What Does an Event Decorator Do?

Event decorators are responsible for creating a visual experience that is consistent with the theme or tone of an event. They may be hired by individuals, companies, or organizations to help create memorable events that have lasting impressions on their guests.

Event decorators often work closely with other vendors who provide specific services such as catering, entertainment, etc. Their job is to ensure that all elements of the event come together in a cohesive way so that it meets the expectations of all involved parties.

Event Decorator Job Duties

Event decorators have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Creating designs for event spaces that reflect the theme of the event
• Coordinating with caterers, florists, musicians, and other vendors to ensure that they are aware of the event’s timeline and details
• Setting up decorations at the site of an event, including placing signage, arranging floral arrangements, hanging banners, and stringing lights
• Ensuring that all decoration materials are safe and fireproof
• Arranging tables, chairs, linens, candles, and other items for a wedding reception or other special event
• Managing the event design process from start to finish, including creating sketches of designs for client approval
• Ensuring that all elements of the event are in place and ready to go on time
• Designing custom decorations for special events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate parties
• Coordinating with security staff to ensure that all event decorations are removed at the end of the event

Event Decorator Salary & Outlook

Event decorators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of event they are working on.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/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.

Demand for event decorators is expected to increase as more people plan events such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate parties. As the population ages, there will be a greater need for event decorators to help plan and decorate events such as retirement parties.

Related: Event Decorator Interview Questions and Answers

Event Decorator Job Requirements

Event decorators typically need to have the following background:

Education: Event decorators typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as art, interior design or graphic design. Some employers may hire candidates with a two-year associate’s degree. Courses in art, interior design and graphic design can help prepare candidates for an event decorator position.

Training & Experience: Event decorators typically receive on-the-job training. They may work with an experienced event decorator or event planner to learn the basics of the job. They may also attend seminars and conferences to learn more about the industry.

Certifications & Licenses: While event decorators do not need a certification to work, they may benefit from a professional certification, which demonstrates their skills and commitment to the industry.

Event Decorator Skills

Event decorators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Creativity: Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas and ways to approach a project. Event decorators use their creativity to create unique and interesting designs for events. They use their creativity to come up with ideas for the overall theme of an event, as well as the smaller details like table settings and decorations.

Organization: Event decorators use organizational skills to keep track of their materials and ensure they have everything they need to complete their projects. Organization skills can also help them keep track of their time and ensure they meet their deadlines.

Time management: Event decorators often have strong time management skills, as they often have many tasks to complete in a short period of time. For example, an event decorator might be responsible for creating a theme for an event, designing the decorations, sourcing the decorations, setting up the decorations and taking down the decorations. Having strong time management skills can help an event decorator complete their tasks efficiently.

Problem-solving: Event decorators use problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges they face during an event. For example, if the venue where they’re planning an event doesn’t have the right decorations, they may need to find a way to get the decorations they need. They may also use problem-solving skills to find ways to save money on decorations or to find ways to reuse decorations from previous events.

Basic construction: Event decorators may need to build or assemble some of the decor they use. Having basic construction skills can help you create the decorations you need for an event. You may also need to know how to repair or replace parts of your decor if they get damaged.

Event Decorator Work Environment

Event decorators work in a variety of settings, including offices, warehouses, and showrooms. They may also travel to client sites to assess the event space and to deliver and set up decorations. Most event decorators work full time, and some may work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules. Some event decorators are self-employed and set their own hours, although they may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Event decorators need to be able to lift and carry heavy objects, such as furniture and equipment, and they may need to climb ladders. They also need to be able to stand for long periods of time.

Event Decorator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how event decorators work. Event decorators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Focus on the Experience

The trend of focusing on the experience is growing in popularity, as more and more people are looking for ways to be entertained rather than just informed. This is especially true for events, where decorators can play a key role in creating a unique and memorable experience for attendees.

As the focus shifts towards the experience, decorators will need to find ways to create a mood that matches the theme of the event. They can do this by using colors, textures, and decorations that reflect the theme. In addition, they can also create spaces that are interactive and engaging, which will keep guests interested throughout the event.

More Collaboration Between Designers and Event Planners

The trend of collaboration between designers and event planners is becoming increasingly popular among businesses. This is because it allows for a more cohesive and unified approach to events, which can lead to a better overall experience for attendees.

As the trend of collaboration between designers and event planners grows, Event Decorators will need to be able to work effectively with both sides in order to create a beautiful and functional space. They will also need to be able to communicate clearly about their vision for the event, so that everyone is on the same page.

More Use of Technology in Events

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in events, as more and more businesses are realizing the value of using technology to enhance the guest experience. This is leading to an increased demand for Event Decorators who are familiar with using technology to create visually stunning displays.

In order to stay competitive, Event Decorators will need to learn how to use technology to create eye-catching displays that capture the attention of guests. They will also need to be able to troubleshoot any problems that may occur during the event, so that the business’s image is not damaged.

How to Become an Event Decorator

A career as an event decorator can be incredibly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to work with a variety of people and organizations, and to create unique designs that will make events memorable. However, before you start your career as an event decorator, it’s important to consider what type of events you want to work on. Do you want to specialize in weddings or corporate events? Or do you want to be able to work on any type of event?

It’s also important to think about the types of decorations you want to use. Do you prefer natural materials like flowers and plants, or do you prefer more modern decorations made from plastic and metal? Once you have decided on the types of events you want to work on and the types of decorations you want to use, you can begin building your portfolio by creating designs for free. You can share your designs on social media or post them on online forums where other event planners and decorators can see them. This will help you build your reputation as a talented event decorator and increase your chances of getting hired for jobs.

Advancement Prospects

Event decorators may advance in their career by becoming a lead decorator, working with a larger decorating company, or starting their own event decorating business. As they gain experience, event decorators may become more in demand and be able to command higher prices for their services. In addition, event decorators who develop a good reputation may have an easier time getting repeat business and referrals.

Event Decorator Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we understand that first impressions are important, and that’s why we’re looking for an experienced event decorator to join our team. As our event decorator, you will be responsible for creating beautiful and welcoming environments for a variety of events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. You will work closely with our event planners to understand the vision for each event and then execute that vision with your creative flair. We are looking for someone with a strong sense of style and an eye for detail. If you have a passion for event decorating and are looking for an opportunity to showcase your talent, we want to hear from you.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with clients to understand their vision for the event and develop a corresponding decor plan
• Research and source appropriate decor elements, including furniture, fabric, lighting, and props
• Create detailed sketches or renderings of proposed event designs
• Stay within the event budget while ensuring that all necessary decor elements are procured
• Supervise a team of assistants during the event set-up process to ensure that the decor is installed correctly
• Manage on-site adjustments to the decor as needed during the event
• Break down and remove all event decor after the event has concluded
• Transport event decor to and from storage facilities as needed
• Maintain inventory of all event decor items, keeping track of damages and repairs that need to be made
• Regularly clean and press all fabric elements of the event decor
• Develop relationships with vendors who can provide event decor at a discounted rate
• Attend industry events and trade shows to stay up-to-date on new event decor trends

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as an event decorator
• Exceptional creativity and innovative design skills
• 5+ years experience with design software, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc.
• Proven experience with event decoration, with a strong portfolio of work
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Organizational and time-management skills for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• 3+ years in professional event decoration, preferably with a creative or marketing agency
• Working knowledge of CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript
• Knowledge of WordPress and content management systems a plus
• Photography experience and proficiency with photo-editing software
• Desire to continue to grow skill set with ongoing education and training