Cheryl Gaydas-Eng International Polo Club Palm Beach
What is your title, and what does that position entail?
I am the creative director. On an event level, that means that I am responsible for the design, look and feel of the event, including the florals. I try to customize the look of each event to reflect the customers’ vision and dreams, and bring that to life while keeping a cohesiveness throughout. On a broader level, I am involved with the redecorating and redesign of many of our public spaces at our venues, including our receptions hall and ballroom, including the one featured here. We gave it a bit of a face lift last year with new classic wall paneling, cream-colored grass cloth walls and 10 new beautiful three-tier transitional chandeliers, which can be dressed up or down according to the event.
Speaking of the International Polo Club Pavilion,
how would you describe this venue?
This is a relatively new venue for us since its purchase over a year ago. We are all very excited about this unique venue, because there are so many possibilities from ceremony to reception with the vast, beautiful polo fields and adjacent pond. What separates IPC, in my opinion, from other venues is that it is so iconically linked to polo and the “equestrian lifestyle.” Even if you are not a horse person, the beautiful grounds and authenticity encapsulate you. I believe it adds another dimension to your event as a result. One might say it is #veryT&C (Town & Country).
What are your favorite trends?
Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” I am very much of this school. However, in saying that, I like to keep events fresh, current and chic. I try to encourage wedding clients to incorporate maybe only one or two of the current trends, while keeping the other elements timeless. Other events, such as corporate, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc., have the opportunity to be a little more trendy, in my opinion.
What are the up-and-coming color trends?
Metallics are a big trend this coming year. They are the new neutrals, and we know how much everyone loves neutrals! However, in addition, we are seeing much bolder color statements and complementary colors as well. We started seeing part of this trend in home furnishings over the last year, with the RH dark jewel toned velvet sofas, charcoal-colored wall paint and a pop of gold. This is now trickling down into the event market as well.
How do your corporate events compare to weddings?
As I touched on earlier, I think there can sometimes be a bit more freedom with corporate events. Some corporate events we do are themed, and those are always very fun to do, while others can be very strict, only using corporate colors so the look is consistent from year to year. On many levels, however, they are much the same. Each company, like each bride and groom, are unique, and we are here to make their event specially designed to fit their wishes. Whether their style is contemporary or traditional, we seem to do a mix of all, and I love all of the variety. It is important to me that each event has a uniqueness of its own.
The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.
