It is no secret that designing anything is a lot of fun, but can also be overwhelming. Whether it is a house, a kitchen, a bathroom, or in our case events and weddings there are many options to explore. I remember when I was starting in the wedding and event industry, I would get excited about the overall theme but then anxious about the tiny details. I find breaking the wedding design down and looking at it as a colorful but intricate puzzle allows the thought process of the plan to be molded and formed. The truth is, none of us are looking to recreate and event we have already done, or copy someone else’s work. Where is the fun in that? What we are trying to do is figure out what the client loves, explore certain details that grab their attention, and turn that into an event that is comprehensive, intended, and personal.
Bride with her bridesmaids taking a moment to cheers to love at Hotel deLuxe! Both clients worked for Nike and had their wedding logo embroidered onto the pullovers. Photo credit: Lexia Frank Photography
Let’s start out by looking at the meaning of Design as it relates to the event industry:
Design (noun) is
A specification of an object (party, wedding, event, etc),
Manifested by an agent (planner),
Intended to accomplish goals (marriage, product launch, raise money, celebrate, etc),
In a particular environment (venue),
Using a set of primitive components (lighting, flowers, hard and soft goods, entertainment, etc),
Satisfying a set of requirements (clients needs),
Subject to constraints (budget and time).
Tabletop design using a color palette of grey, gold, and pale pink. Vendors include: Swoon Floral Design, Crave Design, Lux Sucre, The Party Place, and Deyla Huss Photography
All of our clients come to us with their own vision, budget, color scheme, etc. The main constraint we typically face is the budget, and sometimes time. Therefore, we find that there are a few critical steps and questions to address right away. For this purpose, we are going to tailor these to weddings.
This client had a love for music so they opted for a string quartet during the ceremony, pianist for cocktail hour, a jazz band for dinner, and DJ/MC for the reception. Vendors: Sentinel Hotel, Blum Floral Design, The House of Cards Music, The Party Place, Portland Piano Company, Watertown Films, and Jessica Hill Photography
First and foremost the most critical question we start out with - Is this an indoor or outdoor wedding? An outdoor event requires rain plans, and therefore, quite possibly a tent. The extra coordination and design for an outdoor wedding also means more money and time!
Given all the items that are part of a wedding (food, beverages, entertainment, flowers, photography, videography, decor, etc) - What are the two most important elements to you?
This will help us to breakdown your budget and see where money should be allocated. For instance, if you must have a band we will allocate more towards entertainment and less on decor.
Tackling the mood board.
Many of our clients send us either a Power Point or a link to their Pinterest page. Sometimes this can be one page, but often there are several pages or pictures with scattered thoughts. Our mission is to go through each element and ask questions. This part, as stated above, is not about recreating the photos on the board, but exploring what the client loves about the look, and using an element or two to create something new.
Narrowing down the colors and seeing how to incorporate them. Are you going for a bold look or subtle hues?
Choosing colors does not mean that it needs to take over the overall look. It simply means that we will incorporate those colors into at least 3 elements. That could be your linen, napkin, flowers, chargers, plates, menus, candles, etc. It can be numerous items, but doesn’t have to be something that overpowers the intended design. As an example, take a look at the table-scape below that uses black, white, and purple. Black is used with the chairs, the chargers, and in the menu. The white suede cuts the boldness and brings a romantic and intimate vibe. White is also shown in the linen, plate, and candles. Purple is used in the napkins, the menu, as well as the flowers. Pops of greenery in the covering of the table and within the centerpieces along with touches of gold act as an enhancement.
This will automatically lead into layouts, rentals, etc. How many centerpieces/type of centerpieces? Is your venue big or small for the amount of guests you are inviting? Are we looking at long or round table?
Yes, different types of centerpieces is a thing in any event. Having a venue that is too big is totally workable, whereas having one that might be too small is difficult. The choice of tables can change the look and feel dramatically. Long tables, especially king size, can make a larger venue look less overwhelming and allow your guests to enjoy the space. They also bring more of an upscale intimate look. Farm tables can make it more rustic and European. Round tables covered in fun linen can add lots of color to your event, thus creating the atmosphere. Softer hues and candles will lighten the mood. Lighting is another element that can completely transform a room. Again, this topic can go on and on and on….
This long table for 40 was created for a styled shoot at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland. Vendor team: Bridgewood Event Rentals, Creative Coverings, Brenna Burnett Florals, Letters & Dust, Christy Cassano, and Watertown Films
There are many other steps that go into design, but these will always be staples that start the process. Design isn’t for everyone. Understanding the science behind why certain things are done will always make the entire experience easier and enjoyable.
