• Tips for planning a pool party • Favors to rave over What makes a great pool party? Destination? Food? Giveaways? As a planner, you know each event must be the ‘total package,’ though one element may stick out for an individual, you need to look at the picture as a whole. Keys to creating a pool party event: 1. Safety is first. Make sure to look at safety from every angle, including ADA guidelines. 2. Pick a theme and follow it through the entire event, including food, beverage, decorations, and giveaways. 3. Music! Have a fun playlist or great DJ on hand. 4. Keep the food simple and consider creating a signature cocktail/mocktail. 5. Provide games fitting for the age ranges in attendance. |
Everyone learns differently. Allowing for swim activities at different times of the day helps break up meeting monotony. Small sessions can be held in cabanas or sponsor cabanas can be placed around the pool for mingling and meeting.
The time of day will also help determine food and beverage elements, as well as activities and possible giveaways. When choosing food, look at the estimated activity level of your guests as well as the activities prior to and after the pool event. You want guests to be comfortably full without overdoing it. If you choose to serve a full meal, create a separate area for food and dining to keep the pool area clean, create event flow, and keep the party interesting to your guests.
Morning
Morning pool parties are a great way to start the day with a fun activity. You hear a lot about morning runs, walks, and yoga…why not try a swim? Morning swims help with circulation and boost metabolism, while allowing a time to ease into the day prior to showering and making oneself fully ‘ready for the day.’ Provide an array of fruits and juices, make morning announcements, and allow guests to use the space for lap swim, yoga on the deck, sunrise meditation, water aerobics, and more. A great giveaway for this type of event would be branded towels, bottles of sunscreen, or sunglasses.
Afternoon
Afternoon events break up morning content and allow time for networking, relaxation, and reflection. During the hottest part of the day make sure to supply ample amounts of water and multiple ways for guests to stay cool, if you are outdoors. Water bottles are always a great item to give and for extremely hot days, consider branded insulated bottles. When branding also consider attendee vantage points. Branded, weighted pool mats are a fun way to make your logo shine from the depths of the pool. Indoor accommodations may be hard to come by for private events during afternoons due to the popularity of the time for family outings.
Evening
Evening events are the real ‘party time’ allowing guests to let loose and truly play and are open to interpretation. From BBQ and beach volleyball to champagne and glam, an evening, poolside event can run the gamut based on your intentions and budget. Utilize the lights already within the pool and add floating decorations for more pizzazz. Consider booking a water act for entertainment. Make sure lounge furniture is grouped for quiet conversation and provide room for dancing. Glowing bracelets, which blink to the beat of the music, are fun giveaways and can be placed within centerpieces for an extra pop of color and fun. The use of tents and lighting adds dimension and ambience to evening events, if you are looking to create a more formal experience.
No matter what time of day you choose, adding a pool or poolside party to your event is an exciting format for your guests to make a splash.