Have you ever walked into an event, looked around and though oh... that's it? They look nice enough but its nothing to write home about and you'll probably have forgotten about it the next day. I am an event decorator based in the North West and I have seen and planned a lot of events and parties and I know how to make them memorable.
Every event should have the 'WOW' factor from the minute you walk in! Theres one key thing you need to create this effect and thats a Focal Point...
What Is A Focal Point?
In art, a focal point is defined as the most visually interesting part of the composition. So essentially what your eye is drawn to. There is a science behind why our brains look for a main feature. I wont bore you with the details but essentially the brain only focusses on one item at a time so it is not overwhelmed by all the stimuli. This is why a focal point is key, you don't want an overwhelming amount of decor as this can get confusing and often costs more with less impact. A focal point highlights the most important element first, preventing visual chaos and engaging the viewer which leads to a memorable experience.
Why Every Event Needs One (no matter the size!)
You may be thinking this only applies to huge events with big budgets but that is far from the case. A focal point acts as an anchor for your entire event design and balances the effect of the decor. Imagine you're attending a dinner party and the host has just laid out cutlery plates and maybe some glasses. This doesn't feel special does it? It looks like it's dinner time on a random Thursday night. On this scale your focal point doesn't have to be a 12 foot balloon garland, it is as simple as a centrepiece on the table. Your eyes would immediately be drawn to it and would make you feel like some real effort has been put in to elevate a basic dinner to an experience. However if you are hosting a large event this doesn't mean you need to have 4 different displays to make a statement. It is alway better to go all out for one display and then use smaller pieces and any tiny details you can include that follow the theme. This makes the decor feel cohesive, intentional and styled (the 'WOW' factor!)
@darocha_events Is your event missing the ‘WOW’ factor? The secret isn’t adding more decor… it’s choosing one main focal point and building everything else around it. Big wedding, small birthday, corporate event or home party – this rule never changes. Your focal point: • anchors the whole design • makes your photos look incredible • gives guests an instant “wow” moment I’ve created a super simple WOW Factor Event Planner & Checklist to help you design yours (without overcomplicating it). 🎉 Link in bio to download #EventStylingTips #PartyPlanning #EventDecorInspo #Decor #WeddingStyling ♬ Storytelling - Adriel
How To Create A Focal Point
Choosing the right focal point for your type of event is key. As we have just explained you don't want a 10 foot whimsical display worthy of a Lake Como wedding at a budget friendly dinner party... You want to make sure you scale the size of your focal point based on the size of your event space. Make sure it is large enough to catch your eyes but not too large that it takes over the space and disrupts the flow of the event.
Next you need to choose what type of focal point you want. There are different options such as backdrops, installations and table-based points. Your backdrops can be balloon arches, fabric draping or photo walls. Installations can be larger elements such as a full wall display, ceiling decor or something that transforms the space you are in. Table pieces is mainly centrepieces but can be a cake table display, a welcome table or gift table. The final step is booking a professional party planner or stylist to bring you vision to life!
Other Ideas To Help Create The 'WOW' Factor
Some key areas to consider when trying create the 'WOW' effect are:
- Lighting - incorporate fairy lights, candles or uplighting to creat ambiance or highlight your decor.
- Personalised items - custom signage, name decals, photos, personalised favours.
- Tiny details - try and find any opportunity to continue the theme of your event, even if it is as small as tying bows that match your decor to wine glasses.
- Sensory experiences - music, texture (drapes, rugs and fabrics), scented candles (not ideal for dinner parties).
- Photo ops - this will often be your focal point but make sure you have a great pace to take photos that shows off your event. This can also mean checking all the small details to ensure everything about your event is 'insta worthy'.
If you’re planning an event and want it to feel unforgettable — not just “nice” — your focal point is the perfect place to start.
To help you plan yours, I’ve created a simple WOW Factor Event Planner that guides you through choosing, designing and placing your main focal point with confidence. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, corporate event or home celebration, this planner will help your event feel intentional, stylish and photo-ready.
👉 Download the WOW Factor Event Planner here
If you’d rather leave it to the pros, Da Rocha Events offers bespoke event styling, backdrops, balloon installations and themed setups across Cumbria & the Lake District.
That's all for now,
Happy planning my lovelies! x