The psychology of colours in events

How important is the role of colour when planning a wedding or special event? What dynamic do the colours used in table linens and décor create for the success of an event? As an event planner, not only is it necessary to stay on top of the current trends in special event planning, but one of the first questions you should ask any client is what colours will play a key role in the their function. Equally important is asking what colours are inappropriate — for example, a Chinese New Year party should never incorporate the colour white!

Colour can dramatically affect moods and emotions as well as influence certain physiological reactions. Interior designers and artists have long understood the feelings that certain colours evoke personally and culturally. “Colours, like features, follow the changes of emotions,” so as an event planner if you are aware of colour psychology, you can certainly wow those social and corporate clients!

Generally, brides will choose their favourite colours for their special wedding day; however, when it comes to corporate or social clients, they may or may not already have a certain colour theme in mind.

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Consider cultural traditions and life experiences when discussing colour-scapes with your clients; this information adds to the human experience. Think about who is giving the event, the type of event and the guest profile. Not only are colors important for table designs, décor and lighting, but with flowers and menu choices too! Knowing the seasonal availability of certain flowers and food choices will be appetising to the palate while working with the palette of the event theme!

The Psychology of colour

White: Pure, clean, innocent in western cultures; mourning in eastern cultures; creates a sense of space so consider draping a small or dark room in white.

Black: Sophistication, power, elegance; in some cultures it represents death or mourning but in others it can mean life or rebirth; appropriate color for high-end, black tie events.

Red: Excitement, passion, intensity; creates very strong emotions and attention-grabbing; causes blood pressure and heart rate to rise; great colour for themed events where guests are encouraged to move throughout the venue.

Orange: Vibrancy, energy, excitement; creates a playful environment for your guests.

Yellow: Cheery, warm, alert; this colour can also create frustration and anger and is fatiguing to the eye; probably best to use with another colour or as an accent and not as a major backdrop, for example, or focal point in a large room; increases the metabolism so a good choice for a breakfast or brunch event.

Green: Natural, healthy, tranquil; creates a calming effect, relieves stress and helps heal; hence, the symbolism behind the term “green room” as a place to relax prior to going on stage to perform.

Blue: Peace, trust, loyalty; a popular and neutral colour on a global level; lowers pulse rate and body temperature and creates productivity.

Purple: Royalty, wisdom, wealth; an exotic colour that is associated with luxury and extravagance but also a spiritual connection; can be used in creating special effects with lighting, for example, when designing a lounge area.

Trends in Colour

Client sometimes find it very difficult to make right colour choices. As a professional planner on top of current trends I particularly help my clients in this regard.This information is an integral part of my event design process and key to the success of our events! Event design follows fashion and home décor trends so knowing what colour palettes are hot each year will keeps us ahead of the game with what is trending forward for weddings and special events.

Don’t be afraid of colours! It is a fabulous way to evoke emotions and to set the tone for the mood of an event. Think outside of the box when it comes to the design.

Pleasant Jay is an event management company that has been providing professional services for many years in Nigeria, Africa along with rest of the world for many years. Pedigree matters when it comes to getting professional help for the successful event you envision. We have a track-record of providing superb events planning services as per clients’ custom needs and requirements, always within their financial limit. We are a reputable company that achieves great feat in managing various events for small, medium size or big events. We deliver value beyond our clients expectations.