I’ve mentioned before how important it is to have a theme for your event, but picking one can be a challenge! Sometimes there are too many choices, and other times not enough.  These guidelines will give you some things to think about to help you narrow in on the right choice for your event.

1. Hobbies/personal interests

Your event should reflect you or your guest of honor. For example, my dad loves golf. It’s always easy to find gifts for him– and if I threw him a Father’s Day Party, it would definitely have a golf theme.

This couple loved baseball, so they incorporated it into their big day.

I especially like their themed favors. So cute!

2. Location/Setting.

If you want to have your event in your backyard, a picnic theme is probably easier to pull off than a flashy, glamorous type event (depending on your backyard!).  If your event is in a loft,  a woodsy theme might be hard, but a modern, glam event might feel just right.

One of the best examples of this is a wedding in an vineyard. Why even try to fight it?

3. Season.

This one is important for color choice. Deep, rich colors work better in the fall/winter and bright, bold and pastels work nicely in spring/summer. This general rule of thumb helps with the mood, but also makes your shopping easier. Just try to find maroon colored napkins in summer. Not an easy task.

White is one of the few exceptions. It works for spring…

Or in winter.  Beautiful!

4. Formality.

Some themes have a defined level of formality: a BBQ will be casual, while a cocktail event is more dressy. Some of the formality will be decided by the setting and location, but as the host you still have final say. Your guest list might also give you an idea.  If there are a lot of kids, maybe a black tie event isn’t appropriate. Either way, make sure this choice reflects you.

This casual event looks fun…

And so does this elegant event. Pick what works for you and your guests!

5. Budget.

Certain themes will be more expensive than others. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll probably want to stick to a simpler, more general theme (like nature-inspired)–or something very specific (ducks, for example). You’ll be able to find more products that fit your theme at different price points. If your budget is larger, you can mix and match styles and themes, for one-of-a-kind decor features.

Using all the same flowers is cost efficient and beautiful…

While the mixing of these different flowers create a modern yet casual feel.

By thinking through theses guidelines, I hope picking a theme will much easier. Which ever directions you chose to go– which ever works best for you– there are terrific choices out there that will make your party successful.

Good Luck!