What NOT to Do When Decorating a Party Hall
Don’t Overcrowd the Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make is filling every corner with decorations. While you may want the venue to look festive, overcrowding the hall with balloons, drapes, centerpieces, and props can make the space feel cramped.
Tip: Stick to a few key decorative elements that enhance the theme. Less is often more when it comes to elegant event styling.
Don’t Ignore the Theme or Color Scheme
Mixing too many colors, patterns, or themes can create a confusing and messy look. For example, combining rustic farm-style decorations with flashy neon lighting rarely works well.
Tip: Choose a theme and stick to it. A simple two- or three-color palette can make your party hall look polished and cohesive.
Don’t Block Entrances or Exits
Safety should always come first. Large flower arches, balloon walls, or oversized props placed in front of doors may look pretty but can block pathways, creating hazards in case of an emergency.
Tip: Keep all entrances and exits clear, and make sure decorations don’t interfere with foot traffic.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting can make or break your party atmosphere. Relying only on the hall’s overhead lights often creates a flat or harsh look, while too many colored lights can overwhelm the space.
Tip: Balance natural, ambient, and decorative lighting. Candles, fairy lights, or soft uplighting can add warmth and sophistication without being overpowering.
Don’t Use Decorations That Clash with the Venue
Not every decoration works for every type of hall. For example, heavy drapery in a small hall can make the room feel suffocating, while metallic balloons in an elegant ballroom may look out of place.
Tip: Work with the hall’s existing architecture, colors, and size when planning your decorations.
Don’t Forget Practicality
It’s easy to get carried away with aesthetics and forget about functionality. Oversized centerpieces may look great in photos but can block guests from seeing each other across the table. Glitter and confetti may look festive but are a nightmare to clean up.
Tip: Always balance beauty with practicality. Think about your guests’ comfort and the clean-up process afterward.
Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute
Last-minute decorating often leads to rushed setups, sloppy details, or forgetting key items. This not only adds stress but can also affect the overall look of your event.
Tip: Plan ahead, create a checklist, and if possible, set up the day before the event.
Don’t Forget to Personalize
While copying Pinterest ideas is tempting, generic decorations can sometimes feel impersonal. Guests remember the details that reflect your personality or the reason for the celebration.
Tip: Add small personal touches, like custom signs, photos, or décor that reflects the guest of honor’s style.
Don’t Neglect the Budget
It’s easy to overspend on decorations that look amazing online but don’t add much to the event in reality. Blowing your budget on flowers, for example, may leave you with little for other essentials like catering or entertainment.
Tip: Prioritize decorations that make the biggest impact, and consider DIY or rentals for the rest.
Don’t Forget the Flow of the Event
Decorations shouldn’t get in the way of how guests use the space. For example, placing tables too close to the dance floor, or putting décor where food stations should be, can create frustration.
Tip: Always design your decoration plan around the event’s activities—dining, dancing, speeches, etc.