Bronson van Wyck’s parties are no dull affairs. Known as the “Wizard of Oz of party planning,” van Wyck manages to keep his notoriously magical and over-the-top extravaganzas “whimsical and authentic.” They can even be executed “on a dime,” according to Palm Beach philanthropist Amy Phelan. Her New Year’s Eve party for 150 guests some years back was produced with just eight days’ notice.
“This stuff doesn’t stress me out,” he says. “Some people are used to throwing a dinner party for 40 or 50 guests, but not so much when it comes to 400 people. I do this every day. So, once I get the fundamentals down, then I go about with the dream.”
Van Wyck’s dream for this year’s Palm Beach amfAR gala makes the most of its venue, Ken Griffin’s astonishing oceanfront property. “I’ve never met anyone who loves Palm Beach as much as Ken Griffin,” says van Wyck, “and it’s not every day on gets to host a party in a spot like this, it’s all open land and sea and sky. So of course we’re bringing fire.”
As his illustrations exhibit, van Wyck fully utilizes Griffin’s land by the sea, which features an abundance of breezy tropical trees and fauna.
“To have a party in Palm Beach in March that doesn’t embrace the outdoors is like bringing a knife to a gun fight,” he quips. “Don’t get me wrong, I love a gorgeous tent, and we always have a bad weather plan, knock on wood. But on a beautiful night, what feels better than throwing open the walls and dining al fresco in candlelight?”