How SA Event Decor Researches, Designs and Creates Authentic Carnival-Themed Events
When a client tells us they are planning a Carnival-themed event, one of the first things we establish at SA Event Decor is exactly what they mean by Carnival.
That may sound like a small detail, but it can completely change the design direction of an event.
Carnival is not one single theme.
A Brazilian Carnival, Caribbean Carnival, Cape Carnival, Venetian Carnival, New Orleans Mardi Gras, Fairground Carnival and Circus theme all have very different identities.
They have different colours, different histories, different music, different visual elements and, most importantly from an event décor perspective, they create completely different experiences for guests.
This is where proper research becomes so important.
At SA Event Decor, we do not want to take a few feathers, balloons and striped props, put them together and call it Carnival.
We want to understand the concept first.
Whether we are designing a corporate year-end function in Johannesburg, a gala dinner in Sandton, a themed event in Pretoria, or an event anywhere else in South Africa, our approach remains the same:
Understand the concept before designing the décor.
Research Comes Before Event Design
Before we start designing a themed event, we research it.
We look at the client’s brief, their company, their website, their brand identity, their preferred colours, the venue, the purpose of the function and the experience they want their guests to have.
We then research the actual theme.
If the client asks for Brazilian Carnival event décor, we research Brazilian Carnival.
If they ask for Venetian Carnival décor, we research Venice, masks, costume, architecture and the visual history associated with that Carnival.
If they want a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme, we need to understand Mardi Gras rather than simply finding a few purple decorations.
This research influences everything that follows.
It affects the event backdrop, centrepieces, table décor, floral styling, garlands, entrance features, cocktail areas, furniture, props, stage décor and even the smaller decorative elements that are eventually packed for function day.
A themed event should tell one visual story.
We Don’t Simply Design Pretty Things
Something can be beautiful and still be completely wrong for the event.
That is something I regularly explain to our team at SA Event Decor.
Before adding an item to a concept, I want to know:
Why is it there?
Does it belong to the theme?
Does the shape make sense?
Does the colour make sense?
Does the material make sense?
Does it help us tell the client’s story?
Could somebody walk into the function without seeing the invitation and still understand what kind of event they are attending?
That is the difference between simply placing décor in a venue and actually creating a themed event environment.
