Date: 24th February 2025

Posted by: Daniel Lay Team

10 Must-Have Party Decorations That Make Any Event Stand Out

Even the best event planners may run out of ideas for party decorations, and if you’re going through a creativity block, we’ve got your back! Event planning is about creating memories you and your guests will cherish for years to come, and with some personalisation, creativity, and effort, you can elevate any celebration to the next level.

Whatever the occasion, you’re probably in search of some fresh party décor ideas to set the right tone and ambiance for your event. From balloon arches to champagne towers, party decorations are essential centrepieces for your events. Therefore, you must put plenty of thought and care into choosing the décor for any celebration. Here are the 10 must-have party decorations that makes any event stand out:

1. Lighting – the Life of Your Party

Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, a lavish gala, or a corporate event – creative décor is incomplete without the right lighting to enhance the setup. Lighting might be the most important tool in your arsenal and has the power to transform any event by setting the right tone and highlighting the key aspects of any celebration. Some of the most popular lighting décor that makes events stand out includes:

Festoon Lights:

Festoon lights, also known as string lights, add a cosy and warm glow to any event. They’re an ideal addition to lighting that can be used for indoor or outdoor events. Festoon lights also offer versatility in terms of setup and décor. You can hang them over overhead canopies such as patios, ceilings, and the garden. If you’re hosting your event outdoors and are aiming for an elegant yet cosy ambiance, hang festoon lights over trees and columns.

LED Neon Lights:

LED neon lights – a trendy addition to the world of party planning. LED neon lights are mostly used in décor for birthdays, corporate events, or any modern-themed parties.

LED Neon Lights

Plus, they also make the ideal photo backdrops! You can place a customised neon sign with a party-related phrase or a number (if you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary) and make it a statement backdrop piece. You can also use them as tabletop centrepieces and mount neon signs on walls for a unique addition to your overall décor.

Gobo Projection:

Gobo Projection is the ideal light for weddings, themed events, and corporate events. You can use them to project logos, names, or patterns onto floors, walls, or even ceilings. Monogram projections such as a couple’s name can be projected onto the walls. Patterns (florals, snowflakes, or abstract designs) can also be projected onto the ceilings to enhance the theme.

2. Furniture Makes a Statement

Furniture is another integral part of party décor. The type of furniture you pick for your event makes the theme stand out and also determines the overall experience of your guests. Whether you’re going for a modern chic or a vintage vibe, the right furniture will set the stage for the perfect experience.

The trendiest furniture designs include:

LED furniture:

LED tables, cube seats, bars, and spheres add a bold, chic, and modern vibe to the party. LED furniture can be used for nightclub parties, corporate events, or other contemporary gatherings. You can also match the LED furniture colour to your event’s theme or use moving-head lighting to add more life to the party!

LED furniture

Rustic Wood Furniture:

If you’re hosting an outdoor event such as a wedding, a barn-style reception, or a vintage-themed gathering, aim to incorporate rustic wood furniture into the ambiance to add a touch of charm and warmth. Rustic furniture also pairs beautifully with greenery and soft lighting.

Trestle Tables:

Trestle tables are a must-have furniture item, especially if you host casual gatherings with food and drinks stations. They’re also easy to set up and transport. You can use wooden trestle tables for a vintage vibe and white-painted ones for a modern touch.

Chiavari Chairs:

Chiavari chairs make the ideal décor item for luxury events, galas, or weddings. If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to an event, Chiavari chairs should be the first item to pick. You can also drape them with a soft chiffon fabric in the desired colour that aligns with your theme to enhance the décor.

3. Dance Floor – the Heart of the Party

The dance floor is a must-have item that is truly the heart of your party. It provides space for the guests to let go of all their worries, let loose, and have fun, which is basically the purpose for many parties. You will require a dance floor if you’re hosting a wedding, a bridal shower, a graduation party, or even a corporate event.

When picking a dance floor for your event, make sure it’s spacious or large enough to accommodate at least half of your guests at a time. Decorate the area around the dance floor with neon lights, mirror balls, or moving headlighting to add to the electric energy.

4. Gazebo – Focal Point with Elegance

Gazebos never go out of style. They’re a décor item that goes hand in hand with outdoor events and parties. Along with providing shelter from the sun, they also have a visual appeal and add to the beauty and aesthetic of the ambiance. Gazebos can be customised and decorated to align with the theme of various events.

String lights and lanterns can be added to the gazebo to decorate for a cosy ambiance. Or, if you’re hosting a wedding reception, consider adding floral garlands for a romantic vibe.

5. Selfie Photo Booth – Photos Hold Memories

In the digital era, photo booths at events have become a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a wedding, or a corporate event – a selfie photo booth is an engaging and fun element to add to your event. You can decorate the area around the booth with some props and creative background elements and let your guests entertain themselves by capturing memories.

For a photo booth backdrop, consider adding LED neon signs, sequin drapes, and flower walls. You can also add props such as hats and sunglasses.

6. Outdoor Cinema Décor

If you’re hosting an intimate or relaxed gathering, an outdoor cinema décor is a must-have entertainment setup that can also be decorated to fit the theme and aesthetic of your event. Moreover, the way you style and decorate the area around the cinema significantly contributes to the ambiance.

For instance, if the theme for your event is vintage, you can place the screen against a barn wall, or for a modern or futuristic look, use LED backlighting.

You can also tailor the cinema’s visuals and props in accordance with the movie you’re playing for a fun movie night!

7. Drapes – the Centrepiece for Your Event

Drapes add colour and depth to the venue. Drapes serve several purposes – they can be used as backdrops or to cover walls and ceilings. There are several ways drapes can be used for décor:

Drapes – the Centrepiece for Your Event

Backdrop Drapes: Layer drapes behind the stage, dancefloor, or photo booth to add a touch of elegance.
Hide and Transform: Hide unattractive or damaged walls by draping them with floor-to-ceiling drapes. Consider using velvet or chiffon drapes.
Sheer Fabric with Neon Lights: Use a sheer fabric drape with neon LED lighting for that aesthetic party glow!

8. Mirror Balls – Glamour and Sparke!

Mirror balls, also known as disco balls, are classic décor items that add a touch of festive elegance to any venue. They’re a must-have décor item as they can be used for any type of event – be it weddings, nightclub parties, or retro-themed events.

They are also multipurpose décor items – you can hang them around different heights to add to a glamorous and festive atmosphere. Or, place them on tables as centrepieces for a reflective décor element. Or, if you’re hosting a dance party, hang a mirror ball and position a spotlight towards the ball to create a disco vibe.

9. Coloured Carpets – The New Chic!

Coloured carpets are a must-have décor item especially if you’re hosting an event where it’s important for the guests to have a comfortable and VIP experience. For instance, corporate events or weddings.

The right choice of a carpet instantly elevates an event. It’s also important to pick the right colour to set the tone and complement the event’s theme.

Here’s how to pick the right coloured carpet based on your event:

Red Carpet: Ideal for high-profile gatherings, award shows, or gala dinners.
Pink Carpet: Perfect for parties with a glamorous theme or a fashion show.
Purple Carpet: Purple is the colour of royalty and makes the perfect colour for luxury events, including VIP areas.
Orange Carpet: Tropical themes and summer-themed parties require the boldness and uplifting feel orange brings.
Blue Carpet: The right choice for corporate or nautical events.

10. Themed Décor – Perfect Guest Experience

Themed décor is trendy and timeless. A bold theme can turn any event from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re going for a whimsical fairy-tale world vibe or a vintage vibe – themed décor can never go wrong!

Popular themed event décor includes:

Alice in Wonderland
The Great Gatsby
Harry Potter
James Bond
Black and White

Depending upon the preference of the event’s star-themed décor provides an immersive experience, and boosts the guest’s engagement and excitement while adding to the event’s aesthetic and ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What to Use Instead of Balloons for Decorations?

There are several décor items that can be used to decorate your venue if you’re looking for alternatives to balloons. These include mirror balls, floral arrangements, plinths, paper lanterns, hanging banners and bunting, and more.