We’re bringing you the top 20 events of 2020 to wrap up an unforgettable year. 2020 wowed with larger, pre-pandemic celebrations — and then inspired with smaller (and sometimes virtual) gatherings. We want to celebrate all those milestones in life.
We look back at this year where so much has happened. We lost the legend Kobe Bryant. Prince Harry and Meghan quit the royal family. TikTok became everyone’s new favorite app, and everyone binge watched way too much Netflix as we lived through a global pandemic.
With all this change, people still found a way to celebrate and bring us some of our favorite events of all time.
2020 wowed with larger, pre-pandemic celebrations — and then inspired with smaller (and sometimes virtual) gatherings.”
Our content team came together and chose the top 20 events submitted to PartySlate to wrap up 2020. We looked back at all of the top events from each month — from weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and much more. We saw unforgettable balloon arches to jaw-dropping wedding aisles and kids’ birthday parties done like never before.
Keep reading to discover our 20 top events to ring in 2021. From larger pre-pandemic gatherings to new social-distanced celebrations, we hope you enjoy our top events of the year.
In no particular order…
Top Weddings of 2020
1. Romantic Wedding With a Boho Glow
This Palm Springs wedding had stunning modern décor on top of breathtaking views, making it one of our favorite weddings of 2020. With a desert setting and a touch of boho, there were so many picture-perfect moments to be captured. Click to see how the use of velvet furniture, hanging florals, and unique keychain place cards made this event so exceptional.
photographer: Hannah Costello Photography | planner: Nicole Alexandra Events & Design | floral: Rebelle Fleurs Event Design | venue: Colony 29 | rentals: Signature Party Rentals & Folkore Rentals | catering: New Leaf Catering | table numbers and seating chart: The Bleu Dahlia | stationary: Swell Press
2. Floral-Obsessed With This Southern California Celebration
This Southern California wedding made all of our floral dreams come true. The bride and groom said “I Do” as sunlight beamed through a stunning floral arch covered in a variety of colorful blooms and greenery. Fast forward to the outdoor reception with a crisp white dance floor surrounded by long tablescapes and suspended upside down floral arrangements. Guests had the options to relax at vibrant lounges or take a ride on a ferris wheel. This celebration is one that can’t be missed.
photographer: Duke Images | planner: Elegant Events | floral & event design: Eucharis & Squareroot Designs | venue: Monarch Beach Resort |
3. Festival Season May Have Been Canceled This Year, But Not For This Nashville Wedding
This Nashville couple brought all the festival vibes to their outdoor wedding. The bride walked down an aisle that was draped in pink pampas grass and then said her vows against a geometric backdrop. Guests grabbed a flower crown, headed to a Volkswagen photo booth, and entered into the reception area where the centerpieces cascaded off the table.
photographer: Jordan Voth | planner: Fête Nashville: Luxury Weddings | floral: Petals & Fields | venue: Saddle Woods Farm | lighting: Nashville Event Lighting | Rentals: Please Be Seated & The Happy Campers | catering: Chef’s Market | dj: Premiere Entertainment – Nashville | wedding cake: Baked on 8th | signage: Sketch & Etch – Australia | calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy | hair & make-up: Hunter Paige by Parlour 3 | wedding dresses 1 & 2: Galia Lahav
4. This New York Wedding Took String Lights to a Whole New Level
This 2020 wedding is one of our favorites. Guests sat at translucent chairs tucked beneath a long glass table overlooking Lake Success. Table-length florals draped the glass table, enhancing the glowing look of the reception. Rows of string lights covered the terrace and reflected off the mirrored tabletops, creating a tent-like feel. The unique use of lighting and floral décor has us swooning.
photographer: Anée Atelier | planner & florals : Pejy Kash Events | floral: Ivie Joy Florals | venue: The Village Club at Lake Success | china set: Party Rental Ltd. | videographer: Lily Cohon | catering: CulinArt Catering Collection & Philip Stone Caterers | rentals: Great Neck Games Productions | invitations & printed materials: Minted | dj: Josh Grey Music | stone: The Evolution Store | lighting: Universal Light and Sound NYC
5. Pampas Grass and Baby’s Breath Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
This destination wedding was one of the most memorable weddings we have seen. Guests fanned themselves at the ceremony as they watched this stunning bride walk down an unforgettable aisle covered in white luscious flowers. They watched the couple exchange vows under a floor-to-ceiling floral backdrop like we’ve never seen before.The intimate reception, which overlooked the ocean, featured glimmering candle centerpieces and lavish pampas grass suspended from the ceiling.
photographer: Nancy Neil | planner: The Lynden Lane Company | floral: La Musa Del Las Flores | venue: Rosewood Mayakoba Resort | videographer: Elysium Weddings | furniture rentals: Planner 1 Events & Archive Rentals | tabletops, linens, & pendants: The Ark | Lighting & Custom Production: Moni Junco | invitation & printed creative team: Yonder Design | band: West Coast Music | structures & stages: Encore Events Mexico | dj: Red Shoe LA | photo booth: Mirmir Photo | fans: La Paso Bien MX
6. Rustic Meets Boho For a Match Made in Heaven
This rustic-inspired San Diego wedding was filled with gorgeous autumn colors. The bride and groom celebrated their love under a chuppah delicately covered in various colored florals. The outdoor reception had tablescapes draped in berry florals that matched the burgundy velvet chairs. Hanging over the tables were beautiful boho wooden chandeliers and ombré florals. Every detail of this celebration was unforgettable.
photographer: Stetten Wilson | planning & design: Amorology | floral: Native Poppy | venue: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort | rentals: Folklore Rentals | tabletop rentals: The Hostess Haven & borrowed BLU | linens: BBJ Linen & Nuage Designs | dj: VOX DJs | lighting: Bright Event Rentals | ribbon: Tono & Co | cakes: Hey There, Cupcake! | backdrops: Back Up Backdrops | calligraphy: Four Things Paper | invitation: Roya Seradj | videographer: Quixotic Wedding | transportation: La Costa Limousine | film lab: Indie Film Lab
7. Vibrant Colors Made This Malibu Wedding One to Remember
These grooms celebrated their love with an outdoor wedding filled with vibrant colors. The grooms wore forest green and burgundy tuxedos as they exchanged vows under an arbor covered in greenery. Later, everyone dined under twinkling lights suspended from the trees — while surrounded by vibrant décor (and even a giraffe). Guests ended the night with a special visit from their favorite celebrity impersonator.
photo courtesy of & planner: Heartthrob Weddings & Events
8. This Bold Brazil Wedding was Filled With Unforgettable Florals
Itatiba, State of São Paulo
This wedding, set in Brazil, wowed with its jaw-dropping ceremony and vivid details. The bride glided down a mirrored aisle that looked like water and was surrounded by lilac, baby blue, and coral bouquets. As the bride and groom receded down the aisle, guests held heart-shaped balloons for a picture-perfect photo op. Afterward, the couple headed into the reception where each table was covered in colorful linen and stunning floral arrangements.
photographer: Diogo Massarelli | planner: Jzr Cerimoniais | décor: Karina Saab | venue: Fazenda Vila Rica | music: Roberta Guinle | invitation & print: Susana Fujita Convites Especiais | caterer: Claudia Porteiro Gastronomia | bars: Flairs Coquetelaria | band: Banda Remake | dj: Alan Matua | film: Gil Produções
Top Birthday Parties of 2020
9. We Have Disco Fever For This Epic 70th-Birthday Bash
What better way to celebrate a 70th birthday than with an epic 70s-inspired celebration? Guests arrived in their favorite disco attire and danced all night long. Disco balls hung from the ceiling while go go dancers danced in cages next to the dance floor. We love how disco balls were incorporated into every part of this celebration from the drinks to the floral arrangements. Without a doubt, this was one of the most epic birthday bashes of the year.
photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand Photography | planner: Victoria Dubin Events | design: Ed Libby Events & Ceci New York | venue: Edison Ballroom | entertainment: Élan Artists | magician & mentalist: Deceptive Collective
10. This Birthday Celebration Will Transport You to Morocco
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Guests may have been in Mexico to celebrate this birthday, but the décor made them feel like they were transported to Morocco. We love that guests sat under a translucent dome that was covered in string lights and gave the illusion of being under the stars. Each lounge area was unique with a mix of floor cushions, love seats, and lounge chairs for guests to relax. There were hookah stations and glowing candle centerpieces, as well. The views of the ocean and orange color scheme also made this birthday so unique.
photographer: Josafat De la Toba | planner: Del Cabo Event Design | venue: Chileno Bay | production: VVRPRO Production House
11. 50 Shades Obsessed With This Backyard Birthday Bash
A black and gold balloon arch (along with branded signage) greeted guests as they entered this micro backyard dinner party. Before sitting down for dinner, guests were offered mini Lego jello shots —which made for an unforgettable dining experience. Each guest received a mini Star Wars-inspired place card as they sat down to a stylish and modern tablescape complete with gorgeous golden chandeliers. We love all the unique details of this Star Wars-themed backyard soireé.
photographer: Kelli Hayden | planner & design: Bluebell Events | design & floral: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design | catering: Good Gracious! Events | rentals: Town & Country Rentals | linens & charger plates: BBJ Linen | lighting: The Lighter Side | cigar bar: El Cañito Cigars | lego mini figurines: Mini Fig King / Leandervention | cake: The Butter End Cakery | video: custom made productions | valet: ABS Valet Service | paper goods: Occasion To Celebrate
12. Fishing For All the Details of This Social-Distanced Kid’s Birthday Party
Who could forget the fish camp-themed birthday celebration? This was the perfect social-distanced celebration, with all the fun elements that a kid’s party should have. Guests received a custom invitation box that stirred excitement before the party even began. From the colorful balloon art entrance, social-distanced camping sets, and charcuterie tackle boxes — every detail of this celebration was thought out and perfectly executed. We especially loved the matching mother and son face masks.
photographer: Andreas & Nico | décor: Aramat Events | design, event branding, invitations, & watercolor art: Ceci New York | picnic tables: Smith Party Rentals | photobooth: Shake and Share Media | balloon art: balloon design studio | catering: Personal Touch Catering Experience | lighting & mc: Jacobco Creative | linen & mask: Cake Power NYC | furniture: RentQuest | outdoor movie screen: Holiday POP Gallery | virtual video: VidHug | camp bags: Love Reusable Bags | signage cut-outs: Bombshell Graphics | wristbands: Boundary Bracelets | blankets: LB Squared | popcorn: Kettlecorn Capital District | fish donuts: Glaze Artisan
13. The Sweetest Game of All
Guests entered into a CandyLand extravaganza through a pastel balloon arch. Guests were then transported into a magical venue that was transformed into a world full of color and lots of candy. Balloon arrangements, custom signage with the birthday girl’s name, and plenty of sweet treats made this an unforgettable birthday celebration.
photo courtesy of & venue: LEVEL THREE | planner: Monica Pardo Events | décor: Gilded Group Décor & Bambini Soiree | Caterer: Events by Bea Catering | Balloons: Maggie Creative Designs |
Cake: Cake Designs by JC
Top Bat & Bar Mitzvahs Parties of 2020
14. A Colorful Bat-Mitzvah Party That Was All Things Sweet
This Bat Mitzvah celebration was one of the sweetest of 2020 — literally. Each table had different sweets as their centerpieces: one with colorful ice cream, another with life-size popsicles. Catering included a design-your-own individual pizza and life-size candy bars for dessert. An air brush station, hip-hop dancers, and all-out neon décor made this celebration a hit.
photographer: Ariel Cuello | event planner: LV Event Designs | catering & venue: LAVAN | logo design: CSQUARE Design | desserts: Ktering Desserts | Acrylic Pieces: Victoria Lekach | furniture: Tali Tables Design
15. A Wicked Bat Mitzvah Party
If you are obsessed with Wicked the musical, you will absolutely fall in love with this Bat Mitzvah party. The design team carefully thought out every detail of this celebration, which made it all the more wicked. Everything was customized; from the cocktail napkins, to the chapstick, toilet paper, and more. Entertainment for the night included both a photo and Tik Tok booth, a drag queen show, temporary tattoos, and an eyelash and hair extension station. Lastly, guests grabbed some French fries from a fry food truck as they said their goodbyes.
photographer & videographer: VMAstudios | planner: it Events by Julie | décor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral and Event Decorators | venue: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts – Florida | entertainment: Pure Engery | cocktail hour games: Cocktail Hour Entertainment | caterer: The Breakers At The Kravis Center | photo booth: Santa Barbara Photography | tik tok booth: Celebrity Entertainment
Top Corporate Events of 2020
16. This Corporate Event Shows You How to Celebrate in Style
Slack showed us how to celebrate an anniversary in the best way possible. Everything at this event — from the colors to the bowling pins — was branded. Each guest received branded pop sockets, buttons, and even a beanie. Of course, a celebration wouldn’t be a hit without multiple photo ops like the colorful bathtub, life-sized cake, and the classic photo booth. Lastly, even the DIY food station was organized by Slack’s brand colors.
photographer: Scott Clark Photo | event agency: Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers) | venue: Union Park | premiums: Canary Marketing | fabrication & signage: Brand Activation Services | food & beverage: Creative Edge Parties | furniture: Patina Rentals | draping: Drape Kings | staffing: Staffed Inc. | neon signage: MK Neon | printed collateral: Type-E Design | graphic design: Wittig Design | av: Kinney AV
17. Over the Moon For This Benefit Product Launch
Canyon Point, UT
For all the beauty lovers out there, this corporate event is for you. Benefit launched their new product in the middle of the desert and gave guests an unforgettable experience (and a once-in-a-lifetime photo op). Guests entered into a cave-like room and were able to get their lashes enhanced by the latest product. They received cocktails from a dome-inspired bar and then sat down to enjoy their dinner. Benefit achieved its goal of going “wild wild west” and making this an event that no one would forget.
photo courtesy of & event planner: Daughter of Design | venue: Amangiri | lighting & av: Intrinsic Event Technologies | rentals: Epic Event Rentals | private jets: RYL Jets & The Early Air Ways
Top Celebrations of 2020
18. How a Neutral Color Scheme and Hanging Candles Made For the Most Romantic Rehearsal Dinner
This rehearsal dinner was the most glamorous way to prepare for the couple’s big day. This celebration was both rustic and chic with a neutral color scheme, wooden chairs, and simplistic pink floral arrangements placed throughout the long reception table. Monochromatic florals and stringed candles suspended from the ceiling transforming this outdoor celebration into the most romantic setting. You could tell every detail was thought out and carefully curated to make for the perfect tablescape.
photographer: Jana Williams Photography | planner & design: Sterling Social Events & Experiences | floral: JL Event Design | venue: Ojai Valley Inn | rentals: Theoni Collection | lighting: Bella Vista Designs Inc
19. This Shabbat Dinner Gives Golden Hour a Whole New Meaning
This elegant dinner party boasted gold décor that made the whole celebration glow with the sun. Chic white linens draped the side of an open pavilion as glamorous white feathers were suspended from the ceiling. Guests sat at lucite-backed chairs while each place setting had matte-black plates and utensils and gold-accented centerpieces. Golden hour had a whole new meaning after this Shabbat diner.
photographer: Andreas & Nico | design, décor & floral: Birch Event Design | venue: Crystal Springs Resort | furniture rentals: The Table NJ | tent: Abc Fabulous Events
20. Celebrate All Health Care Workers From Afar
One thing we can agree on in 2020 is that healthcare workers are the real heroes. They are the ones on the front lines of the pandemic. Working tirelessly to treat patients and putting everyone else before themselves, they deserve to feel special. This Mother’s Day, all mothers (as well as doctors, nurses, and patients fighting COVID-19) were celebrated with a beautiful floral décor backdrop.This artistic installation inspired a little positivity and brought a smile to anyone entering the hospital.
photo courtesy of, design, décor & floral: Taylor Skye Flowers | designer: Pic and Petal & Floratorium
While we look back at 2020, a year no one could have predicted or imagined, we have certainly learned a lot. Here, at PartySlate, we learned that you can’t postpone joy. Milestones in life deserve to be celebrated. Whether you celebrate small, celebrate from afar, celebrate virtually, or celebrate soon — it’s important to recognize these meaningful moments in our lives.
We hope these events — some which were celebrated before the pandemic — can bring you joy and inspiration for your future celebrations. PartySlate will always be a platform for party hosts to find venues, event professionals, and inspiration for their gatherings.