The Party Is On... And On And On!

Each year, Atlanta-based consulting firm BDR Partners hosts a surprise event for its employees and their spouses. For the special 10^th-anniversary celebration, the company wanted to host a big splash that would top the previous year’s rooftop party with helicopter rides. Armed with a directive to pull out all the stops, we incorporated lots of our favorite event elements plus a few new ones to design a party that progressed through the evening and into the night with a constant flow of surprises.

To kick the evening off in style, and to ensure an air of mystery surrounded the event, we sent cars throughout the city to pick up guests and deliver them to an elegant cocktail reception at 103 West. Outside this private event venue, guests were greeted by an eight-piece brass band before enjoying deluxe cocktails and charcuterie.

While the setting could have easily accommodated the entire celebration, guests were soon ushered back outside where the brass band stepped it up with NOLA-style tunes as a police escort arrived with a procession led by Baton Bob atop a vintage convertible Buick, three branded trolleys and a truck displaying the message “We’re Just Getting Started.” For both the company and the party, that could not have been truer.

Guests boarded the trolleys, each of which featured a singalong host who got riders energized for their next stop on the journey. Caravanning down Peachtree Street, the parade of police, Buick, truck, and trolleys ended at KR SteakBar where guests were greeted by bright white, 6-ft., 3D BDR letters (great for photos!), stilt walkers, a step show and a drumline. Of course, the brass band had more music in them, and Baton Bob joined in the fun. After the step team taught the crowd a special BDR chant, the antics culminated at the 24-ft. round, red carpet, and guests settled into KR SteakBar’s garden for a seated dinner. The pallet-wood walls imparted an intimate atmosphere for the party of 50.

During a dinner of the restaurant’s notable Italian fare, guests enjoyed the sounds of a jazz trio interspersed with congratulatory speeches, a spoof marketing video, and a visit from award-winning Chef Kevin Rathbun.

Because the host had reserved the entire restaurant, the group next moved inside for the “after party,” with today’s latest must-have party features like a social media photo booth, LED sunglasses, lighted boas, and other fun partywear. Platinum Band performed the hits everyone likes to dance to – ending with “[The Ceiling] Can’t Hold Us,” and guests enjoyed what they thought was the final piece of the program. Until…

“Wheeet! Wheeet!” Four sexy “cops” entered the restaurant shouting, “Raid!” The officers pushed guests through the kitchen into the Speakeasy where white leather lounge furniture and red branded pillows awaited them. An upbeat yet relaxing end to the celebration, the “after-after party” featured vibe music from DJ Mike Zarin, BDR-branded pashminas and flip flops, and late-night snacks like sliders and fries to keep the big bash going until the wee hours.