10 Party Trends for 2021
Remember to always stay safe and follow your state and local mandates for social gatherings and weddings; restrictions can vary from county to county, so be aware, especially with updates that may affect your event.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! Last year’s hot party trends kinda went into a dumpster fire as events were canceled or modified. Some trends were on quarantine point; I’m looking at you, outdoor celebrations. Others that have ruled the party scene, like buffets, have been casualties of 2020.
I’m excited (and a little trepidacious) to bring you this year’s annual round-up of party trends to get you inspired for your own small-scale celebrations. Perhaps, 2021 may bring back the big blow-outs of old…we’ll have to wait and see.
As always, these are just suggestions. If there is a trend that you absolutely must have (I see you, acrylic decor…) and it works for you, by all means, carry on!
Anything with PANTONE Color of the Year
Anything PANTONE Color of the Year is always on the list. This year’s choice is a double whammy, Ultimate Gray + Illuminating; “A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of [Ultimate Gray] + [Illuminating] is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.
How perfect does this sound for 2021? The combo of yellow and grey is a classic choice that I have been on board with for years!
Utilizing Technology
I’m sorry…Zoom gatherings aren’t going away. Although there are travel restrictions and social distancing mandates, there are more options and ways to personalize your virtual celebration. My sister-in-law’s recent virtual winter commencement utilized a program called Remo, that allowed guests to move to various virtual ‘party’ rooms, from floor to floor, interacting with each other before and after the commencement ceremony.
One of my 2017 party trends was the use of technology and the game has been upped! From live-streaming and watch parties, immersive apps and programs, even with a return to in-person gatherings, hosting a virtual portion is a much-needed option, whether guests live near or far.
Technology will be part of the event from start to finish, from the rise of virtual invitations and venue tours to event websites and virtual escape rooms, even virtual DJs and MCs and virtual gifting ideas
Micro Events
2020 put the kibosh on large gatherings, (bigger isn’t always better) so the micro event trend continues to rise. It’s not a new concept; micro-events has historically been online events like webinars, chats, and live video broadcasts, for a targeted audience with simple set up. The concept has moved offline to incorporate everything from micro festivals to micro weddings!
In fact, the micro wedding trend (guest lists less than 50 people) has become even smaller. The ‘minimony’, according to The Knot, is a commitment ceremony between you and your partner, and it can include up to 10 people—as long as you adhere to social distancing measures set by your county/state. In some cases, it serves as a placeholder to a larger ceremony at a later date.
The Great Outdoors
2020 saw many of us cooped up inside, so it’s no surprise that 2021’s events want to be outside! Last year, I predicted that taking celebrations outdoors will be strong in this new decade. Although the move was to escape digital fatigue and the need to disconnect from the abundance of screens and harsh lighting, we need that now more than ever!
Since events are trying to limit crowd density and physical interaction, outdoor venues create more space and offer fresh air. From large tents or transforming patios to outdoor lounging areas, when weather permits, outdoor entertaining will remain popular.
Party In A Box
Send guests a party-in-a-box to enjoy during the watch party! The beauty of a micro event, a smaller guest count means you can splurge on a special package! From craft supplies to the guest of honor’s favorite treat to decorations, the possibilities are endless?
Having a wedding? Include personalized hand sanitizers and masks (see below), programs, and details, and even take-home favors inside your welcome box; everything your in-person guest will need. This gift box from Marigold and Grey is a fabulous example…
Food To-Go
Buffets and self-serve layouts are no longer an option, so it’s all about finding creative ways to serve food. From jarcuteries (exactly what it sounds like, charcuterie in a jar!) to packed lunches, single-serve portions are on the rise. Having fun with packaging ideas can make your container feel personalized and greatly appreciated.
Themed Face Masks
If we have to wear them…make them stylish! We know PPE is going to be part of our lives for a while. Customizing masks for your guests to wear is a fun way to incorporate the theme while keeping everyone safe, not to mention a useful party favor.
From masks made from branded materials to fit the party theme (sports teams, superhero characters, etc.) to masks that convey useful information, like listing menu items on servers’ masks or displaying attendees’ names or position as a fun twist on a name tag. Check out this great way to celebrate from Etsy shop ExGlow.
Mini Cakes
We’ve all been there…you’re at a birthday or holiday party…it’s time for dessert, and you can’t wait to dig into the intricately designed sheet cake or gorgeously layered confection. But it gets sliced into long, scary slivers, or the dreaded side slices that are mostly frosting. You are eyeing the person who got a bigger slice…how did their piece have filling? Even worse, you are the host who serves everyone and gets left with the cake pieces from slices that fell apart?
What if there was a way every guest could get an equal serving of cake? Sure, cupcakes can solve all these problems, but sometimes they don’t feel formal enough. Mini cakes make it easy for everyone to enjoy; these Buttermilk-Lime Mini Cakes with Vanilla-Mascarpone Buttercream from Southern Living sound amazing and look like fun to make.
Thoughtful Vendor Curation
There’s has been a slow but steady uptick in intentionality and mindfulness when it comes to event planning. Using vendors from traditionally underrepresented or underserved groups like small businesses, LGBTQ+, BIPOC or female-owned businesses and companies that use sustainable practices show that people are realizing that it’s more important to support brands they feel align with their values
While many events were inherently more sustainable given their smaller scale, 2021 will continue this trend of supporting the local economy that reflects a more diverse offering.
Bolder Décor
Bigger is better when it comes to décor. Because events are smaller, your budget can go towards bigger and bolder décor pieces. 2021 events are going to be memorable, not necessarily in size but in the details.
From the use of bold and intricate geometric patterns to metallics like this amazing gold backdrop featured on Inspired by This to add some sparkle and shine to an event. 2020 was the Year of the Balloon Garland, and there will be no stopping it.
Are there any hot 2021 party trends you would like to try?
