4 minute read

When creating the perfect atmosphere for any event theme, there are several elements that you have to take into consideration. For example, check out this guide by zkipster that’s solely on escort place cards; it’s impressive!

Let’s take this time to dive into what it takes to create an atmosphere and how to match that to your event theme. 

Lighting

As with every one of these elements, they can really make or break the way that an event comes across. If you are having an intimate event that is meant to encourage close conversation between well-arranged guests, the lighting is going to be darker.  However, if you are having an event in a gorgeous barn setting, you want the light to be brighter to encourage more lively conversation and maybe even a line dance or two!

Music

Let me put it this way, with the previous example, would you have country music playing at the intimate event with directed conversations going on or would that be more appropriate for the barn event? In the same turn of thought, you don’t want to have EDM playing at a more southern event unless it’s a popular remix.

Better yet, don’t let the music take center stage unless you plan to have dancing and similar types of interactions. If you want your guests to be in a more party-type environment, then pop off with the music and go wild with picking fantastic dance music and popular remixes. Otherwise, the music that you choose is an accent, not center stage. To add additional perspective, lighting is going to take more of a center stage to make sure your guests can read any handouts that aren’t virtual, and having pleasant music in the background to do that is going to create a more peaceful experience.

Decoration

Now, there are a few schools of thought that can give us different perspectives on how to approach decorations. One of them is the simple approach. Here, you aren’t looking for big bodacious representations of your event theme. Instead, you add small touches to the name plates, or delicate touches of the theme to the wall decor. Here, the idea is less is more, but let’s explore further.

On the total opposite end of the spectrum, we have a grandiose approach to decor that creates a whole new environment, almost ignoring the space that it is in. From floral arrangements, hanging silks, and so much more, this type of approach can give a feeling of being transported to a totally different world.

Guest Organization

Here’s where you can get into the trenches of creating atmosphere. Trying to organize guests can be like herding cats, which is why having a seating plan ahead of time may be the best way to approach this. Ease of organization isn’t the only thing that having an organized guest list allows. You can also arrange guests by business interests, personal interests, pretty much anything that you know about the guests! 

A great way to get some of this information is a pre-event survey to gett to know the guests a little bit more, unless you have a high-end event. Then, you’ll have to do some of the research on your own and organize your seating arrangements accordingly. 

The reason that this is so important is that when it comes to creating an atmosphere, you want conversations to flow naturally to make sure that guests are enjoying themselves. Yes, a large part of this depends on how the guests all feel that day, but generally speaking, organizing guests by similar interests or business ventures can lead to networking and unforgettable conversation. 

Greeting Team

The unsung heroes of any event! A greeting team and people arranged around different event elements can help create an infectious atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. For example, some of the worst events I’ve attended have no greeting team, no one at the food tables, and no one at the activity areas. It was so boring! Having someone there at key event areas allows guests to interact with people whose attitude is customer service-forward and ready to help. That can almost always bring a smile to someone’s face!

Bringing it All Together

Something that you have to stop and think about is really what kind of atmosphere you are going for. Each of these elements can be manipulated to fit exactly what you want. It takes a practiced hand and plenty of research to make sure you are approaching elements accurately. Take the time to plan things out, and you’ll be good to go. Happy event planning!