Event decor under new rules — fresh trends for creating stylish and safe decoration

Decor is an important part of any event. Without it, the event will not be as atmospheric, lively, and complete. What trends are observed in decor this year? What difficulties do decorators face in preparing for events? We will answer these and other questions, as well as talk about new trends in the field of decor and floristry.

Event design was discussed in one of our event broadcasts. Executive Director, Head of Event Direction at Aventura Event Agency Evgenia Glushenkova talked with representatives of the decoration industry about their activities this year and plans for the future. If you missed the broadcast or want to refresh its main ideas in your memory, this article is for you!

Eco-decor for Everyone

One of the global trends in the event industry is sustainability. Large companies have picked up the trend that originated in the West and are abandoning plastic decorations. Nature-friendly materials, a modern, natural eco-style, and the use of reusable decorations are increasingly found in Russia as well. Reusing decor is one of the main eco-trends of 2020.

Darya Abalmasova, head of the “Wonderland” decoration studio from St. Petersburg, says that in their city there is a developed community of decorators and they can exchange decorations by barter. 

- Sometimes we rent props to each other, - notes Darya. - Very often decorators organize sales-flea markets. There you can cheaply buy cool decor items that have already served one decorator but can still serve another. 

The eco-trend was also popular last year. For example, the American brand Absolut Bar Recycle at an event in honor of “Earth Day” created an interactive space from recycled materials and natural elements. They used wooden pallets, bubble wrap, as well as fresh flowers, moss, and greenery. The goal of the installation was to encourage local residents to recycle waste and draw attention to environmental issues. The event featured blue furniture and plants that complemented the Earth Day theme. 

Absolut Bar Recycle brand at an event in honor of “Earth Day”

Bright Colors vs. the Gray Routine

Even companies for which corporate colors have always been something sacred are abandoning them in favor of something brighter or diluting their usual palette with new accents. Vivid colors in every shade of the rainbow are in trend. As for the chosen color of the year — the shade of blue, it is great for corporate events.

One good example of vivid, bright summer decor is the Annual Zoo Ball at the Lincoln Park Zoo in the USA. The gala ceremony “Feathered Romance” was dedicated to Chilean flamingos and helped raise funds for the development of one of Chile's zoos. The main decor accents at this event were lush botanical prints and an abundance of soft pink, the color of this rare bird's wing. By the way, flamingos are also something of a trend, since the birds can be found on clothing and accessories around the world.

An example of bright summer decor — the Annual Zoo Ball at the Lincoln Park Zoo in the USA

Neon, Metal and Fresh Flowers

The future has always attracted writers and filmmakers, and in 2020 decorators are also inspired by futuristic imagery. Creating techno-style décor, using chrome-plated metal structures and neon tones, they create a mesmerizing cosmic atmosphere. 

For example, the 27th annual ESPN Awards (USA), held at the end of 2019, were noted for their futuristic, eco-friendly décor. Patina, concrete and wood finishes were complemented by live greenery that bathed in neon light. The centerpiece was a 70-foot-diameter tree with a fiberglass trunk. And 600 natural branches were cut from old trees on a farm. Agronomists noted that pruning branches is a natural process that helps trees grow stronger and longer. After the ESPY party, the décor was repurposed for landscaping.

The 27th annual ESPN Awards (USA) were noted for their futuristic, eco-friendly décor

As Viktor Terekhov, head of the La Flori floral studio (Omsk), says, the imagination of the client and decorator is unlimited, so the techno style coexists in compositions with fresh flowers. He notes that, if desired, one can create a harmonious combination of these contrasting decorative elements.

Social distancing is beautiful

During the risk of coronavirus spread, events acquire special features. In Western countries, various decor that helps maintain safe distance is in trend. For example, the American restaurant Fish Tales Bar&Grill came up with special round bumper tables on wheels, whose diameter prevents approaching the interlocutor too closely. They are custom-made and resemble vinyl records.

Fish Tales Bar&Grill came up with special round bumper tables on wheels

Also, as distanced decor, colorful pillows with reminders about the importance of distancing and tables more convenient for safe buffets are used. A great idea is to give event guests bracelets indicating the distance they are comfortable with when communicating. Or create a special seating plan for guests with sufficient distance from each other. You can also use live hedges, plants, fabrics or transparent vertical walls to create barriers between lounge zones. 

Live hedges, plants, fabrics or transparent vertical walls as barriers between lounge zones

An event should be not only beautiful but also safe. Therefore, creatively designed sanitary zones are trending, where anyone can get hand sanitizer, a mask and other personal protective equipment. They can also be turned into branded decor elements. If you think it's too early for offline events, decorators can help diversify the corporate broadcast with unusual digital decor.

Custom Catering as a Decor Element

For decoration, you can use original buffet walls filled with appetizers. Complement them with floral arrangements and decor to bring the space to life.

Original buffet walls as decor

Budget Matters

Experts note that budgets for organizing events have decreased. However, this trend should not be linked to the crisis. The thing is that events have slightly changed format. Now they take place on small verandas, whose capacity is significantly smaller than that of large halls. They require fewer decorative elements. But even in a limited space, you can create fantastic compositions. Live and decorative flowers, metal, wooden and wicker structures, shiny balls and bright neon elements are all used. The main thing is not to overdo it with details, because harmonious combinations are in trend. 

'The maximum budget we had just for floristry was 800 thousand rubles. We fell just short of a million,' says Viktor Terekhov, head of the La Flori floristry studio in Omsk.

Despite the damage caused to the event industry by the virus, the sector continues to develop. Adapting to new market conditions, decorators offer clients beautiful, practical and safe solutions. New formats only fuel guests' interest in corporate, family and entertainment events.

Aventura event agency offers creative solutions for decorating your events, inspired by fresh trends. If you need to organize an event and provide turnkey venue decoration, call us! We will create original, modern and memorable event decor for any budget.