What Does an Event Decorator Do?

An Event Decorator plays an essential role in transforming spaces to reflect the vision and theme of various events, ranging from weddings and corporate gatherings to birthday parties and gala dinners. This professional harnesses creativity, design principles, and an understanding of aesthetics to create immersive environments that enhance the overall experience of attendees. By carefully selecting and arranging decorative elements such as lighting, fabrics, and floral arrangements, the Event Decorator sets the stage for memorable moments, ensuring that each event is not only visually appealing but also resonates with the desired ambiance and mood. Collaboration with clients and other event professionals is fundamental to accurately bring event concepts to life, making every occasion unique and reflective of the host’s intentions.

Event Decorator Job Duties

• Design and implement creative themes and decorations for various events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties, ensuring each event’s aesthetic aligns with the client’s vision and budget.
• Source and procure all necessary decoration materials, including floral arrangements, fabrics, lighting, and furniture, negotiating with suppliers to stay within budget.
• Coordinate with event planners and venue managers to ensure decoration plans comply with venue policies and space limitations, adjusting designs as necessary.
• Develop detailed floor plans and decoration layouts for each event, utilizing design software when necessary to provide visual representations to clients.
• Lead and manage a team of assistants and subcontractors during the setup and breakdown of event decorations, ensuring all elements are executed according to plan and within the allotted time frame.
• Customize decorations, such as centerpieces, backdrops, and signage, using a variety of crafting techniques to create unique and personalized elements for each event.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback from clients and team members to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
• Maintain an inventory of decoration supplies and equipment, conducting regular checks to ensure all items are in good condition and restocking as necessary.

Event Decorator Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting an Event Decorator’s salary include experience level, specialization in certain event types (weddings, corporate events), reputation, portfolio quality, client base size, and ability to negotiate contracts. Additionally, working for a prestigious firm or independently can influence earnings, as can the scale and budget of events handled.

• Median Annual Salary: $55,125 ($26.5/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of event decorators is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

This surge is driven by the increasing demand for elaborate, Instagram-worthy events, from weddings to corporate functions, requiring professional decorators to create visually stunning, thematic environments. Additionally, the rise in experiential marketing campaigns necessitates skilled decorators to craft immersive brand experiences.

Event Decorator Job Requirements

Education: Event decorators often pursue education in fields such as event management, interior design, or visual arts, with a significant portion holding a Bachelor’s Degree. Courses in color theory, design principles, and project management are beneficial. Some may opt for specialized classes in floral design or lighting to enhance their skills. Education paths also include some college courses that focus on creativity, spatial planning, and client relations, preparing individuals for the diverse demands of the profession.

Experience: Event decorators typically have experience in a range of areas including design, planning, and execution of event themes and concepts. This experience often comes from hands-on roles in event planning, interior design, or visual merchandising. On-the-job training is common, allowing decorators to refine their skills in selecting color schemes, arranging decor elements, and working with clients to bring visions to life. Training programs may also be available, focusing on current trends, material selection, and spatial planning, equipping decorators with the necessary tools to create memorable events.

Certifications & Licenses: Event decorators typically do not require specific certifications or licenses to practice their profession. However, obtaining a Certified Event Decorator (CED) designation from a recognized industry organization can enhance credibility and marketability. Local business licenses may be needed depending on the jurisdiction.

Event Decorator Skills

Spatial Design: An immersive environment that captivates guests is crafted through a meticulous eye for the interaction of lighting, color, and furniture within a space. Event decorators use this skill to transform venues into unique settings that reflect the theme and purpose of the event, with every detail contributing to the overall experience.

Color Theory: The adept selection and combination of colors enable the creation of visually appealing and thematic atmospheres. This skill transforms spaces into immersive environments, enhancing the attendee experience by evoking desired emotions and setting the appropriate mood.

Floral Arrangements: With a deep knowledge of flower types and color theory, decorators craft visually stunning displays. This involves the careful selection, conditioning, and placement of flowers and foliage to align with the client’s vision and theme, enhancing the event’s aesthetic and atmosphere.

Lighting Techniques: Manipulating light to craft the perfect ambiance involves a nuanced blend of technical knowledge and creative vision. Selecting the right fixtures and understanding how colors and intensities alter a space’s appearance are crucial for highlighting features, creating mood, and directing attention.

Theme Development: A cohesive and engaging atmosphere is achieved by integrating color theory, cultural and current trends, and spatial aesthetics. Strategic selection and arrangement of decor elements, from lighting and furniture to floral arrangements and art installations, ensure a unified theme.

Vendor Coordination: Liaising efficiently with florists, lighting technicians, and furniture suppliers is essential for maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the client’s vision. Effective communication and a keen eye for detail ensure decorative elements are delivered and set up on schedule, transforming spaces into memorable settings.

Event Decorator Work Environment

Event decorators often find themselves in a dynamic work environment, where the physical setting changes with each event. From grand ballrooms to outdoor tents, their workspace is as varied as the events they decorate. They rely on a toolkit of creative materials and technology, from fabric drapes to lighting systems, ensuring each space is transformed to meet the client’s vision.

Work hours are far from the typical 9-to-5, with evenings and weekends being prime time for events. This irregular schedule, however, allows for a degree of flexibility in daily work life, accommodating personal commitments. Dress code varies, blending practicality for setup with event-appropriate attire.

The role is inherently social, involving constant interaction with clients, vendors, and team members. This creates a vibrant, albeit sometimes high-pressure, emotional environment. Despite the challenges, the opportunity for creative expression and witnessing the joy their work brings to others offers a unique sense of fulfillment.

Advancement Prospects

Event decorators can elevate their careers by specializing in niche markets such as luxury weddings, corporate events, or cultural celebrations, allowing them to become recognized experts. Advancing to a role as an event design consultant for high-profile clients or venues enhances prestige and earning potential.

Creating a portfolio showcasing a unique style or theme can attract a specific clientele, leading to opportunities for collaboration with event planners and venues.

Entrepreneurs in this field might consider launching their own event decor company, focusing on innovative designs or sustainable practices, setting them apart in the industry.

Success in this career path often hinges on a decorator’s ability to adapt to trends, showcase creativity, and deliver exceptional client experiences.