Creativity is a common denominator in event planning. No one sets out to coordinate the “most uninspired meeting of all time." Event planners want to be remembered for integrating originality and imagination into their events. Often times though there are boundaries placed on that creativity. It could be a limited budget or a conservative theme that leaves a creative event planner wondering where to sneak in a dash of personality.
To help your creativity prevail in situations such as these, we’ve outlined some of the nearly infinite event components where planners can add their creative touches. Under each one, you’ll see an example of how to spice up these details beyond the standard fare.
Event Title
Your title is the first thing that sells prospective attendees at your event.
Standard Example: The 23rd Annual Black & White BallCreative Example: 23 Years in the Making … Tuxedos under Twilight
Invitations
This is another first-impression element that should effectively market your event.
Standard Example: White card with plain text in a white envelopeCreative Example: Bright envelope with image-rich postcards that describe the occasion
Venue
A special location can spark excitement weeks before the event takes place.
Standard Example: Hotel meeting roomCreative Example: Restaurant or private suite at an arena or ballpark
Catering
Every meeting and theme can be partnered with a unique food experience.
Standard Example: Grilled chicken with riceCreative Example: Chipolte BBQ pork loin served with mashed sweet potatoes
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most basic elements of design, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
Standard Example: Spotlights on stageCreative Example: Colorful uplighting to illuminate walls and white linens
Seating Arrangements
After registration, the next top concern for guests is where they will be seated.
Standard Example: Round tables for eightCreative Example: Crescent rounds of six to eliminate guests having their backs to the stage
Design Props
Props come in many different forms, from simple stage ferns to detailed scenery motifs.
Standard Example: Backdrops and banners on the stageCreative Example: Themed inflatables set outside the room or venue entrance
Staff
Greeters, servers, and registration staff can integrate the theme of your event into their uniforms.
Standard Example: Monogrammed polo shirts and khakisCreative Examples: Sports uniforms, construction hats, or costumes
Stage Design
The stage is the focal point throughout the event, so keep it visible and engaging.
Standard Example: 8-by-12 rectangular stage centered on the wallCreative Example: Runway stage that extends into the audience for more engagement
Table Linens
Napkins have the capacity to become a visual design element by themselves.
Standard Example: White table linens with burgundy, flat-folded napkinsCreative Example: Floor-length table linens in a solid color with contrasting napkins in a pyramid fold
Chair Covers
Even the nicest banquet chairs look complacent at a large event.
Standard Example: White linen chair cover with a bow tieCreative Example: Spandex stretch covers that match the table linens
Guest Speakers
Speakers and their messages represent the content of your event and thus are tied closely to its success.
Standard Example: Vice President of Sales and MarketingCreative Example: Celebrity or outside presenter who can tie past success with your company’s objectives
Entertainment
Entertainers can perform before or after the main content to add another unique element to the occasion.
Standard Example: DJ or jazz trioCreative Examples: Recording artists or talented performers from an area school
Centerpieces
Whatever sits in the center of each guest table will be viewed for hours. Don’t waste the opportunity to create a conversation-starter.
Standard Example: Fresh cut flowers or portable plants that can be taken home by guestsCreative Examples: Ceramic artwork, picture collages, or fiber optic centerpieces
Table Cards
These are the signs placed at each table to identify the table number or guest seating position.
Standard Example: Printed card stockCreative Example: Framed table numbers that match the décor of the table
These are just some of the nooks and crannies where planners can add a creative accent to events. The truth is that just about any facet of event production can be customized in some manner. The easiest way to get inspired is to attend as many industry conferences as you can and network with other planners when possible.
Creativity is a common denominator in event planning. No one sets out to coordinate the “most uninspired meeting of all time." Event planners want to be remembered for integrating originality and imagination into their events. Often times though there are boundaries placed on that creativity. It could be a limited budget or a conservative theme that leaves a creative event planner wondering where to sneak in a dash of personality.
To help your creativity prevail in situations such as these, we’ve outlined some of the nearly infinite event components where planners can add their creative touches. Under each one, you’ll see an example of how to spice up these details beyond the standard fare.
Event Title
Your title is the first thing that sells prospective attendees at your event.
Standard Example: The 23rd Annual Black & White BallCreative Example: 23 Years in the Making … Tuxedos under Twilight
Invitations
This is another first-impression element that should effectively market your event.
Standard Example: White card with plain text in a white envelopeCreative Example: Bright envelope with image-rich postcards that describe the occasion
Venue
A special location can spark excitement weeks before the event takes place.
Standard Example: Hotel meeting roomCreative Example: Restaurant or private suite at an arena or ballpark
Catering
Every meeting and theme can be partnered with a unique food experience.
Standard Example: Grilled chicken with riceCreative Example: Chipolte BBQ pork loin served with mashed sweet potatoes
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most basic elements of design, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
Standard Example: Spotlights on stageCreative Example: Colorful uplighting to illuminate walls and white linens
Seating Arrangements
After registration, the next top concern for guests is where they will be seated.
Standard Example: Round tables for eightCreative Example: Crescent rounds of six to eliminate guests having their backs to the stage
Design Props
Props come in many different forms, from simple stage ferns to detailed scenery motifs.
Standard Example: Backdrops and banners on the stageCreative Example: Themed inflatables set outside the room or venue entrance
Staff
Greeters, servers, and registration staff can integrate the theme of your event into their uniforms.
Standard Example: Monogrammed polo shirts and khakisCreative Examples: Sports uniforms, construction hats, or costumes
Stage Design
The stage is the focal point throughout the event, so keep it visible and engaging.
Standard Example: 8-by-12 rectangular stage centered on the wallCreative Example: Runway stage that extends into the audience for more engagement
Table Linens
Napkins have the capacity to become a visual design element by themselves.
Standard Example: White table linens with burgundy, flat-folded napkinsCreative Example: Floor-length table linens in a solid color with contrasting napkins in a pyramid fold
Chair Covers
Even the nicest banquet chairs look complacent at a large event.
Standard Example: White linen chair cover with a bow tieCreative Example: Spandex stretch covers that match the table linens
Guest Speakers
Speakers and their messages represent the content of your event and thus are tied closely to its success.
Standard Example: Vice President of Sales and MarketingCreative Example: Celebrity or outside presenter who can tie past success with your company’s objectives
Entertainment
Entertainers can perform before or after the main content to add another unique element to the occasion.
Standard Example: DJ or jazz trioCreative Examples: Recording artists or talented performers from an area school
Centerpieces
Whatever sits in the center of each guest table will be viewed for hours. Don’t waste the opportunity to create a conversation-starter.
Standard Example: Fresh cut flowers or portable plants that can be taken home by guestsCreative Examples: Ceramic artwork, picture collages, or fiber optic centerpieces
Table Cards
These are the signs placed at each table to identify the table number or guest seating position.
Standard Example: Printed card stockCreative Example: Framed table numbers that match the décor of the table
These are just some of the nooks and crannies where planners can add a creative accent to events. The truth is that just about any facet of event production can be customized in some manner. The easiest way to get inspired is to attend as many industry conferences as you can and network with other planners when possible.
Creativity is a common denominator in event planning. No one sets out to coordinate the “most uninspired meeting of all time." Event planners want to be remembered for integrating originality and imagination into their events. Often times though there are boundaries placed on that creativity. It could be a limited budget or a conservative theme that leaves a creative event planner wondering where to sneak in a dash of personality.
To help your creativity prevail in situations such as these, we’ve outlined some of the nearly infinite event components where planners can add their creative touches. Under each one, you’ll see an example of how to spice up these details beyond the standard fare.
Event Title
Your title is the first thing that sells prospective attendees at your event.
Standard Example: The 23rd Annual Black & White BallCreative Example: 23 Years in the Making … Tuxedos under Twilight
Invitations
This is another first-impression element that should effectively market your event.
Standard Example: White card with plain text in a white envelopeCreative Example: Bright envelope with image-rich postcards that describe the occasion
Venue
A special location can spark excitement weeks before the event takes place.
Standard Example: Hotel meeting roomCreative Example: Restaurant or private suite at an arena or ballpark
Catering
Every meeting and theme can be partnered with a unique food experience.
Standard Example: Grilled chicken with riceCreative Example: Chipolte BBQ pork loin served with mashed sweet potatoes
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most basic elements of design, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
Standard Example: Spotlights on stageCreative Example: Colorful uplighting to illuminate walls and white linens
Seating Arrangements
After registration, the next top concern for guests is where they will be seated.
Standard Example: Round tables for eightCreative Example: Crescent rounds of six to eliminate guests having their backs to the stage
Design Props
Props come in many different forms, from simple stage ferns to detailed scenery motifs.
Standard Example: Backdrops and banners on the stageCreative Example: Themed inflatables set outside the room or venue entrance
Staff
Greeters, servers, and registration staff can integrate the theme of your event into their uniforms.
Standard Example: Monogrammed polo shirts and khakisCreative Examples: Sports uniforms, construction hats, or costumes
Stage Design
The stage is the focal point throughout the event, so keep it visible and engaging.
Standard Example: 8-by-12 rectangular stage centered on the wallCreative Example: Runway stage that extends into the audience for more engagement
Table Linens
Napkins have the capacity to become a visual design element by themselves.
Standard Example: White table linens with burgundy, flat-folded napkinsCreative Example: Floor-length table linens in a solid color with contrasting napkins in a pyramid fold
Chair Covers
Even the nicest banquet chairs look complacent at a large event.
Standard Example: White linen chair cover with a bow tieCreative Example: Spandex stretch covers that match the table linens
Guest Speakers
Speakers and their messages represent the content of your event and thus are tied closely to its success.
Standard Example: Vice President of Sales and MarketingCreative Example: Celebrity or outside presenter who can tie past success with your company’s objectives
Entertainment
Entertainers can perform before or after the main content to add another unique element to the occasion.
Standard Example: DJ or jazz trioCreative Examples: Recording artists or talented performers from an area school
Centerpieces
Whatever sits in the center of each guest table will be viewed for hours. Don’t waste the opportunity to create a conversation-starter.
Standard Example: Fresh cut flowers or portable plants that can be taken home by guestsCreative Examples: Ceramic artwork, picture collages, or fiber optic centerpieces
Table Cards
These are the signs placed at each table to identify the table number or guest seating position.
Standard Example: Printed card stockCreative Example: Framed table numbers that match the décor of the table
These are just some of the nooks and crannies where planners can add a creative accent to events. The truth is that just about any facet of event production can be customized in some manner. The easiest way to get inspired is to attend as many industry conferences as you can and network with other planners when possible.
Creativity is a common denominator in event planning. No one sets out to coordinate the “most uninspired meeting of all time." Event planners want to be remembered for integrating originality and imagination into their events. Often times though there are boundaries placed on that creativity. It could be a limited budget or a conservative theme that leaves a creative event planner wondering where to sneak in a dash of personality.
To help your creativity prevail in situations such as these, we’ve outlined some of the nearly infinite event components where planners can add their creative touches. Under each one, you’ll see an example of how to spice up these details beyond the standard fare.
Event Title
Your title is the first thing that sells prospective attendees at your event.
- Standard Example: The 23rd Annual Black & White BallCreative Example: 23 Years in the Making … Tuxedos under Twilight
Invitations
This is another first-impression element that should effectively market your event.
- Standard Example: White card with plain text in a white envelopeCreative Example: Bright envelope with image-rich postcards that describe the occasion
Venue
A special location can spark excitement weeks before the event takes place.
- Standard Example: Hotel meeting roomCreative Example: Restaurant or private suite at an arena or ballpark
Catering
Every meeting and theme can be partnered with a unique food experience.
- Standard Example: Grilled chicken with riceCreative Example: Chipolte BBQ pork loin served with mashed sweet potatoes
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most basic elements of design, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
- Standard Example: Spotlights on stageCreative Example: Colorful uplighting to illuminate walls and white linens
Seating Arrangements
After registration, the next top concern for guests is where they will be seated.
- Standard Example: Round tables for eightCreative Example: Crescent rounds of six to eliminate guests having their backs to the stage
Design Props
Props come in many different forms, from simple stage ferns to detailed scenery motifs.
- Standard Example: Backdrops and banners on the stageCreative Example: Themed inflatables set outside the room or venue entrance
Staff
Greeters, servers, and registration staff can integrate the theme of your event into their uniforms.
- Standard Example: Monogrammed polo shirts and khakisCreative Examples: Sports uniforms, construction hats, or costumes
Stage Design
The stage is the focal point throughout the event, so keep it visible and engaging.
- Standard Example: 8-by-12 rectangular stage centered on the wallCreative Example: Runway stage that extends into the audience for more engagement
Table Linens
Napkins have the capacity to become a visual design element by themselves.
- Standard Example: White table linens with burgundy, flat-folded napkinsCreative Example: Floor-length table linens in a solid color with contrasting napkins in a pyramid fold
Chair Covers
Even the nicest banquet chairs look complacent at a large event.
- Standard Example: White linen chair cover with a bow tieCreative Example: Spandex stretch covers that match the table linens
Guest Speakers
Speakers and their messages represent the content of your event and thus are tied closely to its success.
- Standard Example: Vice President of Sales and MarketingCreative Example: Celebrity or outside presenter who can tie past success with your company’s objectives
Entertainment
Entertainers can perform before or after the main content to add another unique element to the occasion.
- Standard Example: DJ or jazz trioCreative Examples: Recording artists or talented performers from an area school
Centerpieces
Whatever sits in the center of each guest table will be viewed for hours. Don’t waste the opportunity to create a conversation-starter.
- Standard Example: Fresh cut flowers or portable plants that can be taken home by guestsCreative Examples: Ceramic artwork, picture collages, or fiber optic centerpieces
Table Cards
These are the signs placed at each table to identify the table number or guest seating position.
- Standard Example: Printed card stockCreative Example: Framed table numbers that match the décor of the table
These are just some of the nooks and crannies where planners can add a creative accent to events. The truth is that just about any facet of event production can be customized in some manner. The easiest way to get inspired is to attend as many industry conferences as you can and network with other planners when possible.
