PICKING A THEME, COLOUR SCHEME & MATERIALS
When organising an event, it’s always good to think about how you can stand out from the crowd and offer a unique and memorable event experience. Theming could prove key to this success. Theming gives an event structure, makes your event feel cohesive and adds to your guests’ experience.
Before you pick an event theme at random, there are some things to maybe consider…
DISCUSS DIFFERENT STYLES
Movie themes tend to have a great influence on popular event themes. Have there been any recent movie releases which could be turned into an event theme, or are there any popular classic movie themes such as The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia, Aladdin or Alice in Wonderland which would suit the nature of your event?
Simulate nostalgia for your guests by stepping back in time and choosing a certain era to base your theme on such as the 1920s. Or even opt for a music through the decades theme from the swinging 60’s through to the iconic 90’s.
Can your event tie into a certain location in the world? If so, why not base your event theme around this country? One of our recurring popular themes is Arabian nights, mixing bright and bold colours, with intricate patterns, teamed with low lighting, elegant drapes and comfy low level seating to create a Moroccan paradise.
Sometimes trending design concepts can influence the décor or theme at an event, this can include graphics or colours. The geometric trend can be used in graphics, on signs, or table numbers. They can also be actual physical products, such as backdrops or lanterns. The geometric trend draws influence from the art deco era and can be linked to a 1920s theme with art deco backdrops, table centres and signs . Colour schemes will be looked at in further detail later in this blog however trending colour schemes such as neutrals, metallics or bold colours can have a big impact on the décor and theme chosen.
Depending on your event, the season might affect your choice of event theme. If your event is taking place in the winter, it might be worth considering a Winter Wonderland or Après Ski theme. Hosting your event in the summer? A beach, tropical, festival, or carnival theme would be perfect. We have a huge selection of Autumn props too, perfect for an Autumn wedding or Halloween event. Of course, you could always add a fun twist and host a beach party in December though!
VERSATILITY
If you want to completely transform a venue, then you need to pick a theme with versatility that you can do a lot with. Go big or go home, so choose a theme which can incorporate ceiling and/or wall drapes, furniture, table centres, props & lighting into the design concept for the full effect. A key example of this would be a theme that has become more and more popular in recent years, Twisted Circus. Here we can incorporate traditional Circus props such as Lions, Elephants, Hall of Mirrors, paired with lighting to really make them stand out. Up in the ceiling can be a big top style drape installation (in colours of your choice) and festoon swags for that extra sparkle. Twisted circus tends to use darker tones, away from the typical primary red and yellow colour palette, for instance black and gold with accent colours of dark red works effectively. On the walls, matching drape rippled around the room, and some custom circus posters with bespoke prints for added depth. Complete the experience with circus plinths for performers, gold leaf trees on tables and a red carpet entrance for that added luxury feel.
CORPORATE GUIDELINES
Keep in mind any corporate guidelines you need to adhere to such as sustainability, mindfulness, and branding.
Companies are leaning towards event themes and concepts that are centred on wellness, peace, and tranquillity. Many event planners are opting for wellness areas at their events, creating an environment that is comfortable, warm, and clear from clutter for guests to relax in.
Now more than ever the health of the planet is a worldwide concern, so with this in mind, sustainable event management is essential to succeed in today’s events industry. It’s growing increasingly more important as a criterion for event planners and can often even be the main theme of an event. If it isn’t the primary theme, it should still be something that’s taken into consideration when choosing a theme as a more conscious effort to promote sustainably sound practices.
When it comes to corporate events, one of the most important elements is branding. Representing your brand in noticeable – and ‘Instagrammable’ – ways is a top priority. Incorporate your company colours into the event décor and this could in turn influence a chosen theme. Here at MORE, we offer flexibility with our products and suggest innovative ways to subtly (or not so subtly) incorporate your branding into events. Whether that be vynilled tables, pantone matched seat tops, logos on bespoke flags, artworks, or on photo opportunity backdrops. Another option we’ve done many times previously is to stain on logos to our rustic pallet bars, giving a rustic, burnt finish.
NATURE OF THE EVENT
A formal awards evening or gala dinner will most likely have an elegant and sophisticated theme such as masquerade, compared to a laid-back event such as a staff social summer party where a festival or beach might be an appropriate theme choice.
CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE
Choose a theme which is suitable for the age range of your guests. It needs to be relevant to them and something they will enjoy. If it’s a family event, choose a theme which is fun for all the family, like fairground or circus.
VENUE & BUDGET
Your choice of venue might be pivotal in deciding the event theme, make sure it goes hand in hand and compliments it rather than clashes with it. For example, a super minimalistic and modern theme may not be the right choice for a rustic barn venue.
How much will it cost to pull off a particular theme and do it justice? Some themes will require more detail to get the idea across than others which can quickly add up, however other themes may simply require a few stand alone pieces to set the scene. This ties in closely with venue choice as choosing a venue which works with your theme could result in less decor being needed. A grand hall or manor house for a Great Gatsby theme, or an old underground bar or warehouse for a speakeasy theme means you’re already halfway there to achieving your desired look.
COLOUR SCHEMES, MATERIALS & TEXTURES
Your colour choices can support the theme of your events and evoke particular moods from guests. Draw from familiar colour combinations and use palettes that support the specific theme. Your colour scheme and chosen theme will also go hand in hand with textures chosen for fabrics and materials throughout the venue décor, for example:
Different types of fabric options help to achieve the look and feel you want to create within the space. It’s important to pick the right fabric for the right purpose and match it to the colour scheme.
The vinyl leatherette fabric we often use on the upholstery of our rustic pallet and colours range seat tops, comes in a wide colour choice and not only is it easily wipeable, but it also has antibacterial properties. This makes it a great choice for social events where drinks may be spilled. These ranges are completely manufactured in house by our talented production team, meaning we can provide any colour combination with our bespoke upholstery service which is fully customisable to your brand or event colours in our antimicrobial leatherette fabric.
The glitter fabric we use has a stiff quality making it a great material choice to upholster bars, food stations, counters, backdrops, and DJ booths. It’s available in a range of colours, even neon, making it the perfect choice for a neon jungle or disco themed event.
When it comes to wall and ceiling drapes we take into account the fabric weight, measuring the thickness of the material, and differentiating between light-weight, medium-weight, or heavy-weight fabric. This determines how the fabric flows. In other words, stiff fabrics have less ‘swag’, and light-weight fabrics are usually more fluid and give better swagging.
All the fabrics we use for drapes are specialist and fire retardant to meet health & safety standards.
Some examples below of the types of fabrics we use regularly and what applications they would be used for: