Inspiration: Pool Party

I'm at that time in my life when a bunch of friends are getting hitched - which is so exciting!  I'm overflowing with ideas for bridal showers/bachelorette parties paired with my insatiable desire to be out in the sun.

I saw an inspiration shoot at the Ace Hotel awhile ago on The Wedding Chicks, the theme is "Hello Sunshine!" - adorable!  Below are some images from that shoot - and ideas I would build on to throw my very own neon-infused pool party!

Pool Party shoot at the Ace Hotel

Pool Party shoot at the Ace Hotel

Pool Party shoot at the Ace Hotel

***Now, let's work on making this our own.....

Those neon brights just reflect a good time for me, so I would choose a neon pink/neon yellow palette to start with.  It should be easy to find bright cocktail napkins, pool toys, beach towels, etc...


DECOR:

I would stick with mostly paper decor for this type of event ---- it's casual, fairly inexpensive, and if it gets splashed with water it's no big deal!

Pick up some paper poms and tie them intermittently to a string of lights for a great effect:

Tissue Pom via Luna Bazaar

Colorful paper chains are cute and casual:

Paper Chain Kit via Paper Source

Or construct some colorful paper pinwheels to stick just about anywhere:

Pinwheel Kit via Paper Source

You can pick up these flamingos at several stores, I've found some over at Home Depot and Sears:

Pink flamingos scattered about the yard

Pick up some neon chevron fabric and construct a table runner for your hot dog station (see below):

or order one from FinePillowCovers on Etsy

Just think color and casual...


FAVORS:

I admire the thought put into this gift bag for the guests:

Gift bags filled with all the essentials

The customizable koozies can be designed here with any color/text combo you can imagine!


I would switch out some gifts featured above and opt for these bright neon sunglasses:

Pac Sun neon sunnies

Toss in some matching flip flops:

J.Crew flip flops

*if those are a bit pricey, Old Navy always has dozens of colors for cheap...


Handing out little sunscreen sticks or Burt's Bees sun-protecting lip balm for SPF coverage is a great addition, toss them in some neon chevron bags:

Treat bags via HeyYoYo

FOOD:

Serving easy to eat bites may be best - I recommend Chicago Style Hot Dogs with a few homemade pickles, toss them in these boats for extra impact:

Hot Dog Papers via HeyYoYo

*you can lay out all the fixin's on a table so guests can choose the dressings they prefer...I would serve everything in condiment dishes to avoid having ketchup bottles creating an eye sore!


As far as dessert goes, invest in a snow cone machine and serve them up in plain paper cones with punchy spoons:

Wooden Spoons via Pomme

*you could easily make these on your own by buying the plain wooden spoons here and utilizing some craft paint!


or you could try your hand at these homemade ice pops found over on Bakerella:

Layered with yogurt and fresh fruit

You can easily make the drink flags featured in the Ace Hotel shoot for cucumber water or homemade lemonade:

Make a Splash drink flags

Don't forget to to have colorful striped straws available for those drink flags!

Striped Straws via HeyYoYo

Serving lemonade and water in drink dispensers at a station will allow people to hop out of the pool to grab a quick refreshment at will:

Jug-style Drink Dispenser via Potterybarn

These galvanized tubs are a great staple, not only will you use them again and again, but they come equipped with handles, a stand, and a built-in bottle opener:

Galvanized Party Bucket via Potterybarn

A bucket of Otter Shots could do the trick!

Otter Shots infused with booze

INVITES:

I gotta tell you, for a small group of gals I would definitely use Send-a-ball!  They will print just about anything on these mini beach balls and send them out via mail.....pick a neon bright and some short details and send something truly unique!!!


As always...dress for the occasion:

Retro Bikini via Anthropologie

Sun hat via Anthropologie

Have fun with this one!

HUGS!


UPDATE: Jordan over on Oh Happy Day! just featured these adorable little hot dogs with condiments - they would be perfect for a pool party!  Check em' out!

Perfect!

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