Transforming Blank Spaces: Creative Event Design Tips from Pros
Choosing where to get married is a huge decision to make. It’s the foundation of your design and the atmosphere you create. You want to find the perfect venue that offers the most to work with as a blank canvas and a place that is adaptable with its layout. Seeing a blank canvas has its own opportunities, and with the right strategies, the space can be transformed into a magical and personalized celebration that is uniquely you. To effectively transform any venue space into your own, here are some tips and tricks to bring beauty and cohesion into your design to every little detail.
Start with a Vision, Not the Details
To effectively plan and execute an event, you have to start with an idea - a vision. You can’t start thinking about how you’re going to bring your vision to life with decoration if you don’t have a vision to begin with. Focus on the atmosphere you want to create. Lock in on a theme you want to explore. Invison the feel of the room when you walk in. Establish the mood you want guests to experience and build your design elements off of that. This will allow your planning process to stay clean and organized rather than cluttered and overwhelming.
Find The Venue’s Strengths & Utilize Them
Each venue is unique in its own way. Take into account the specific architectural details that are naturally provided in the space and how you can take advantage of them with your décor elements. Make note of windows, arches, ceilings, columns, and the floor space, and how you can bring your vision and theme to life in the space. Pick specific architectural details that you want to highlight and areas that would allow you to bring personalized installations to life. Let your décor complement the venue, not the other way around.
Use Lighting to Shape the Space
Using lighting to your advantage in your space is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal for the design of your event. Lighting can completely transform a space from feeling like a plain ballroom to a grand experience. Consider dimming your lighting throughout your event to add dimension to specific parts of your timeline. Think about incorporating the following ideas:
Warm uplighting and candles create an intimate and romantic atmosphere
Highlights centerpieces with lanterns, fairy lights, or spotlights
Hanging installations will help define different areas of your venue and layout
Create Intentional Layouts
Having a blank space to start will, being able to design a natural flowing space, will allow for a more comfortable experience for you and your guests. Using furniture, floral installations, or statement pieces such a a photo booth or a lounge area will give you a balanced design. Specific elements can bring together a room, such as:
A statement backdrop
A cocktail area
A flow dining layout
A dance floor
Incorporate Vertical Designs
Using vertical design elements, such a draping and florals, will elevate your aesthetic and tie your overall mood together by tying the space together. Suspending installations and tall statement pieces will draw your guests’ attention upward, giving off a more polished feel, and can create the illusion of a bigger space without actually overcrowding the layout design.
Blend Textures
A blank slate can feel flat without the right design. By combining textures, you will bring another dimension to your space without doing too much. Layering different materials, such as velvet, satin, metallics, and greenery, will add a richer depth and warmth to the overall look and feel of your event. Event designers expertly layer materials such as soft linens, natural wood, metallic accents, velvet lounge furniture, greenery, and floral installations.
Personalized, Meaningful Touches
Once you’ve established the style you want to focus on, bringing in personal touches will take your design to the next level. How you choose to design your space should directly reflect your love story and what it represents.
Using custom signs, signature cocktails, precious family items, or installations that tell the story of your journey together as a couple, adding a personal touch to your décor will transform any venue into a beautiful celebration of two people coming together in a way that is authentically them.
While pulling design ideas from magazines and social media is a great place to start, think about expressing who you are through your design elements. Set the mood through who you are as a couple. It brings your design dreams to life by choosing exactly what you want.
Take advantage of a blank canvas that you can magically transform into the wedding venue you’ve always envisioned. A space tailored to you and your love story is the only way to approach the design of your wedding - something that is unique to you. Starting with nothing isn’t an obstacle, but rather an opportunity for creativity and personality that will leave a lasting impression on every guest in attendance.
The Garden Room
Discover Omaha’s most stylish hidden gem, where vintage charm meets modern design. With a bright, greenery-filled entrance, a dramatic speakeasy lounge, and 220 seated or 350 cocktail-style capacity, The Garden Room offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and social celebrations. Every corner is designed to spark conversation and capture unforgettable memories.
Located in Downtown Omaha | Versatile Wedding & Event Space | Intimate & Stylish Atmosphere
Contact us today to book a tour or learn more about hosting your event at The Garden Room.