Everyone wants their event to look spectacular. Sometimes you find a venue that's already decorated in exactly the style you want for your celebration. Most of the time, however, this isn't the case. Don't fret - with a little ingenuity, some decorative elements and an expert's touch, you can transform even the most mundane site or space into something sophisticated, glamorous, exotic or simply stunning.

And if you don't feel like doing it all yourself, there are a number of companies that specialise in providing party decorations, equipment and props, and others that can put them together for you to create an exciting event space to suit your theme.

Finding the right decorator
Get recommendations from friends, colleagues and others in the party planning business as to suitable event decorators. Where possible, check their websites and promotional materials to get an idea of their style and services.

Have an initial consultation with the two or three on your shortlist, in which you discuss your party theme, if you have one, the nature of the occasion, your preferences with respect to colours, style, atmosphere and so on, and your chosen venue or site (a site map, if you have one, would be helpful).

Ask the following questions:

¥ How much time would they need to source and buy the decorations for you?
¥ How much time would they need to set up the venue or site?
¥ Have they done the decor for other events similar to yours? (It's a good idea to check out their portfolio of previous events.)
¥ Can they show you their decorators' qualifications, plus current licenses and public liability and equipment insurance?
¥ Can they show you references or testimonials from previous clients? (If possible, get referees' contact details, and ask them their opinion directly.)
¥ What are their hourly costs, overtime rates and extras - or will you negotiate a package decorating deal?
¥ Are clean-up and return of hire props, plants and furnishings part of the bump-out service?
Ideally, you want someone who's...
¥ comfortable working to tight deadlines;
¥ happy to work on a grand or an intimate scale (depending on whether your event is a small dinner party or a lavish costume ball);
¥ able to combine hundreds of different elements to realise your grand vision;
¥ able to accurately gauge how much of what is needed to create a decorative scheme that's, in a word, extraordinary;
¥ creative and flexible in their approach;
¥ highly experienced in event decorating;
¥ well connected with florists, caterers, prop and party equipment hire outlets, party supply stores and others in the industry.

This chapter continues in Party Magazine