1.03 Theme & Decor

How to choose an event theme

Before you pick an event theme at random, you should think about the reason for having a theme in the first place. Will it appeal to a certain audience?

At the same time, it’s also prudent to think about some of the limitations you face when picking a theme. Your event budget might be a deciding factor.

Here are some of the things you should think about when choosing an event theme.

1. Aim

The first question you should ask your self what the aim of the event is. A charity fundraiser will have a different purpose than a community street party.

2. Audience

The audience you want to attract should also guide your efforts when you choose a theme. A dress-up event will not be very appropriate for a group of business professionals.

3. Venue

The event venue will also limit the possible themes you can choose from. You can’t host an indoor beach party at a museum. (Well, you can, but…)

Your event theme should go hand-in-hand with your choice of venue. Make sure that they complement each other, rather than be at odds.

4. Budget

You should also consider the dreaded B-word. How much money will it cost to pull off a particular event theme? Do you have the budget for it?

Exotic venues and beautiful decorations can quickly get expensive. Consider your event budget when you choose the theme for your event.

5. Season

Depending on your event, the weather might also affect your choice of themes. If you’re hosting an outdoor event, then rain, wind, and snow could get in the way.

Your theme doesn’t have to match the season, however. It would be an interesting twist to host the aforementioned indoor beach party in December.

What to include in your event theme

Once you’ve decided on the theme for your event, it’s time to look at how you can incorporate it. Fortunately, your options are many.

The more elements you can include your theme in, the stronger and more memorable it will be. Quirky invitations, decor, and food are also more likely to get shared on social media.

Here are some of the things your theme could influence.

1. Invitations

Use the event invitations as a teaser for your theme. If you’re organizing a treasure hunt, why not use a crumpled treasure map as an invitation?

2. Marketing

The theme should also be part of your event marketing efforts. Social media is where you can use your theme to tell a story about your event.

If you’re organizing a 70’s disco party, post images of fabulous outfits. Or ask people to share their favorite disco song and start a conversation around it.

3. Décor

The event decoration is probably one of the most important aspects of your event theme. Along with the venue, the decor is what helps create the right atmosphere.

A Halloween-themed dinner party should include some ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. A Cinco de Mayo party needs a pinata.

Tip: Look at these examples for more visual ideas.

4. Food and drinks

The menu at your event is also a great opportunity to incorporate your theme. In fact, the food and drinks can be as much a part of the décor as the décor itself.

You can also switch up the way you serve it. Why not serve pina colada in a hollowed-out pineapple for your Hawaiian-themed event?

5. Entertainment

The speakers or entertainers you feature at your event should also be in line with the theme. A Christmas party calls for singing elves, and so on.

6. Activities

You can also incorporate some fun activities into your event. In the case of a treasure hunt, the activity is the event. But why not have participants dress up as pirates?

The activities should, of course, be in line with your event theme.

Examples of Mood Boards

Assignment #2 Décor Mood Board

Instructions: Using the video and examples above, create a mood board for your event by using the templates below (Assignment #2 Décor Mood Board)

Assignment #2 Décor Mood Board

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