Step and Repeat: How to Create The Perfect Backdrop For Your Event
Event planning can be a daunting task, but it can also be an exciting and fulfilling experience—when you have the right resources at your disposal.
Creating the perfect backdrop for your event is not just about finding the right location. Step and repeat banners can make all the difference in achieving the ideal backdrop. They can be a game-changer when it comes to creating an unforgettable experience for your attendees.
What is a Step and Repeat?
You’ve seen step and repeat banners at press conferences for news, sports, and entertainment events, but maybe didn’t realize there was a specific name. A step and repeat backdrop is a commonly used tool at various events including red carpets, conferences, trade shows, and weddings. The banner gets its name from the unique design where logos are equally spaced apart and repeated.
Step and repeat terminology also refers to the process of taking a step forward and repeating the same pose while being photographed. This type of banner creates a branded backdrop for photos, providing an excellent marketing opportunity for businesses and organizations.
Benefits of Step and Repeat Backdrops
Step and repeat backdrops have become an increasingly popular choice for events thanks to the numerous benefits they can provide with minimal investment. What makes step and repeat banners so great?
Ease of Use
Custom backdrops are portable, durable, and easy to set up! You can easily transport, set up, and dismantle a retractable backdrop, collapsible accordion style frame for fabric units, or stand-alone fabric display on your own. This is especially convenient for smaller companies with limited event manpower for set up and removal.
Marketing Opportunities
These versatile banners provide easy advertising in retail environments. Retail stores can use step and repeat banners as a marketing tool to showcase their products and services, increasing brand visibility and attracting customers.
Since they typically include logos repeated across the design, they can also provide marketing opportunities for events that a business or organization sponsors.
Branding for Events
Step and repeat banners create an eye-catching display of your brand, creating a memorable impression on your event attendees, especially when paired with other large format branding materials. By featuring logos and branded imagery, step and repeat backdrops can reinforce your brand message and create a lasting impression on your event attendees.
This type of branding can also increase the visibility of your brand, especially if your event is covered by media outlets or the photos taken are shared across social media platforms.
Increase Customer Engagement
By creating an engaging and memorable experience for your attendees, step and repeats can help generate buzz around your event and increase the visibility of your brand. How?
Well, they can create an exciting and interactive photo opportunity for attendees. This fun experience often leads to attendees sharing their pictures on social media, which can significantly increase the reach of your brand.
Design Checklist For Step and Repeat Banners
When creating your step and repeat backdrop, you must consider the following design elements:
Your Logo/Custom Design
Your logo or custom design should be high resolution, preferably vector files. This ensures that the final product is not pixelated or blurry.
Decide on Colors
Select colors that are in line with your brand identity and complement each other. Use high-contrast colors to make your design stand out. CMYK is better for print designs (RGB should be used for digital designs).
Choose the Right Size
The size of the banner depends on the space available at your event. Ensure that the banner is large enough to create a visible backdrop but not too large that it overwhelms the event.
Common step and repeat sizes are 8′ x 8′, 8′ x 10′, and 8′ x 12′. However, they can also be customized to fit the specific requirements of your event.
Consider Lighting Opportunities
Your banner should be designed with lighting in mind. Many events take place in low-light environments, so high-contrast designs are ideal. Light is also a factor when deciding on whether to print your step and repeat on vinyl or fabric. Consider using reflective materials, bold colors, or lighting fixtures to enhance your banner’s visibility.
Best Material for Step and Repeat Banners
The material used for a large format step and repeat banner can significantly impact its durability, portability, and overall appearance. It can also determine the type of display. Retractable banners are good for vinyl step and repeats, while free-standing fabric step and repeat banners are also an option. Even though this may be a one-time-use item, it is important to consider the best material for your step and repeat banner.
Fabric
Fabric banners are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor events. They have a matte finish and absorb light, making them perfect for events with bright lighting. Fabric step and repeats can be mounted on a lightweight, collapsible accordion-style frame, making for compact travel and ease of set up and break down.
Vinyl
Vinyl banners are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor events or long-term use. They have a glossy finish and reflect light, making them perfect for events with low lighting. Vinyl step and repeat banners can also have a matte finish which can help soften the glare.
When To Use A Custom Backdrop
Step and repeat backdrops are versatile and can be an excellent addition to various events, including:
- Red Carpet Events: Step and repeat banners are a staple on red carpets, creating a branded backdrop for event attendees and photographers.
- Conferences: Use custom backdrops to create a branded step and repeat for speakers and panelists or as a photo opportunity for attendees.
- Retail Locations and Events: Retail stores can use step and repeat banners to promote their products and services, creating an eye-catching display for customers.
- Trade Shows: These banners make excellent trade show booth backdrops. Exhibitors can use step and repeat banners to create a branded booth that is easy to set up and dismantle.
- Weddings: Use step and repeat banners as a backdrop for the bride and groom’s vows or as a photo backdrop, creating a memorable photo opportunity for the newlyweds and their guests.
- Proms: Step and repeat banners can be used as a backdrop for proms and other school events, creating a fun and interactive experience for students.
Get a Custom Step and Repeat From Color Reflections
Step and repeat banners are an excellent way to elevate your event and create a lasting impression on your attendees. Whether you’re setting up for a tradeshow or hosting a red carpet event, a corporate function, or a wedding, a well-designed step and repeat banner can help you reinforce your brand and create a cohesive experience for your guests.
Color Reflections is a large format printing company that specializes in providing high-quality step and repeat banners for events in the entertainment industry. We offer customized solutions to fit your specific needs, including a wide range of sizes and materials to choose from. Our team of experts will work with you to design a fully custom backdrop that aligns with your brand, event goals, and budget.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make a statement at your next event.