Notes from the Expert - Archive

Roslyn Gaunt, Abracadabra Balloons

How long have you been in business for?

We started from home in December 2000. Then moved to our shop in Bolton Road in Salford on July 14th 2003 and we haven’t looked back since!

What made you want to get into this type of work?

I had an epiphany after attending two parties in as many days. The first one I went to had zero atmosphere. At first I couldn’t put my finger on it – the people were there, the cake was there, the drinks…but there was something missing which left me going away wondering why it was such a let down. The next evening I went to another party with the same number of people and a similar celebration. However, the experience was completely different. When we walked in the there were uniquely designed balloons in the entrance, a dance floor canopy in the main ballroom, the lighting was perfect and the people were all in the same spirit as the decorations. That’s when I realised the importance of decorations to an event. I realised how people are drawn into the themes and enjoy their surroundings. People enjoy being different and every event can be completely different with the decorations. That’s when my mind went into creativity overdrive and by the end of the week I had decided that I was going to set up in business!

How important do you think the decoration of a function room is to an event?

I think it makes a significant difference.   We need to be clear that we are talking about the difference between, say, an event and a meeting.  For example, if a company was holding a routine business meeting it would be inappropriate to decorate the room.  But, if they were holding a sales conference or seminar, or a team building event then room decoration would be appropriate and will add to the event.  Good room decoration and a corporate theme provides a different atmosphere and makes people more responsive to the content of the event.

For weddings a decorated room puts that final touch to a very special day and for other celebrations it can create a real party atmosphere.

You are called Abracadbra Balloons – is it just balloons creations you design?

No not at all. We cater for individuals who want balloon bouquets and we use balloons in some of our room decorations but our main service is somewhat more intangible – we create an atmosphere, theme and ambience to an event. Table centrepieces, chair covers, feathers………you name it – we will use it if it is right for the event!

So how creative do you have to be in designing a theme for a function?

Sometimes very creative indeed!  Creativity is hard to define in any area. I know it sounds like a ‘cinch’ and the only way to describe how not to do it is to see some of the decorations that simply don’t work. I think with all creative work, successful results often look effortless and this is the main objective – but, just because it looks effortless doesn’t mean it is!

Even the simplest of briefs requires creativity, for example if someone said to me “oh, I don’t want much just some flowers on the tables” we would need to make sure that the client has really thought about the impact they want to make.  If they really do just want flowers on the tables, there are so many ways that you can create a visual impact with that.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration?

I love to look at a room like a blank canvass. If we weren’t creative then we couldn’t do our job.  We get inspiration from so many things, something we see during a normal day when we are out and about, from something as apparently mundane as a door to the seasons and landscapes of the year, to a pretty frock or a child’s toy.  It is really like a ‘domino effect’, you start with one thing that leads your imagination to the next step and that continues until you have the full picture in your mind’s eye.  You then have to take the venue into account and determine whether it can accommodate what you have in mind and whether you need to make any amendments to make it work.

I also have to bear in mind that I am creating something to meet a client’s specific needs.  With corporate clients that inspiration can come from their logo or colour scheme, or the type of event they are holding.  For clients whose event is very personal we take a different approach, like a wedding or a special birthday celebration where hobbies or passion for a specific sport is something the client wants reflected as part of their celebration.  We have even done decorations for a funeral!

What are the ‘best bits’ of creating the backdrop for someone’s event?

That is one of the best parts of doing what we do:  being able to transform a bland venue into a colourful and dynamic themed area. The other best bit is seeing peoples’ faces when they enter the room or receive one of our balloon bouquets.

Do you find there are fashions in your line of work? How do you keep on top of the latest trends?

Yes, it is just like apparel in that way. At the moment the trends are feathers and glass bowls on tables. But this will probably change in time. It is part of the fun of the job, spotting trends and sometimes creating them.  Of course, it is part of my rôle to create trends as well as follow them!

If you could give one golden rule to someone decorating a room for a large number of people what would it be?

Often to my own detriment I am a stickler for detail but I think this helps with the job. My advice is that you cannot have too much of this as everything will be noticed. Make sure you have enough time left after finishing the room for any final touches as there always are some!

What are the common mistakes people make when trying to create the right feel for an event?

The old adage ‘less is more’ is definitely applicable when organising a themed event. A lot of people don’t know where to stop. Decorating a room for a party or an event can be very exciting and it is easy to get carried away with ideas. But, too many ideas, themes can make a room look messy and for unprofessional.

Do you normally come up with the ideas for clients or do you have a very specific brief?

We always have ideas whether we have a brief or not! So it is good to keep these ideas stored away for when the time arrives. However, we do not put any pressure on our clients to do anything they don’t want to. In fact, we prefer to listen to our clients instead of bombarding them with what we think is right for their event. We offer a free consultation so we can glean as much information as we possibly can – the more information the better, that way our work is specific to that person or company.

What is your proudest work yet?

Just recently we designed the archway for the set of Anthony Cotton’s new chat show. Usually we don’t get to see our work being appreciated but we can see this on TV whenever we want to! We also did a joint 1st and 4th birthday party at the Sheridan Suite where we put hot air balloons on the tables – the kids loved them! We also had great pleasure decorating the room at The Renaissance for the ALIQUANTUM Glitz and Glamour Ball in October.

Roslyn Gaunt
Abracadabra Balloons
www.abracadabraballoons.co.uk