From the Experts, General Tips, Student Ambassador
5 Event Decor Hacks That Will Change Your Life!
Neena McConnell is a QC Event School graduate and Student Ambassador. The proud owner of Wallflower Events & Designs, Neena specializes in event and wedding planning, event decor, floral design, and so much more! Connect with her directly in QC’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook.
The Importance of Event Decor
If I’ve learned anything in the professional planning industry, it’s that over-the-top, gaudy decorations are MAJOR eyesores! Often times, it actually takes away from the event itself. Event decor is considered one of the most noticeable attractions of your client’s celebration.
One can argue that it sets the entire mood, theme, and atmosphere of the day. When utilized properly, the right decorations can elevate the celebration – as well as the event’s overall success!
Event Planner vs. Event Decorator
Let’s start by debunking the myth that all planners are automatically event decorators. Although many planners do offer event decor services as part of their business, just as many will outsource professional event decorators in order to bring their client’s vision to life.
Think of a planner as your “trusted advisor.” They are hired professionals who are responsible for the event running smoothly and on-time. They handle the logistics, and work with all the moving parts. A decorator, on the other hand, is responsible for visual aesthetic. They create the entire look and feel of the event from the ground up. Event decorators can turn a building with four walls into a grand, magical experience to be enjoyed by all.
Both an event planner and an event decorator are highly creative individuals. They’re equally capable of visualizing the “big picture”. However, they have two vastly different job descriptions.
Why Every Planner Should Have Event Decor Training
Similar to planning, event decorating is a skill. Like all skills, its best developed with proper training. By getting professionally trained as an event decorator, you’ll drastically improve your overall skill-set. You’ll learn the history behind trends and properly understand themes. Plus, you’ll discover different styles of decorating that you never considered before.
Furthermore, by adding this specialized qualification to your resume, you’ll attract more potential customers and/or employers. You’ll be able to increase your list of business services, which could very well lead to more money in your pocket. Not to mention, by combining your services and time, it’s possible that your client’s will save money with your “one-stop-shop” packages.
QC’s Event Decor Course
I chose to enroll in the Event Decor Course for many reasons. However, my number ONE reason was that I wanted to further my education in the wedding and event industry. The day I enrolled in this course, I came across the following quote: “92% of people don’t achieve their goals.” That quote lit a fire inside of me. I had toyed with the idea of building a business that offered a “one-stop-shop” option for my clients. It was after hearing that quote that I decided to jump right in and go after my goals!
QC’s Event Decor Course is self-paced and takes less than 40 hours to complete. Upon graduation, you receive your designation as an International Event Decor Professional. Let’s be honest… this kind of certification certainly looks good on any event planner’s resume! I found so much value in the course materials and assignments. From learning about various types of decor and creating mood boards, to business brainstorming and social media engagement – this course prepares you for a career as an event decorator.
My biggest takeaway was learning about color psychology. I definitely recommend that all planners learn about this! Certain colors can evoke specific emotions and even affect you physically. Knowing how to incorporate this methodology within an event’s decor is a HUGE asset to have! (Especially when creating a mood board or event design.)
For example, it wasn’t until I took this course that I learned the color purple is tiring to the eye, whereas red is known to raise blood pressure. Getting trained in event decor has benefitted both my career and my business. I’ve furthered my knowledge in the industry, added a certification to my resume, and increased my services to better serve my clients.
My Top Five Decor Hacks (That I Guarantee Will Change Your Life)
1. Fabric Draping
Dress up a ceremony or reception space with fabric. Sheer, chiffon, and voile are all great examples of fabrics to use. By doing this, you can create an upscale and intimate atmosphere within the venue. Plus, purchasing these fabrics from a fabric store or wholesaler can often be easier on the wallet. Isn’t it nice when a hack can be both DIY and budget-friendly?
Here’s a good example: create a gorgeous ceremony backdrop by adding fabric to an arbor. Alternately, you can give your client’s space a facelift by securing fabric on either end of the entrance doors, to create a “wow” factor for everyone to enjoy!
2. Dual-Purpose Name Cards
Instead of spending your time writing out place cards and individually wrapping wedding favors, consider combining the two to create dual-purpose name cards!
For instance, create personalized wine glasses or mason jars with the guests’ names and table number on them. They’ll be able to find their seat with ease and enjoy their very own, customized gift. In doing this, you’ll end up saving money in your client’s wedding budget and have a interactive seating plan. Plus, for an added bonus, they’re COVID-friendly since everyone has their own!
3. Florals
If you’re concerned about not filling your client’s wedding venue with trinkets, consider adding more florals to the ceremony and/or reception space. Make a statement by placing clear, mismatched glassware throughout the space. Then fill them with pops of colorful blooms! Adding flowers to a space is easy, fresh, and simple. Keeping it simple (yet significant) is always important to remember when it comes to event decor!
4. A Stylish and Eco-Friendly Send-Off
As many professionals know, a rice or confetti send-off is a BIG wedding faux pas these days. In fact, it’s completely banned from many venues. But what if your client has always dreamed of having their very own wedding send-off?
Luckily, there are plenty of DIY, cost-effective, and eco-friendly options still available! For example, ask the venue about placing cups of bird seed around the outdoor ceremony space. That way, your client’s guests can throw the bird seed in the air. It doesn’t hurt that the birds will also have a fun snack that they can enjoy, too! Alternately, if your client doesn’t want to risk attracting birds, you can also use a holepunch and make leaf confetti! Both options are biodegradable and safe for the planet.
5. Lighting
In my opinion, one of the most overlooked event decor hacks is lighting. Proper lighting creates focal points and highlights the important elements of your client’s space. Centerpieces, decor, and even the dance floor can all benefit from proper lighting. Lighting sets the mood of the entire event. Plus, the photographer will definitely appreciate it!
Add string lighting to the ceiling of a venue or tent. You can also add it to door frames and arbors. String lights are great for creating a romantic atmosphere that will be talked about for months after the celebration has ended!
Did you use any event decor hacks for your client’s event or wedding? Can you think of any other hacks? Leave a comment below and let us know! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook, or contact the school directly.
As always, thank you for reading!
Before taking the decision for booking the Events Organiser .