se habla Español 
For decades, floral arrangements have reigned supreme as the go-to decoration for weddings, galas, and banquets. While a lush centerpiece is timeless, relying solely on flowers can sometimes feel predictable—and expensive. Modern event design is shifting toward immersive experiences that engage more than just the sense of sight.
Creating a memorable atmosphere requires looking at the venue as a canvas. You want your guests to walk in and feel a specific mood, not just see pretty things on a table. By incorporating texture, technology, and interactive elements, event design can transform a standard banquet hall into a world of its own.
If you are looking to make a statement that goes beyond the bouquet, here are four dynamic ways to elevate your next event without relying heavily on florals.
1. Set the Mood with Custom Lighting
Lighting is often the most underestimated tool in an event planner’s arsenal, yet it creates the biggest impact per dollar spent. It dictates the energy of the room. Bright, flat lighting can make a party feel like a conference, while strategic, warm lighting creates intimacy and drama.
Uplighting and Color Washes
Uplighting involves placing lights on the floor and aiming them upward against the walls or architectural features. This simple technique adds depth to the room and can instantly change the color palette of the venue. You might start with a soft amber glow for dinner and transition to a vibrant violet or deep blue when the dancing begins.
Pin-Spotting and Gobos
Pin-spotting uses narrow beams of light to illuminate specific focal points, such as the wedding cake or the sweetheart table. It draws the eye exactly where you want it. For a personalized touch, consider using a Gobo projector. These can project patterns, textures, or even a couple’s monogram onto the dance floor or walls, adding a layer of customization that flowers simply cannot achieve.
2. Create Movement with Projection Mapping
If you want to push the boundaries of traditional decor, projection mapping is the frontier of event design. This technology uses high-powered projectors to display video content onto 3D surfaces.
Rather than hanging static artwork, you can turn a blank wall into a dynamic scene. You could project a starry night sky that slowly moves, a forest scene where leaves gently fall, or abstract geometric patterns that pulse to the beat of the music.
Projection art makes the venue feel alive. It works particularly well in banquet halls with high ceilings or large, uninterrupted wall spaces. Because the decor is digital, it can change throughout the night, offering a “scene change” from the ceremony to the cocktail hour and finally to the reception.
3. Design Themed Lounge Areas
Events can be overwhelming. Between the loud music and the crowded dance floor, guests often appreciate a space to retreat and converse. Enter the styled lounge area.
This is more than just a few chairs in a corner. It is a deliberate design zone that serves as a visual anchor and a functional comfort spot.
- Furniture Rentals: Swap out standard banquet chairs for vintage velvet sofas, tufted ottomans, or modern acrylic armchairs.
- Rugs and Textures: Define the space with a large area rug and throw pillows. Mixing textures like faux fur, leather, and silk adds richness to the environment.
- Coffee Tables: Include low tables for drinks, perhaps styled with unique artifacts, candles, or books rather than flowers.
A well-designed lounge area also doubles as a perfect photo opportunity for guests, encouraging them to take pictures and share them on social media.
4. Incorporate Experiential Moments
The most memorable events are the ones where guests participate rather than just observe. Experiential decor invites interaction.
Interactive Walls
Champagne walls, where gloved hands pass drinks through greenery or velvet curtains, are a popular trend that combines service with spectacle. Alternatively, donut walls or pretzel stations serve as both a midnight snack and a visual treat.
Hanging Installations
Draw the eye upward with suspended decor. This saves table space and makes the room feel fuller. Think beyond hanging wisteria. Consider suspended geometric lanterns, floating candles, clusters of disco balls, or even origami art pieces. These installations lower the visual ceiling of a tall room, making the space feel cozier and more intimate.
Create a Celebration to Remember
Stepping away from traditional floral-heavy designs allows you to explore creativity and personalization in new ways. A strategic event design approach—through custom lighting, lounges, and projection mapping—ensures your celebration leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
At Sepan Banquet Hall in Glendale, we are experts at turning everyday events into celebrations. We understand how to utilize our space to accommodate these unique design elements, ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly.
Don’t wait to start planning the event of the year. Give us a call to make an appointment and see why we are the venue of choice for tasteful events, celebrations, receptions, and parties.