Prom themes, event designs and décor of yesteryear have long faded into nostalgic memories. Prom and party planners of today have a wider array of materials to use in prom decorations and in carrying out party themes than the crepe paper streamers and rolls of butcher block paper available in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, decisions about what materials to use in decorating for a high school prom can be overwhelming. A brief understanding of decorating materials available today will help in planning a high school prom or your next themed event.
How to Decipher Various Types of Prom and Decorations Materials on the Market
Gossamer is a non-woven, low-cost decorating material that comes in assorted sizes. It gives a gauze-like effect. Gossamer comes in both solid colors and mottled colors. Gossamer comes imprinted with a variety of designs, which include:
- blue or black with stars (evening or sparkling)
- water (light blue or royal blue)
- red roses
- purple with white stars
- black with silver stars
- black night
- white (blue with white stars)
- cloud
- snowflakes
- metallic dusk
- metallic midnight
Advantages of using gossamer:
- lightweight
- sheer
- thicker than netting or tulle
- tear-resistant
- easy to work with
- versatile – Goes with most prom themes
- comes in flame-retardant styles
- makes it simple to camouflage walls and unsightly areas
- makes it easy to create special effects
- can serve as a table cover
- ties to make swags, garlands, bows for chair backs and other accents
- drapes between columns or posts
- scrunches to simulate grassy areas, sandy beaches, snow, clouds or other landscape features
- allows light to shine through
- works well
- typical sizes: 19" wide, 60" wide or 107" wide; 50-yard and 100-yard lengths
Disadvantage of using gossamer: metallic gossamer is not flame-retardant.
Metallic Gossamer is a see-through, stiffer netting than regular gossamer.
Advantages of using metallic gossamer:
- lightweight
- holds up and doesn't flop as much as other materials
- works well on tables, chairs
- drapes well
- makes swags and is good for wrapping columns, posts and other structures
- creates strikingly romantic touch in combination with strings of white lights
- adds deeper shades of colors when layered
Shimmera is a trade-marked material with a sheen that adds what its name implies: a shimmering effect when light hits it.
Advantages of using Shimmera:
- lightweight
- translucent fabric
- drapes easily on tables or against walls
- iridescent finish glows and glitters when light hits it
- drapes easily
Disadvantages of using Shimmera: not flame-retardant.
Taffeta is an elegant, luxurious material useful in carrying out more formal event themes. Advantages of using taffeta:
- opaque rather than see-through
- can hide unsightly areas such as bleacher walls, lockers and dark hallway entrances
- reflective for lovely lighting effects
- establishes a rich and expensive tone
- comes in 58" wide by 20-yard lengths
Satina is similar to taffeta.
Advantages of Satina:
- feels like luxurious satin
- matte finish
- thin, lightweight
- comes in rolls approximately 59” x 10 yards
- available in a variety of colors
- works well as drapery, ceilings and in room corners
Sparkelle is the thinnest decorating material many prom supply stores carry. This semi-sheer fabric contains sparkling flecked bits of glitter that, as its name implies, adds extra sparkle to proms and event themes. It can give an illusion of waterfalls or placid pools, especially in sky blue or lavender colors.
Netting comes in a looser, more open weave of sheer decorating fabric.
Advantages in using netting:
- stiffer than other fabrics
- great for making flowers in fantasy-themed events
- readily attaches to floor and fans out to form rays of light in sunset, evening and Hollywood themes and events when lit by spotlight beams
- works well in creating ceilings and draped areas
- adds stunning, romantic effects to almost any prom décor
Tulle is a softer, finer fabric than gossamer. Often used in wedding veils and ballerina tutus, tulle is thinner and much softer than netting.
What Types of Decorating Materials Work Best for Individual Design and Décor Projects?
The decorating material you decide upon in decorating your prom or event will grow out of the prom theme or event theme you select. Each type of material carries with it a certain flavor and tone. The venue and available lighting and your use of white lights and other types of lighting will affect the final appearance of your decorations. Although most of these decorating materials are interchangeable, a few observations may help you make your final choices.
- ceilings: netting and gossamer
- walls: gossamer and various background papers or murals
- table skirts: gossamer, netting, highlighted with metallic materials
- chair backs: netting bows, gossamer, Shimmera, taffeta, Satina
- water elements: shimmera
Prom and Event Design and Décor Offer Almost too Many Choices
As you plan your prom, after-prom party or other event, you will no doubt reach a point where the number of choices almost overwhelms. Don’t worry. It’s hard to go wrong with all the available patterns, textures and price points on today’s market. Choose what you like and go with it. Each type of fabric and material will speak its own language to you. You’ll like the results, and so will most of the people attending the gala. Besides, if you have those who complain about the event decorations, just hand them the reigns and let them be in charge of next year’s prom.
Resources for Prom and Party Supplies and Decorating Material
Anderson's Prom and Party Supply. Accessed January 8, 2011.
Shindigz. Accessed January 8, 2011.
Stumps. Accessed January 8, 2011.
Debra Winstead - Debra Winstead combines over three decades of teaching experience with a love of learning new things. Writing online is currently a new ...
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