Backdrops Fantastic Blog » Christmas Backdrops

A letter to Backdrops Fantastic

Backdrops Fantastic — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Every now and then you receive an unexpected compliment and it confirms everything you are trying to do. All of us at Backdrops Fantastic were so humbled by the recent words of our client Dave Pinkham of ALL CAPPS Productions. Dave took the time to write a letter after renting backdrops for the Nutcracker and because he expressed so many of Backdrops Fantastic’s goals as a company we wanted to share this letter.

Dear Backdrops Fantastic,
I think you know that I have been very appreciative of the excellent customer service, wonderful telephone manner and “fantastic” level of communication your company has shown me in the last two years.
I have been renting backdrops for this and other productions for 11 years, now, and I can say without qualification that Backdrops Fantastic is, in a word, Fantastic!
Where others treat my little, one-man production company like a fly on the wall… perhaps because I “only” rent once or twice a year, every person I have spoken with at Backdrops Fantastic, without exception, has treated me like a valued customer, has listened to my needs and concerns and worked WITH me to make my shows a success.
I have, over the years, suffered a few “horror stories” with regard to drops, so it’s always a stressful item on the agenda — getting the drops reserved, confirming the reservation and dates, confirming availability, ensuring shipment to the right address on the right day at the right time…
and so on, and so on. Your process is easy, proactive (I love getting calls and shipping updates so I know that the drops are on the way), and communicative. I particularly like your year-to-year agreement.
The first time we did business together, you “saved” me when a reservation I had for drops with another company got “lost” in their card file somehow and, with only a few weeks before opening I was left with no Nutcracker drops. I called every company I know about and came across yours via internet searching. Maureen was the first sympathetic person I talked to in all of my searching and you collectively managed to find a way to get drops to me in time to save the day.
I have since recommended your company to anyone who has asked me where to get drops, yours will always be the first on my list, not just because of the “save,” but because of your consistent follow-up and reliable service, combined with a superior product. I can tell by your attention to detail with regard to where and when the drops need to be returned, that you are treating every customer down the line in a similar way.
I expect to be producing the Nutcracker for years to come and expect to be a long time customer. I do direct one or two other shows during the year as well, and we occasionally rent drops for those as well, so I may well be in the market again soon.
Thanks for demonstrating the value of a customer-care focus and excellent quality.
-Dave Pinkham
ALLCAPS Productions

Holiday Tips #6 & #7

Backdrops Fantastic — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Yes, a combination post again, but these two tips go hand in hand….

#6- Makes a Scene

If there was ever a time to go over the top, the holidays are a great excuse! Now, I know this sounds like a complete contradiction from this post, but really, it all just depends on the party. Do you have a super budget? If yes, then blow your clients out of the water! Be unique, be over the top, make your even the most talked about one in town. Create some buzz!

#7- Plan, plan plan!!

Yes, event planning is detail after detail, and you can really never overthink the smallest detail. Remember, from the first invitation to the final goodbye, this party is in YOUR hands, so make sure your stamp is over everything. Think about a unique stamp for the invitations, cleverly designed parking, maybe a unique outfit for waitstaff…. this event is your oyster! GO out there and make it your own!

December Party Countdown

Backdrops Fantastic — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:02:00 +0000

It’s the 2nd of December, and the countdown to Christmas has begun. So, to honor my favorite month, each day I’ll post a helpful hint, fun fact or general tidbit on how to not only survive the month as a party planner, but enjoy every bit of it! Since we did not start yesterday, I’ll get us going with 2 helpful tips:

#1 Christmas Color is Not Limited to Green and Red
Of course we all have our favorite red and green ensemble and tree, but don’t forget if you’re decorating for a holiday party, you really have a nice broad range of colors to choose from! Try Purple and Gold together, or even Blue and Silver to create a wintery wonderland. Red and Green are great, but don’t leave the other colors out!
Example:
Check out this winter wonderland party below:

#2 Don’t be Afraid to Splurge on Creativity
Economic times are tough, but if you’re a savvy party planner, you’ll know how to not only get a bang for your buck, but be able to take some string, glue and glitter and turn it into an amazing party atmosphere! Use your brain, think outside of the box… FYI, sometimes “Christmas themed stuff” isn’t necessarily on sale for holiday dates, but rather than the traditional “Dickens” or “Nutcracker” look, how about Christmas in Miami or an 80’s Christmas bash? You might be able to negotiate for better prices as those items might not be as popular…

Check back in tomorrow for more fun facts!

We Heart the Nutcracker

Backdrops Fantastic — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Tomorrow is December 1st. Yes, that means that more holiday music is playing on the radio, and commercials are sporting happy people in sweaters drinking hot chocolate in front of brightly decorated trees. Holiday parties will be in full swing, cards will be sent, and eggnog will be stocked in every grocery store.

In addition to the wonderful Christmas spectacle, we are especially excited about a holiday tradition and event that so many of our clients take advantage of:
THE NUTCRACKER!!

Yes, the Nutcracker, where all of the little girls want to be Clara next year, and want to grow up to be the beautiful Snow Queen one day. The Nutcracker, where in one 2-hour sitting, you can go from Victorian times to a snow-covered fantasy, to the Kingdom of Sweets without ever leaving your seat!

We applaud our dance clients for mounting such a huge show at such a busy time. We love how so many people are involved in this one show. We love the Nutcracker here, and we are so glad that we can play a small part in so many different dance studio’s happy events with some of the following:

Congratulations, dance teachers! Break a leg, and know that we’re here to help you however we can!

Who’s excited for….

Backdrops Fantastic — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:49:00 +0000

THIS!!!

One of our favorite movies in a new rendition is opening Friday- and we’ve got the perfect backdrop to celebrate- THIS!!!

What are you inspired by? Movies? Music? Everyday things? It’s always wonderful to see that the mainstream stuff people are pumped about can also be transformed into their party ideas.

Think about what you love that is out there in the world, and then give us a call and let us help you bring your vision to life!

There’s a Chill in the Air..

Backdrops Fantastic — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Our office is in Georgia, so whenever the first hint of fall hits the air, we get pretty excited. We break out the long sleeve shirts, put away the flip flops, and anxiously watch the thermometer for that one morning when we can don a jacket to get to work. This breath of fresh (and chilly) air puts us in the mindset of what’s to come- college football tailgating, Thanksgiving dinner, and of course the many holiday parties just around the corner. That goodness, Backdrops Fantastic is right there with a look for everything going on in the weeks and months to come.

A change of reason for a change of season

Backdrops Fantastic — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 +0000

Fall is in the air. I can feel it as I head to work each morning. Even though we’re in the deep south, the hint of it is there in the dropping temperatures and in the colors of the leaves as they slowly start to change.
As I think about fall, I’m sure other event planners, dance teachers, drama directors and church leaders have it on their minds as well. Once fall hits, the holidays are not far behind. And holiday season means party time, Nutcracker performances, church Choir shows, and annual Christmas pageants.
I hope you will use this new season as an automatic jumpstart on what you’ve got going on for the holidays. Don’t let Fall slip away- and don’t let yourself be rushed for whatever holiday stuff you’ve got going on. Plan now, reserve early and check things off your list! While you’re in your planning mode, check just a few of the great backdrops we’ve got for all of your holiday needs!