Planning similar events each year can become monotonous, with many event organizers running out of event decoration ideas. Luckily, event design is about creativity. All you need is a little forethought and flare to create a positive, visceral response from your attendees the moment they step into your event. Here are our top 10 event decoration ideas to wow your attendees at your next event.
1. Food Display
Food is an art that can be used to create a lasting impression. No, we’re not just talking about serving lip-smacking dishes, but also putting food on display to pique your attendee’s interest. When arranged innovatively, food can bring an exciting element to your event decoration. After all, as a planner, you want your attendees to remember everything at your event, from the keynote speaker to breakout sessions to event décor! You can have a donut wall, a DIY bar, and more. There are so many options to choose from.
2. Fabrics
Unleash your creativity with pipe and drape for a welcoming and upscale event look. Fabric can transform your event décor by adding a depth of color. It makes the space feel more intimate and appear bigger. If you are running low on budget, consider drape fabric on just the buffet and serving stations.
3. Ceiling
To create a show-stopping experience, drape multi-colored pennant banners or streamers from the ceiling’s center to the corners of the room. This effect works best in small spaces with high ceilings. Using ceiling decorations can reduce the need for floor décor, which eventually saves a lot of money and moving space. To create the ultimate effect, use a lot of lighting, colors, and projections (continue reading this blog to see how you can use lighting to create different visual effects)!
4. Table Decorations
If you don’t have the budget to splurge on crystal stemware and fine china, you can still be innovative with table decorations. Whether it is the napkins or the centerpiece, think of something unique to grab the attention of your attendees. If you want to incorporate technology into your event, then using an iPad as a centerpiece is also a cool way to keep your attendees engaged. Use the iPads to display event information, presentations, or images to improve visibility for guests sitting at the back.
5. Seating Arrangements
Ever thought about using a chair as event décor? Everyone needs chairs at an event, but that doesn’t mean they have to be arranged in the usual boring way! To make your event stand out, you can start by arranging the chairs differently. Forget the traditional banquet or the theatre style, use community seating to keep your guests engaged.
Up the ante on event décor by choosing the style of the chair. If the setting allows, get a variety of seating options like couches, bar stools, and bean bag chairs.
6. Decorative Backdrops
Event backdrops can be used to offer visual stimulation. It can bring your stage to life and spruce it up without overshadowing what happens on stage. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a digital backdrop or use marquee letters to draw your guest’s attention to the stage. Digital backdrops have a ton of options, from plain LED screens to honeycomb versions, they allow for interesting effects that can appear and fade throughout the presentation. Another cool option is to use an augmented experience that integrates the speaker into the backdrop.
7. Stage Design
Let your creativity run wild when setting up a temporary staging. By using a stage or riser, you can attract your guest’s attention and make the stage stand out. Use statement pieces of furniture or go with more casual options such as couches to steer conversations and add an element of interest to the decor. For instant zest, try modular staging, which can easily be assembled and is reasonably priced. It can be incorporated in your existing stage or be used while hosting events at stageless venues – it’s that versatile!
8. Goodie Bags
You’re only restricted by your imagination when it comes to using gifts as part of the event decor. Small goodie bags wrapped in attractive packing can be used as part of the presentation. A secret gift invokes the kid in all of us and can add a layer of decoration to the table. Conference swag is often underutilized. It can excite attendees, provide a great branding and sponsorship opportunity, put your organization across in a positive light, and be used as a decorative piece!
9. Expert Lighting
Lighting is an extremely important part of the event and can completely overhaul the look and feel of your event. The type of event matters when it comes to lighting design. If it’s a conference where attendees may want to take notes, there needs to be enough light in the main area that they can do so. But, the space shouldn’t be so bright that it distracts from the presentation onstage.
Bring your conference to life and build an immersive event experience by using lightweight colorful LED lights, which require minimum rigging. Whether you use 3-D projections or simple colored lights, they can add an extra punch to the overall venue. Add color to spotlights or use up-lighting to transform your event venue into a breathtaking space.
10. Incorporate Digital
Incorporate a dash of technology by going digital at your next event. Digital media and the power of technology have made it easy for planners to make event decoration a lot easier. One of the best ways to engage attendees and make your event special is by using a social wall that aggregates the social media posts of your attendees on a large display screen. On the day of the event, encourage people to publish event pictures using your hashtag and flash those posts on the wall! It is sure to make a lasting impression and add some excitement to the floor!
Final Thoughts
Event design allows planners to step out of their usual tasks and truly think outside the box. There are endless ideas depending upon your budget and event type. We hope these ideas give you a head start in planning your next event and making it memorable.
