rhoda’s 50th was designed with a clear intention from the beginning. The space already carried strong architectural character, so rather than competing with it, the focus was on refinement. Through considered Brisbane event styling, planning and on-the-day coordination, each element was layered in a way that felt cohesive, grounded and quietly elevated. The result was a space that felt complete without feeling overdone, where every detail sat exactly where it should.
Backdrop
The backdrop was approached as part of the room, not something placed into it. After reviewing the venue’s existing tones, the styling team proposed a burgundy and green palette designed to sit naturally within the space.
Green velvet draping created depth, while black arches introduced structure. Florals were kept full and organic, arranged in a way that felt balanced rather than overly styled. As with every Lush & Lavish Events backdrop, the intention was to create impact without disconnecting from the room it sits within.
What are the benefits of consulting an event stylist on backdrop colours instead of sticking to a strict palette?
Most clients choose colours in isolation, often based on trends, inspiration images or personal preference. The challenge is that these colours are rarely considered in the context of the venue itself. When introduced into a space with strong architectural tones, finishes or lighting, they can feel disconnected or slightly off, even if the palette is beautiful on its own.
When colour is selected in response to the venue, everything begins to sit more naturally. Existing elements such as wall tones, flooring, lighting and architectural features are taken into account, allowing the palette to enhance what is already there rather than compete with it. The result feels more refined, even if the individual elements remain the same.
It is not about limiting creativity, but about directing it. A well-considered palette will always feel more elevated because it belongs within the space, rather than being placed on top of it.
Welcome Area
The entrance was treated as the beginning of the experience, not a separate element. The styling team proposed a fabric seating plan in a deep burgundy tone, moving away from a standard printed format to something with more presence.
This was paired with a draped welcome sign, with florals and black plinths layered through the space to introduce height and balance. The styling carried through naturally into the main room, so nothing felt like it had been added as an afterthought.
How do I make my entrance styling feel intentional?
An entrance becomes intentional when it is treated as part of the overall experience, not something added in at the end. Placement plays a significant role. When it sits directly in the natural path of arriving guests, it feels integrated into the event rather than optional.
Consistency is equally important. The entrance should reflect the same styling direction as the main space, whether through colour, materials or overall composition. This creates a sense of flow, where guests move through the event without noticing a shift in design.
When either of these elements is missing, the difference is subtle but noticeable. An entrance placed off to the side or styled differently to the rest of the event can feel disconnected, even if each individual element is well executed. Bringing these details into alignment is what makes the space feel considered from the very beginning.
Table Centerpieces
Across nine tables, tall gold plinth floral centrepieces were used, each one consistent in scale and composition. The styling team ensured the florals aligned with those already present in the venue, avoiding any variation that might distract from the overall look.
Lighting was layered beneath each arrangement using LED pillar candles and tealights. The effect was subtle, adding warmth without drawing attention away from the tables themselves.
When should I use real flame vs LED candles?
This decision is often guided by venue restrictions, but it also has a strong impact on the overall finish of the styling. Many venues require open flames to be enclosed in glass, which can introduce additional elements that were not part of the original design. Depending on the arrangement, this can interrupt clean lines or make the setting feel slightly heavier than intended.
LED candles offer a more controlled alternative. They allow for consistency in both light and placement, without the need for additional coverings or adjustments. This is particularly relevant when working with taper candles or more structured arrangements, where simplicity plays a key role in the overall look.
While real flame can create a certain atmosphere, the visual outcome is not always as refined within a styled setting. Choosing between the two is less about preference and more about what will maintain the integrity of the design within the space.
Event Planning & Coordination
With the client overseas, the planning team managed all communication directly with the venue, ensuring decisions were made clearly and without delay. This avoided the back and forth that often leads to confusion or missed details.
The floor plan was refined to suit the event, while seating arrangements were confirmed in collaboration with the client. Menus were coordinated with the venue, while the graphic design team developed, printed and prepared all menu cards and place cards to align with the styling direction. Each piece was then collected and arranged on the day as part of the final setup.
Additional opportunities within the venue were also reviewed independently. Through this process, the team identified the option to install fairy lights across the balcony. Once proposed and approved, it became a defining feature, adding depth to the room without altering its character.
Behind the scenes, coordination with the venue also extended to key structural elements, including ensuring the stage aligned in both scale and colour with the overall design. These are often the details that go unnoticed when done well, but stand out immediately when they are not.
On the day, the coordination team managed the setup, styling placement and timeline execution. Any issues were handled directly, without needing to involve the client.
How can using an event planner and on-the-day coordinator help?
Without support, most clients are left managing venue communication, timelines and last-minute decisions while trying to get ready. This is where details are missed or compromised.
With the right team in place, those decisions are already handled. There is no need to field calls, resolve issues or check on setup. Everything is in place before you arrive, and the day runs as it should. The difference is not always visible, but it is always felt.
What to do next
If you are ready to begin planning your event styling, the process is designed to feel seamless from start to finish.
- Start by completing our event enquiry form so we can understand your vision, requirements, and overall brief. From there, our team will be in touch by phone to discuss your event in more detail, as every Lush & Lavish Events experience is tailored specifically to the client and occasion. You will then receive an initial price estimate along with deposit details to secure your date.
- Once confirmed, we take care of the planning and coordination process, keeping in regular contact to ensure everything remains aligned as your event approaches. A formal quote and final payment will be issued closer to your event date, followed by full on-site installation where our team brings your styling to life. Depending on the scale of the event, venue access may be required the day prior to ensure every detail is executed to perfection.
- After your event, our team returns to pack down all hired items, ensuring everything is removed efficiently so you can simply enjoy the occasion without any added stress.
Additional Services
Beyond styling, our team offers a range of services to support your eventfrom start to finish.
On-the-day coordination ensures your timeline runs smoothly, managing vendors, guests and logistics so you, your partner and your family can remain fully present. Our coordinators oversee the runsheet, handle any unexpected changes and ensure everything flows as planned.
Our event planning team can assist with sourcing and coordinating trusted vendors, using established industry relationships to secure high-quality services that align with your vision.
For clients who need additional support on the day, our MC service ensures announcements are handled professionally and the event stays on schedule. From guiding guests to managing key moments, we create a seamless experience where everything happens when it should, without unnecessary interruptions.