Decorating a pavilion for a birthday party can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning, creativity, and helpful tips, your party decor will come together beautifully. A pavilion provides a wonderful blank canvas to decorate however you wish to match the birthday celebration theme and create a festive atmosphere.
Choose A Theme
Selecting a party theme is the first step to decorating your pavilion venue. Popular birthday party themes include:
- Favorite color – Decorations, tableware, foods, and decor all match the birthday person’s favorite color
- Decade – Decor from a nostalgic decade like the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s
- Superheroes or princesses – Comic book heroes or Disney royalty
- Hawaiian luau – Tropical, beach vibes
- Western or barnyard – Checkered tablecloths, burlap, bandanas
Match your pavilion decor to the selected party theme. For example, a luau theme could have tiki torches, leis, tropical flowers, seashells, pineapples, etc. If your party has a favorite movie or book theme, replicate key objects, colors, or scenes.
Decorate The Entrance
Greet guests with decorative touches right at the pavilion entrance. Hang curly ribbons, tissue pom poms, or latex balloons on the gate or door into the venue. Place potted plants or a floral arrangement on stands flanking the entrance. Hang a happy birthday banner over the doorway. Provide guests with leis, hats, or other props to wear that match the theme as they arrive.
Use Balloons
Balloons make any party more festive. Fill your pavilion with lots of coordinating latex balloons in varying sizes. Balloons with printed messages or designs fit nicely with theme parties. Group balloons together with curling ribbon and display them in clusters around the pavilion walls and beams. Allow a few balloons to float up to the ceiling so guests look up to a sea of balloons overhead.
Utilize Streamers and Banners
Streamers and banners are inexpensive decorations that make a big, colorful impact in your party pavilion. Hang streamers and ribbons from the ceiling, posts, and rafters. Drape streamers across doorways or from the center beam to the side poles. Display large, personalized happy birthday banners prominently in the pavilion or behind the food tables and cake station.
Use Fun Tableware
Plates, cups, napkins, and utensils in festive colors and patterns transform ordinary tables. Solid color tableware in the party theme hue makes a bold statement. Tableware decorated with the event theme like superheroes or princesses immerses guests in the celebration. Mix and match patterns and textures for an eclectic, whimsical look. Top tables with themed paper goods like tropical leaf print plates or barnyard checkered napkins.
Create Photo Backdrops
Designate an area for photo ops with decorative backdrops. Use streamers, balloons, props, and signs to create a photo station. For example, set up a superhero city skyline background with buildings and comic book pows and bangs graphics. A tropical theme could have a beach backdrop with palm trees, sun cut outs, and seashell frames. Photo backdrops give guests festive, themed photos to take home.
Showcase Decorative Centerpieces
Decorative centerpieces serve both form and function at birthday parties. Fill table centerpieces with themed decor items that match the event style. For instance, a princess party could have tall vase centerpieces filled with feathers, tulle, tiaras, and pink roses. Opt for low centerpieces if the table will also display food, gifts, or games so guests can see and converse across the table.
Use Fun Lighting
Lighting transforms a basic pavilion into a party showcase. String lights overhead cast a warm, magical glow over the entire space. Replace typical pavilion light bulbs with colored bulbs matching the theme hue like pink or blue. Set up disco lights or a rotating ball spotlight to dance the night away. Use battery operated candles for a soft table lighting option. Dim the lights and turn on the disco ball for a festive, energizing atmosphere.
Add Themed Decor Touches
Tie together your birthday party theme with small, inventive decor touches that immerse guests into the celebration story. For a tropical luau, display tiki statues, seashells, leis, and pineapples around the pavilion. A princess tea party could feature castle murals, flower gardens, butterflies, tiaras, and pink accents. Have fun brainstorming ways to carry through the unique party personality.
Make A Decor Plan
Map out your pavilion decor plan before the big event. Draw a simple sketch of the venue space including measurements. Decide where key items like food, gifts, and entertainment will be stationed. Select decor locations keeping important areas and walkways clear. Delegate decor tasks to party helpers like hanging streamers, lighting candles, or setting up photo backdrops. Planning ahead ensures you transform the pavilion into a decorative birthday wonderland.
With some creativity and advance preparation, your birthday party pavilion will delight guests with festive surroundings that match the special celebration theme. Have fun as you decorate to see your vision come to life!
