The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race; it’s an opportunity to celebrate timeless Southern charm, bold traditions, and iconic style. Recently, we had the pleasure of designing a stunning Kentucky Derby party that brought elegance and fun to life.

Setting the Scene

We began with a foundation of inspiration from the Kentucky Derby’s rich history: colorful florals, equestrian motifs, and sophisticated decor. Our venue offered a lush outdoor space, perfect for creating a garden-party vibe. A white sail tent provided shade while allowing guests to enjoy the open-air setting—a nod to classic Southern hospitality.

Bright Florals and Patterned Linens

No Kentucky Derby party would be complete without breathtaking florals. We focused on vibrant arrangements featuring bold hues of red, orange, pink, and yellow, accented by lush greenery. Roses, the official flower of the Derby, took center stage.  For smaller arrangements and centerpieces, we used mint julep cups as vases, and accented the larger florals with baskets of red apples. For a playful touch, oversized paper flowers were crafted and placed throughout the venue, offering whimsical photo opportunities and a bold, artistic statement.

Green and white floral-patterned linens brought a fresh, garden-inspired feel to the event. Cane-backed chairs added a natural element, balancing the elegance with a bit of natural charm.

 

Photo Backdrop

A custom-designed pink barn door backdrop added a playful yet chic element to the decor, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. From the food presentation to the bar setup, every detail was curated to reflect the Kentucky Derby’s unique blend of luxury and approachability.

Guest Experience

Our goal as event planners is always to make the guests feel special and entertained. For this Kentucky Derby party, we included interactive elements like a hat competition, where guests showed off their Derby-best headwear. Comfortable lounge areas were set up to encourage mingling, while light music added to the atmosphere without overpowering the conversations.

At the bar, two grand floral arrangements served as the focal point, paired with classic cocktails like mint juleps and sweet tea.

Guests also were able t0 guess who would win the race, with fun prizes for the people who guessed correctly.

Planning Your Own Kentucky Derby Party?

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand soiree, the key to a memorable Kentucky Derby party is all in the details. Focus on cohesive design elements, incorporate bold florals, and always prioritize guest comfort and enjoyment.

Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to plan your next extraordinary event, Derby-inspired or otherwise!

You may also like: Classy Blue and White Kentucky Derby Party

 

Vendors

Planning, Design, Florals: Tyler Speier, @tylerspeier

Specialty Linens: La Tavola, @latavolalinen 

Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, @brighteventrentals

Lighting: AMS Entertainment, @amsevents_SB

Catering: Seasons Catering , @seasonscatering

Bartending Service: Flair Project, @flair_projectsb

DJ: Party Proper , @partyproperproductions 

Valet: Blue Star Parking , @bluestarparking  

Trash Removal: EJ Harrison and Sons, customerservice@ejharrison.com 

Day of Print – Paper Goods: K Designs, @kdesigns_sb