Three Common Event Themes That Cut Through the Clutter
Let’s face it, we live in a world that is saturated with stimulation. If it’s not Twitter feeds bombarding us, then it’s Facebook posts that need liking, or instant messages that require replies. The result of all this instant communication is that people have become numb to more traditional stimulation. Things like color, sound, or even smell have become diluted sensations. Creating special events that aim to entertain, engage, or enhance have become very difficult to create. Even if you have great talent performing, or a dynamic speaker projecting, modern audiences want an experience that’s memorable and engaging.
One way to make your event stand out is by choosing a creative event theme. For better or for worse, your theme sets the tone for your whole event and directs many of your planning decisions. Get it right and your event will feel like a breath of fresh air.
What are the qualities of unique event themes?
A unique event theme doesn’t necessarily have to be something never done before. The key to making event themes work is to use ingenuity and creativity to transport your audience through a “time tunnel”, and take them by surprise. Here are three common event themes to get your juices flowing.
Theme #1: Wild Wild West
The Wild Wild West theme is a great theme that will appeal to just about every male. However, a well done Western theme can also appeal to women as well. Consider these event elements to bring out your Wild Wild West Event theme:
Decor:
- Hay bales
- Western-style bar
- Western jail set for photos
- Saloon with swinging doors.
Entertainment:
- Gun slingers
- Lariat performer
- Whip performer
- Knife throwing expert
Food and Beverage:
- Barbeque
- Hamburgers
- Biscuits
- Baked Beans
- Fresh Pie
Theme #2: South of the Border
South of the Border events are great for kids and adults, especially if they’re held in states that border Mexico! There is a lot of tradition and family-oriented fun in Mexican themed events. There are also opportunities for great food and music.
Decor:
- Create a small bridge over a makeshift Rio Grande River
- Bright yellow lighting inside the entrance
- Carts with vendors in Mexican attire selling novelties, baskets, handicrafts, etc.
- Female mariachi or male mariachi cutouts that can be used as backdrops for photos
Entertainment:
- Mariachi muscians
- Flamenco and folk dancers
- Folk artists
- Teach the Macarena or the Mexican Hat Dance and have a contest to see who the best dancer is
- Hang a bull piñata
Food and Beverage:
- Tacos
- Fajitas
- guacamole
- tamales
- margaritas
Theme #3: Horary for Hollywood
A Hollywood themed event is great for anyone living around or within Hollywood. It appeals to just about any age, from little kids to older adults.
Decor:
- Have a sign announcing “The Hollywood Palladium”
- Red carpet with rope and stanchion on either side
- Movie set props like directors’ chairs, cameras, lights, etc.
- Look alike performers portraying famous movie stars
Entertainment:
- A small group of young male and female fans screaming as guest arrive
- A video camera set up for “screen tests” of favorite movie lines
- Photo area for dressed up guests to have their photo taken
- Create a “walk of stars” with certain guests’ names emblazoned on the stars
- Create a small awards show with miniature “Oscar” awards.
Food and Beverage:
- Cognac-Marinated Beef Tenderloin Sandwiches with Horseradish Cream
- Marinated Shrimp
- Mixed Vegetable Salad
- Classic Dry Martini
- Old-Fashioned
- Pineapple Margarita
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