Event Trends: How Draping Can Transform Your Event Space

One of my favorite wedding and event trends this year has been the bold embrace of draping. In fact, we're so excited by this trend that we've invested in hundreds of different draping fabrics, colors, and patterns to offer our local customers. Let's dive into this latest trend and how to execute it at your next event.

The Impact of Draping

While draping has never really gone out of fashion, it's experiencing a fresh renaissance in the event industry this year. Instagram influencers and event planners are flexing their creative muscles by designing stunning spaces out of nothing but yards of linen (and maybe some structural supports). It's a deep rabbit hole well worth diving into as there is quite an art to crafting these designs. Pictures really are worth a thousand words in this case, so I'll be dotting noteworthy examples of event draping (even more than usual) - as well as some of our own designs - throughout this article.

Tent ceiling draping by Brazilian wedding designer, Maycon Joya

So why all the excitement? For starters, draping can dramatically alter the perception of a space. Soft, flowing fabrics can diffuse harsh lighting, create layers, and introduce visual depth to an otherwise blank, lifeless space. You'll be hard-pressed to find a theme or style that isn't lifted by the incorporation of draping. Then there's the endless opportunity for creativity and a nearly bottomless depth of layering, complexity, and use-cases available, limited only by your imagination - and maybe your budget. From minimal to maximal, draping can be as simple as a photo backdrop, table accent, or leg draping on a tent to hide unsightly framing, or it can be used to create dramatic entrances, impressive focal points, and entirely encapsulated spaces.

Full tent draping by Lopez's Events & Rentals

Expert Draping Tips

1. Build around your theme & budget

   Before you begin designing the perfect draped look for your event, you need to have your color palette, style, and/or theme picked out as well as a budget outlined. Your draping should be built around your theme, not vice-versa. Select your fabric type and colors based on this theme and/or color palette. For a softer look, go for lighter fabrics (sheer chiffon, voile, tulle, or organza) with neutral colors. These will allow light to pass through and build a soft warmth in the space. Thicker materials such as velvet will add a sense of luxury are are ideal for spaces demanding a moodier feel. And of course, don't be afraid to play around with bold patterns and rich, layered colors.

   
   

   

   A wedding aisle framed by soft, curtained drapes

2. Identify Your Draping Intention

   Are you looking to create a stunning backdrop for photos? Do you want to highlight or hide a feature? Do you want to create a shock moment when your guests first enter the space? This will focus your attention and par down your options. It also will inform your budget. A backdrop behind your head table is going to be less expensive than a tent with full ceiling drapes.

   
   

   

   Glowing wave curtain ceiling by Fanny Toro - Vavis Pista

   
   

3. Add Lighting

   While draping is beautiful by itself, you can highlight that beauty, both literally and figuratively, by adding lighting. Whether you've opted for soft materials or heavy, moody materials, lighting helps add depth to your draping by creating layers of shadows. For those lighter materials, you'll add a wonderful glow to the drapes. For those heavier, opaque materials, lighting will add to the moodiness and bring back much needed illumination.

   
   

   

   A hallway draped in layers with lighting

   
   

4. Think in Layers and Volume

   Single-panel draping can fall flat, and that's not what made drapes trend again in 2025. To create drama and elegance, use multiple panels layered with varying fullness and direction. Swags, pleats, and gathered sections add movement and texture. For ceiling draping, consider incorporating a center chandelier or greenery clusters to create a focal point.

   
   

   

   Braided drape photo backdrop

   
   

5. Check the Limitations of Your Space/Venue

   Before you fall in love with your Pinterest inspiration, check that your space or venue can accommodate your design. Some venues have restrictions on what can be rigged or attached to their walls and ceilings. What are the options in your space? Can the tent bear the load? Are the ceilings tall enough? Can you use the existing beams? Do you have to install any anchor points? Get to know the space you'll be using - both its limitations and advantages.

   
   

   

   A venue decorated with ceiling drapes, designed by Fairytale Events

   
   

How Do I Add Draping To My Event?

You have two options when considering draping your next event - DIY or hire a company that offers draping services. If your draping is on the minimalist side of the spectrum, DIY the whole thing and have fun with it. You can find loads of tutorials online to guide you through the process. Plus you get the added benefit of saying "I did that!" when all your guests compliment the design.

Beyond the simpler designs, we highly recommend you hire a professional. As the complexity rises, proper rigging becomes essential - especially for overhead draping. Weight, anchoring, and fire safety (many venues require flame-retardant materials) must all be considered. Plus, the equipment and materials needed can be quite expensive to purchase (tall ladders, lifts, trusses, pipe and drape hardware, long lengths of high quality linen). Work with experienced professionals to ensure that your draping is not only beautiful, but safe and compliant with local regulations.

Our business, Herriott's Rentals in Champaign, IL offers draping services for all of Illinois and western Indiana. Reach out to us for a free quote if you're interested in draping your next event! If you're not in our service area, reach out to your local event rental company or event planner. Even if they don't offer draping services, they may know someone who does.

Below are samples of our draping repertoire, sorted from minimalist to maximalist.