Exclusivity plays a huge role in a hotspot maintaining that "it" factor. However, if your view of the scene is obstructed by a debacle at the door, your luck is quickly about to change!
Specifically, my years of experience in event planning and the luxury lifestyle in the nation's top markets have taught me a thing or two about how to avoid being permanently stuck on the wrong side of the velvet rope.
Without further ado, here is a crash course on "iron-clad door etiquette":
1) Maintain A Club Friendly Ratio And Crowd
Males, this especially applies to you. Unless you are an A-lister, don't bank on your entire gaggle of guys getting in. Specifically, you will want a desirable ratio of girls to guys, with females in the majority (this shouldn't be too big a problem in Manhattan, there are allegedly two girls for every guy).
Also, it is key to "look the part". Specifically, if you are going to a "Leather and Lace" night, do not come clad in newly pressed Khakis and deck shoes (although if you view the latter look as nightwear friendly, you are a walking "What Not To Wear" advertisement).
2) Feign An "In" With The Doorman
Ensuring that the ratio falls in your favor is just one piece of the pre-outing required research. Specifically, before you even stake your position in the seemingly never-ending line, brush up on who will be manning the door (either from clued-in friends, nightlife blogs, or online club reviews). Since some of the scenester haunts maintain a rotation of door staff, make sure you know who will be in charge the night you plan on coming by.
Once you reach the head of the line (and yes, this might take a while but remember, Rome wasn't built in a day), greet the doorman like an old friend. Specifically, offer a breezy "hello" and casually drop their first name. Don't be surprised or intimidated if the clipboard wielder gives you an intense stare (he or she is trying to place you) and during this brief few seconds (which may feel like an eternity), maintain your cool.
Trina Albus, founder and president of ripe, echoes the sentiment of staying cool and friendly with the doorman. Says Albus: "Giving attitude or emitting a sense of entitlement will often guarantee you to be shut down. What's worse is that the doorman may likely remember you the next time around if you threw a big enough fit. The best advice when you get turned away - say thank you and go somewhere else."
What will likely ensue is one of the following two outcomes:
a. Best case scenario (most likely if you arrive early in the evening and are with a small group) you and your entourage are immediately allowed in.
b. Less ideal (but still not defeatist) scenario, the doorman asks how you know him. Rather than a lengthy brown-nosing response, nonchalantly respond "from here of course". Note: if you are at a new spot, slot in the venue name where the doorman worked prior (which you have already researched).
3) Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
Namedropping the evening's turntable talent also helps maximize your chances of getting in. Not only do DJ's often invite their inner circle to their gigs but the likelihood of a doorman leaving his post to interrupt a busy DJ during his set to ask if you are legit is slim to none. Note that in the case of a "mega DJ" this approach is not recommended (as "everybody knows the DJ").
About the Author:
Bess Devenow, is the VP of Special Events & Marketing at ripe, an award-winning event planning service, luxury lifestyle concierge and strategic marketing service that supports New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Las Vegas. If you haven't met her out on the town yet, email bess@ripeevents.com or check out ripe events online.
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