Deciding on a Theme

From seminars and product launches to weddings and baby showers, selecting a theme can help add structure to the décor and activities as well as tie it all neatly together. They can be a great way for your attendees to get involved and it can be a fun participatory activity in itself, while creating plenty of photo opportunities.

Your theme sets the tone for your whole event, so here are three steps to help you pick a memorable event theme.

1.  Review your goals - What’s the purpose of your event? What do you want your attendees to remember after they leave? You may need to consider your budget here as well.
2. Consider your audience - Who’s attending? What’s the age range? Is the event adults-only, or will families be present? What is their cultural background and customs?
3. Choose a venue that complements your theme (or vice versa) - While decorations and activities are important, subtly reinforcing your theme through your catering and venue can be even more memorable.

If you need inspiration, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Academy award winning movies

• Eras (’80s, ’20s, futuristic)

• Vacation escapes

• Capitals from around the world

• Childhood memories 

• Global cuisine

My friend selected a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme for a Bridal Shower Breakfast she was hosting and was kind enough to share some photos with me. Classy and elegant....don't you think?

Still need some help….let’s look at some more specific examples.

Great Gatsby

A very popular theme idea that suits balls, galas, weddings and black tie events because of the lavish décor choices and the flowing gowns. This theme can be easily adaptable and if you are on a lower budget, easily represented by the gold and black color palette without any massive props or signage.

Crazy Hats

If you want to add a theme or a little fun to your serious event without expecting too much from your attendees, this can be a happy medium that allows them to wear suitable clothes of their choice but still get involved. You could even be more specific by opting for ‘themed hats’ instead!

The Orient Express

Based on Agatha Christie’s detective novel Orient Express, about a murder on the train, this idea could be a unique way to combine the elements of a murder mystery with a train or travel theme. Décor should be in keeping with the time period, as should costumes, but you can have quizzes and mental challenges as part of the games and activities. 

Under The Sea

An under the sea theme that includes blue lighting and décor as well as colorful or tropical fish. You could also have hanging bubbles or seaweed streamers and use shells for centerpieces which are also budget friendly too.

Midsummer Nights Dream

You can create a perfect fairytale event. This theme works particularly well with outdoor spaces and evening events because of the natural glow that helps create the atmosphere. Use natural décor and white flowers, opting for branches and twigs for centrepieces to complement the theme and try to incorporate natural foods such as fruit by having a large fruit station or display.

Masquerade

Mystery can make an event more interesting and a masquerade is a happy medium between costumes and formal attire, with them going very well hand in hand. A general favorite for corporate events but you could mix things up by having mask themed catering and décor like these stunning centrepieces.

Come Away With Me

A travel theme can quell your attendees wanderlust and is perfect if you don’t have the budget to actually travel with your attendees. The two options for this theme are to choose a destination so the theme would be ‘come away with me to…’ and base your event on that, or opt for something broader like travelling in general. Décor could include maps or globes with themed backdrops for different countries and attendees could be encouraged to come as a representation of a country.

City of Love

As the city of love, a Paris theme can be popular with historic landmarks, delicious food and a lot of culture. Depending on your focus, you can create a valentine's or love themed event or opt for a sophisticated Paris theme with a simple color scheme to accentuate your favorite parts like in this example.

Fairy Tales/Literary Stories

This is a popular theme with a lot of potential because you can opt to focus on one particular story or you can mix and blend them all, focusing on the books themselves, like with these table settings. If using multiple tales and stories, be sure to be clear on what your theme is and have a proper structure otherwise it can easily be confusing for the attendee.

Planet Earth

Consider hosting a ‘green’ themed event where as much as possible is sustainable and eco-friendly, for example by having hemp or bamboo fabrics and linen as well as using a lot of repurposed items for décor, just like this dresser food station. Have green themes and earthy color choices as well as green activities such as bike assisted power that attendees can help to power the event or showcasing sustainable brands and highlighting those that aren’t.

Regardless of the event type, there is a theme to transform your event, improve your attendees experience and simply make your event unforgettable. 

Do you have any ideas in mind for the theme of your event?