The first thing that will come to your client’s mind when planning their event is the event day itself. Clients immediately envision the different event decor elements and the overall ambiance. They’ll also have a picture-perfect idea in their head as to what they want their guests to feel - from the time they enter the venue, all the way up until the time they head home.

This is where your skills as a certified event decorator will come in handy! With your expert training and qualifications, you can bring your clients’ visions to life. I can’t stress enough, though, that this professional education is KEY! Only after you complete your event decor training will you be ready to take on the event decor world.

What is an Event Designer?

As an event designer, your job will be to plan the aesthetic and atmosphere of an event. You’ll work closely with your clients to make their Pinterest dreams a reality and ensure that the event decor you promised is delivered on the day of the event. Your primary focus will be the event design concept.

Wedding and Event Planner VS Event Decorator

Many couples - and even some industry professionals - often confuse the role of a wedding and event planner with the role of an event decorator. This can be easy to do since many wedding and event planners offer event design services in addition to their planning services. 

Clients will often ask their event planners if they even need to hire an event decorator in the first place. The short answer is: absolutely! While a wedding and event planner has the same overall goal as an event decorator (to create and execute magical events for their customers), their roles on the job are entirely different!

A wedding and event planner will oversee the overall event details. This often includes:

• Creating a budget

• Securing venues, vendors, and suppliers

• Creating a timeline and schedule(s)

• Logistics planning

• And many other important details!

On the other hand, an event designer’s primary focus is on overall design think aesthetic. That being said, the role of an event decorator is a LOT more intricate than just setting up decorations. Professional event decorators combine elements such as lighting, table linens, floral arrangements, textures, colors, tablescapes, details about the couple, feelings, etc., to bring the client’s vision to life and convey that vision to their guests. At the end of the event, the guests should say this event was so “them.”

Why is Event Decor Training Essential?

There is more to event design than simply selecting the color of table linens or picking out centerpieces. An event designer needs to know how to take their client’s event theme, create a cohesive color palette, and then translate it into the event decor and overall design.

While wedding and event planning courses touch on event decor, they typically do NOT go into full detail. Often, you won’t learn what your role as an event designer is or all about the details you’ll need to keep in mind when designing an event. YouTube University won’t teach you all the technical skills you need to design an event, maybe decorate, but not design. Designer vs. Decorator is a topic for another blog post.

For this reason, taking a course that focuses strictly on event design can be highly beneficial. Through my research, I’ve discovered that QC Event School’s Event Design Course touches on everything you can think of when it comes to event decor! Check out the program's curriculum here for a sneak peek into what this course offers. 

Currently, I’m working through Unit A of the course. So far, it’s tough for me to narrow down my favorite course topics in this Unit, as there are SO many awesome things to choose from! However, below are just a few of my favorite issues up to this point:

• Color: You’ll be introduced to proper color terminology, color psychology, and how to choose the right color palettes for any celebration successfully.

• Event Layout: This refers to the flow of the event, as well as focal points, event safety, and different layout styles.

• Linens and Rentals: Discover all the different types of linen fabrics and designs at your disposal! QC’s Event Decor Course also delves into:

  The other decor elements that linen can be used for

  Different table dimensions and the proper linen size for each table

  Types of chairs and tent rentals, etc.

Why I Enrolled in QC’s Event Decor Course

Although I have years of experience assisting clients with event themes, creating color palettes, and finding the perfect event rentals, I wanted to elevate my event decor knowledge. This way, I can also elevate my clients’ experience - particularly during the event design phase of my planning process.

It was also important to me to enroll in a course from an accredited school. QC Event School is accredited with an A+ ranking by the Better Business Bureau and approved by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). Plus, they’re internationally recognized - meaning that your certification from QC will hold merit inside and outside your country. In terms of things that caught my attention and set QC apart from other schools, these were significant factors!

On top of that, another major thing was that I needed to know if I would receive an actual certification after graduating from my program rather than just a certificate. There’s a HUGE difference between the two! But this difference can be all too easily overlooked when someone is comparing prices and shopping around. The thing is, a certification will always look far more impressive on your resume than a certificate.

Luckily, QC’s Event Decor Course provides certification and the designation of an International Event Decorating Professional™ (IEDP) upon graduating.

Why Do I Recommend QC Event School?

I love that QC’s Event Decor Course covers color, themes, layouts, floral design, table decor, light, and rentals… All while providing insight into how each decor element plays off the other and creates the overall ambiance of the event! This course also gives insight into how you’ll collaborate with the vendors who provide you with the decor elements you need to create a magical event.

In addition to the robust topics that are covered in each Unit, QC Event School also offers an additional Unit that teaches you about:

• Starting your own business

• Marketing yourself in a social world

• Building your brand

• Selling your services

• Organization and problem solving, etc.

Although this final Unit is optional, I would highly suggest that each student completes this as well! After all, it’s already being provided to you - so why not take advantage of it? I perused the lessons in this Unit to ensure that my wedding and event planning company followed the valuable tips and tricks discussed within the course materials.

In my opinion, QC Event School is perfect for someone starting in the industry and an event professional with years of experience (such as me). The top 2 reasons why I ultimately decided to enroll in the Event Decor Course - as well as additional QC courses - are because:

• The courses are self-paced 

• The classes are 100% online, meaning I can do them from anywhere 

Like most people, my schedule does not permit me to attend a brick-and-mortar school with designated course times. My availability changes often, so it would be impossible for me to participate in in-person classes.

But with QC, you can do your coursework on most mobile devices or your desktop computer. I love that I can do my readings and assignments on the go or while I’m comfy in bed at the end of the night!

Plus, each of QC Event School’s courses is self-paced. This makes it the perfect option for someone unable to dedicate much time during the week to their studies. From the date you first enroll, students have two full years to complete their course. But when and where you work is entirely up to you during that time!

Note: Each QC course contains less than 40 hours’ worth of work. On average, graduates have found that by simply devoting 1-2 hours per week to their Event Decor Course, they could finish in as little as 3-4 months. 

Another reason I strongly recommend QC Event School is because they have monthly promotions designed to help you save money. In terms of tuition, they also offer an affordable monthly payment plan, which is a nice bonus. You'll receive another discount if you prefer to pay your tuition in full. In my experience, I’ve found that most in-person schools rarely offer these kinds of convenient perks.

The tutors that grade your work and provide you with feedback are actual wedding and event professionals themselves, and all run successful businesses in the industry. Another thing I enjoy is how the students have access to community forms, as well as a private Virtual Classroom on Facebook. These resources allow us to connect with current students, graduates, and tutors. 

Lastly, I’ve found that the QC staff continually offers a powerful support system. Too many schools nowadays are only after your money. But with QC, it’s evident that their priority is truly their students.

So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in the Event Decor Course today and join the QC Event School family!