0

Rock any party

Module 04

1

4. Module 04: Special parties

Table of Contents

4. Module 04: Special parties ....................................................................................................................................... 1

4.1 Weddings.............................................................................................................................................. 2

4.2 Cocktail Parties ..................................................................................................................................... 4

4.3 Other Parties ........................................................................................................................................ 5

2

4.1 Weddings

Weddings are considered one of the most important and celebrated events in a person’s life. The joining

together of two individuals who love each other and want to share with the people most important to them in

their lives the special occasion. Every culture has its own set of wedding and marriage traditions.

In Western culture, traditionally, after the engagement, the bride and groom will choose members of their

friends and family to become a part of their wedding party who will not only stand by them on the special day

but also accompany them on the journey over the course of the months or years leading up to the wedding.

While a lot of parties and celebrations surround the wedding, it’s the wedding day itself that is the pinnacle of

beauty, coming together, and the union that joins the two together as a couple. Whether a religious ceremony

occurs, or a non-religious civil union, most weddings celebrate largely with a large dinner, music, dancing,

and extravagant decorations.

3

Here are the most common and recognizable components included at a wedding:

bridal party – a best man, maid-of-honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, ring bearer, and flower girl,

these close relatives or friends will stand beside the couple on their big day.

the dress – traditionally, a white, elegant, elaborate dress is worn with a veil. Accents like jewels,

diamonds, or lace make the bride sparkle all day and night long.

the cake – the wedding cake industry is gigantic, as are the cakes that they create for the reception.

From small scale cakes to towering 7-tiered designs, everyone looks forward to the cake cutting

ceremony where the bride and groom feed one another, or, if they’re daring, shove the cake in

their new spouse’s face.

entertainment – music and dancing is the epicenter of the wedding reception, including signature

dances between the bride and her father, the groom and his mother, and the couple’s dance that

marks their introduction to the world as man and wife.

flowers - roses are traditional, but many couple’s opt for more exotic bouquets, boutonnieres, and

center pieces to decorate their ceremony and reception sites.

vendors – a number of vendors are required for the day, from photographer, videographer, DJ,

band, photo booth operators, and more.

caterers – most weddings include a cocktail party, dinner, and dessert, making the need for a

caterer and wait staff a necessity.’

With endless amounts of details being put into a wedding, they can sometimes be simple and easy and given

in someone’s backyard, or they could be elaborate and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars at a banquet hall

with vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Some modern couples are choosing to have get married on a

beach destination that doubles as their honeymoon, and upon their return home throw a reception party to

honor their marriage with those they love.

4

4.2 Cocktail Parties

Cocktail parties, also referred to as mixers, are semi-formal social events where adults get together to talk,

network, and have fun. Of course, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are served as well as light refreshments.

The fashion statement of a “little black dress” is the staple of a cocktail party for women, including clutched

purses and high heeled shoes, while men will typically wear suits and ties and dress shoes.

Cocktail parties can be thrown as corporate events, themed parties, or simply a get together at someone’s

home.

Some popular themes are the Great Gatsby and Roaring Twenties, Kentucky Derby party, Mexican fiesta,

1980’s dance party, casino night, or simply just a classy, traditional, non-themed event that keeps to a classy

style and black and white décor.

Focused on class, signature drinks, elegant decorations, and fun and unique ideas, cocktail parties usually

encompass a traditional invitation of some kind, excitement over getting dressed up, and celebrating just for

the sake of having a good time.

5

4.3 Other Parties

If there’s something to be celebrated, then there’s a party to be thrown. While this module has covered a large

range of the types of parties one might encounter, throw, or attend in their lifetime, there are so many more

possible party types to consider as well. Whether there’s a particular theme to consider or a holiday or

milestone, getting together with the people you care about is always exciting.

Clients may call upon a party planner for even the most rare, unique, or unexpected of occasions. Here are

some of the additional types of parties you should know about as a party planner:

anniversary – usually wedding anniversaries are celebrated with a party at 25 or 30 years of

marriage or more.

holiday – Christmas and New Years Eve are the most common holiday parties people tend to

throw, but the 4th of July, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and other events throughout the year tend

to draw individuals looking to use the benefit of the theme to throw a bash.

costume – it doesn’t just have to be Halloween to want to get dressed up in fun, silly, or sultry

costumes. Anything from toga, masquerade, and debutante balls to superhero, decade or retro

celebrations, and more.

block – those lucky enough to live in friendly neighborhoods will be familiar with neighborhood

block parties. Usually thrown around Labor Day or Memorial Day, they often take place outside,

celebrate Americana type food like grilling, hotdogs, and hamburgers, and can be thrown in fun

ways that incorporate fun and games for family and adults alike.

6

graduation – whether it’s from high school or college, graduating is a huge time for people to

celebrate the achievements of young adults transitioning into another stage of life.

housewarming, going away, or welcome home – also considered a type of cocktail party, but at

times these types of parties can be quite casual. Food, drinks, and décor will be included and often

include the giving of a gift to the loved one making the transition in their locale.

Super Bowl or other sports themed parties – men aren’t the only ones who enjoy celebrating

the big game and food associated with Super Bowl Sunday, adults and children all enjoy the

festivities associated with celebrating their favorite teams and doing it with their friends and

family members.