A Modern Take On Black-And-White Decor

Each year, the University of Georgia Alumni Association celebrates its top “Dawgs” at the Bulldog 100 event, when it recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. WM Events had another opportunity to design this annual event, and for 2019, we created a sophisticated affair that welcomed 850 guests to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s Centennial Ballroom. For this grand affair, we topped 85 dinner rounds with bone velvet linens, placed 425 black votive candles, and created 55 centerpieces with lampshades and another 30 with glowing white cheer sticks in order to impress the roster of high-profile guests.

As any Dawgs fan knows, UGA colors are red, black and white, and this year, we opted to mostly forgo the red, which was already present in the carpet, in favor of a black-and-white décor. Pairing the neutral palette with a mixture of angles and white light, we created a striking atmosphere in the ballroom that elevated the event. And we needn’t have worried – the guests brought pops of red in the form of clothing, bow ties, handbags and more, so the room featured all of the necessary hues. It was enough UGA spirit to please even Hairy Dawg, the UGA mascot, who never misses a Bulldog 100.

While the reception and dinner are important elements, all eyes were on the stage as honorees are introduced. Many were already well-known people and businesses, so guests were excited to learn more about their success. To create a backdrop that matched the level of honorees without competing for attention, we printed 60-by-24-ft. and 24-by-24-ft. graphics in black with outlined geometric shapes in white. A GOBO light cast the Bulldog 100 logo in the center of the graphic, completing the subtle branding.

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Our color palette and décor choices were simple but compelling. Tables featured acrylic table numbers lit from below with LED light bases, providing a glowing effect throughout the room. We took it up a notch with three styles of creative centerpieces. The first design displayed geometric lampshade surrounds filled with a mossed container overflowing with carnations and orchids. A second centerpiece option featured large lampshades with the geometric leitmotif of the event situated atop a tall black vase that glowed from within. Our third design included white cheer sticks arranged in a style to mimic the geometric design. These were paired with white dendrobium orchid garlands with white carnations organically flowing around the lighted shapes. Black and white had never looked so good. Go Dawgs!

Photography: The Decisive Moment