10 Ways to Make a Statement with Your Event Design

Whether you’re having a small birthday party, a big anniversary celebration, or a corporate gathering, event design can really make a huge impact on the feeling of your party. Something I ask clients when we have an event consultation is, “How do you want the people at your event to feel? What emotion are we trying to evoke?”

Here are ten ways to use event design to create a statement, evoke emotion and make your celebration unforgettable

Have an Entrance

Your entrance can vary dependent on the type of event you’re planning, but nothing sets the tone like a grand statement. For example, if you’re having a formal Hollywood style event, make the entrance even more impactful than just a red carpet by getting a banner for photo opportunities. You can order a custom banner with your company logo, or even family name. In the industry, it’s called a step and repeat.

Don’t forget the details

Details are something that aren’t noticeably missing, but when included, make a major statement. How many pictures do you see on Pinterest of napkin rings…..a lot. It’s a tiny detail that makes a huge difference in a place setting. Throwing a birthday party with an 80’s theme? Use fun movie themed quotes as place cards for your food. I.e. “I carried a watermelon” by the fruit salad. The little things make a difference in event design! (In case you’re not obsessed like me, that quote is from Dirty Dancing).

Lighting

A poorly lit room can really be a drag. But colorful lights or well placed lights can increase energy, draw attention to a certain area, or create a mood. You can (and should!) use color psychology to light for your event design. For example, blues are soothing, oranges elevate energy, whites are pure.

Repetition

There is comfort in symmetry and repetition. Whether we all realize it or not symmetry is aesthetically pleasing. Use a space planning software or, if you are not wanting to get that fancy, a pencil and paper will do just fine. Plan out the room. You should think about elements like linens, tables, lighting, floral arrangements. Make sure you use these elements in repetition, but don’t overdo it!

Invest in Linens

There is a huge difference between a cheap or plastic tablecloth and a good, pressed linen. You want your event to be put together and professional. Go to a wholesaler, or discount store, or rent some. Make sure they coincide with your party theme as well. You want your event design to be cohesive.

Remember Scale

This is a big topic in interior design and architecture (here comes the educational background!) Scale can make a huge difference in overall feeling in a room. Are you having the ever iconic Alice in Wonderland party? You can make a great statement at your Wonderland party if everything is HUGE and you make people feel as though they’ve gone down the rabbit hole. Alternately, you want to make sure if you’re having a professional event, that you keep things within proper scale. Don’t have giant table centerpieces if the idea is to encourage conversation. Balance, balance, balance.

Interaction

We live in an interactive world, so make your event interactive too! Whether it’s a special hashtag or a photo booth or interavtive activity at the party, have something that makes the guests participate. For example, one thing I like to do for an 80’s party is have a wall banner that guests can write on. I put the headshots of the Breakfast Club characters on the banner and invite guests to identify as “The Brain”, “The Athlete”, “The Princess”, “The Basketcase”, or “The Criminal” . It’s fun and gets everyone talking…..for the record I’m a “brain”…..total nerd.

The Disney Effect

Those of us that were fortunate enough to grow up in Southern California and visit Disneyland know that Disney is always evolving, but never letting you see the construction. They put up cute little barricades that say “Pardon our pixie dust”. So here is what I mean by the Disney Effect. Don’t let people see the behind the scenes of your event design. Make sure there aren’t wires from lighting, dirty server ware, or evidence of the work behind your awesome decor!

Color Combinations

Did you know that Freddy Krueger’s sweater is alternating red and green stripes because they are the two most clashing colors to the retina in our eyes! (Nerd Alert: I watch a lot of behind the scenes movie bonus features) Ok, so I’m not saying to ditch your red and green Christmas party, at all, but just be conscious of your color choices. Reds give people a sense of urgency (think: clearance signs), blues are calming, etc. Want to learn more? Click here to learn more about color psychology.

All the Pieces Fit the Puzzle

I am a huge lover of themes. (Clearly). But nothing makes a party look more put together than a commitment to theme. It could be ponies for a kids party, Mad Hatter tea party for a bridal shower or a corporate party that is themed based on a color. If you were going to do one thing on this list, having everything cohesive makes the biggest statement overall.

Wrap Up

So there you go, 10 of the most common ways I use party decor to make a statement. If you are pumped, excited and ready to plan parties, sign up below to get EventOTB emails (no spam!) and get a fun freebie playlist ebook! If you would like some more event design ideas, check out the Party Decorations board on EventOTB’s Pinterest.

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