ABOVE PHOTO: Crystal Bailey (Photos: Courtesy of Crystal Bailey)
By Afea Tucker
Crystal Bailey, CEO of Crystal Bailey Events, shares fun party ideas and seven tips that will spruce up your Labor Day Party planning and make your guests feel at ease.
Bailey has become the go-to event planner in Philadelphia. She has also been making her mark on the East Coast with signature events produced in Atlanta, Miami, and other major cities for celebrities and reality stars. Bailey is also the woman behind the scenes and beauty of the elegantly curated experiences, “Black Is,” “Moms Who Brunch,” and “S.O.A.R” events that deliver star quality for all to enjoy.
Just in time for your Labor Day party planning, Bailey gives her expert advice on what will make a Labor Day party pop, sparkle, and sizzle when it comes to comfort and décor, no matter if your party is a picnic, BBQ, dinner, or a combination.
#1 Candles
For starters, candles are a must, and if you are hosting an outside shindig or barbeque in honor of the last summer holiday, citronella candles should be at the top of your list.
Bailey suggests that party planners should use candles of all sorts, but in the case of a Labor Day event, she suggests opting for votive sized citronella candles and disguising them in pretty votive holders. It’s a great way to keep your decor chic and the bugs away!
#2 Florals
Florals add a nice touch to any occasion, and you can never have too many. This is one of those times when one really stunning centerpiece can be all that you need to dress up your event.
Bailey says that if you’re going to add florals, go for tulips and roses because they will hold up in the heat. According to Bailey, one of the new trends is to include florals in balloon arches and balloon tower setups.
Also, consider topping your cake with florals, using floral table runners, and if you’re up for the task and really want to elevate your party go for a full flower wall. An all-white flower wall would be chic for this occasion.
#3 Foliage
It’s a summer party, so infuse foliage into your scheme of things. Try cascading eucalyptus and ivy adornments, wreaths of myrtle or swags of fern, using some foliage is the new flower. Whether or not that is true for everyone — it is on trend. Bailey says, if you do it right, a little foliage will compliment your florals and give the room a nice touch.
#4 Red, White, and Blue Color Scheme
Because of the nature of the holiday, Bailey said that you want to infuse the traditional colors of red, white, and blue. Her recommendation is to make red your accent color to the white, it will keep your look fresh with a modern pop.
#5 Balloons
This is another element that people tend to enjoy no matter what age they are. Bailey suggests either taking the easy route and filling one of your rooms up with helium balloons. Covering the whole ceiling and leaving them be, no knots or twists, just let them do their thing. Or you can have fun with a DIY balloon arch; a small one for your tables or a large arch. Whatever you decide, having balloons make the party fun.
#6 Wow Factor
What’s a party without a wow factor?
Bailey suggests 36-inch jumbo balloons. The expert says that they make good for huge statements as well as centerpiece decor that will make the adults and kids happy too.
Step and repeats are still trending and popular among party goers and planners alike. They are easy to create on your own and feasible if you order the essentials such as a backdrop, and carpet from places like Amazon. For a fun Labor Day party try a grass wall or carpet which are also easy to build and reasonably priced online.
#7 Photos
“Savior your memories,” Bailey said.
Whether you opt to rent a 360-photo booth or selfie station or take classic Polaroids (which are making a comeback). Bailey suggests that you assign someone to photo duty. Dust off your camera and make sure that phone is charged so that you and your guests can flick it up. Your selfie station can be something as simple as your iPhone or iPad in front of a white wall. Make sure the flash is on and have fun. Photo stations and taking pictures always make the party better. Want to make things more interesting? Add some props.
Lastly, go out with a bang in your own way to make your end-of-summer party extra special.
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