Choosing Your Event Design

By: Ashley Clifford

Walking into someone’s home or visiting their office, you’ll typically have a reaction to how the space makes you feel—or draw conclusions based on what the vibe says about the occupants. Maybe the home is cluttered, busy, and makes you feel anxious. Perhaps their corner office is full of light, color, and bright furnishings that give you a rush of excitement.

Whatever the celebration, your event design choices are equally important, setting the tone for your event’s success and the guest experience. No matter the occasion, elements of design convey a clear—and often compelling—message.

The Power of Palette

Choosing your design and color palette is arguably one of the biggest (and sometimes most stressful) steps in creating an event vibe that reflects your style and personality.

Seemingly small, detailed decisions can feel huge and overwhelming—hence that five-page Pinterest inspiration board you built at 11 p.m. on a random Tuesday night.

Where to Start

It may feel daunting, but every great design journey starts with one important step: establishing your budget. Being clear about what you can—and can’t—afford helps set event priorities.

These priorities will guide you to the most impactful design elements—those that align with both your budget and your vision.

Design Priorities

The next step is choosing a color palette or theme. Start with your “must-have” item and build from there.

Whether it’s a flower, a trending seasonal color, or your venue’s ceremony space, use that anchor to guide your design decisions. From white-on-white elegance to sky-blue velvet linens or bold pops of sunny yellow, your tablescape should feel like you.

Working with a planner, venue, and event rental pros early on will help you assess costs and availability so you can prioritize what matters most.

💡 Pro tip: If a crystal chandelier is on your dream list, consider what else you might shift to make it fit within your budget.

Seasonal Design Tips

Spring Weddings:
Embrace bright patterns, fun plates, and colored glassware. Let nature be your co-designer—green trees, blooming flowers, and sunny skies pair effortlessly with light fabrics and textures. Add in a splash of your favorite color for a flirty, cheerful vibe.

And don’t forget—a statement napkin or ‘sexy’ glass might be the one detail your guests rave about!

Holiday Weddings:
Take advantage of what venues already offer this time of year—enhanced decor and potential discounts.

For a personal touch, ask guests to gift a favorite ornament or holiday memento—a heartwarming start to your holiday collection.

Don’t Forget the Lighting

Lighting sets the mood. Whether it’s romantic candlelight, moody string lights, or a statement chandelier, it’s worth the investment.

Want to pack the dance floor? Add a disco ball with colorful uplighting—it’ll get even the shyest dancers moving (or at least striking a pose for Instagram).