Free Summer Soirée Planner
What is a soirée?
A soirée is the ultimate get-together where friends (both old and new), good vibes, and wine converge under the summer sky. It’s an evening filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and an ambiance that’s just buzzing with amazing energy.
Think of it as your hand-picked crowd, savoring every sip of a crisp rosé or a zesty sauvignon blanc, all while basking in the kind of warm, intimate atmosphere that only happens when great people come together. Hosting a soirée is like crafting a fine wine – it’s all about blending the perfect notes to create an unforgettable experience.
I personally love hosting soirées because it’s not just about the wine, or the food, or the cute pics (although sometimes most people think that really is all there is to it!), but it’s all about bringing people together to make memories and to strengthen bonds for years to come! Also, it’s such a great way to make new friends when living in a new city for the first time, or if you’re looking to meet new girlies!
What happens at a soirée?
A lot can happen at a soirée! From taking pictures together, clinking glasses of wine, talking about the latest happenings in the city, where to go shopping, and all the things. It’s where we talk about our favorite movies/shows and what’s sparking us joy this season, our upcoming travels and more!
What is the dress code for a summertime soirée?
When it comes to summer soirée attire, you can wear just about anything. It could be a bright orange dress with gold heels and gold jewelry, a linen two piece set with comfortable rattan flats, or even a flowy maxi dress with your hair down and curly. When it comes to thinking about what to wear to a summer soirée, I always say go with what makes you feel confident, what you think goes well with the theme (if there is one!), and what’s comfortable!
10 Tips | How to Host a Summer Soirée
1. Theme It Up
There are so many themes to choose from! Having a theme will not only make it memorable, but it’ll be easier for you when it comes to planning the event so you’ll have a better grasp on what decorations to buy, how to curate the menu, and what activities the gals should do!
5 Summer Soirée Themes
- Garden Party | Utilize a beautiful garden setting, with guests dressed in floral or light pastel attire. Serve tea, finger sandwiches, and pastries on vintage china for a classic touch. FYI: You can visit your local thrift store to get some vintage china for cheap and gift them to your attendees!
- White Party | An elegant, timeless theme where all the girls can wear white, creating a chic, monochromatic vibe. Decorate with white flowers, balloons, and candles for a sophisticated feel!
- French Countryside | Inspired by the rustic charm of Provence, this theme includes lavender decorations, traditional French food, and plenty of wine. Guests can come dressed in cottagecore outfits!
- A Fairy Dream | Create a whimsical forest atmosphere with fairy lights, delicate florals, and whimsical decorations. Encourage ethereal and whimsical attire to match.
- Southern Belle Get-Together | Think comfort food like fried chicken and biscuits, sweet tea, and bourbon cocktails. Decorate with mason jars and hydrangeas, and maybe even have a bluegrass band.
If you’re still stuck on what theme I highly recommend using Partytrick for all your summer soirée hosting needs. Partytrick is an innovative event planning platform (female founded!) ideal for first-time hosts planning a summer soirée. It simplifies the process with handpicked themes, detailed guides, and efficient task management, ensuring nothing is overlooked. From curated food and beverage menus to decoration ideas and entertainment options, it’s designed to cover every aspect of party planning.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or need a structured plan, Partytrick’s blend of expert advice, user testimonials, and accessible, mobile-friendly content makes hosting stress-free and fun. It’s the perfect partner for creating memorable, hassle-free gatherings that allow you to enjoy the celebration as much as your guests.
2. Invitations Matter
Get creative and set the tone with your invitations! Opt for digital invites to save time and include all necessary details like theme, dress code, and what to bring. Make them personalized and fun to ignite the excitement early on. I recommend using Flodesk for this because it’s easy, simple to use, and you can save everyone’s emails for future events!
3. Set the Scene
Create an inviting space. Whether it’s your backyard, a beach, or an indoor setting, pay attention to decorations and seating arrangements. Fairy lights, lanterns, or a bonfire can add a magical touch to your evening gatherings.
I’ve hosted quite a few summer soirées in restaurants as well. Be sure to reach out to the restaurant a few weeks beforehand to secure a large enough table or room for your soirée!
4. Summertime Menu
Serve light and refreshing dishes. Think of bite-sized appetizers, fruit skewers, and a mix of grilled items. Don’t forget a signature cocktail or a mocktail that complements your theme. Having a variety of options will ensure there’s something for everyone.
I always make sure that there’s a bottle or two of wine ready for everyone to try!
5. Chill the Drinks
Keep a variety of beverages cold and accessible. Stock up on ice, and consider setting up a self-serve drink station with lemonades, iced teas, and some summer cocktails or mocktails.
If hosting at a restaurant, ask for an ice bucket or have them keep the drinks in the fridge for you!
6. Music is a Must
Curate a playlist that matches your theme and keeps the vibe upbeat and enjoyable. Music is crucial for setting the tone, so make sure it’s audible throughout the party area.
7. Lighting Magic
As the day turns to night, ensure your party shines brightly. Use string lights, candles, or lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lighting not only enhances the mood but also the beauty of your setting. Bonus points if you use citronella candles or peppermint candles to keep any mosquitoes away!
8. Engaging Activities
Keep your guests entertained with a mix of activities. Garden games, a photo booth, or a DIY cocktail station can be fun. Think of your guests’ interests when planning these activities.
9. Favors to Remember
Send your guests home with a small favor that complements your theme. It’s a thoughtful way to thank them for coming and leaves them with a tangible memory of the lovely evening. For instance, I created bouquets of flowers for everyone and used different jars for each bouquet. Each girl was invited to bring home a bouquet and a new vase for their home!
10. Ease and Enjoy
Remember, the vibe of the party often reflects the host’s mood. Plan ahead, but once the party starts, focus on having fun. Your enjoyment is contagious and will ensure your guests have a great time too.
How to Host a Summer Soirée if You’re the Hostest with the Mostest
Throwing the perfect summer soirée comes down to thoughtful preparation and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy. I hope these tips helped! There’s nothing like ensuring your gathering is a stress-free success that your guests will rave about all season long!
The key to a memorable summer soirée is in the small details and your personal touch. Enjoy the process of bringing people together and creating joyful memories. In case you were searching for the perfect blog post for how to host a summer soirée, I hope this stopped you in your tracks and inspired you to start planning!
Good luck, and have fun being the hostess with the mostest!
