Beautiful, Functional Event Design

Your next task is to create an atmosphere that is memorable for guests and supports your goals for the event. This is where having a solid theme really helps you brainstorm ideas. Keep your objective in mind as you plan - decoration is one of the first things your guests will notice.

Let's take a look at the flow of the guests' experience. Visualize the event in your mind:

Y  What do your guests see as they arrive at your location?
As you visualize the location and venue, do you need outdoor signage or other directional cues to point the way to the event? Attention-attracting items might be necessary outside so guests know right away that they are in the right place. If the event location isn't clear when walking in the entrance, make sure there is something to point guests in the right direction inside as well.

Y  How will you greet your guests as they enter the room?
A place to sign in or register might be necessary or helpful, as well as a place to get instructions for what to do next, whether that's a schedule or program. Greet guests near the entryway so they can register or sign in without walking into the room wondering where to go or what to do. This may be where you accept gifts if applicable. Sometimes, having greeters at the check-in table is helpful. A good welcome helps guests feel relaxed.

Y  What is the focal point of the experience?
After guests pass the welcome area, they will be looking for a focal point. This may be a stage, a wedding couple standing in front of a backdrop, a podium for presenters, a dance floor, or something else completely. Think about the main event. That is what they are looking for. The decorations for this area should be the room's "centerpiece" - where the eye is naturally drawn. Avoid having multiple focal points. You want a consistent feel in the decorations, but one main visual that attracts the eye right away.

Y  What smells, sights, and sounds do you want guests to experience?
Once guests have oriented themselves, they begin noticing the details. Create a cohesive and unified decorative feel.

Is the lighting supportive and appropriate? If your event is in the evening, will you need more light inside without sunlight coming through the windows?

Consider the music or sounds that will greet them as they come in. Do you want something soothing? Exciting?

What are the sizes of the tables? How will you decorate the tables? Consider that larger tables need larger centerpieces. Does the venue have tables or will they need to be borrowed/rented? 

Consider the flowers if applicable. Do you want fresh, silk, or wood? Do you want to use something else altogether? 

Don't feel like every surface and wall has to be decorated. Thoughtful restraint can make your décor feel more intentional. Sometimes, some 'blank' space is relaxing and refreshing. Match the atmosphere to the event objective and strive for visual consistency.

Y  How will the event flow?
Décor choices should support comfort and function in addition to beauty. Consider the logistics of guests moving around the room. Are there areas where creative placement is needed to prevent congestion? Where will the DJ/band go? Where is the best place(s) for food?

Become familiar with your venue. Where is the entrance? Where are the electrical outlets? Can you hang things from the ceiling or the walls? What other guidelines do they have about candles, food, confetti, etc.

How many people are attending? Do you need to make arrangements for strollers or wheelchairs? Do you need to be mindful of children attending?

How will you serve and present the food? Consider the location of the serving area and flow of the attendees. The food and drink bar can be a focal point of the decoration if that goes with your objective.

After you finish setting up, there is great satisfaction in taking a final walk-through from the perspective of a guest and enjoying the atmosphere.

You've got this!

Christina
Abean Assist

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