A few things to consider when theming your event:

 

To theme or not to theme?

If you have a theme everything from your invites through to your finishing touches on the table will flow.  It doesn’t cost any more to work to a theme, but the end result is ten times better.  You can also incorporate music, food, attire, venue and lighting into your theme.  The possibilities are endless and it helps with the decision making process.

 
It’s the little things…

You have heard it over and over, but it is so true.  The more you put into the little touches and details for your event, the more your guests will enjoy it.  Whether it be a poem attached to each napkin or a themed gift for each guest, the occasion will be more memorable.

Theming your corporate event or gala dinner.

It is always best to choose a theme that will suit most of your guests.  Think of the type of people attending your event and what will appeal to them.  For example a more conservative group of professionals may find a ‘Priscilla’ theme not as exciting as a James Bond theme.  Also take into consideration which themes suit your venue.  A waterfront function centre would be ideal for a ‘under the sea’ theme and a rooftop venue would be ideal for ‘a night under the stars’. Using your corporate colours for a promotional night is a great concept as the people attending identify with your colours.

Theming your wedding.

You may choose a deep aqua blue because you were inspired by the water when you were at the Greek Islands together.  Or you may choose deep red because you both like rich colours.  Then think of all the personal things that you and your partner love.  It can be anything.  Just brain storm and then choose one or two symbols that reflect you. For example a butterfly (because it represents a new beginning) or squares (because you prefer them to circles) or even a particular leaf shape (because you both have a green thumb).  Now you have a theme!  From this point onwards you can design everything around the focus of your chosen scheme.

Should the bridesmaids dresses match the room décor?

As long as their dresses do not clash, you do not need them to match the sashes on the chairs.  There are many colours that we consider neutral that can complement any colour scheme – ivory, mocha, chocolate, black, silver or gold.  Also you could choose a different shade (as long as it is not a different tone) of the same colour or a complementary colour (like pink with green).

A theme of many colours?

For corporate events, gala dinners and parties there are no rules.  More is better!  In other words be extreme on your colour scheme or theme for more impact and better value for money.  For weddings on the other hand, if you have chosen rich colours try to limit the amount used to keep the room tasteful.  If you have a pale colour scheme you can almost use as much of it as you wish. Unless you are having a ‘carnivale’ or ‘pastel’ theme limit your number of colours to three at the most including a metallic.  For example two shades of pink with silver.   One rule that never fails – work the impact of your colour to the centre of the table.  Therefore keep the sashes on your chairs pale and then move your rich colour focus to the flowers on the table with a few touches of colour in your placecards and napkin ties in between.

Centrepieces on centre stage

After table linen, centerpieces are the most important part of your decorating.  If you are looking for impact and value for money, tall vases or candelabras are the most effective.  If you prefer a feel of intimacy, something low with the element of soothing water included is the most successful.  Working the height of your table setting towards the centre of the table is advised.  For example if you choose a low float bowl, keep your napkins folded in a flat style.

Genesis Windsor is almost 1 year old!  Our opening night was amazing.  We had to open with a bang and phoned An Arty Atmosphere to assist us.  The response was immediate and they had us all organized. The balloons and decorations were fantastic.  Since then we’ve had a number of smaller requirements to decorate our club and organize events and the ladies at An Arty Atmosphere have sorted us superbly every time.
Jack, (Genesis Gym) Windsor Homezone