5 Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Summer Party

When momentous occasions and milestones present themselves, we should all embrace the opportunity for celebration. Whether you’re celebrating a joyous wedding, fun corporate gathering, or lively bon voyage, make the most of your event with a well-planned party. No idea where to begin? Have no fear! We’ve compiled five key elements to hosting a swanky soiree that will end the summer with a bang.

Food and Drink Stations

As we all know, refreshing drinks and delicious food are essential components to any successful party. Not only is what you serve important, but also where and how you serve it. Set up your food and drink stations away from the dance floor and dining tables. That way, guests won’t have to push and carefully maneuver their way to the hydration and good eats.

When it comes to what food and drinks you serve, there are endless light and summery options. Prepare pitchers of refreshing and fruity drinks, like citrusy sangria, peach mojitos, and watermelon lemonade. Then accompany your fresh and icy beverages with cool pasta salads and charcuterie. Your guests will be sure to beat the heat, refill their cups to the brim, and come back for yummy seconds.

Personalized Décor Touches

With just a few simple, do-it-yourself décor items, you’ll take your celebration to the next level. For instance, add style to your drink station with silver and copper metal beverage tubs. Your drink staples, like water, beer, and soda, will stay icy cold and easily accessible. Go one step further by labeling your tubs with mini chalkboard frames and hanging chalkboard tags. With hand lettering, chalk, wooden frames, and brown twine, you’ll up your party’s visual appeal, rustic charm, and overall fun. Also, use décor to designate your main party areas, such as the entrance, dance floor, and food and drink stations. Label your areas with large framed chalkboard signs or hang pieces of rectangular or triangular paper (each with one handwritten letter) from twine. When planning your summer shindig, consider these simple and affordable signage ideas. They’ll be sure to elevate your party from ordinary to extraordinary.

Photo Ops

Parties with interesting and unique photo ops will grab the undivided attention of your smartphone bearing guests. Thankfully, creating simple and beautiful photo backdrops is easier now more than ever. Hang up a simple white sheet and big, colorful flowers crafted from paper for a classy backdrop. Or drape garlands from the top and sides of a wooden fence for a touch of picturesque nature. For extra fun, provide props, such as musical instruments, leis, and hats. Your guests will have a blast posing with props, snapping Instagram-worthy photos, and capturing an all around good time.

Snappy Tunes

To ensure a good time is had by all, curate a summer playlist proper to the occasion. For a wedding, mix upbeat, celebratory tunes with romantic melodies. For example, start the celebration with “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire and “I Want You Back” by The Jackson Five. Then follow with romantic classics like Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” and Etta James’s “At Last.” A combination of fast, friendly dances with slow dances will make for a memorable time for all. If you’re having a birthday or going away party, on the other hand, light-hearted songs will give everyone a chance to groove, shake, and show off their moves on the dance floor.

Just as important as the songs themselves, your outdoor audio system is crucial. Make sure your audio volume levels can support large areas and maintain stellar quality throughout the celebration. If you’d like to learn more about what makes for a great outdoor audio experience, check out our cutting-edge system here.

Lights. Lights. Lights.

What kind of party doesn’t go well into the night? Functional and beautiful lighting is key to establishing the mood and style of any party. For summer soirees, hang simple bistro lights or lanterns above the dance floor, food and drink stations, and dining tables. And for extra color and summer fun, add splashes of pinks, yellows, and oranges with uplighting or European spheres. You and your guests will want the night to last forever beneath the glow of beautiful lighting. For more lighting and décor ideas, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll make your special events extra exciting, beautiful, and spectacular.

Summer is winding down quickly, so be sure to squeeze in one more epic, sun-filled celebration. Even if you’re just casually entertaining a few friends, consider the tips above to give the gathering a fun twist. Before long, you’ll have to wait until next year to enjoy another warm and breezy summer bash.