618 EVENTS

Event Planner Blog Posts

Curious about what events 618 EVENTS has planned in the Champaign-Urbana area? Check out the details here.

Cari's Dîner En Blanc

618 events

Have you ever heard of Dîner En Blanc? I hadn’t either until my client contacted me wanting to throw this party but unsure how/where to start. I immediately did lots of research to wrap my brain around what this event entails. Here’s what I found:

Started in France, Dîner En Blanc is an exclusive ticketed event that happens all over the world in large cities. Guests are instructed to wear white and bring all their own food and dining elements. Yes you read that right- so we’re talking table, chairs, serveware, glassware, china, tablecloth plus decor, food, drinks…anything and everything they want! Here’s another big twist…they don’t know the exact location (within the city they live) until a couple hours before the event starts. How fun!

So, my client had attended one in NYC and wanted to throw a similar party for her friends here in Champaign. The one difference is that guests did know the location upon receiving the invitation BUT they did still bring all their own items.

Vendors:

  • Event Coordinator - 618 EVENTS, Maggie

  • Venue- Cari’s Farm, LLC

  • Invitations- AP Calligraphy

  • Lighting- Prospect Sound and Lighting

  • Rentals (lounge furniture, feather decor, high top tables + linens)- Create A Scene

  • Live Music- UIUC Music Department

  • Charcuterie Board- Allison May

One iconic part about the Dîner En Blanc is the napkin wave to signify the beginning of dinner. Of course we implemented this at Cari’s party.

618 events
618 events

Guests were instructed to show up around 30 minutes before dinner started to allow time for set up. I was SO impressed with how guests got really into the theme- they indeed brought table decor, real china and glassware.

After dinner, guests were able to mingle and enjoy the delightful music and beautiful evening. Cari lives on a farm so kids and adults alike could enjoy the goats and chickens.

Definitely love a good theme and with how unique this one was it was a total blast to plan this party from start to finish! Thanks Cari for letting me play a role in creating your dream!

Maggie Farchmin