Every June, Evanston and the greater Chicago area turn purple for one weekend: Northwestern University’s Commencement. Families fly in from across the country, tents go up across campus, and for a Chicago-area floral and event décor studio like VH Designs, it’s one of the biggest (and most rewarding) stretches of the year.
This year’s graduation weekend was extra special. Not only did our team get to design florals and staging for several of the weekend’s celebrations across multiple venues, but the University’s 168th Commencement also featured a keynote address from actress, producer, and longtime literacy advocate Sarah Jessica Parker.
Designing for a Purple-and-White Weekend
Northwestern’s signature purple is a dream to design around, but it can also be tricky. We had to create pieces large enough to to make an impact in a huge stadium without blocking sightlines. We built low, wide-format pieces for the stage fronts, then echoed the same palette in taller, more showstopping pieces for the backdrop. This year we leaned into a variety of palms, purple allium, dyed ruscus and pops of white mums.
Why Stage Décor Matters for a Day Like This
Commencement is one of those events where the décor has a real job to do. It needs to:
- Read well on camera. With ceremonies livestreamed and photographed constantly, arrangements need strong color and shape from a distance.
- Stay fresh for several days. Flowers have to be sturdy enough for long days and shifting conditions. Some spaces are used for the whole weekend.
- Feel personal, not generic. Northwestern has its own unique identity, our job is to make sure the florals support that.
Planning Your Own Graduation or Milestone Event in Chicago
Whether it’s a university commencement, a private graduation party, or a corporate milestone event, VH Designs works with clients across Chicago and the North Shore to build floral and stage décor that fits the scale and meaning of the day. If you’re starting to plan for next year’s graduation season, now is the time to reach out. Our calendar fills up fast around Northwestern’s Commencement week!