12 Unique Ways to Use Panels in Event Design

Hey event planners! Let’s chat about one of the most versatile tools in your event decor toolkit: panels.

Utilizing your event space is crucial, and the flexibility of panels can help you fully utilize your venue and transform the space into something new.

From marquee lights to city facades, escort card walls, champagne walls, product displays, or even eye-catching backdrops—panels are a must-have. Their versatility is unmatched, and with the right customization, they can be tailored to fit any theme or style

Here are twelve unique ways to incorporate panels into your next event design:

1. Escort Card Wall

An escort card wall not only guides guests to their seats but also serves as an eye-catching decor element and allows guests to connect and interact with your event.

One of our favorite items to make, custom escort card walls are the perfect opportunity to match your event theme and color palette. They can be made from wood, velvet, lattice, or even a combination of panels. Or take four panels and create a 360 square!

This Waves Escort Card Wall with surfboard seating assignments was the perfect addition to this beach wedding. Featured on Brides.com, each escort card was a tiny surfboard held up by its own fin, matching the tables named for their favorite beaches instead of numbers. “We also had our guests sign a surfboard instead of a guestbook. Just add some shelves, paint and writing to a panel and you’ve got the perfect themed escort card wall.

2. Backdrop

Backdrops are crucial for any event. Whether it’s for the stage, photo opportunities, or ceremonies, backdrops made using panels create striking visual moments that everyone will want a photo of.

Backdrop panels can feature patterns, luxurious fabrics, florals, or even incorporate lighting elements for added drama. We created these 12-foot ribbed arch backdrop panels for a recent wedding, and they made a breathtaking statement that guests could not stop talking about.

3. Champagne Wall

A champagne wall brings both elegance and fun to any event. Custom panels with built-in shelves or holders for champagne glasses create a chic display that’s also functional. It’s the perfect way to welcome guests and set a sophisticated tone for the evening. Our Champagne Wall Panels, painted to match the event’s color palette, existed as both entry walls to the event and a way to hand guests champagne as they entered, instantly setting a celebratory mood.

4. Store Facade

Take your event to the next level with panels designed to mimic a storefront. Perfect for fashion shows, product launches, or themed events, panels can transform your venue into a chic boutique or high-end retail space. For a Bat Mitzvah, we designed a Starbucks Facade, complete with a service window and pink suede awning for guests to grab specialty drinks, adding a playful yet luxurious touch.

5. Photo Booth

What’s an event without a fun photo booth to capture memories? Panels can be custom-designed to create stylish photo backdrops that tie into your event’s theme, logos, and color scheme. For a corporate launch, we created a custom Light Box Photo Booth that stole the show. Creating a custom photo booth with panels is an easy to way to have guests interact with your space and keep them snapping pics all night.

6. Windows

Panels can be also be used to create the illusion of windows, adding depth and dimension to your event space with natural light. Window panels can mimic rustic barn windows, sleek modern panes, or even stained glass.

This Dia De Los Muertos- inspired wedding, featured in Wedded Wonderland, completely transformed an ordinary ballroom into a whimsical Spanish paradise with the use of these whimiscal Laser Cut Mexican Papel Picado Panels, which added an authentic touch.

7. Temporary Walls

Not every venue will perfectly match your aesthetic, but don’t worry—that’s where panels come in handy. Create custom walls to define spaces, add texture, or completely change the look of your venue. Our 12 x 12 wood panels were transformed with a whimsical forest motif, complete with crystal sconces and draping, bringing luxury and personality to a wedding reception.

8. Structures

Create the illusion of a completely new space with the clever use of panels. Panels can be used indoors or outdoors to transform a tent or room into what feels like an existing structure. At a baby shower designed by Mindy Weiss, our custom entry alcove panel created a grand arched entrance into the tent, complete with a wood valance and lattice front panels painted in soft greens for a whimsical touch.

9. Display Shelves

Panels can double as functional and decorative elements. Use them as display shelves to showcase products, awards, photos, or decorative items. They can even be used as a stylish barback! For this brand launch, we used our Product Display Panels W/ Mirror & Shelves to display the brand’s new line of products. Whether it’s a trade show, exhibition, or celebration, adding LED lighting to the shelves gives it that expensive, luxe look. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to use bold colors or metallic finishes to make the display pop.

10. Signage

Your event signage doesn’t have to be boring! Panels provide the perfect canvas to create bold, beautiful signs that not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the aesthetic of your event. Whether it’s directional signs, menus, or even sponsor shout-outs, panels offer endless customization options. Consider using unique materials like mirrors, metals, or florals to make your signage stand out. Need some inspiration? Our Marquee Lights Panel not only welcomed guests into this Havana Nights party but doubled as an elegant decor feature that tied into the luxurious vibe.

11. Lighting

Why stop at functional panels when you can have them pull double duty? Panels that incorporate lighting—like our ever-popular Candle Walls—add warmth and ambiance to your event while also serving as a stylish backdrop. These LED-lit panels work wonders for mood lighting and add that extra layer of sophistication your guests will love.

12. Entrances

An event’s entrance sets the tone from the moment guests arrive. Whether you want a grand, dramatic entrance or something more understated, custom panels allow you to create an entrance that matches the style and vibe of your event. For the Veuve Polo Classic, our team used a collection of 4’W x 8’H hedge panels, dark wood panels, and a hedge arch to create a luxurious entryway into the event.

Looking to elevate your next event with unique and luxurious decor?

At Revelry Event Designers, we specialize in creating custom panels that can transform any event space into a stunning masterpiece. Our in-house team builds cutsom creations tailored to your specifications, with endless options for design, color, paint, or fabric.

Check out our existing inventory of panels or shoot us a message to find out how to create your own!

Event Credits:

Cover Photo: Planning and Design: Ashley Creative | Decor, Draping and Panels: Revelry Event Designers| Florals: Sara Lunn Floral

  1. Planning and Design: A Good Affair | Florals: Nisie’s Enchanted Forest | Furniture, Decor & Panels: Revelry Event Designers | Photography: Brett Hickman Photography
  2. Planning & Design: Best Bride | Florals: Celio’s Design| Backdrop, Furniture and Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Photography: Sanaz Riggio
  3. Concept & Design: Marc Friedland | Event Design, Decor, & Props: Revelry Event Designers | Coordination: Exquisite Events | Production: 360 Design | Florals: Celio’s Design | Photography: Yvette Roman Photography
  4. Planning and Design: Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events | Event Design, Draping, Furniture & Props: Revlery Event Designers | Florals: Nancy Kaye, Mark’s Garden | Photography: Justine Ungaro
  5. Planning and Design: Mindy Weiss | Florals: Mark’s Garden | Event Design, Furniture & Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Photography: Lex and the Lotus
  6. Planning and Design: Mikie Russo | Event Design & Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Florals: Petals LA | Photography: Philip Sicillano Photography
  7. Planning and Design: Lisa Gorjestani, Details Event Planning | Furniture, Lighting & Custom Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Florals: The Empty Vase | Photography: Abby and Lauren
  8. Planning and Design: Mindy Weiss | Draping, Furniture, & Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Florals: Butterfly Floral | Photography: Bethany Paige Photography
  9. Planning and Design: Mindy Weiss | Custom Decor & Draping: Revelry Event Designers | Florals: Jeff Leatham | Photography: John and Joseph Photography
  10. Planning and Design: Iconic Event Studios| Draping, Furniture, & Decor: Revelry Event Designers | Florals: The Millie Flori
  11. Planning: Anais Events | Design & Production: Design House Decor | Chandeliers, Props & Furniture: Revelry Event Designers | Photography: JSK Photos
  12. Furnishings, Drapery, Custom Production & Event Design: Revelry Event Designers | Production, Planning, Logistics & Design: Brown Hot Events | Florals: Butterfly Floral | Photography: Claire Barrett Photography

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