An event theme is the central idea upon which the rest of the event is based and can therefore be the event success or downfall, so be sure to choose wisely. It can help to add structure and style to any event, regardless of the type or budget. While you may recognise some of these classic theme ideas, some are completely out there, but all have a twist of originality to them that make them stand out from the crowd and ooze style!
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Futuristic Framing
This futuristic themed entrance for the Asian Art Gala sets the tone for the event inside and gives insight into the theme of the gala itself. Created by Got Light using almost entirely LED tube lights it not only frames the entrance but gives a TRON type vibe of the future.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRb9BaNggFf/?taken-by=gotlightsf
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Unicorn Dreams
Unicorns and fun adult dreaming ideas are a cute trend to try with unlimited potential. It’s all about the bright rainbow colours and a lot of childish fun, but Casa de Perrin proves that it doesn’t have to be tacky and can be all about the style with this themed table setting idea.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSH54OsDsXh
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Yellow Memories
Make an event theme special by incorporating two main elements, like this charity event by Martin Schapira. Using a simple silver and yellow colour scheme with the photo strung idea to highlight the charity’s work it is also a fantastic and personalized budget décor idea.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSJSL7rFAHS/
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Black Tie
You can’t beat an old favourite and this charity ball and black tie event by The Social Architects
is a fundraiser that has pulled out all the stops. Whether it is the venue, place setting or the theme itself, it definitely has an element of class!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR_7QaWADue/
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Contemporary White
Choose block colours and stick to them throughout all styling choices for an event theme that makes an impact, like this reception by Big Events. Even the small details such as the see-through chairs have been chosen to keep in with the theme and not detract from the aesthetic and the centrepieces and venue technology help to give it a more contemporary feel.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF-QsqCQuSD/
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Cinderella’s First Birthday
Every kid at some point wanted a Disney or princess themed birthday but this is how you make it elegant and stylish! Just because you are catering to kids doesn’t mean you have to compromise, as Yasniri Espinal has proven!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSFagj8ARIS/
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Blushing Florals
For higher budget events you can make it all about the flowers and base the theme and colours on the best blooms! This blush coloured themed wedding by L’Amour Wedding and Events is definitely stylish and luxurious. Pale can definitely be interesting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSIUX4HDTKH/
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Corporate Gold
Just because it is during the day doesn’t mean a corporate event can’t have a touch of evening glamour and style. House of Doltone shows that even a corporate meal can make a lasting impression by incorporating a theme such as this sleek gold and black colour scheme.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRUa9oRgjJy/
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Old Hollywood
This fun and classic theme favourite just oozes extravagance and incorporates a beautiful era that can suit a range of event types from galas and fundraisers to weddings, like this one by Andy Beach with big lavish feathers, glitter, gold and pure white.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSI9MaEhUMX/
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Colourful Corporate
Who says outdoor events have to be green? This quirky multi-colour theme for this outdoor corporate event by Bill Hanson Luxury Catering adds an element of fun and makes the table and backdrop pop for attendees.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRjwBeclu6B/?taken-by=billhansenluxurycatering
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Winter Wonderland
You would think that there is no way to spruce up and surprise using the winter wonderland theme but Sion Decor‘s stunning wedding display ideas have done just that. Using cascading flowers, lighting all white elements it has turned this décor into an ice palace, minus the freezing temperatures.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO6_pdsAAcm/?taken-by=sion_decor
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Traditional Valentines
Whether on Valentine’s Day or simply creating a love celebration for the event itself, a valentine’s or love theme consisting of reds, pinks and silver doesn’t have to be overly feminine like this beautiful event set up by Branching Out Events.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQqDA2TFvXE
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Kids Coachella
With this inception style event theme, Event Diaries bases a children’s event on an actual event and tones down some of the themes to make it both kid friendly, cool and stylish like these indoor tipi’s and floor level table layout.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSIvNFHhicd/
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Garden Glam
Bring the garden indoors for a great eco-friendly themed event by Big Events. Using potted plants and planters as centrepieces and hanging décor there is minimal waste and can be reused time and time again. You could also give them as favours to guests after the event is over and encourage green living or ideas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuJ0aGwuTa/
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Great Gatsby
This era, time period and novel can all make fantastic event themes and the roaring 20’s were all about class, style and sophistication which is great inspiration for various aspects of an event. Satori Art & Event Design uses colour scheme inspiration for the table settings and special font for signage and menus as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNMWKx6BX-D/?taken-by=satori_art_and_event_design
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNMWslyB_P7/?taken-by=satori_art_and_event_design
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Destination Theme
Transform your event into the destination of your choosing regardless of where you actually are, like this New Zealand themed event by Staging Connections which proves that you don’t have to actually be there to make it stylish which can also be a low-cost destination event alternative.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRmQLlJFvWy/
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Simple Nautical
Whether your clients or guests have any connection to the sea or not, a nautical themed event can be a classy option that isn’t only reserved for the beach or seaside. Meraki shows that you can focus more on the colour combinations and tone down on the symbolism to make it stylish and accessible to everyone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSDt-RSBgiK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSDu7DeB1zi
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Novel Themes
Recreate elements from a favourite book or novel and twist them to suit the narrative or type of event. For example this adult Hogwarts dining hall idea by Juan Pablo Partida adds the Harry Potter elements that would make it noticeable without going overboard on props and other ideas, to create the perfect mix of classy and indulgent.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSJI0ryj52q/
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Fun & Whimsical
Fun and whimsical or circus themes can take on a sophisticated tone by creating sweet food stations like these by Mirror Mirror Events & Design or incorporating the colours and styling more than the acts themselves so you don’t stray into the realm of “too much”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR9sEDyjeIK/
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Black & White
This is a classic theme that has been done many times and still doesn’t lose its impact because the ideas are limitless. This stylish idea for a lavish New Years Eve party by Tuck3r.events uses the contrast to alternate the tables and décor and make everything stand out. Combined with the venue and interesting white branch centrepieces it creates a formal and exclusive atmosphere.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOshzyGjqKL/?taken-by=tuck3r.events
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Rustic Wedding
Opting for a rustic theme doesn’t mean you have to exclude style completely. As Marquee Hire Sunshine Coast shows you can stick to your outdoor theme with hay bales but spruce things up with carpets and cloth to make it more stylish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSqQbb-h2Rr/?taken-by=marquee.hire.sunshine.coast
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Magical Tea Party
Even simple or small events can be brought to life like this baby shower tea party by Occasionally
which is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. With the wacky umbrellas and bursting colours it sets a magical scene that all guests will enjoy, showing the effort that has gone in, without being too serious.
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Ice Hues
Not all themes have to be clearly obvious but just by having one it can make the room seem more coherent. Try using different shades of the same colour to mix up an event theme if you are trying to add layers and dimension to the décor, like these table settings in keeping with the ice theme by Caroline Events. Combined with the see-through chairs, assorted glassware and ombrè flower centres it creates great, classy, understated theming.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM2SBa1A9I3
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Vintage Masquerade
Masquerade themes are always a fun option, especially by going vintage to incorporate beautiful options like these from Satori Art & Event Design . This vintage theme can also then be reflected in the décor for a mysteriously stylish event.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSJH9isAhYm/?taken-by=satori_art_and_event_design
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Spring Sunshine
Celebrate a season at your event with a theme that incorporates colours, flowers and the weather, like this spring sunshine theme by Precious Tumisho Thamaga. Making yellow the prominent colour and incorporating it into all aspects of the styling using specific in season flowers helps to enhance the event experience. The beautiful spring day definitely helps back this up for this opulent affair.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSG4cS7jj_R/
In Conclusion
Choosing your event decor and theme will determine how your event ranks in the style stakes and how it is received by your guests. The way you present your event decor and the styling choices you make can be understated or purposefully over the top. Whether you are looking for some new inspiration or some fun ideas to give a classic theme a new twist, here are 25 stylish event theming ideas to inspire your future events.
