How To Choose an Event Theme (And What to Include)

If you’re in the planning phase of your event, you’re probably wondering how to choose an event theme.

Don’t worry, we’ve thought about that too.

Read this article to discover how to choose your event theme by…

• Looking at the purpose of your event
• Considering your target audience
• Finding the right venue
• Sticking to your budget
• Accounting for seasons and weather

We’ll also go through how to incorporate your event theme by…

• Getting creative with invitations
• Using social media to tell a story
• Decorating to create an atmosphere
• Matching food and drinks to the theme
• Making sure the entertainment aligns
• Organising fun themed activities

We’ll also provide you with some tools to help you get started.

How to choose an event theme

Before you pick an event theme at random, you should think about the reason for having a theme in the first place. Will it appeal to a certain audience?

At the same time, it’s also prudent to think about some of the limitations you face when picking a theme. Your event budget might be a deciding factor.

Here are some of the things you should think about when choosing an event theme.

1. Aim

The first question you should ask your self what the aim of the event is. A charity fundraiser will have a different purpose than a community street party.

Tip: Read this article to help you define the goals and objectives of your event. It will make it a lot easier to choose the right theme.

2. Audience

The audience you want to attract should also guide your efforts when you choose a theme. A dress-up event will not be very appropriate for a group of business professionals.

Tip: Ask yourself the who, what, why and where questions to help you define your target audience. Base your theme around the people you want to attend the event.

3. Venue

The event venue will also limit the possible themes you can choose from. You can’t host an indoor beach party at a museum. (Well, you can, but…)

Your event theme should go hand-in-hand with your choice of venue. Make sure that they complement each other, rather than be at odds.

4. Budget

You should also consider the dreaded B-word. How much money will it cost to pull off a particular event theme? Do you have the budget for it?

Exotic venues and beautiful decorations can quickly get expensive. Consider your event budget when you choose the theme for your event.

5. Season

Depending on your event, the weather might also affect your choice of themes. If you’re hosting an outdoor event, then rain, wind, and snow could get in the way.

Your theme doesn’t have to match the season, however. It would be an interesting twist to host the aforementioned indoor beach party in December.

What to include in your event theme

Once you’ve decided on the theme for your event, it’s time to look at how you can incorporate it. Fortunately, your options are many.

The more elements you can include your theme in, the stronger and more memorable it will be. Quirky invitations, decor, and food are also more likely to get shared on social media.

Here are some of the things your theme could influence.

1. Invitations

Use the event invitations as a teaser for your theme. If you’re organising a treasure hunt, why not use a crumpled treasure map as an invitation?

You could also use peculiar email headers or write in a particular voice.

Tip: Use some of these ideas for creative event invitations for inspiration.

2. Marketing

The theme should also be part of your event marketing efforts. Social media is where you can use your theme to tell a story about your event.

If you’re organising a 70’s disco party, post images of fabulous outfits. Or ask people to share their favourite disco song and start a conversation around it.

3. Decor

The event decoration is probably one of the most important aspects of your event theme. Along with the venue, the decor is what helps create the right atmosphere.

A Halloween-themed dinner party should include some ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. A Cinco de Mayo party needs a pinata.

Tip: Look at these examples for more visual ideas.

4. Food and drinks

The menu at your event is also a great opportunity to incorporate your theme. In fact, the food and drinks can be as much a part of the decor as the decor itself.

You can also switch up the way you serve it. Why not serve pina colada in a hollowed-out pineapple for your Hawaiian-themed event?

5. Entertainment

The speakers or entertainers you feature at your event should also be in line with the theme. A Christmas party calls for singing elves, and so on.

Tip: If you’re not sure what kind of entertainment would go with your theme, look for an entertainment agency that specialises in themed events.

6. Activities

You can also incorporate some fun activities into your event. In the case of a treasure hunt, the activity is the event. But why not have participants dress up as pirates?

The activities should, of course, be in line with your event theme.

Tip: If you’re stuck for ideas, this list of event activities can help you out.

Tools to help you choose an event theme

If you need more inspiration, there are a number of websites that can help you get the creative juices flowing.

1. Pinterest: Visual theme ideas

Pinterest is the go-to place for visual inspiration. Find boards dedicated to event ideas and look at what other people have done with their event themes.

2. Hire Space: Venue ideas

Hire Space is a good place to start if you’re looking for memorable venues. There is something for every occasion, whether you’re organising a conference or a summer party.

3. Home Cooked Happy: Menu ideas

Home Cooked Happy has a long list of different menu ideas for themed nights. Use them as an inspiration for your event theme, or mix and match the different ideas.

Conclusion

Your event doesn’t have to have a specific theme, but it will definitely make it more fun and memorable.

Your guests will also be more likely to tell their friends about it on social media.

Finally, remember to have fun with it so it doesn’t come across as forced.

Happy event theming!