Helping HR Mary #2: Choosing The Right Event Theme

Earlier in “Helping HR Mary 1”, we listed down the considerations that companies should look into when it comes to appointing the right event organiser for their events.

This week, in the second article of the series, we will be discussing the key factors for choosing the right event theme, as we help Mary along the way to planning a successful event!

Demographics

We would say this is a fundamental aspect to focus on when deciding on an event theme. At the end of the day, the event is tailored towards your target audience. So why go with a theme, if your target audience cannot understand, or relate to it?

Let’s simplify this with an example: when the theme of an event is “Retro”, you will be seeing your guests attending the event, dressed as John Travolta, Diana Ross, and more. This is because your target audience understand what the theme is all about, and they can relate to the theme, based on what they know.

So it is important to test the water with your audience before deciding on an event theme. You can do up polling or surveys to gather the preferences of your audience, this way you will be able to decide on your theme better.

Visual Impact

“Beauty attracts the eyes”. We human beings are naturally attracted to visually aesthetic things. You will see people having their “Instagram-worthy” moments during events, as they take down photo shots of things that they felt looked good.

Just like the I Light Singapore festival, Artbox, and several more in Singapore, there will be people flocking towards these events, as they have exquisite set-up at the venue, with visually pleasing collaterals like food, fabrications, etc.

Thus, with the right visuals and mood board, it will be easier to decide on your event theme as you would be able to garner more participation in your event. Furthermore, having impactful aesthetics in terms of design collaterals or venue mockup, it will help to build enthusiasm towards the event.

Cost-Effectiveness

“Sky is never the limit”, how we wish this could apply to event planning as well. We all know that there is a budget for event planning and what you may desire to have for your event, may not necessarily fit your budget.

To put in our context here in Singapore, certain event themes are more pricey than the others. Hence you should know what are the themes to look out for if you happen to work on a tight budget. For example, futuristic themes would require neon-lighted decorations or fabrications in futuristic tone, these generally cost more due to its rarity in quantity, and the amount of workmanship required.

As an event organiser, we would usually enquire from our clients to see what kind of themes they have in mind, and if they have a specific decorative model, we would advise them on the cost range that they might potentially incur. We advise you to do the same with your event organiser as well!

Concept/Storyboarding

Last but not least, we believe that to evaluate for the right event theme, it has to be captivating enough to entice you, so that you would want to know more about the theme, and the story behind it.

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of movies getting adapted into event themes. From The Avengers to The Great Gatsby and Crazy Rich Asians, there have been more requests for themes like these to be recreated into events. The stories of these movies were such great hits that people want to portray themselves as the iconic characters and relive the classic scenes.

Thus, a theme with a captivating story to be molded into an event, will certainly elevate the event experience for your guests.