Since the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world and sent people into isolation, people have come to understand how important personal connections are. As a result, GWI x Pinterest has identified “Bond Building” as one of the hottest event trends today.
“Bond Building” events focus on the desire for intimacy, belonging, and connection. Celebrations like these tend to be smaller and more intimate gatherings that emphasize meaningful experiences between close family and friends. The aesthetic for events like these is more laid-back and less formal.
“People seem to want safe spaces where they can be vulnerable with an intimate circle,” notes GWI x Pinterest.
Today, we’re going to look at the building blocks for a “Bond Building” celebration and how you can craft intimate spaces for connections within larger events. We’ll explore how CORT Events is poised to support you in developing a “Bond Building” event.
The Shift Toward Intimacy in Celebrations
Celebrations are becoming smaller and more meaningful because society by and large is shifting toward the value of deep personal connections. That’s why intimate spaces at large events are as important as smaller events themselves. One of the reasons for this is that celebratory events are an antidote to a world that seems increasingly disconnected and negative.
“To some, celebrations are a means of escape from the doom scrolling and negativity they’ve grown accustomed to,” notes GWI x Pinterest.
There are notable psychological benefits to smaller, more meaningful gatherings. Bonding and belonging do wonders for the mental health of those who take part in these types of celebrations.
“Social connectedness influences our minds, bodies, and behaviors — all of which influence our health and life expectancy,” explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being.”
As an event planner, you play a crucial role in meeting this demand as you create spaces that foster a sense of community and bring about genuine connection.
Design Principles for Intimate Spaces
Creating an event space that fosters connection and intimacy takes strategy and planning. It’s more than a matter of arranging furniture. Your goal is to create an environment that encourages engagement and deep connection, and here are some tips for making that type of space a reality.
Create zones or nooks within a larger space that can encourage conversation and connection. You can use furniture and decor to set aside these zones for different purposes — conversation, relaxation, and even specific group activities. Circular seating like the Endless Closed Circle Ottoman in Emerald Velvet or semicircular arrangements like the Build Your Endless Loveseat can foster interaction and community.
Lighting can set a specific mood in a space or in a zone within a space. Accent lighting and drapery can help set aside specific spaces and create specific aesthetics within them. Soft, warm lighting like the Delano Floor Lamp can make large spaces feel cozier, encouraging guests to linger and connect.
Textures and soft furnishing can help make a space more cozy and inviting. Not only can accessories like the Corduroy Pillow and the Lancaster Rug provide visual cues to the purpose of a space, but they can also enhance the comfort and appeal of the space and soften the acoustics, which helps aid in conversation.
Personalizing Events With Thoughtful Details
No matter how well-executed your overarching plan might be, you’ll often find the real magic of an event in the details. It’s easy to add those little touches that can increase the sense of connection and belonging at an event.
You’re not locked into a furniture layout the way you might have been in the past. CORT offers furniture options that are customizable and adaptable to any event setting. The CORT Endless Collection® allows you to change things up throughout the event to fit the vibe or purpose of the gathering.
Today’s furniture and accessory options also give you plenty of chances to personalize the event experience. Whether you’re looking for a custom color scheme, branding for a corporate event, or matching the aesthetic of a family reunion, customization is the order of the day.
CORT has furniture with customizable slipcovers that can easily match branding or theming. Soft seating options like the Swanson Swivel Chair Fabric Cover and the Brighton Loveseat Fabric Cover give you options for personalization as do accessories like the Custom Branded Pillow and the Havana Palm Divider, Logo 8’.
Themed Celebrations as a Tool for Connection
One way to bring people together for meaningful connection is with a themed event. Theming can unite people by creating shared experiences that resonate on a personal level and build bonds. Here are two strategies for utilizing themed celebrations to enhance connection.
Immersive environments can fully encapsulate your theme. Themes like vintage glamor, a futuristic tech lounge, or an outdoor-inspired setting establish immersive environments that create a shared experience that spark conversations, inspire creativity, and build lasting memories among attendees.
Let’s use the futuristic tech lounge theme as an example. Build your space around the sleek, modern, and powered Naples Sofa and Naples Chair. Enhance the futuristic look with accessories like the Marche Swivel Ottoman in black and the Bees Pillow. The Geo Cocktail Table with Chrome Base and White Marble Top adds to the forward-looking theme while the Wireless Charging Table adds a pop of color and even more options for power.
Create smaller, themed breakout areas that cater to different interests or activities related to your theme. These themed breakout areas offer personalized experiences within the larger event, allowing guests to choose how they want to engage and connect with the theme and each other.
The Art of Creating Meaningful Connections
The desire for deeper connections in an increasingly disconnected world drives the current move toward more meaningful and intimate celebrations. As an event planner, you can facilitate these connections with smaller spaces within a larger venue, details that add extra special touches, personalization, and theming.
CORT Events can be a valuable partner in designing these spaces within larger events. With their extensive inventory, creative inspiration, and tools to help you plan your space, CORT can help you bring the vision of intimate, connected celebrations to life, creating spaces where every attendee feels genuinely engaged and valued.
