Event decoration in Lagos is a big deal. In fact, event decoration in Nigeria is a BIG DEAL – period. People are spending a lot of money to host their events and to impress their friends, families and others. Per a news article written by CNN, people are spending up to hundreds of millions of Naira on their weddings. Regardless of how much you choose to spend on your event, it makes sense to plan ahead so you get the most bang for your buck. Here are some planning steps to take into consideration when you start thinking about event decoration for your event.
1. Determine your budget
Be realistic and honest with yourself and your pocket. Look at your total event budget and determine how much you would like to spend on event decoration. If you are not sure how to determine what a realistic amount is, you can:
- chat with friends or family who have recently hired an event decorator: Friends and family with first hand knowledge may be willing to share how much their event decoration cost. Keep in mind that your vision for your decor may be completely different from what they had – which may impact the final cost of your event decor. You can also use the opportunity to ask whether or not they recommend the event decorator.
- call a few event decorators to get a feel for how much it may cost: This my be the most accurate way to get a preliminary quote. Make sure you have a clear vision of what you may want in mind. You may also what to have your event date and venue confirmed before calling to chat with an event decorator. For example, roses are more expensive in February because of valentine. So, if you would like to decorate your event with roses in February, you should be expecting to pay more to your event decorator for the decor.
- Do some research online – You may sometimes be able to get a sense for how much event decoration for an event cost by doing some research online. Traditional media outlets, social media and Google are your friend.
2. Finalize your event date
When you are planning your event decoration, one of the factors you want to take into consideration is your event date. Sometimes the cost of the event decoration components may be driven by availability. Your event decorator may need to have some of the components custom made or may need to order ahead. Providing your finalized event date will allow the event decorator to provide you with the most realistic cost and whether or not your preferences may or may not be possible. For example, there are flowers that are more available during certain times in the year – which means they may be cheaper or more expensive depending on your event date. If cost is an issue, make sure you ask your event decorator to provide you with the most affordable options base on your event date.
3. What type of event are you planning?
The type of event you are planning, will determine the kind of event decoration you need. Event decoration for weddings are typically more elaborate than event decoration for corporate events (with some exceptions). When you think about traditional weddings for example, you need to consider whether or not you want to infuse traditional components from both families into the decor. You also, need to keep in mind seating arrangements for the elders in the families, and for the bride and groom. Whereas for corporate events, your main focus may be your sponsors or special guests and how to ensure they have the best experience. The event decoration you decide on, will play into the totality of the event experience that your guest enjoy. You can categorize your event into one of the following type of events:
- Private – You may want to consider the type of experience you want your guests to have. Do you want an informal or formal feel to the event. Will people be mingling during the event, will they be mostly sitting down. If it’s a kids party have you decided what kinds of games the kids will play to engage them.
- Corporate – The goal or objective of your corporate event should be considered when you decide on your event decor. For example, if you are hosting a conference you may want your decor to be subtle so it doesn’t overshadow the event itself.
- Government – You may need to think about things like security and the comfort of your government parastals
- Charity – If you are expecting donations, ensure your event decor does not make it difficult for people to give. This is important if they will be giving physically at the event.
4. Think about the theme of the event
People are getting tired of hosting boring same-old events. We find that a lot of people want their events to stand out and be fun at the same time. Companies are trying to set apart their brands, while brides are trying to make their whole wedding experience fun and memorable. Choosing an event theme may be as easy as selecting a color that will be used throughout the event, or as elaborate as you can imagine (you are only limited by the depth of your imagination). You need to remember that whatever theme you choose will set the tone for the whole event. Your theme will be infused into your event decor, event venue, event meals and other facets of your event. So you’ll need to plan properly and probably brainstorm with other people or get ideas online. Your vision should be clearly discussed with your event decorator who may be able to give you more ideas. Make sure your theme ideas are all documented either by email or on paper so that all your vendors understand your vision.
5. Consider the unique needs of your guests
One of the keys to a successful event, is to make your event as inclusive as possible. You need to ensure your event decoration will not make it difficult for your guests to enjoy the event. You should be considering questions such as: Will the event decor impact the flow of foot traffic during the event? are guests going to be able to have robust conversations as they sit around the table and enjoy their meals? Will guests who need canes, wheel chairs or crutches be able to maneuver around easily? Is it be okay to use pyrotechnics, bright lighting or very dark mood lights or will there be people who are sensitive to these lighting effects? Taking your guests unique needs into consideration will show that you are a host who cares. It will also help your guests enjoy your event even more. Below are some things to consider:
- Accessibility
- If you have a seating chart, ensure that people who use canes, crutches, wheelchairs etc are seated in areas with enough space to maneuver or leave easily if they need to
- You can incorporate easy-to-read signs as part of your event decor
- Seating arrangements
- Ensure that the decor on the tables do not block the view of the guests seated at the tables. This is so that your guests can converse easily
- Consider using various types of chairs (with/without armrests) for the event
- Flow of traffic during event
- Ensure that large decor is not placed in areas that will impede foot traffic for guests, servers or anyone else involved with the event
- If you will be using carpets, aisle runners or any other decor on the floor (e.g. petals), ensure that it is secure and will not create a hazard
- Lighting
- If you will be using lighting as part of your decor, ensure that it is not too harsh. Good lighting will be comfortable for your guests.
- For guests who are hard of hearing, good lighting will allow them to read lips or communicate easily.
6. Create a shortlist of preferred venues
Now that you have done bit of homework, you should now be ready to create a shortlist of your preferred event venues. Call around to ensure that the event venues will be available for your selected date. Also, ask what their policies are with regards to event decor. Visit the event site to ensure that it will meet your needs before you commit to it.
7. Discuss your vision with your event decorator
Schedule a site visit with your event decorator and discuss your vision with them. They should be able to provide your with clear guidance on how to achieve your needs. Ensure your key requirements are documented and communicated to your decorator and event planner (or key person). Check in with your event decorator a week or two before the event to ensure that they are ready for your event.
8. Relax and enjoy the party
If all goes well, you should be able to relax and enjoy your event. You will also have people letting you know how well planned your event is. If you think the process may be a little overwhelming, consider hiring an event planner who will make the process much easier for you.
