Meeting decor, much like home decor, changes over time. Here’s what event planners say is especially popular right now.
Accent Wall. Often used in home decor, an accent wall, which creates a focal point with a different color and places to display photos and other items, can work for events as well, says Tom Pitchford of Pitch-Perfect Events.
“If I’m working with a tight budget, I’ll try and create a focal point of interest rather than trying to surround the room,” he says. “I might not look for a standard four-walled ballroom, but one where there is a built-in wall of interest that we don’t have to change.”
Shabby Chic. Not only does it save money, but Christi Henderson of Events by Chris says many of her clients prefer a casual “shabby chic” approach that favors venues such as barns and wineries over formal ballrooms.
“Shabby chic is a very affordable way to approach decor because you don’t have to worry about everything matching,” she says. “You can bring in an assortment of vases and use simple materials like burlap.”
Sustainable. Green practices at events are now expected, with many organizations frowning on decor that is wasteful or too over-the-top, according to Amanda Miller of The Place Setting Company.
“You never want your guests to feel that too much has gone into things that don’t serve the purpose of the meeting,” she says. “We’ve taken a more sustainable approach, things like using linens that are recyclable or having one wine glass per person, not several.”
