3 Points to Consider When Designing an Event
Pale blue table linens in a venue with red carpet. Or ultra modern decor in a barn venue - or barn decor in a modern venue, for that matter. Sunflowers in the winter. Pampas grass in spring. We’ve all seen it. It is painfully obvious when an event lacks a cohesive design. These design faux pas are no one’s fault. The event just needed a little more thought. Just because you like something, doesn’t mean it belongs at your wedding.
There are three points that I consider when designing an event:
1. THE VENUE
The style and color scheme of the venue absolutely must drive the design. Personally, I love breaking the rules. I would put red florals in a pastel room. I love a modern, edgy vibe in a traditional space. However, the event need to look intentional. Do not choose your colors, flowers, dress or literally anything, until you have your location decided on. If it’s a 100-year old concert hall with red carpet, you go neutral or you put red in your design. If it’s a modern warehouse, let’s incorporate some black in the design. At my events, you’ll never see a garden chair in a symphony center or a glam chair in a garden. Never.
2. THE TIME OF YEAR
Your flowers and menu should be seasonal. If you stick to that rule, your event design should, theoretically, make sense. If you love pink peonies, you’re getting married in June, honey! Winter florals are generally dark and bring in beautiful, rich tones that contrast the gray skies outdoors. Early in my career, I produced a winter wonderland wedding in August. With the right budget, this could have been done very well. Instead it was just confusing. Unless there’s a reason to turn back the clock (like a complete room transformation) I do not recommend getting out of season florals or using non-traditional color schemes during each season.
3. THE COUPLES’ OWN AESTHETIC
I love Pinterest as much as the next guy but, in my opinion, it is the last place to look for event design inspiration. Instead, I get to know my couples. What does their home look like? What activities and hobbies do they enjoy? What drives them? If a couple comes to me with a wild color scheme, but their home is neutral, I’m going to dig into that and find out the driving factor behind a pink and purple wedding for a girl who only wears black. An events’ color scheme should reflect the couple’s personal style.
The venue should suit their personality, as well. If they love to read, I consider libraries and historic buildings for their venue. If they love art, museums. If they love music, we’re looking at concert halls. If they love the outdoors, we’re going to find the best indoor-outdoor event space. Are they minimalist? Let’s rent a warehouse and get creative with some modern furniture and lighting! There’s no reason to settle on a certain flower, color, or venue because it looked good in a picture.
So, let’s not get carried away with a certain flower or color scheme. Let’s create a signature event that is cohesive, timeless and something your kids wont make fun of when they look through your wedding album.
This design theme was driven by the venue’s aging plaster walls. The cake textured mirrored the venue walls and also reflected the bar design. The florals are seasonal and pull in all the colors from the walls and wood florals. Just magic! Photos by Courtney Davidson Photography. Cake by Baked in Nashville. Rentals by Curated Events. Flowers by Echoes of Eden Florals.
