Event styling is the artistic process of mixing shapes, colors, and textures to create a custom and cohesive event look. It’s linens, florals, decor, and dinnerware. It’s table placing, table settings, sign hanging, bow tieing, candle lighting and so much more. Anyone can style an event, but it takes time and planning as well as a vision. It is important to remember that your event should be a reflection of who you are and what you care about. It’s really not as complicated as it sounds, so we’ve compiled some event styling tips to help you throughout the planning process.
Getting Started
Start by making a list of three or four words that describe the vibe or feel you want your wedding day to have. For example, my husband and I wanted a relaxed event filled with rustic charm and southern elegance. These terms make it easier to stay on target. With every decision you make ask yourself, “Does this fit the vibe I want?”
Sometimes the words we use to describe what we think we want aren’t actually what we want or aren’t nuanced enough for other people to understand what we want. To avoid misunderstandings try finding three or four inspirational images for each aspect of your event (ceremony, reception, cake, flowers, etc.). Describe what you do and don’t like about each image.
As an example, here are the inspirational words and images I used to pull together the floral design for my wedding. My inspiration words/phrase was, “Relaxed southern elegance with a hint of the farm!”
For more images from my wedding check out one of our very first blog posts, Wedding #1: Our Wedding.
Venue Selection & Season
Next, decide on your venue and event date. Consider your venue and event date at the same time since venue availability is often limited and weather restrictions may apply. If you are dead-set on a certain venue you may need to be flexible on the date/season and if you are dead-set on a date/season you may need to be flexible with your venue selection. Every venue has characteristics that lend themselves best to a certain range of styles. For example, Warrenwood Manor is best suited for events styled with rustic, southern, vintage and/or traditional elements as opposed to modern, industrial or coastal styling. So, choose a venue that fits with your inspiration images and words. The further a venue is from your desired style, the more money and time you will have to spend to make it something that it isn’t. Additionally, the date of your event will determine whether or not events can be held outdoors which in turn can narrow your options for certain style elements. For example, you would want to host a earthy woodland style event outdoors, but a modern, fine-arts style event would be okay indoors anytime of year.
Your event color palette is the final foundational element of your event design. The season and venue you choose can help guide this decision. Pastels for spring and jewel tones for fall aren’t steadfast rules, but they are common choices since they compliment seasonal surrounds and are readily available for floral design. When selecting the colors for your event you should also consider what will look good in your venue, what looks good on camera, what looks good on people, what makes food look appetizing and what will make your centerpieces pop. Once you have a color palette, you’ve laid the foundation for your event design. Below you’ll find some great examples of weddings that were styled based on the season and be on the lookout for our next blog post: Wedding & Event Styling 102!
Event Styling: Real Wedding Examples of Seasonal Color Palettes
For more event styling tips and tricks check out our follow up blog post “Wedding and Event Styling 102: 10 Event Styling Tips & Tricks”.
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