Focus on the guest experience remains the number one motivation for hosts of special events and logically one can expect this to continue indefinitely. One facet of creating memorable events is including eye-catching décor where onlookers would least expect it. One of the hottest trends in design this year fulfills that goal and provides that satisfying “wow” that every event pro is dying to hear. That trend is hanging foliage.
Photo courtesy Rock Salt Photography
Sarah Chancey of Chancey Charm quips, “2017’s color of the year, greenery, will still be ‘hanging around,’ literally, as an ethereal vibe on chandeliers,” a look that combines the best of unique professional lighting and the drive to incorporate outdoor elements into indoor or tented events. Hanging foliage isn’t just for chandeliers, though. It can take numerous forms.
Jane Riddell of Planned for Perfection explains the allure of hanging greenery, stating that, “Couples are mixing their favorite styles and themes from recent years to add a more textural feel to tables, using all five senses so that guests enjoy a ‘dining experience.’ Top tables are becoming more of a statement piece, from beautifully dressed sweetheart tables, to those that are framed by hanging flowers, or placed in front of flower walls and blossoming trees.”
Confirming that the trend is taking hold of the event design world, Kyla Helgeson of Tesselaar Flowers indicates that “Many of (her) couples are requesting foliage and floral garlands for their long guest tables, and if budget allows, couples are going all out with hanging feature installations either above the bridal table or dance floor.”
“Too often the impact of great table design is diminished because the overall look stops mid-way up the ballroom wall. While you hope no one looks up, breaking the spell of all of the awesome centerpieces, candles, linens and other table décor you’ve designed, why risk it?”
Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Event Design, in fact, comments, “that whimsical theming is returning to popularity”. Clients want “lots of color and fun décor – think hanging cakes and floral ceilings,” says Sayatovic. Where budgets can’t quite support the luxury of full-scale installations, choosing just a single, smaller focal point, like the cake table can be more accessible and still make an impact.
Photo courtesy Summer Rain Photography
One of the hottest continuing trends from recent years, “hanging décor is still going to be huge,” says Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services. And it’s “not just chandeliers anymore!” raves Dennis. “We are seeing a lot of custom built pieces.” These could be in the form of lattices which allow you to have garlands of greens and flowers interspersed with glowing candles in glass containers, or frame-like structures running over the length of a long banquet table from which you can suspend as much greenery as you’d like.
Too often the impact of great table design is diminished because the overall look stops mid-way up the ballroom wall. While you hope no one looks up, breaking the spell of all of the awesome centerpieces, candles, linens and other table décor you’ve designed, why risk it? Hanging foliage adds another whole dimension to event design, drawing guests deeper into the overall experience and eliminating distracting, ugly ballroom, warehouse and tent ceilings that can otherwise take away from your overall look.
Hanging foliage is definitely in-demand and worth exploring if you plan to take your event design to the next level. How will you incorporate in your events in the coming months?
