I get invited to industry events all the time, and it is always the events planned for event planners that are over the top and super memorable. This time around, I was floored by The Carlu Decadence Gala, celebrating 10 years since they renovated and rejuvenated their 7th floor space at College Park. They didn’t spare any expense here! My fiance doesn’t always love the hours and details of my job, but he sure loves the fact that I get invited (and get a plus one!) to awesome events like this one. If you’re looking for lavish ideas for your next gala or wedding, look no further.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Grand entrance
If you’re looking to wow your guests from the start, have a red carpet with complimentary valet service. A great looking themed entrance also doesn’t hurt!

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Making a first impression
Make a great first impression with guests by having well dressed staff at the front entrance greeting upon entry. A signature cocktail was also a welcomed treat along with lush decor.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Lavish decor
Speaking of lush, every corner of the room was dressed up to the nines. This vase in the Round Room was even wrapped with event graphics.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - The Round Room
My favourite space at the Carlu, and signature to its logo, is the iconic Round Room.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - A rocking dance floor
Lure guests on to the dance floor with a grand chandelier and energizing DJ booth. Bellosound rocked the house! This dance floor was not empty for long.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Lively entertainment
Along with an awesome dance floor needs to be great entertainment. At one point it was a 15-piece band, with 4 string players and 6 brass instruments. It rocked my socks, seriously. Everyone was dancing! When the band took a break, four horn players around the room took turns with their solos on top of event-branded pedestals.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Fish bar
When I wasn’t dancing or gawking at the awesome decor, I was eating (a lot!). In the Sky Room was the fish bar from L-Eat Catering. Frozen fish hung from the ceiling, while guests lined up for delicious raw fish dishes.

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Daniel et Daniel food station
Daniel et Daniel hosted what they called a Meat Bar, a round station of lamb, steak tartar and other yummy delights. Staff had shirts with the menu items so there was no need to ask “what is this you are serving?” Great idea!

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Conveyor belt food station
Inside the main room of the Carlu was a conveyor belt station, delivering goods all night long. Guests loved it!

The Carlu, Decadence gala - Donut bar
On to desserts, Daniel et Daniel converted their bar into a Donut and Cheese bar. It wasn’t just a regular tim hortons donut bar folks, they had flavours like Bailey’s Irish Cream and Lemoncello. Sooo good.

I don’t usually stay too long at industry events but this one was a really well done event. I had a blast. Congrats to the Carlu again for hosting such a wonderful evening and for 10 successful years!


Rebecca Chan is a Toronto event designer and event planner. If you have a brand activation, media launch event, design project, trade show or a special event, connect with her today to see how we can collaborate on your next project.