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Designing a Customized Floral Backdrop Wall for Trade Shows and Special Events

Writer's picture: Amanda WolfsonAmanda Wolfson

A completed floral backdrop wall featuring large, vibrant artificial flowers in shades of pink, red, and peach, surrounded by lush green leaves. In front of the backdrop is an orange velvet sofa, creating a striking visual for the Chicago Collective event.A partially completed floral backdrop installation with large artificial flowers and leaves attached to a pink insulation foam board. A step ladder and various supplies are visible, showing the design in progress.

Creating a floral backdrop wall using artificial flowers can transform any space into an eye-catching wonderland. Whether for a trade show, retail space, or special event, a customized floral installation can make a powerful statement. In this post, we’ll take you through the design process of crafting a bespoke floral backdrop, from inspiration to installation, all while highlighting the social engagement opportunities it presents.


Every great design begins with inspiration (thanks Pinterest!). For our project, we start by collaborating with the client to identify their vision. This often involves selecting an inspirational photo that resonates with their brand or event theme, in this case, our installation needed to carry through two distinct tradeshows; Chicago Collective Women's Edition and National Bridal Market Chicago, as well as coordinate with a vibrant sofa from AFR Furniture Rental. The chosen image is a guiding star throughout the design process, influencing color palettes, flower types, and overall aesthetic.

For instance, a client might share a vibrant image filled with lush peonies, delicate orchids, and whimsical greenery. This serves as our blueprint, sparking ideas and igniting creativity as we move forward.


With our inspiration in hand, the next step is sourcing the materials. This phase is crucial, as the quality and variety of flowers will define the backdrop's impact. We scour various local and online vendors to find the perfect blooms. The challenge is knowing how much to buy to cover the square footage, in this case, we were building a 12' wide x 8' high wall. Here’s what we focus on during this phase:


  • Color Palette: We stick closely to the colors in the inspiration photo, ensuring the backdrop harmonizes beautifully with the event’s theme.

  • Flower Variety: We select a mix of flowers in different sizes, shapes, and textures. This adds depth and dimension, making the wall visually engaging.


  • Quality: Choosing high-quality artificial flowers is important, however, keeping things within budget means mixing "high" and "low" elements, and finding inexpensive fillers that will cover a lot of surface area. This gives us more flexibility when buying those special statement pieces.


After hours of research and selection, we curate hundreds of flowers and greenery ready to be transformed into a breathtaking installation. Some of my favorite suppliers include Afloral, DarbyCreekTrading, ShopWildThings.com, The Home Depot, Kennicott Brothers, Artificialmerch.com, and Hobby Lobby.



As the delivery date approaches, planning the installation becomes paramount. Here’s how we ensure a seamless setup:


  • Logistics: We coordinate the delivery of all materials to the trade show venue, ensuring everything arrives on time and intact. This means a rental van from Home Depot, purchasing panels of pink insulation foam to serve as our surface for designing on.


  • Layout Design: We begin roughing things in using the inspiration photo as a reference. This helps us visualize where each flower will go, creating a visual balance between color and scale.


  • Team Coordination: We gather a skilled team of installers, each trained in various installation techniques. Clear communication is essential here to ensure everyone understands the vision.


On installation day, our team springs into action. We begin by building the structure that will support the flowers, attaching the blooms in a carefully considered arrangement. The process can be time-consuming but is incredibly rewarding as the backdrop begins to take shape.


Once the floral backdrop wall is complete, it becomes a stunning focal point at the trade shows. This immersive installation invites guests to step in, pose, and snap photos. By encouraging social sharing, the backdrop creates a buzz on social media, giving the client valuable exposure and engagement.



Guests love the opportunity to take memorable pictures against a backdrop that reflects the event’s theme. This not only enhances their experience but also promotes the client’s brand in an authentic and engaging way.


Designing a customized floral backdrop wall is more than just a creative project; it’s a way to create lasting memories and enhance social interaction at events. By starting with a solid inspiration, carefully sourcing quality materials, and planning a meticulous installation, we can craft stunning displays that leave a lasting impression. The joy of seeing guests interact with the installation and share their experiences makes the entire process worthwhile.


So, if you’re considering a floral backdrop for your next event, take the plunge! With the right approach, you can create a vibrant space that captivates and connects.


A stunning floral backdrop featuring oversized pink, red, and orange artificial flowers with tropical greenery and the "National Bridal Market Chicago" sign. In front of the floral installation is an orange velvet sofa, creating an inviting and photo-ready space for the event, placed over a black-and-white checkered floor for added contrast.



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Chicago, IL USA

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