Event Rental Trends for 2020

Blog January 7 2020

From garden chic to modern minimalist, we have seen all sorts of trends come and go in the special events industry. Some are mere fads, lasting only a short while, and others are fashions that transform into multiple iterations throughout its time in the spotlight (think metallics).

Each year, we welcome a host of new trends as we see others make their way out the back door. As event pros, it is our duty to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to provide our clients with the latest styles and designs.

Here are a few rental trends to keep an eye out for in 2020.

Go bold or go home

In 2020, couples are not afraid of color or pattern on their tables. Expect to see big, bold, and bright floral patterns, animal prints, and botanicals. Plus, there will be more options for brightly-hued china, flatware, and glassware, so the linens do not have to carry all of the weight. This allows for more mixing and matching for one-of-a-kind designs.

Lush linen luxury

Even with colorful accessories, linens will still be the star of the show — not just in color, but in texture. We expect velvet to continue gaining in popularity, especially printed velvet. This brings together color, patterns, and texture for an unbeatable combination. For more neutral palettes, colors and prints will still remain as will natural, tightly-woven linens.

Statement bars

Bars are no longer just for serving drinks; they are focal points in today’s events and rightfully so. Gone are the days of Formica bars or linen-draped foldable tables. Clients want their bars to make a statement with intentional design and functionality. Unique furniture and barware can quickly set apart a stylish bar; lush greenery takes it to the next level with beautiful living bars.

Over-the-top fixtures

We are seeing a demand for high-end furniture, bars, and mirrored tables this year. As a whole, couples are looking for unique, non-traditional items that will set their wedding apart from others. This will look different in every market, whether it is a reclaimed wooden arch adorned with crystals or a grand banquet table turned into an apothecary-inspired bar. Regardless, it is time to get creative, seek inspiration, and take your design plans to the next level.

80s inspiration

As the event decor trends are often parallel to fashion trends, we are definitely beginning to see the styles from the 1980’s and 1990’s coming into play for events. The aforementioned patterns play into this trend, but we are also seeing neon colors coming full circle. Think highlighter-inspired napkins or invitation suite. Fluorescent lighting has been on the rise in 2019 as well, gliding right into this throwback trend.

As you are planning out design schemes and floorplans, be sure to play around with display options to ensure everything runs together cohesively. While putting together a tablescape in your office is a tried-and-true way to do this, virtual reality setups and designer tools now allow you to see how colors, textures, and layouts play out in real-time. This way, you’ll have a chance to test out your favorite trends and tweak them as needed before the big day.

Heather Rouffe is the Director of Sales and Partner ofAtlas Event Rental, a full-service event rental company serving the Southern Florida market for over 30 years. Atlas has locations in Miami, Palm Beach, and Martin County. Recently named one of the top 30 rental companies in the US by Special Events Magazine, Atlas provides top quality products and unparalleled customer service to each and every customer.