It’s a general rule of thumb that you don’t wear white to a wedding. The color is reserved for the bride and the bride alone. But what if the bride requests white? A “white party” is a stylish and elegant theme that can transform any wedding or wedding-related event into a sophisticated affair. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even the wedding itself, embracing the white party theme can create a memorable and cohesive atmosphere. Before we begin, let’s start with a little history on white parties:
The Background
White parties first gained prominence within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the United States, and are a descendant of France’s Diner en Blanc. The most famous of these is the White Party in Palm Springs, California, which began in 1989. This event, organized by Jeffrey Sanker, became an annual tradition attracting thousands of attendees. It was originally created as a celebration and fundraiser for HIV/AIDS awareness and support. As these events gained media attention, the concept of white parties started to expand beyond the LGBTQ+ community. White parties continued to gain mainstream popularity through celebrity influence and media attention in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, the theme is widely adopted for weddings, formal events, and celebrations worldwide, symbolizing unity, elegance, and timeless style.
Now, let’s talk about how to execute this plan flawlessly:
Set the Tone
Start by setting the tone with your invitations and thank you cards. It goes without saying that you’ll want to opt for white or cream-colored invitations with elegant, minimalist designs. Include a note about the dress code, emphasizing that guests should wear all-white attire. This sets expectations early and gets everyone excited about the theme. After the event, send out thank-you notes that reflect the theme. Choose cards with white or silver accents and express your gratitude for guests joining you in celebrating your special day in such a stylish manner.
Light and Airy Spaces with Crisp and Clean Elegance
If you want to stick to the traditional white party ambiance, you’ll want to look for spaces with plenty of natural light, such as gardens, beachfront locations, or modern event halls with large windows. The goal is to create a bright, airy atmosphere that enhances the white decor and clothing. Decorate with white as the predominant color. Use white linens for tables, white flowers like roses or lilies in centerpieces, and white candles for soft, ambient lighting. Incorporate touches of silver or gold accents to add a hint of sparkle. In this instance, I would use minimalist decor to maintain the clean and elegant aesthetic.
All White Everything
Encourage guests to dress in all-white attire. For weddings, this could mean a white dress for the bride, white suits or shirts for the groom and groomsmen, and all-white outfits for bridesmaids and guests. This uniformity not only looks stunning in photos but also enhances the overall visual impact of the event. Ensure your photographer understands the importance of capturing the white-themed decor and attire. Natural light photography will highlight the elegance of the setting. Consider setting up a photo booth with white-themed props for guests to capture fun memories.
Light and Refreshing Meets Elegant and Refined
Tailor your menu to complement the theme with light and refreshing dishes. Offer a selection of white wines, champagne, or signature cocktails like a classic mojito or a white sangria. For food, consider options like seafood, salads with creamy dressings, and elegant desserts like white chocolate mousse or vanilla bean cake. Entertainment is important. You’ll want something that aligns with the sophisticated ambiance of a “white party”. Think: live music from a string quartet, a jazz band, or a DJ spinning smooth lounge beats. Create a relaxed atmosphere where guests can mingle and enjoy the celebration.
Turning your wedding or wedding-related event into a white party is about creating an atmosphere of elegance, unity, and celebration. Embrace the simplicity and sophistication and enjoy every moment of your special day surrounded by loved ones and create beautiful memories for years to come.
xoxo,
Mindy
Images by Amy and Stuart
