Put down the matching plateware and delete the Pinterest board of inspiration, because according to Chief Party Officer and founder of The Social Society Seri Kertzner, this year’s event season is all about adding a personal touch to your parties.
“I think people are looking for something different,” Kertzner said. “The cookie-cutter color palettes and overstyled tablescapes … we’ve been there, done that. Now, people really want their events to reflect them, not the mood board.”
Some things will never change — like the need for a DJ or live music, great food and drinks, a skilled photographer and plenty of photo-worthy moments. These are the staples of any good event, but planning something truly memorable takes more finesse.
It’s more than just ticking boxes on a to-do list or showing up to your local event planner with a screenshot of a theme you saw on Instagram. It’s about curating an experience with intention — one that feels personal, cohesive and worthy of the celebration.
“What people don't realize, when they show us [a screenshot], is the cost or the logistics that are involved,” Kertzner said, speaking on the dangers of social media. “So, it's really our job to then help them translate that into something doable and unique.”
While plenty of trends are fading out, Kertzner noted a clear shift this season: clients are leaning more toward interactive elements that engage their guests. People are looking for ways to make their events more hands-on, memorable and fun. Something that keeps everyone involved.
She used an example of a party she recently helped organize for a local book club where guests were treated to a candle-making experience. Kertzner’s team helped locate an expert who brought the right materials and taught book club members exactly what to do, allowing them to take home a fun reminder of the event.
Totebag painting, oyster decoupage, bedazzling and succulent garden creating are just a few of the activities popular at events right now, including many that Kertzner throws at The Social Society itself.
There’s also a shift towards less formal-styled events, with clients leaning more towards “garden party meets champagne chic,” according to Kertzner.
“We try to help our clients balance being on trend without being trendy to a fault,” she said.
At the end of the day, Kertzner said that while you can prepare until you’re blue in the face, it’s ultimately the people who help make an event great.
Although a memorable activity and a signature cocktail wouldn’t hurt, either.
