Theme it on a Budget

With some careful planning you can have an event that looks a million bucks. Image credit Decorative Events & Exhibitions

Keen for an event with impact that doesn’t blow the budget? Themeing and décor is important, especially for setting the event mood, reinforcing your brand or just keeping the event looking great. But balancing the imagination with your budget isn’t always easy. With a bit of planning it’s still possible to have a great looking event without spending a fortune.

Choose your theme carefully. Some themes are more expensive to create than others. Knowing what you’re working toward from the very beginning keeps everything in check and saves you from having to make disappointing compromises later on. Talk to your event planner and be upfront and honest about your budget and see what they can do, quite often you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Select your venue carefully. Talk to us about a venue that will best suit your event. You don’t want to waste money trying to create the right look in the wrong space. Certain spaces might already suit the theme you’re going with. For an example, a gorgeous historic house could be the perfect setting for a ‘Roaring 20s’ theme.

Using a striking themed centrepiece can be a simple and effective way to add to your theme. Image credit: Decorative Events & Exhibitions

Keep it simple. Sometimes when your budget is tight, less can really be more. Think small and look for easy ways to set a mood such as using creative lighting to set an atmosphere and add colour. Introducing a few key pieces that go with your theme can often be better than going overboard with too many pieces. Even better if they are interactive as it’ll create an impact and keep your guests engaged. Even using a printed backdrop or single but bold items items such as an ornate or heavy wooden table stands for candles can create an atmosphere and set a mood.
Enlist your guests. Asking guests to get involved on the night can be one of the most effective ways to theme an event, and it won’t cost anything! If appropriate, ask guests to wear an outfit around the theme, a room full of guests in themed outfits can often make a much bigger impression than a table centrepieces or expensive room themeing.

Most of all be honest about your event budget when working with your planner, they often know a few tips and tricks to make your event look its best without breaking the bank.