Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION: EVENT DESIGN BECOMES A PROFESSION xxi
Part One PRINCIPLES, PROCESSES, AND PRACTICES 1
Chapter 1 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN 3
Design and Decoration in Events 4
Basic Event Design 5
Basic Aesthetic Principles 9
Practical Aesthetic Principles 10
Design and Global Event Management 16
Finishing Touches 18
Design Vocabulary 18
Studio Work 19
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 19
Chapter 2 DESIGN AND DECORATION PRACTICES 21
Research 22
Creative Techniques 26
Developing the Design 29
Communicating the Design 31
Finishing Touches 36
Design Vocabulary 36
Studio Work 36
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 37
Chapter 3 VENUE 39
Types of Venues 40
Site Selection Guidelines 49
Physical Requirements 49
Budgetary Requirements 53
Aesthetic Requirements 54
Site Research 54
Conducting the Site Inspection 55
Finishing Touches 59
Design Vocabulary 59
Studio Work 60
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 60
Chapter 4 RESOURCES 63
Financial Resources 65
Human Resources and Stakeholders 68
Knowledge and Education Resources 73
Technical and Physical Resources 75
Finishing Touches 79
Design Vocabulary 79
Studio Work 79
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 80
Chapter 5 PROFIT AND LOSS 81
Profit 82
Pricing 85
Job Costs 90
Accounting and Bookkeeping 96
Finishing Touches 96
Design Vocabulary 97
Studio Work 97
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 98
Part Two THE DECORATIVE ELEMENTS 99
Chapter 6 BACKDROPS AND PROPS 101
Designing with Backdrops and Props 102
Decorating with Backdrops 107
Decorating with Props 112
Staging 117
Finishing Touches 118
Design Vocabulary 119
Studio Work 119
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 119
Chapter 7 DECORATING WITH FLOWERS 121
Basic Flower Décor 122
Architectural Flowers 137
Finishing Touches 141
Design Vocabulary 141
Studio Work 142
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 142
Chapter 8 FABULOUS FABRIC DÉCOR 143
Special Event Fabrics 145
Wall Treatment 150
Ceiling Treatment 155
Table Linens 161
Finishing Touches 167
Design Vocabulary 167
Studio Work 168
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 168
Chapter 9 BALLOONS IN BLOOM 171
Designing with Balloons 172
Decorating with Balloons 176
Ceilings and Walls 180
Advanced Balloon Design 185
Balloon-Related Products 185
Finishing Touches 187
Design Vocabulary 188
Studio Work 188
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 189
Chapter 10 THE ART OF LIGHT 191
Design and Direction 193
Lighting Events 195
Aesthetics 200
Lighting Equipment 206
Risk Management 208
Changing Technology 208
Finishing Touches 209
Design Vocabulary 209
Studio Work 210
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 210
Chapter 11 UNIQUE DECORATIVE ELEMENTS 213
Entertainment/Living Décor 214
Decorative Signage 221
Food for the Eye 224
Decorative Lighting Effects 227
Candles 231
The Magic of Ice 234
Pyrotechnics 235
Finishing Touches 237
Design Vocabulary 237
Studio Work 238
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 238
Part Three THE UNIVERSE OF SPECIAL EVENTS 241
Chapter 12 NONPROFIT AND CHARITY EVENTS 243
Designing for Nonprofit Event Goals 244
Decorating Different Types of Nonprofit Events 252
Finishing Touches 266
Design Vocabulary 266
Studio Work 267
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 267
Chapter 13 CORPORATE CELEBRATIONS AND CEREMONIES 269
Designing External Events (Marketing) 270
Designing Internal Events (Operations) 276
Decorating Advertising Events 278
Receptions 281
Decorating Public Relations Events 285
Decorating Human Relations Events 292
Finishing Touches 296
Design Vocabulary 296
Studio Work 297
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 297
Chapter 14 MILESTONE AND SOCIAL EVENTS 299
Party Design 300
Life-Cycle Events 302
Personal Social Events 312
Finishing Touches 323
Design Vocabulary 324
Studio Work 324
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 324
Chapter 15 WONDERFUL WEDDINGS 327
Nuptial Goals and Objectives 328
Ceremony 330
Style 337
Themes 339
Receptions 346
Related Events 359
Finishing Touches 361
Design Vocabulary 361
Studio Work 362
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 362
Chapter 16 FESTIVALS, FAIRS, PARADES, AND SPECTACLES 363
Festivals 364
Fairs 368
Parades 371
Spectacles 373
Finishing Touches 374
Design Vocabulary 374
Studio Work 374
Recommended Readings and Research Sites 375
Part Four APPENDIXES 377
APPENDIX 1 TYPICAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 378
APPENDIX 2 CONTACT SHEET 381
APPENDIX 3 EVENT THEMES 382
APPENDIX 4 TYPICAL EVENT PROPOSAL 384
APPENDIX 5 SPECIAL EVENT SITE INSPECTION CHECKLIST 388
APPENDIX 6 ELECTRICAL FORMULA 390
APPENDIX 7 BALLOON CHARTS 391
APPENDIX 8 LABOR RATE CALCULATION: CHARGE-OUT RATES FOR LABOR 396
APPENDIX 9 DISPLAYING THE UNITED STATES FLAG 397
APPENDIX 10 LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND VOCABULARY 399
APPENDIX 11 WEDDING CHECKLIST 402
INDEX 407
