This has been sitting in my inbox for a while. I’ve thought about it too much. Note, this is based on both my concerns and my taste. Not to put down anyone else’s taste. This is just what I would like.
Handpicked guest list. Everyone vetted and vouched for. Handwritten invitations, personally delivered. The requested dress will be something like “formal, lingerie, and formal lingerie.” There will be a dressing room with lots of lockers as well as an extensive collection of clothing people can borrow for the evening.
Well trained (and paid) Dungeon Monitors. Ideally monitors that people will feel comfortable asking for help (that might mean overtly queer, POC, etc.) They don’t play.
A separate person who is there in case anyone has a problem with the host or the DMs.
Very well research and tested policies for helping people who are harmed (in any way.)
Someone who can be a liaison to police, EMS, etc. if something serious happens. They don’t call the police, they handle the police if they show up.
A massive room with lots of space, six St Andrew’s Crosses, six spanking benches, a bunch of hard points for suspensions. Enough room around each cross for a whip and a few movable velvet ropes to put up around a scene if needed.
Lots of couches all around the perimeter. Four smaller rooms around the edge, one chill out room with no play and no music, one room with three beds and lots of safer sex supplies, one role playroom where there will be a description of the scene going on and anyone to stay in the room you have to play along (classroom, medical, etc.,) one room with no music and brighter lights for play that needs more attention.
A pretty bar with lots of non-alcoholic options and lots of ice water. Champagne and some drinks are served, but only until midnight.
The atmosphere is cabaret. More satin than leather. The walls are covered with flocked wallpaper, the light is low but consistent. There are candles around. At the start and maybe again at midnight there is a small burlesque performance and live music. Throughout the night there will be a piano player, a stand-up bass, and a small drum set. There will not be any electronic music of any kind.
When it’s over the band comes out one more time and plays Tom Waits’ “Closing Time” while people come out and sweep up.