From the moment you enter the door at an event the design of the space makes an impact. Many planners spend massive amounts of money on creative a visually stunning event design. However, not every planner has the luxury of a large-scale budget. So how can the rest of us still pack a punch while keeping a close eye on our costs? The tips below will get your creative juices flowing and help you design a space sure to wow the attendees at your next event, without breaking the bank. When you go into your venue for the first time, try to brainstorm creative ideas on how the space can be best utilized. Sometimes the conventional layouts leave a lot to be desired and with a little creativity you can greatly improve the design of your event. Something as small as moving the tables into a unique shape, or using a stage or riser in a creative way can draw your audience’s attention and set your event apart from the rest. Providing a variety of spaces, such as traditional tables and high tops along with more casual seating such as couches gives your guests options and provide many different areas to have conversations and enjoy the event.
Everyone needs a place to sit during your event, right? Just because you’re hosting a traditional wedding or meeting doesn’t mean the seats have to be boring or uncomfortable. Chairs can be a great way to add to your event design while also serving a purpose. The arrangement of the chairs is one way to change things up. Some wedding ceremonies utilize “seating in the round” which surrounds the couple as they take their vows. This could also work with a center stage at a performance or presentation Another very popular trend and a great way to get your guests more engaged, is by utilizing family style or community seating. Many restaurants are moving towards this style of seating and it also works very well for events. In addition, you can be creative in the style of chair you use. Perhaps you use hay bales or picnic tables at an outdoor event. You could also rent long benches to avoid having hundreds of chairs, or even use beanbags if the setting is appropriate!
Photo Credit: The Muslim Lifestyle Expo and Events Northern Ltd Color is an integral part of event design. Many planners use flowers to integrate color, but large floral displays come with hefty price tags. Try to find creative ideas for color in the items that are essential to the event, such a linens, plates, chairs, skirting, etc. You can also add color through utilizing lights! Lighting can pack a big punch and is normally something you have already budgeted for. Uplighting, spotlights and general room lighting are all areas that you can add color to transform your space. Be sure to use your food display to create another point of interest for your guests. Food can often times be a work of art in itself! Edible items can be made into an interesting display on the service line or also on each table as a unique centerpiece. These beautiful arrangements can add an exciting element to your event design and are already something you must have at most events. One cost effective way to add visual impact to your event is through an art display.
Large displays can sometimes cost a pretty penny, but if you reach out to local, up-and-coming artists you can usually strike a great deal. Some artists may even agree to provide a display a no charge, if you list their works as items for purchase. You could also host your event at a local art gallery or museum. These spaces may run at a higher price, but some of your decor is already built into the space. In addition if you are planning an event such as a wedding or birthday party, you could use the client’s personal photos to create a lovely display that is sentimental yet beautiful. Nature can provide a lot beauty to events. The challenge is that they often come with a cost. Try and get creative by using lower cost flowers or perhaps seasonal elements that come at a discounted rate. Items like branches, or wildflowers will run at a lower rate than a more traditional flower such as roses. Keep these in mind when working with tight budgets and flexible clients. In addition, consider moving your event outside!
Many weddings that are held outside require less money to be spent on florals. Look into local gardens or parks that may offer event space. Fabrics and decorative papers can add to your theme and provide wonderful additions of color. You can find many fabrics at a lower rate if they are unique or out of season. Paper can be expensive, but if you buy high quality papers in bulk, you can often get a discount. Paper and fabric can be transformed into décor and used in functional items such as place cards, party favors and programs. Draping is another way to use fabric to transform your space. You can create separation in a large space or add draping to the ceiling to make the space feel more intimate. Often times the labor that goes along with event design is what drives up the cost. Try to use your team and do as much as you can on our own. You will need to outsource certain items due to the time they may take to complete or the expertise they require, but if you are trying to cut costs, taking projects on yourself will help to reduce some of the extra fees.
The costs saved will allow you more room in your budget to spend on impressing your guests with the displays and décor. The hard work of your team will pay off and is sure to wow your attendees. Event design is one of the most exciting parts of being an event planner. It gives you a chance to get outside of your typical tasks and truly be creative. There are endless ideas and really no wrong answers when it comes to the concept of design, as long as the decor works for you and your client. These ideas should give you the jump-start you need to get going on transforming your next event. Feel free to share below any ideas you have to transform your event design without breaking the budget.Cheap Winter Party Decorations Decorate your home for a holiday or New Year's Eve party without overspending with our tips for cheap party decorations. All you need is some crafts magic and our clever decoration ideas. Everything In This Slideshow Create a warm glow at your holiday or New Year's Eve party with a set of glitter-dusted candles.
To make these cheap party decorations, brush candles with glue and roll them in a mixture of Epsom salt and glitter. What you need: candles, Epsom salt, glitter, glue Give guests a heads-up on the night's feast with an elegant chalkboard menu. We recommend trolling thrift stores for the perfect inexpensive platter to paint. What you need: plate, chalkboard paint, chalk For help on this project, watch our video. Pinecones from your backyard make gorgeous but inexpensive party decorations. Leave them natural or lightly spray-paint them white, and hang from chairbacks with ribbon. What you need: pinecones, white spray paint, ribbon What's your hosting style? Build a stunning snowscape on your dining table or buffet with snowflakes snipped from paper napkins. We love the contrast of red and blue, but you can choose one color to save on cost. What you need: assorted paper napkins Download the free snowflake pattern. Inexpensive crafts supplies make this DIY wreath an ideal party decoration.
Bonus: The snowflake motif looks pretty all winter. Wrapping paper and double-stick tape combine for the easiest party decoration ever. A plate full of glimmering candles is the only centerpiece you need. What you need: one roll of wrapping paper (two if you want to mix patterns), double-stick tape. Cork and Candle Centerpiece Wine corks add a rustic vibe to any party. Create this pretty centerpiece faster than it takes to pop a cork! Place wine corks around a votive candle in a tall glass hurricane vase. Prop your candle up on a wooden block so it can be seen above the corks. What you need: wine corks, votive candle, hurricane vase, wooden block. Create a party-perfect winter wonderland with sweet DIY snowflakes. Using paper or painted crafts sticks and paint stirrers, as shown here, hang a grouping of snowflakes up the banister, over the dining table, or from your buffet table. What you need: crafts sticks, white spray paint, glue Learn the snowflake technique!
Sparkling vases will light up your tabletop, and they're cheap to make. Pour metallic crafts paint into a vase, and twirl until you get the desired coverage. What you need: metallic crafts paint, clear glass vase Upgrade simple floating candles with cranberries and a sprig of fresh greenery for an easy and cheap party decoration. For ultra-inexpensive options, trim the greens from your yard and use clear glasses if you don't have Mason jars. What you need: Mason jars, fresh greens, cranberries, floating candles Estimated cost: $18 (for 8 candle displays) More nature-theme table decorations. Create the illusion of a snowflake tree with inexpensive paper doilies. We suggest placing this stunning tree above the bar cart or buffet to make it a desitination decoration. What you need: white paper doilies, glue dots or quick-release tapeThen a trip to the grocery store is all you need to make this unexpectedly elegant centerpiece. Wrap candles with rubber bands, and then tuck veggies into the bands.
Hide the rubber bands with a green ribbon for a monochromatic look, or try a contrasting color. What you need: candles, assorted vegetables, ribbon Pretty up a window or table display with DIY trees made from fuzzy recycled sweaters. What you need: old sweater, 1/4-inch-thick wooden dowel, sewing supplies, hot glue, polyfill, slice of wood Not all gifts belong under the tree! Wrap up this stunning centerpiece for your table or buffet. Fill a clear glass vase with assorted ornaments, and tie with a wide satin ribbon. A sprinkle of faux snow creates a tabletop winter wonderland. What you need: ornaments, ribbon, glass container, faux snow Christmas candies get festive! Create this sweet tree with candy canes and string. To start, cut four pieces of string (the longest should be 26 inches). Tie on evenly spaced candy canes, and secure to the wall with tape or colored tacks. What you need: candy canes, string, tape or colored tacks Dazzle your guests with this handmade sparkly centerpiece.
You only need three supplies: a glass cylinder, glitter, and glue. The icy silver-and-blue combo gives it a winter feel, but you can use any colors you like. Follow along as we teach you how to make it! What you need: 3x5 glass cylinder, glitter, glue This festive DIY spells holiday cheer! Measure the width of your mirror and cut a length of ribbon twice as long; tie the two ends together. Center the painted wooded letters on the ribbon and secure them with hot glue. Slide the decoration over your mirror, and use small pieces of double-stick tape to hold the ribbon in place. What you need: painted wooden letters, ribbon, hot glue, double-stick tape This family photo garland is perfect for holiday gatherings. Create the garland by clipping family photos to a piece of festive ribbon. For a cohesive look, stick to black-and-white photos. Pretty glitter snowflakes add a pop of cheer. What you need: wooden clips, ribbon, family photos, glitter snowflakes Mason Jar Gifts They'll Love