Event designers share their opinions on what’s trending and what’s tired, as well as their predictions on design trends that will shape event design in 2014.

YAY FOR SHADES OF GRAY

Leslee Bell, CSEP, Decor and More

What’s in for themes: “Cirque is still popular, as is ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ both the Lewis Carroll rendition as well as the darker side of Alice, which has renewed interest due to the release of the show ‘Once Upon a Time,'” says Leslee Bell, CSEP, founder of Decor and More, Toronto. “The club look is still huge for stand-up receptions, with shades of gray—soft pewter to deep charcoal—and patterns from men’s suiting adding more character than basic white on white. Circus, unless it is vintage, is on its way out. The ‘Streets of Name-Your-City’ theme is being replaced by the ‘Festivals of Name-Your-City,’ which is a lot more fun and eclectic.”

Prediction for 2014: “The fusion of two cultures blended into one event, such as Asian and South American, and themes with single names that give incredible lateral breadth in design, food and entertainment, such as ‘Caliente,’ ‘Fierce’ or ‘Exotica.’”

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