The Top Party Trends for 2021

With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all of 2020’s events, it’s safe to say that this will continue to happen throughout 2021. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, corporate event, or small family gathering, you can incorporate some of these party trends and continue to celebrate safely. 

Some common themes for these upcoming events include smaller gatherings, attention to detail, and cherishing special celebrations with friends and family. And, these party trends can be adaptable to any type of occasion or celebration.

Here are 15 party trends to expect for 2021 events.

Covid Safety Precautions

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s definitely going to be a major party trend as we move into 2021. “As we transition into a "new normal" amid the pandemic, parties may look a little different. I think more and more people will host smaller gatherings and keep them mostly outdoors when possible.”

A popular trend for 2020 was the rise of virtual events—and we don’t expect that to change. “Even with the in-person gatherings, I've also seen a lot of parties still host a portion of it virtually too so they can give options for people to attend (in person or online), whether they live near or far."

Themed Face Masks

Our newest daily safety accessory will become a fun and creative addition to events too! “When thinking of the future trends we know PPE will still be a big part of the event world. However, PPE doesn’t have to be boring.

“Create a "mask bar" station right outside the entrance to your event where you can hand out your customized masks for guests and you could even get the masks personalized before your event with guest names.” 

Goodbye Buffets

“I'm predicting we'll see a significant uptick in the experience of dining and desserts. While folks might feel comfortable attending events, buffet catering could leave a sour taste in guests' mouths. Choosing “plated appetizers and meals, individual per-guest cakes, or 'picnic baskets' per family unit to grab and eat later—depending on the formality of the event.” 

Fun Bathroom Installs

Since we’re washing our hands frequently, why not make it fun! Creating a fun install in the bathroom makes it more of an experience. Guests can go in, wash their hands, and snap a cute picture for Instagram.  

“Add in a cool floral installation around the sink and mirror, and place a few branded decals on the mirror.”

Curated Gift Bags

Who doesn’t love a good gift bag? Many of the professionals have shared that personalized items will be key in 2021. Curated gift bags also coincide with the trends of smaller gatherings, and the ability to keep things personalized for each guest. 

“One of the biggest trends we're seeing in stationery and event branding is more personalization for 2021 and beyond. Guests will have an elevated experience that feels unique to them through custom curated gift bags and boxes, personalized menus and even personalized invitations.”

Splurging on Individual Guests

“Even though Covid-19 has impacted everyone's lives, milestone celebrations are still happening! 2021 is going to be the year of intimate parties—think drive-by celebrations or small gatherings.”

With a smaller guest count, it’s easier to splurge on special treats for each guest. Things like individual charcuterie boards, small cakes, personalized favors, and unique experiences will be more popular than ever.

Picture Perfect Moments

We know how important pictures are at events—everyone wants that Instagram-worthy shot! Photo backdrops and dessert/cake tables as focal points will be major party trends. “2021 will still be a year of celebrations—after all, we get to celebrate making it through 2020!” Cheers to that! 

Suspended Seating Charts

“Watch out mirror seating charts, there's a new seating chart in town and it's here to stay! Suspended seating charts make a statement-making decor piece for all types of events. Not only are they wow-worthy, but engraved suspended seating charts can lend to various wedding styles from boho and rustic, to industrial and modern, depending on the venue space and florals.”

Individual Seating Vignettes

“While we venture back into the world of physical events, it is best to plan for small celebrations in the near future! We will continue to see creative solutions like individual seating vignettes and personalized dining experiences. Live streams and video integrations will continue to make an appearance throughout 2021 to keep guests around the country and world connected!”

New Rental Furniture Designs

As you can imagine, things like plexiglass dividers were huge in 2020. For 2021, event designers are looking for fun ways to spice up these necessary elements. “The two big design trends we are seeing specifically in rental furniture are cane back with rattan and boucle fabric. Think Golden Girls but with a sleek modern twist!”

Keep it Personal

With all events, smaller and more intimate gathers will be key. Along with keeping things outside if possible. “In addition to the change in size, keeping with the times, personalized masks, themed sanitizer stations and perhaps timed, staggered arrivals for non-wedding parties will be regular offerings.  

With limited guest lists and travel, “We also are seeing many people add live streaming to their events so guests who are unable to attend in person can still join in on the fun. For those guests at home, we are planning to send them little boxes of fun (some favorite snacks, mini champagne and so on) so they can celebrate while they are watching.” 

Attention to Detail

“The biggest upcoming trend we see for parties being planned right now is true attention to detail that will create memories of a lifetime. There is time now to create truly personalized touches from homegrown blooms to homemade 3D roses.”

“As it has been so long since we have celebrated together, the small gatherings being planned today leave no stone unturned. It makes my heart so happy to see couples, friends and family planning for the future with hope and expectation.” 

Overall Party Trend: Expect Changes

We know that everything in the event industry has seen major changes.

Adult Parties

For adult parties like milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding celebrations, they predict events will be celebrated as small dinner parties and picnics. At-home gatherings of family and friends are on the rise, and will continue to stay in 2021.

Kids Parties 

As for kids parties, they predict that outside parties will be the new normal. “As each kid's birthday brings at least one parent to tag along, due to the age of Zoom, kids are experiencing less and less exposure to the great outdoors daily.” 

For a kids party trend, they suggest “boho themes with floral crown making stations, tea parties where the children dress in costume, and coordinated backyard parties with instructors and games.” 

All in all, we can expect changes to events in 2021. However, we can take what we’ve learned in 2020, celebrate safely, and continue to make events better and better.