In a world where inclusivity and acceptance are vital, celebrating Pride is about so much more than just throwing a party; it’s a powerful celebration of diversity and acceptance. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or simply a supporter, throwing a Pride party offers the perfect opportunity to honour the progress made in the fight for equality, and to show support for those who still face challenges.
And if you’re wondering just how to organise that Pride party, look no further! This blog post will guide you through the essential elements needed to host a celebration that not only dazzles with rainbow hues but also resonates acceptance and celebration in the true spirit of Pride.
From inclusive invitations and creative decorations to an empowering playlist and thoughtful activities, our ideas will ensure your Pride party is a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone.
So, round up your friends, unleash your creativity and get ready to celebrate love in all the vibrant colours of the rainbow!
Invitations
Whether you’re sending digital or paper invitations, we suggest incorporating graphics, backgrounds or text in bright and bold rainbow colours to instantly convey the spirit of Pride. And, as Pride parties are known for their lively and joyful atmosphere, why not set the stage by including playful puns, quotes or even a hint (or more!) of glitter?
Decorations
When it comes to Pride, bold, vibrant rainbow colours representing diversity and inclusion are essential. Here are some ideas:
- Balloon arch – Creating a colourful balloon arch at the entrance to your venue will make the perfect backdrop for photos as well as welcoming your guests. We suggest using a mixture of rainbow-coloured balloons to capture the essence of Pride
- Banners and bunting – hang rainbow-coloured flags around your space to instantly create a festive atmosphere
- Table settings – let your tables do the talking with brightly-coloured tablecloths, napkins and plates. You could mix and match or, if there are several tables, use a single colour for each to represent the different colours of the rainbow
- String lights – drape them across tabletops, around door frames and just about anywhere else you can think of!
- Signs – create personalised signs with inclusive messages like ‘You’re Welcome Here’ or ‘Love is Love’ to remind everyone of the party’s spirit. Bright neon signs are a playful and fun way to make your decorations really pop!
Food and drink
No Pride party is complete without a vibrant and delicious feast, so we’ve come up with some ideas to make your menu as colourful and inclusive as the event itself!
- Rainbow fruit skewers
- Bake a rainbow layer cake! If baking’s not your thing, most UK supermarkets have a version of this in their range
- Rainbow veggie sticks – mix and match colourful veggies such as peppers, purple cabbage and carrots with a creamy hummus dip
- Select dishes that represent diverse backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community
- Create multiple food boards containing foods of the same colour, or one or two larger ones with foods arranged in rainbow-coloured sections.
- Mix up some colourful cocktails/mocktails. Serve in sugar-edged glasses garnished with fruit slices and cocktail umbrellas.
Above all, ensure your menu caters to various dietary needs, preferences and restrictions so that everyone feels included. And if cooking isn’t your forte, why not consider hiring a professional caterer?
Music for your Pride Party
Music is at the heart of any party, and a Pride party is no exception. Your playlist should embody the spirit of Pride, with lyrics that reflect love, empowerment and resilience. Iconic LGBTQ+ artists and allies such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lizzo, Cher and Elton John are all excellent choices. If you need a little help, Spotify and other streaming platforms offer ready-made Pride playlists. However, creating your own will allow you to tailor the vibe specifically to your guests. If your budget allows, hiring a professional DJ can elevate the atmosphere and ensure a seamless flow of music all night.
Pride party games
Most of the party games suggested here can be purchased from Etsy as digital downloads – just print and play!
- Pride trivia quiz – test your knowledge of all things LBGQT+
- Pride bingo – use symbols and figures that are significant to LGBTQ+ history and culture
- Rainbow scavenger hunt – hide rainbow-colored items and provide clues to help guests find them
- Charades – act out LGBTQ+ related items, films etc
- Two truths and a lie – Share three facts about yourself, two true and one false and let guests decide which is not true. Outrageous fun!
Fashion show
Add some extra glitz and glamour to your Pride party with a mini fashion parade. Simply select a theme – vintage, futuristic, inspired by a particular designer or decade etc – and invite guest to participate as models. Create a suitable ‘catwalk’ space, choose some music to add energy and rhythm to the parade and appoint a charismatic host to introduce your ‘models’ and engage the audience.
Hire a drag queen
When it comes to throwing a Pride party, a professional drag queen can really take your celebration to the next level. Their unique blend of humour, glamour and talent is sure to turn any event into a memorable celebration. Planning a lip sync session? Hiring a drag queen to lead it is guaranteed to get everyone involved and having a blast. The drag queen can perform a few numbers to get the party going and then encourage guests to step up and show off their own lip sync skills. Or what about bingo? With a drag queen at the helm, a fun game of bingo will be instantly transformed into a riotous, hilarious event.
Photo booth
Pride is all about celebrating diversity and self-expression, so why wouldn’t you want a photo booth? It’s not only fun, it’s also an opportunity for guests to create memories as they showcase their individuality and Pride in an interactive way. Whether you hire a photo booth or use an app on your iPad or tablet, you’ll want to provide plenty of props to encourage guests to express themselves. Think rainbow flags, pronoun signs, oversized sunglasses, feather boas, tiaras and quirky hats – the more OTT the better!
When the party’s over…
Consider harnessing the true spirit of Pride by encouraging guests to contribute to an LGBTQ+ charity rather than handing out adult party favours. This option ensures the impact of your celebration travels far beyond the walls of your venue, reflecting the Pride values of love, support and inclusivity into the wider world.
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