When it comes to planning events in venues that aren’t exactly glamorous, it can feel like a challenge. But with a little creativity, you can turn an uninspiring space into something truly special. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from past events is how to maximize the event space without overwhelming it. A perfect example of this came from a sweet sixteen party I helped design for a client whose venue was an American Legion Hall—a place that, to be honest, wasn’t the most visually appealing. But instead of fighting the space, we used its unique qualities to our advantage.
Identify the Venue’s Unique Qualities
The first step in making any venue work is to understand its qualities. It’s easy to get frustrated when the venue doesn’t align with the style you envision for your event, but sometimes those very quirks are the key to creating a standout atmosphere. In this case, the venue had a retro vibe, with walls that were a pinkish beige and blue trim. Instead of trying to hide these elements with elaborate draping, we embraced them. By listening to what the client’s daughter liked—pink being a central color—we could begin to create a cohesive design that complemented the existing space, rather than clashing with it.
Aligning the Décor with the Venue’s Character
With the venue’s retro feel in mind, we set out to design something that worked with the space, not against it. We decided to focus on a fun, youthful theme that felt fresh and vibrant, perfect for a sweet sixteen. By integrating pink flowers, neon accents, disco balls, silver metallic balloons, and pink candles, we created an atmosphere that was lively and in tune with the venue’s vibe. This wasn’t about trying to transform the space into something it wasn’t—it was about enhancing its character to fit the event.
When decorating a venue, it’s important to let the eye travel around the room, discovering different elements that come together to form a unified theme. The decor was spread out thoughtfully, allowing each piece to shine without overcrowding the space. From the neon lights to the disco balls, every detail felt intentional and part of a larger, harmonious design.
Maximizing a venue’s natural character is key to creating a beautiful and functional event. Rather than trying to cover up or fight against what you’re given, embrace the space’s unique features and design around them. With the right combination of thoughtful décor, creative ideas, and smart seating arrangements, even the most unlikely venue can become the perfect backdrop for a memorable event.
Design & Setup: Mara Events
Florals: Throne of Grace Floral Design https://throneofgracefloraldesign.com/
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