You’ve seen a lot in this industry. Fire breathers, custom donut walls, grown adults dressed as glittery martinis… but have you ever had a flower wall wink at you?
If not, buckle up because living installations are about to be your new favorite flex.
These aren’t just entertainers. They are the atmosphere. Think human statues that don’t stay frozen. Vine-covered performers that double as a photo op. A chandelier that pours your drink. Sounds unhinged? Maybe. But when it works, it’s magic.
So, what exactly is a living installation?
In short? It’s a performer who’s styled and staged to blend into the décor so well that your guests aren’t quite sure what’s real. They might be standing statue-still in metallic body paint or gliding silently across the room in a full floral gown while handing out rosé.
Sometimes, they move. Sometimes they don’t. But they always leave people asking, “Wait, was that… alive?”
And that’s exactly why you want them. They’re art brought to life, in support of your event experience.
Why you’ll love using them
You already know this: your guests have seen everything. They’ve been to rooftop cocktail hours with drone shows and launches with live llamas. If you want to surprise them and maybe even get them to put down their phones for a hot second, you need something unexpected.
Living installations stop people in their tracks. They’re immersive. Weird, in a good way. And somehow, every single guest ends up taking a photo, even the one who claimed they “don’t do Instagram.”
Plus, they multitask. A performer in a champagne skirt? They’re serving drinks and working the room. A living dessert table? That’s how function meets fantasy. You’re solving logistical challenges with art. That’s planner gold.
But don’t overdo it
Just because you can have five living statues doesn’t mean you should. One or two well-placed installations are memorable. But a dozen? Guests start wondering if they’ve wandered into a haunted museum.
You want your installation to feel intentional, not gimmicky. You know the difference.
Ask yourself: does it serve the mood? Does it support the theme? Will it make someone stop and go, “Okay, that’s cool”? If yes, you’re on the right track.
How to get it right
Hire specialists. Living installations are not your cousin’s improv group in body paint. These performers are trained to hold still, interact subtly, and adapt to the vibe of the room. They're professionals.
Make sure they match the theme. For a garden party? A living topiary makes sense. Corporate awards night? Maybe not.
Give them room to breathe. Literally and figuratively. Don’t trap them between the bar and a fake hedge wall. (Also, performers need to pee at some point. Just… keep that in mind.)
Light them well. If your guests can’t see them, they might miss the point entirely, or worse, get startled mid-sip.
Prep your clients. No one wants the CFO screaming because a statue moved. Trust me on that one.
Now go make your décor weird (in a good way)
Living installations are part surprise, part spectacle, and 100% unforgettable. If you’re looking for a way to shake up your next event and give guests something to buzz about. You don’t need a bigger budget. You just need one great moment. One performer who becomes the party.
Your guests will remember the moment the décor blinked at them, and not just because it scared them a little.
So go ahead. Let the décor move.
Want to see more ideas like this in action? Get yourself to The Event Planner Expo 2025. (We can’t promise the flower walls won’t flirt with you. Just saying.)
It’s where the best of the best industry pros come together to network, learn the latest trends, and launch their events to the next level. Get your tickets today!
