South Africa Event Planning

The décor of any event – whether a corporate dinner, business lunch, birthday party or wedding – is an integral part of setting the scene and creating the desired atmosphere. It may be elegant and chic, modern and trendy or grand and glamorous. The décor creates a visual feast for the guests or delegates as they arrive, immersing them within the theme of your function.

While every décor provider is unique in terms of its product offering, they usually offer the following standard services:

• Advice and guidance on different themes and styles of décor, depending on your personality or corporate identity, the nature of your event, and your budget
• The compilation of a decorating budget (and then sticking to this budget during the project)
• The design and layout of your venue (this should first be submitted and approved as a proposal before implementing it)
• Sourcing the services and products that they need in order to accomplish the approved proposal (e.g. cutlery, crockery, glasses, draping, and so on)
• Setting up of all décor, including:

– Draping
– Table cloths, napkins and placemats
– Table settings
– Flowers and similar arrangements
– Lighting
– Balloons
– Special carpeting or dance floor slabs, if necessary
– Umbrellas, marquees and gazebos
– Podiums
– Outdoor lighting and signage

• Ensuring back-up arrangements are in place in case of the failure of equipment or another unexpected turn in events
• The clearing of all décor elements once the function is over (this is usually done on the next working day)

Some decorating companies may provide additional services, including the setting up and decorating of a stage, personalised stationery (menus, programmes and place name cards) and gifts for the guests or delegates. They may even hire out costumes for a fancy dress affair or items like flags for sporting tournaments, and so on.

Hiring a professional decorator or a décor company to handle the overall look and feel of your special function promises several great advantages. Some of these include:

• A knowledge of the current fashions, trends and industry norms
• Contacts with external vendors and service providers, implying better prices and quality of service (although there is no guarantee of this)
• Consulting and advising regarding different options and innovative décor ideas
• The decorator assumes the stress and execution of implementing the gorgeous ambience you have chosen, leaving you (as the bride or event planner) relatively secure in the knowledge that it is being handled efficiently
• The décor specialists are required to quote you and then stick within an approved budget
• Once employed, they will handle the contracts and deposits of any external decorating services required

Photo Credit: Yolande Marx