If you have an Instagram account, chances are you follow an influencer or two (or ten). From athletes to bloggers and reality TV stars, influencers come with all different backgrounds, hobbies, and skill sets. The one thing they do have in common? Their ability to quite literally influence our decisions. From what brands to buy from, to how to decorate our homes, it’s hard to ignore the power that influencers have obtained through the rise of social media.
As avid Instagram users (as we imagine you are too), the PartySlate team took note of some of our favorite influencer events from 2021. The list includes weddings, product launches, baby showers, kids’ birthday parties, and more — and yes, they’re going to influence your next party. Whether you want to contact their vendors, discover new ideas from their party schemes, or simply indulge in the details, this list is a can’t-miss in the era of the influencer.
*In no particular order…
1. Caila Quinn & Nick Burrello’s Wedding
You may know Caila Quinn from her time on Ben Higgins’ season of The Bachelor, or maybe from her half a million Instagram followers — regardless, there’s no denying the social media influence of her 2021 wedding.
Caila and her fiancé Nick brought their dream of a European celebration to the states. Their glistening, oceanfront ceremony was framed by a muted blush and orange rose altar, with a stone-patterned aisle whisking guests to the Mediterranean. The couple ensured Caila’s Filipino culture was honored with a traditional cord and veil ceremony, which took place before their highly anticipated “I dos.”
2. Erin Lim & Joshua Rhodes’ Baby Shower
As the host of E News’ The Rundown, it’s safe to say that Erin Lim has not only become our go-to source for pop culture, but she has become a pop culture influencer in her own right. A few months after hosting a micro wedding in her parent’s backyard, Erin and Joshua announced they were expecting.
The fun-loving newlywed’s baby shower was everything we expected it to be (and more). Plush white clouds were suspended across the backyard, along with daisy-filled balloon installations, butterfly-adorned murals, and a rubber duck-filled pool.
3. Olivia Rink & Conner Hempel’s Wedding
Like many couples on this list, Olivia Rink and her now-husband Conner Hempel’s original wedding plans were thrown for a loop when COVID-19 entered the picture. After a postponement and city change, the duo said “I do” in Olivia’s hometown of South Bend, Indiana.
The couple used their joint love for Frank Sinatra and Gatsby-era glam as inspiration while planning the ballroom wedding of their dreams. A glossy wood dance floor, elegant overhead chandelier, luxe gold table details, and candle-lined centerpieces were just a few of their transformative reception details.
4. Ben Higgins & Jessica Clarke’s Wedding
The Bachelor’s Ben Higgins may have an ex on this list; but as far as we’re concerned, it’s been Jessica Clarke and him from the start. The duo doesn’t shy away from sharing their love for each other on Instagram — and after planning their wedding for two years, the build up only got greater.
Ben and Jess exchanged vows on a brisk fall day in Nashville. Their Southern celebration included a Bourbon bar, milk and cookie station, and a pontoon boat exit. Of all the noteworthy elements, the newlyweds gushed over their wedding planner and wedding band on Instagram, saying they made all of their party dreams come true.
5. Hannah Godwin’s Setty App Launch
The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise breakout star Hannah Godwin took on a new business venture, leveraging her own Instagram skills. Hannah launched a photo filtering and editing app in October, and the launch party itself is what got it on our radar.
The al fresco dinner party was posted all over social media — and for good reason. Guests entered a Los Angeles courtyard to find branded cocktails, a pampas grass photo op, and Setty app-inspired menus. The Bachelor Nation-filled guest list didn’t hurt the event’s exposure, either.
6. Gloria Govan & Derek Fisher’s Wedding
Despite Derek Fisher’s impressive NBA career, and current WNBA coaching status, his now wife Gloria Govan is the bigger Instagram influencer in the marriage. Between the two of them, their half a million Instagram followers were treated to several details from their West Coast wedding day.
The couple exchanged vows between a trendy asymmetrical floral arch, with sweeping Malibu mountain views as the backdrop. Gloria’s white orchid bouquet perfectly complemented the midsummer ceremony’s crisp white roses and soft greenery.
7. Emily Herren & Lee Travis’ Wedding
Emily Herren, better known to her Instagram following as Champagne and Chanel, is Instagram royalty — and her extravagant Southern wedding proved it. Followers eagerly awaited photos from her wedding, and no one was disappointed (according to the thousands of comments on her first-released wedding photo).
The October wedding was filled with glam details, from a cascading floral arch entryway to the ceremony’s ethereal floral trees. The clear tented reception was illuminated by an array of chandeliers, rows of strung lights, and scattered candle votives. Emily and Travis couldn’t forget their four-legged family members, posing with their beloved dogs for the ultimate Instagram-worthy moment.
8. Grace Atwood’s 40th Birthday
40 never looked so good, thanks to The Stripe blogger Grace Atwood. Grace treated her followers to two carousels of Instagram photos from her intimate birthday party — and there was nothing small about it.
The party’s 1920s theme was perfectly evoked by the restaurant venue’s checkered floors and moody walls. Satin black table linen, mulberry velvet seats, white orchids, and Champagne glass towers lined the dinner table. Guests showed up in true Gatsby style, with feather boas, top hats, and enough sequins to take you back in time.
9. Kyle Richards’ Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards needs no introduction. Her daughter Portia’s circus-inspired Bat Mitzvah took the popular theme and made it completely original. The evening included fire-breathing bartenders (yes, you read that right), a rainbow Ferris wheel, and plenty of performances throughout.
Now let’s talk décor. From the custom entryway to the chic circus tent, there was an element to marvel over at every turn. The party kept things luxurious yet youthful with gold balloon installations and a checkered dance floor. Deep red lighting grazed every inch of the reality star’s backyard, transporting guests out of Beverly Hills and into a scene from The Greatest Showman.
10. Molly Sims & Scott Stuber’s 10th Anniversary Party
Model, actress, and influencer Molly Sims celebrated 10 years of marriage on a beautiful September evening. Her family dressed to the nines for the al fresco dinner party, and we love how the couple kept it classic with a personalized edge.
The setting was the perfect combination of boho and glam. Woven chandeliers intertwined with strung globe lights, which were suspended in rows above sleek wooden tables. Simple floral arrangements mingled with hundreds of candles to illuminate the dining space, while lounge areas were accessorized by cozy throw blankets (ensuring guest comfort all night long).
11. Madi Prew’s 25th Birthday
Madi Prew may not have found love on The Bachelor, but she certainly found a close group of friends to celebrate life’s milestones with her. Her joint 25th-birthday lunch was an influencer’s dream, with photo ops at every turn (and natural light you can’t get at a birthday dinner).
The dreamy yet intimate picnic was backed by oversized marquee signage and chic balloon arrangements made of soft yellows and earthy neutrals. A blush table runner, feminine florals, and of course, an epic charcuterie board topped off the aesthetically pleasing party.
12. Arielle Charnas’ Something Navy October Launch
If you’re reading this article you’re probably familiar with Arielle Charnas, who leveraged her 1.3 million Instagram followers to launch the clothing brand Something Navy. As a business woman and creative thinker, it’s no surprise that Something Navy’s October clothing launch made the list.
The “Something Cozy” luncheon featured branded coffee cups, a blanket for each guest on par with the collection’s style, and a mulled wine station (what could be cozier?). The rustic setting was decorated with mini pumpkins, pampas grass, and rustic centerpieces to set the fall scene.
13. Taylor Phillips & Jeff O’Donnell’s Wedding
Sand Lake, NY
From the single-stemmed roses that lined their ceremony aisle, to the thousands of mini string lights that hovered over their reception, influencers Taylor Phillips and Jeff O’Donnell did the impossible and made the woods glam.
The day’s Instagrammable moments included the grooms’ dog strutting down their outdoor aisle and a petal-strewn ceremony exit. At the reception, a black and white patterned dance floor perfectly complemented the baby’s breath centerpieces and modern black candelabras. All that to say this enchanted forest wedding day had our team swooning from the moment we laid eyes on it.
14. Cella Jane’s Son’s 1st Birthday
Leawood, KS
Cella Jane has won over her followers’ hearts with relatable content, helpful guides, and of course, creative inspiration. She celebrated her son’s 1st birthday with a “puppy pawty” theme — and we can’t think of a cuter combination.
The at-home event included a dog house-inspired high chair, chic balloon installations, and a water bowl-inspired cake. For the adults in attendance, an over-the-top grazing board was filled with meats and cheeses to indulge in, as guests snapped photos for their own Instagram followers.
15. Marianna Hewitt & Lauren Ireland’s Summer Fridays Launch
Los Angeles-based influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland are no strangers to making a statement. Their company, Summer Fridays, has become a well-known name in the beauty industry. With recyclable packaging, cruelty-free testing, and vegan ingredients, what’s not to love?
The duo launched Summer Fridays’ new lip balms: Vegan Vanilla and Vanilla Beige, with a soft serve ice cream truck. The branded truck was adorned by florals in their company colors, and the creative marketing efforts had customers posing in front of (and posting) the pop up all day long.
16. Mary Lawless Lee’s Maternity Skincare Launch
With nearly one million Instagram followers, Mary Lawless Lee decided to use her platform to create a brand she felt was important for women. Her vegan and natural skincare line nēmah was created for expecting mothers, with the tagline: Made by Moms, Tested by Moms.
The launch of her brand, a celebration two years in the making, was filled with warm and thoughtful touches. The dinner party featured a dusty rose palette, a centerpiece filled with flickering candle sticks, and clouds of chic dried floral arrangements. And of course, each guest received a box of nēmah products at their seats.
17. Arie & Lauren Luyendyk’s Daughter’s Birthday
Lauren and Arie Luyendyk may not have gotten off to the easiest start on The Bachelor, but their love story has been smooth sailing ever since. Before the family of three grew to a family of five, they got to celebrate their daughter’s second birthday in festive fashion.
The Phoenix celebration included marquee signage, pastel balloons, and a live “unicorn.” The expecting parents ensured their little one had fun at her last celebration as an only child with lots of sweet treats and countless butterfly details to pose in front of.
People Also Ask…
How should I begin planning my celebration?
No matter what type of event you’re planning, our team always recommends finding an event planner to help you with budgeting, brainstorming, vendor management, and day-of details. Your planner will also be able to recommend great venues based on their years of experience working in the industry.
Next comes finding your venue. It’s no secret that venues book up fast (especially if you’re looking for a weekend), so lock in your date, and then your vendor team will fall into place.
Once you’ve secured your setting, it’s time to assemble the rest of your vendors. Along with your planner, you can find your entire team on PartySlate. Comb our directories for photographers, caterers, florists, bakeries, and more in your area, then easily get in touch for your special occasion.
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