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By now you know that each year, thousands of gorgeous real events flood PartySlate.com. Our team excitedly scours the newcomers from January to December to spot innovative details and concepts we’ve never seen before.
It’s hard not to love a creative party theme for adults and kids alike, which is why this collection of 17 pre-pandemic parties and social-distanced soirées are some of our new favorites. From bringing back the infamous Fyre Festival to turning a beloved clothing store into a wedding design, prepare to be wowed by the creativity put forth with these ingenious, inventive, and innovative events. They might even spark a new idea of your own.
1. One Night Only: A Brady Bunch Reboot
“Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.” Are we aging ourselves? This backyard birthday party did a brilliant job at bringing a vintage family favorite back to life. From the retro furniture to the eclectic patterns reminiscent of old school wallpaper, this soirée successfully sent waves of nostalgia through our screens with the photos alone. The host family’s rounded pool edges and landscaping just so happen to correspond with typical homes from the 70s (and perhaps even prompted this unique party theme). So kicking off our list is the at-home 50th birthday party that recreated the purest of pure 1970s sitcoms, The Brady Bunch.
photographer: Cory Ryan Photography | planner & design: Brock + Co. Events | rentals: Premiere Events; Strong Events; Townsley Designs
2. The Fyre Festival (That Actually Fulfilled Its Promises)
Who could forget Billy McFarland and the infamous Fyre Festival of 2017? If you’ve been living under a rock, let us bring you up to speed. Influencers and supermodels alike (unknowingly) promoted a fraudulent, Coachella-like music festival in the Bahamas — and when attendees arrived it was anything but. Pillows were few and far between, and if you thought you were getting a decent meal — forget it. That being said, this remake of the Fyre Festival, which poked fun at the mishaps and debacles that came out of “paradise,” was an easy addition to the list. Except at this one, the booze was flowing, water bottles were abundant, and the cuisine was divine.
photographer: Jessica Alexander Photography | planner & design: Sterling Social Events & Experiences | design & floral: By Jason Lloyd | rentals: Taylor Creative Inc. | pool boys: Quench Staffing
3. This Bat Mitzvah Defied Gravity — and All Our Expectations
We absolutely love a creative Bar or Bat Mitzvah party theme — and when this celebration hit PartySlate.com, it was instantly “Popular” among our team. A few of the many details we’re obsessed with: the mini broom place card holders, the totally enchanted living centerpieces, textured linens that magically brought each table to life, the musical’s famous story line cleverly embedded into menus, and so much more. We can only imagine guests of all ages flocked to the “Wicked”-scrawled dance floor as an upbeat remix to “Defying Gravity” filled the pre-pandemic party room. Speaking of entertainment, this event introduced us to the concept of a “TikTok” booth in place of photo booths, and we can only assume it was a huge hit among the tweens in attendance.
photographer: VMAstudios | planner: it Events by Julie | décor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral and Event Decorators | venue: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts | caterer: The Breakers At The Kravis Center | tiktok booth: Celebrity Entertainment
4. A Garden (of Good & Evil) Wedding is Absolute Magic
We didn’t think we could love anything more than a magical, garden-inspired wedding. That is, until this “Midnight in the garden of good & evil” reception came along. As you can imagine, guests were treated to plenty of surprises, from a snake charmer to a forbidden forest menu, and more. Dark jewel tones, velvet-lined furniture, and ruby red florals set the mood for a one-of-a-kind celebration. The bride and groom, of course, stole the show sporting oversized wings and glitter masks that radiated whimsy through our screens — and made for the most unique wedding portraits we’ve ever seen.
photographer: Belathée Photography | planner & design: Daughter of Design; PLANNIE | design, décor & floral: L’Atelier Rouge | reception venue: Angel Orensanz Foundation
5. This Construction Party Needs No Work
Yes, we’ve viewed construction-themed kids parties before, but the execution of this birthday’s design was one of the most creative we’ve seen. If you love a good pun, the photos from this backyard bash will delight you, from detailed shots of the gift “dump” to the food signage that will make you want to “dig in.” Signature neon orange filled the space, from construction cone “cups” to corresponding pool floats, centerpieces, and more. Plus, the intricately designed cake pops will blow you away (and they just so happen to be on our list of kids party trends for 2021).
photographer: Paula Player Photography | planner & design: Stunning and Brilliant Events
6. Let it Be the Beatles Theme
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
This theme needs no introduction. A progressive dinner party took guests on a trip through The Beatles’ career (we know, it’s brilliant). Guests started the night at a black and white dinner (symbolizing the group’s early days and their iconic promotional photos), and later found themselves at a colorful reception reflective of the group’s wilder era filled with stardom and success. We can’t decide which setting is our favorite, but we will point out the chic record centerpieces that caught our eyes (and our ears) from the start.
photographer: Marlon McLeod Photogaphy | planner & design: French Accent Design | venue: Canadian Museum for Human Rights | linen & chair covers: Planned Perfectly | furniture: C&T Event Rentals | vases: Dream Day Decorator
7. Cotton Candy Tastes Sweeter With a Vintage Twist
Trust us, this is the creative party theme you never knew you needed. Rows of cotton candy-inspired bouquets spun into sky blue and taffy pink linens to create the sweetest of dinner party designs. The backyard celebration’s wispy, whimsical pastel arrangements, twinkling tent, vintage glassware, and heavenly balloon wall melted together into a mesmerizing assortment of shapes, hues, and textures. We never knew an event design could make us crave so much sugar (and it’s not just because of the fluffy passed cotton candy pictured in the event album).
photographer: Corbin Gurkin | planner: Twine Events | design & floral: Flowerwild | caterer: Foxtail Catering & Events | rentals: Bright Event Rentals | entertainment: Élan Artists | lighting: Got Light
8. The One With the Friends Proposal
We love when two lobsters get a fairytale ending. This groom-to-be surprised his now fiancé with a Friends-themed proposal. A replica of the show’s iconic Central Perk couch sat in front of a flowing fountain and adjacent a vintage floor lamp — a strikingly familiar setup (see the sitcom’s theme song for reference). No one told us we were gonna cry today, but this couple is winning over our hearts with their adorable (and 2020-approved) milestone moment.
photo courtesy of, planner & décor: Stunning and Brilliant Events
9. Oh, The Pastel Places You’ll (Wish You Could) Go
This baby shower did succeed, indeed, at bringing one of our childhood favorites to life. Aside from the design’s swirls and twirls of color, the pastel palette added an extra layer of fun to the backyard bash. The catering alone makes us want to jump into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with treats including martini milkshakes (with sprinkle-frosted rims) and fluffy passed whoopie pies. Another reason to love this summer soirée? Upon entry, each guest received a color coded bracelet indicating their comfort level at the social-distanced celebration (an element that just so happens to be on our trends list for 2021).
photographer: Shawn Connell Weddings | planner: In Any Event | décor: David Beahm Experiences | printed materials: Ceci New York | caterer: Creative Edge Parties | balloons: Balloon Design Studio | lounge: Taylor Creative Inc.
10. Beach Clubs Brought Back(yard)
Okay we’ll admit it, we’re totally jealous of this little girl. She was treated to the perfect backyard birthday bash inspired by her hometown of Miami’s luxe beach clubs (we think Mom and Dad may have had a say in this one). Branded French fries, hair braiding stations, and a mini “totes and sweets” cart are elements we’re adding to our own adult birthday wish list. From the chicest strawberry cake to a private DJ and custom, kid-friendly beverages, this party proves the perfect venue might be closer than you think.
photographer: Anita Andrade Photography | planner & design: Top It Off Designs | activity station & entertainment: Lovely Locks Parties | cake: Earth and Sugar
11. Dive Into a Pool-less Pool Party
Making a splash without water seemed like an impossible feat — that is, until we laid eyes on this incredibly unique Bat Mitzvah party theme. The guest of honor’s love for a summer soirée shined through thanks to elements like a tennis-inspired cocktail hour activity and pool bag party favors. Our favorite part has to be the LED dance floor and stage backdrop duo, which looked so reminiscent of a sun kissed pool, we can hardly believe guests couldn’t jump in. Other details to admire: The chic blue chandelier with glistening crystals reminiscent of small water droplets, metallic-coated desserts, and a sparkling soda bar.
photographer: Tripp Street Studio | planner: Victoria Dubin Events | design: Dejuan Stroud, Inc. | venue: Park Hyatt New York | menus, invitations, escort cards & graphics: Ceci New York | LED Dance floor & entertainment: Total Entertainment | lighting & videographer: Fusion Productions
12. Sign Us Up for This Anti Summer Camp
When we talk about camp, it’s usually synonymous with summer. But this kids birthday party introduced us to camp in a whole new season — and we’re never going back. Traditional plaid linens, plush faux fur throws, evergreen foliage, and a hot apple cider station made this the coziest camp of all. The sweetest part might be the dessert bar, consisting of a snow-dusted birthday cake, mini moose antler-topped confections, and rustic signage bearing cake pops. “River water” bottles with custom plaid coverings and a “supplies station” confirmed that good things come in small (creative) packages.
photo courtesy of, planner & design: Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers)
13. Anthropologie is the New Boho
Bryan, TX
This bride wanted a wedding inspired by the boho-chic store, Anthropologie. Walk into an Anthro store, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by garments saturated in color, patterns, and texture. The brand’s interior design line is the perfect blend of traditional and boho: two beautiful wedding styles. It’s rare to find a unique wedding theme so thoroughly executed from start to finish, but this celebration managed to do so from the moment the bridal party started getting ready to the newlywed’s grand exit. The bride and her squad got ready in a Victorian home covered in floral-patterned wallpaper and steel blue exteriors. The special women in the bride’s life (from mother to bridesmaids) wore what we would call Anthro-approved gowns — not to mention the groom’s eclectic pink tie. From the venue’s loft-style brick wall to colorful goblet glasses, and delicate, floral-patterned china, we’d agree this wedding was the “epitome of Anthropologie-chic.”
photographer: Bonner Rhae Photography | planner & design: Epoch Co+ | floral: Urban Rubbish | venue: The Ice House On Main | rentals: Party Time Rentals | day-of stationary: Peach Paper Designs
14. “Black Is King” Makes for a Beyoncé-Approved Birthday
This kids birthday party took two scenes from Beyoncé’s Black Is King film and turned them into absolute birthday magic. The backyard affair was filled with Instagrammable photo ops for all ages, from the tea party’s oversized chess board and living wall, to the matte black balloon installation, floral-adorned throne, and red rose-draped cheetah convertible. The celebration took an innovative approach to safety measures, with a “faux” birthday cake, which preserved the experience of blowing out birthday candles (and saved the real confections from any resulting germs). To this family (and event team, of course) we say a job well done for making a theme out of one of 2020’s most powerful films.
photographer: Afritina Coker | planner: RosesRntRed Events | floral: Rae Lawson | props: AliJo Events | balloons: Pink on the weekend | rentals: Big D Party Rentals
15. It’s the Retro Rainbow for Us
You know we love a rainbow design — but pair it with a 70s theme, and we’re simply over the moon. We’re especially obsessed with the innovative use of florals throughout. To start, the bride accessorized with a baby’s breath hair piece. Each bridesmaid (and the bride herself) carried a monochrome bouquet (consisting of one flower type each). The bride’s crisp white tulips met bunches of sky blue orchids and radiant flamingo lilies, which created one of the most chic and eclectic rainbows we’ve ever seen as the women stood together. As for the reception, a true ROYGBIV arrangement created a mesmerizing centerpiece — and the only reason we’d pull our gaze away from the floral-lined table would be to stare at the dreamy red and white lanterns lighting up the room from above.
photographer: Sylvie the Camera | planner: Jove Meyer Events | floral: AP Bio | venue: Bathhouse Studios | rentals: Party Rental Ltd. | lighting: Universal Life and Sound
16. A Night Under the Stars — and in the Sky
Go ahead and take your seat. This outdoor dinner party transported guests to an aviation-inspired experience. Bundles of white hydrangeas formed cloud-like arrangements across the table, while LED-lit globes and twinkling, star-like candles seamlessly took guests from day to night. A “check in” station, passport photo favors, and a suitcase-inspired cake were just a few of the details that make this unique party theme one of our new favorites (and best performing on Instagram).
photographer: Grant Terzakis | planner: Bella Vita Events | floral & design: XO Bloom | venue: West Lake Village Inn | rentals: A Rental Connection
17. Call of Duty Off Screen
Ventura, CA
A modern video game brought to life. We rarely see a Bar Mitzvah with two distinct parties, but this one takes the cake for innovation. Young guests were transported by an on-theme bus to find themselves at a “boot camp” where their real life skills were tested. Following outdoor activities came a perfectly camouflaged reception thanks to patterned linens, menus, and napkins, lounge areas coated in rustic netting, and custom labeled water bottles, among other exciting details.
Photographer & photo booth: Elice Boone Photography | planner: Bluebell Events | floral: Unique Florals | venue: Sherwood Country Club | entertainment: Good Times Entertainment; Fortune Entertainment | furniture: Revelry Event Designers; Chiavari Chair Rentals | rentals: Town & Country Rentals | draping & napkins: BAM Special Event Draping | linen: Resource One
Next Steps on PartySlate
Planning a party doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use PartySlate to find venues, discover talented local vendors, and explore the top trends and inspiration. Click on the following to start planning your next celebration:
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STERLING SOCIAL EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
Any event planned by Sterling Social is bound to be an incredible experience. With a detailed outline of the planning process ready, not a thing will be missed or out of place for your special event. photographer: LAUREN + ABBY ROSS