Wendt Mixes Natural Elements, Patterns, Pizazz for a Knock-Out Party

Ron Wendt is an expert at throwing parties worth remembering.

For parties designed by his company, Ron Wendt Designs, floral arrangements and plants play a large part in the event design. So do contrasts created by incorporating and contrasting textures, patterns, colors and surface quality, and mixing natural elements with the manmade.

No matter the occasion, the event design should incorporate the owner’s personal style and goals for the party, said Wendt, who splits his time between New York City and Bridgehampton.

“The greatest thing that a guest can say to the owner is, ‘This is so you,’” he said. “I can consider it a success if I can relay a message and have the owner’s personality come through. It’s the greatest thing to do.”

RWD provides party designs for upscale corporate events, intimate private parties and romantic weddings, according to Wendt. Their signature style combines sophisticated artistry with a classic aesthetic that’s tailored for each event.

Some of RWD's past events include Drew Barrymore’s engagement party, the wedding of Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, Caroline Kennedy’s 50th birthday party and Chopard’s 150th anniversary celebration. Clients include Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., The Whitney Museum of American Art and others.

While each party receives a unique design developed with the client, Wendt revealed some considerations he incorporates to create a dramatic setting that guests may not forget.

The shortlist includes a color scheme that has some pop and lighting that sets the scene for arrival and departure. “What guests see on the way out is what they will remember,” Wendt said. “It’s the final impression of the evening.”

Alternating elements throughout the room with matte and reflective surfaces is another tip. So is using textures within table settings to create dimension and volume.

Incorporating elements from nature is important, he said. So is selecting plants and flowers that are natural for the time and location of the party. “It makes it feel more intimate and it fits in the environment,” Wendt said.  

Here are Wendt’s top five tips for a successful late summer party:  

1. A predominance of crisp, cool white linen or cotton tablecloths, chairs, etc. as a backdrop.
2. Farm Stand flowers as most garden hydrangeas are done by August. Zinnias or Cosmos!
3. Lighting: Candles, candles, candles and white paper lanterns to sway in the breeze.
4. A punch of a color like orange to add an accent to the all white background of the linens, such as napkins or water goblets, etc. (It should look white with orange, not the other way around.)
5. Always … always have a great playlist peppered with retro!