It’s time again to bring out the jingle bells and fruitcakes; holiday season is upon us and, with that, come all of the festive holiday parties to plan before year’s end. Lighting and entertainment are instrumental parts of most events, but are especially crucial around the holidays. After all, the days are shorter (and colder) so it’s important to create that warm welcoming ambiance that will keep people in party mode all night long.
From glistening trees to caroling choirs, there are many options to choose from when curating the perfect holiday experience. Let’s take a look at some of the trends you can expect to see in the months that lie ahead.
Photo courtesy Meghan McSweeney Photography – www.meghanmcsweeney.com
Hanging lighting
Mistletoe isn’t the only thing hanging at holiday parties; lighting fixtures are increasingly popular choices for stringing up overhead. Market lights, lanterns, chandeliers, and Edison bulbs are all solid choices for hanging lights. This style provides dynamic event design, while providing the opportunity to easily customize the brightness and warmth of the lighting in any given space.
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Video mapping
This technology is on the newer side and has the power to transform an event space with the switch of a button. As its name entails, video mapping uses video projections to create patterns, textures, and colors throughout a venue to alter the overall design. This can be used on a large scale (think walls and dance floors) or on a smaller scale (like added an extra layer of design to an all-white cake).
Photo booths 2.0
We’ve been seeing the classic photo booth for some time now, but things have far surpassed the days of printout strips like you find at the mall. Nowadays, party hosts are doing their part to get creative with photo booths for a more engaging and exciting guest experience. Instead of static photos, there are now options to have GIF or Boomerang stations, live video booths, and versatile green screens for unique backgrounds. Add on some custom holiday-inspired props and signage and you’ve got yourself the perfect festive activity.
Photo courtesy Don Mears Photography – www.donmearsphotography.com
Live entertainment
While there’s certainly still a place for DJs and their playlists, we’re seeing a shift to live entertainment as experiential event design becomes more intentional in today’s industry. It’s not just bands, either; think bigger like aerial dancers, acrobats, live-action food and drink stations, illusionists, interpretive dancers and musicians, and more. We have noticed a demand for the more eclectic side of live entertainment, so consider the unexpected when planning ahead for holiday events.
This holiday season, get excited for a festive take on all things new and innovative, whether that means creative party lighting or unique forms of entertainment.
