Recently, we have spoken with several potential clients at The Center who have asked us the same decorating question:
"Where do we start?"
One reviewer was truly flattering in her response to decorating our spacious venue and her approach prompted some encouraging tips on our part :
"I have found that most event centers and reception facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area look and feel the same. This translates to your very special event looking and feeling just like everyone else's very special event....And then, there is The Center. It is quite simply, a breath of fresh air to Downtown Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati area. I loved this space when it was the home to the Contemporary Arts Center years ago, and have often wondered what would become of it. When I found out that it was going to be renovated and transformed into an event center, I couldn't contain my excitement. At the first opportunity, I booked the space for a corporate event for 500+ people. I found the contemporary space to be stunning as is, and yet it is also the perfect blank slate to transform the space into anything that you can imagine. I have used this space for several corporate events, and every event is unique. With Fountain Square as the backdrop through one of the main room's large picture windows, it gives guests a beautiful view of Downtown Cincinnati. I honestly can't imagine hosting an event elsewhere else."
With a blank canvas space like ours, it can be daunting to approach the topic of decor. But we do not see it as a roadblock, we see it as an opportunity! The beautiful thing about a blank canvas is that you can paint it any color you like. The Center is open and modern because we want our clients to be able to personalize their event. Below are some ideas and references to other post to get you started on your journey to making your event everything you want it to be!
The Two "L"s
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| This event at The Center features bold linens and bright lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. |
When you begin to envision the decor for your event, consider two things: linens and lighting. Linens provide a great deal of ambiance, whether it's a playful or professional atmosphere you're looking for. If you're overwhelmed by the neutral decor in place at The Center, contact your caterer or rental company for a list of their linens, and you'll soon be swimming in colors and designs.
Lighting can also provide those pops of color and design mentioned above. Companies like Party Pleasers contruct
gobos (lighting designs on walls) that can act as wall accents or even wall coverings for your event. Check out
this example of an image projection they constructed for an aisle runner!
Another option is to consider are LED light boxes that can coat your wall or your drapery in a flood of colored light, or hide behind an opaque bar for a soft, colorful glow.
Soft-seating and Drapery
Our spacious venue can overwhelm couples looking to host more intimate weddings, and our best advice is to embrace the space and look into drapery and soft seating. Rental companies can provide floor-to-sealing drapery for events and create "rooms" out of any space. They can partition off sections of the room or just act as a textured background on the walls of the space, drawing your attention away from the perimiters.
Soft seating is also a great way to occupy space in a functional way. Your guests can relax away from their meals and the dancing, and even if you only opt for one or two pieces in our dome room, they are sure to be used. We've never seen soft seating unattended!
Centerpieces
A magnificent way to personalize your event is to focus on where everyone's eyes will be when they sit at the table. Aside from the food, and each other, there will be a centerpiece before them while they eat and converse. Use your centerpieces to pull focus inward and embellish your tables!
Music
Last, but not least, don't underestimate the power of music. Music brings wedding guests together, very literally! When the lights are turned down and everyone is on the dance floor, the only decor you will need is a DJ (and a disco ball, if that's your style)!
