How To Throw The Perfect Pride Party

By Michael Russo aka Mikie

A Pride Party is a celebration for a cause that carries a deep and significant meaning for many. If you're in charge of hosting a Pride Party, it is important not to lose sight of the meaning of the celebration and what it truly stands for, but to also have an unforgettable time.

Here are a few tips for throwing a Pride bash that you and your friends will talk about for days!

Guest List

As much as I love a big, over-the-top event, I feel strongly that this particular occasion calls for a smaller, more intimate guest list. The guests that you invite should enrich your party with joy, laughter and fun, as opposed to unnecessary drama. Above all, it should be a happy day, so you should surround yourself with those who will provide the party with pure happiness!

Cocktails

To keep costs low, I would suggest making one or two signature cocktails; this way, you don’t need a fully stocked bar. I would also suggest selecting a cocktail that is vodka or rum-based, as these are among the most popular and crowd-pleasing liquors. Here are three of my personal favorite cocktails:

Pride Passion

1 part Hypnotiq
1 part Tito’s Vodka
Finish off with a large lime wedge and a splash of Sour Mix

Summer Lemonade

1.5 oz. Tito's Vodka
3 oz. lemonade
Finish off with a garnish of mint sprig and a lemon wedge

Pomegranate Pride

1.5 oz. Tito's Vodka
3 oz. pomegranate juice
Splash of orange liqueur
Finish off with a squeeze of fresh lime and a lime wheel for garnish

Light Bites

Serve finger foods that guests can easily eat in one or two bites, with a napkin or wood skewer. This eliminates the need for plates and silverware, making clean-up a breeze! Selecting more substantial apps like mini-sliders and wraps will surely satisfy your guests' appetites without breaking the bank. Quick tip: Avoid cheese, especially if you're having an outdoor soiree, as it spoils in the heat too quickly!

Décor

People love to be surrounded by beauty, especially when it comes time to party. A great way to transform any space on just under $100 is by using paper lanterns in an array of bright and festive colors. They can easily be hung from a strand of bistro lights above your party space. I use 3M adhesive hooks to hang lights where I want them, and I can remove the hooks in seconds after event is over without leaving behind any unsightly marks.

Music

Last but certainly not least, curating the perfect playlist is essential to setting the tone and maintaining the energy of any party. As a host of the party, you can’t be expected to do everything—trust me, I know this for a fact! I would highly recommend hiring a DJ for the event, if your party budget will allow for it. If not, put one of your friends in charge of the music for the party. A lackluster music mix can quickly kill the vibe, so create an upbeat playlist in the days leading up to the festivities and simply press play once your guests are scheduled to arrive, or make sure that the de facto DJ of your clique has a playlist prepared.

Happy Pride!

About Michael Russo aka Mikie

Due to his notable style and flair for orchestrating the most unique events, Michael is the go to guru for Hollywood’s brightest stars and some of the nation’s most influential people. The View, The Wendy Williams Show, Fox 5 News, Pix 11 News, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, The Knot, Modern Bride, People Magazine, Us Weekly, Distinction Magazine, and Newsday are among the most recent sources you can see Michael’s featured talent. Michael's event planning and floral industry is going strong for over 10 years now: www.MichaelRussoEvents.com.