Decorating your event venue can and should be great fun. You have flexibility and innovation available to you, likely within a set, agreed-upon theme. However, there are some rules and guidelines that you can follow for elegant and successful décor. These include:
- Make your own decisions – letting other people decide on certain aspects for you will only confuse you and make the look and feel that you envision for the venue weaker and less cohesive. This is, of course, applicable only once your design proposal has been approved. Before then, it is important that your client or boss likes what you have done. You cannot rebelliously stick to your vision if they do not agree.
- When choosing a paint colour, always get a sample tin and paint a 1 metre x 1 metre square on the wall of your event venue rather than trying to select a colour from a paint chip or colour chart.
- Always ask for samples and take these back to the venue to see how they look ‘in action’ – do not make any decision in the shop. This applies to paint, carpeting, lighting, etc…
- Always go with the boldest option, if that is the one you really loved. Do not be afraid of colours, textures and sizes if they really work.
- Stick to what looks best, not what your personal favourite colour / design / etc… is.
- Be careful about choosing inappropriate colours based on your preferences. If you want people to be wowed by your venue, you probably cannot use a washed out shade as your wall colour, for example. Do not force a colour that simply will not work.
- If your room has a focal point, do everything you can to draw attention to it. Otherwise, it will lose its impact and the room will appear broken up and visually weak.
- Group furniture together in attractive ways, not making it line the walls simply because you are afraid of filling the room with it.
- Walk through your venue and make sure that all areas are easily and safely accessible, not blocked by furniture or accessories.
- Even on a budget, you should always opt for quality where possible. It will be clear to your guests and will compromise the ‘wow’ effect of your décor if you have used cheap materials or products. In the same vein, do not spend a lot of money on things that are not absolutely necessary, or that you are unsure of.
- If there is an ugly piece of sound equipment, electrical wires, audiovisual equipment, etc…, make sure that it is covered or discarded. Such a blemish can detract from the beauty of your décor completely.
- Avoid unnecessary clutter.
- Details are of utmost importance, and are likely to be remembered by the guests or delegates of your function. Think about these carefully and try to be innovative and daring.
