In 2024, the hottest event and party trends are all about themes, healthy food, live entertainment, and sustainability. Whether you want to go back in time with a speakeasy party, or enjoy the San Diego sunset with friends, we’ve got the best ideas to make your next party a hit. So, read on to discover how to throw a party that’s the talk of the town in 2024!
Themed Parties
This year we’ll see hosts personalizing their events more by picking a theme that suits their personality, interests, or occasion.
We love this trend for how much energy and charm themes add to events. They not only establish the tone, mood, and atmosphere of your party, but they also serve as a guide for choosing your food, drinks, music, entertainment, and attire. You can go as simple or as extravagant as you wish, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here are some of the popular themes for 2024 that you can try:
Speakeasy: Transport your guest back in time and into the world of speakeasies. Guests will love dressing up in their finest retro attire and enjoying elegant cocktails. And while we’re on the topic of trendsetting, now is your chance to be one of the first to experience The Gaslamplighter---a new San Diego venue that’s the perfect mix of a lively karaoke bar and a chic speakeasy for your next themed event.
Beach Bonfire: Nothing says San Diego like a beach bonfire. Add in a beach party themed menu and party decorations and Ballast Point Long Beach is the perfect place to host your beach themed party. Your guests will love the stunning sunset views, the cozy fire pits, and the sand-free comfort.
Health-conscious Food and Beverages
As more and more people are choosing plant-based, gluten-free, organic, or non-alcoholic options, healthy-centric menus are a hot trend for 2024.
But, who says nutritious food has to be boring and bland? Not us!
Craft a menu that will delight any guest and spice things up with stations or carts that offer a variety of healthy dishes and drinks. Your guests will love moving around and mingling as they enjoy tasting the amazing food and beverages.
Here are some of our favorites:
Roasted Vegetable Station: A roasted vegetable station is a great way to showcase the farm fresh ingredients that event venues like Rustic Root use. Think seasonal vegetables skewered and roasted to perfection, or offer roasted vegetable crostinis, frittata bites, or tartlets for healthy bite-sites snacks your guests can enjoy while mingling.
Salad Station: A salad station is a classic choice for a healthy food station. You can offer a variety of greens, toppings, dressings, and proteins for your guests to mix and match. Nuts, seeds, cheese, olives, and dried fruits are tasty additions to a salad station and a satisfying meal that can be tailored to differnt dietary needs.
Sushi Bar: For a more upscale offering, a sushi bar on the rooftop at Lumi is an excellent healthy option. Have a professional sushi chef prepare and serve different types of sushi, such as nigiri, maki, sashimi, and hand rolls. You can also offer some vegetarian and vegan options, such as cucumber, avocado, carrot, and tofu.
Live Entertainment & Experiential Interactions
Whether it’s a band, a comedian, or interactive activities like a Full Swing Golf Simulator, live experiences are on trend in 2024. And with the share of consumer spending on live experiences on the rise, this is a trend that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Here are some of the live entertainment options that we love for 2024:
Interactive and Creative Activations: These are stations or booths that offer your guests a chance to express their creativity and personality by making or doing something. For example:
Competitive activations, such as a football or golf simulator at Swing Station activities.
A station where guests can make their own flower crowns or succulent arrangement.
Or a cocktail mixology class at venues like Side Bar or Ballast Point Miramar.
Live Entertainment: Music is a popular option for live entertainment and one that would pair will with any of the interactive activations we listed above. But, live entertainment doesn’t have to be limited to bands and DJ’s, you may also consider:
A comedy show--be it a stand-up comedian, an improv troupe, or a sketch comedy group-- is a great option for a corporate event and a surefire way to make your guests laugh and have a good time.
A good magician will interact with your guests, involve them in the magic, and create a sense of wonder and curiosity, making them a great choice for live entertainment.
Looking for more ideas? Enhance your next event with this list of experiential ideas and activations.
Sustainability is Super Stylish
There is nothing more stylish than sustainability in 2024. People are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the environmental issues the world is facing. Using decor that has a minimal impact on the environment is a great way to show your guests that you care.
From utensils to swag, here are some eco-friendly alternatives for your next event:
Plantable Paper: Plantable paper is a special type of eco-friendly paper made from post-consumer materials, embedded with native seeds that can grow into flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Consider using plantable paper for invitations and thank you cards for your event. After your event is over, your guests can plant them then enjoy the blooms and be reminded of your awesome event.
Seed Bombs: On the same note as plantable paper, seed bombs are balls of clay, soil, and seeds that can be thrown into a patch of dirt to create a mini garden. When they’re made with wildflower seeds native to San Diego they make perfect party favors!
Bamboo Cutlery: Bamboo cutlery is a great alternative to plastic, as it is biodegradable, compostable, and renewable. Not to mention it has a more refined look and feel than plastic. It’s great for food stations or carts where reusable flatware might not make sense. You can even personalize them with your name, date, or logo.
Be a Trendsetter in 2024: Plan The Perfect Party with RMD Events
There you have it - 2024’s biggest event trends include vibrant themes, healthy feasts, exciting interactions, and eco-conscious flair. As you plan your celebration, remember: trends are tools, not blueprints! So don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your party because the ultimate trend of 2024 is authenticity.
So, what are you waiting for? You have a party to start planning!
Whether you need a venue, a caterer, a photographer, or live entertainment, we have you covered. Contact RMD Events and let’s make your event the talk of the town!