The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Ball is one of the most prestigious nights in our city and we were thrilled to design the décor for the Spring gala that took place on April 22, 2022.
Event Design Inspiration: Renew, Refresh, and Rediscover
The gorgeous invitation that the CSO designed for the Symphony Ball boasted strong vibrant colors and lots of greens for a springtime-in-the-garden feel. The theme of the Ball – “It’s time to renew, refresh, and rediscover” – mirrored the idea of rebirth and fresh starts, as the season of Spring is associated with.
With attention down to the finest detail, Vince Hart, founder of VH Designs, set out to completely transform the event space through flowers, glasses, lighting, linens, and chairs with the idea that guests wouldn’t even realize they were stepping into a hotel ballroom.
Putting It Altogether
Vivid Spring time colors, such as citron green, purples, magenta, and blues, were the main stars of the color palette.
The preconcert VIP cocktail reception in Buntrock Hall was decorated with a central design of spring flowering branches in shades of pink and spring greens. Dinner, dancing, and festivities was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago immediately following the concert.
Outside the ballroom, lounge seating in soft velvets with accents of citron and jewel tone pillows offered the guests a place to relax and catch up. Flanking the doors to the ballroom were classic planter boxes with tall topiary tress with low gardens of ferns and ivy.
As guests made their way into the ballroom they were greeted by dramatic centerpieces on the tables. Half the tables had tall glass vases and grand designs of camellia foliage surrounded by low crystal urns of spring floral in shades of magenta, plum, apricot, pale blue, purple, and shades of green. Crystal and gold votive candles added sparkle. The other half of the tables featured low glass compote with wispy designs of camellia foliage and spring time florals. Brushed gold candlesticks with tall pillar candles and low crystal votives completed the look.
One of the most unique and impacting features of the Ball was the place-card table design where hundreds of skeleton leaves hung from the branches.
Our favorite “behind the scenes” moment was seeing hundreds of stems of gorgeous six-foot tall southern camellia branches, some that were in bloom, arrive at our studio!
We loved partnering with CSO to bring together a classic, dramatic, and elegant feel for this esteemed evening.