Group of Friends at a Summer Party

It’s that time of year when we wave goodbye to seasonal depression and say hello to Hot Grill Summer! Countless people around the country have been eagerly awaiting the sun-glazed parties that are about to pop off. For today’s article, we’re going to take you through a little guide on how to throw your own backyard bash. Whether it’s your first, second, or twentieth summer party shindig, read on for some ideas and inspo to make it one for the core memories!

Gather the Gang and Spread the Word

First things first – before we get knee-deep into party planning, we’ve got to think about the ‘when’ of it all! We know summer weekends are crammed with plans, basking in the heat, and jetting off on vacation, so picking a date can be tricky. Figure out what date suits the most people (or the VIPs) and work around that! Once that’s all done and dusted, the real fun can begin – drawing up your summery invitations! If you’re going for a theme, design the invitations to match it! 

Let's BBQ! Chalkboard Typography Summer Party Invitation
Cute holographic ice cream gradient summer party invitation
Simple Modern Summer Cocktail Party (Green) Invitation

Get Your Gear in Grill-Ready Shape

Before you fire up the grill, let’s ensure you’ve got all the essential supplies to keep things running like a well-oiled machine. Use this checklist as a basis and add whatever you think is missing: 

Image: Zazzle.com

Pick Your BBQ Favorites and Pour out the Good Vibes

Now for the juicy part – the food and drinks! Let’s make this summer party a little different – normally, guests will arrive, have a perusal of what’s on the table, and serve themselves a platter of food. But, what if you take it to the next level? Draw up a menu with everything that you’ll be whipping up (and don’t forget to include some vegan and non-alcoholic options!) Send it out the day before so the guests can have a little peek and be ready for some delicious grub. Some of the restaurant menu overthinkers will thank you later for it!

Retro Handwritten Whimsical Modern Unique Wedding Menu
4x9" Handwritten Wavy Border Whimsical Menu
ADELLA Modern Minimalist Let's Drink Bar Menu Foam Board

Dream Up an Aesthetic and Bring the BBQ to Life

This is your chance to craft an aesthetic that screams “YOU”!  It’s time to let the creative juices flow, like sunlight through the trees of a woodland in golden hour. Okay, maybe not as dramatic as that, but you get the gist. Come up with a theme, perhaps a backyard boho or a garden glow vibe. Think fairy lights, lanterns, pillows, blankets, and warm tones. The best part? You can easily alter any of these to suit the vibe you’re going for!

The Sizzle Beyond the Grill 

You’ve got food, cocktails, a spectacular setting, and wonderful guests! All that’s left is the entertainment – there’s no need to go overboard, but having some music and activities will only add to the atmosphere. Bust out a Bluetooth speaker and blast some tunes, or better yet, create an Apple Music or Spotify playlist that everyone can add to. And while everyone is laughing their heads off and dancing out to your amazing music taste, the kids can be kept entertained with lawn games. Maybe after a few cocktails, the adults will join in too!

Ride the Wave at Sunset Bluetooth Speaker
Blue white seahorses rustic beach wood family name cornhole set
Custom Family Name 6 Photo Collage Giant Jumbo Fast Four

Prepare to Party

The party is in full swing, people are munching on yummy food, and the picnic table is covered in ice-cold beverages. The sun is beaming, the kids are playing, and the sound of laughter is filling the air. But, despite the amazing party, it’s always wise to expect the unexpected! That means preparing for a sudden turn in the weather, some yucky bug bites, and maybe the odd sunburn. Grab yourself a marquee, stock up on bug spray, load up on the SPF, and have some aftersun products to hand! So, even if your event is burdened with the presence of rain, bugs, and burns, you’ll still be ready to rumble!


Well, everyone, that’s a wrap on today’s guide! We hope you get everything you want from your Zamazing summer party, and more! Check out this article on “Summer Outfit Ideas” if you’re searching for a summer fit that’ll out-slay everyone at the event.