A Brooklyn 80s-Themed Pride Party
/The neon colors, the upbeat music, that hair. The 80s were a booming decade for music, pop culture, fashion, and expressing one’s authentic self. For Brooklyn Pride 2018 (back in June), I decided to embrace all the colors and crimped hair the era had to offer in an 80s-themed Pride party. Donations were taken at the door in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, which was established in New York City in 1983. All bartender tips were donated as well.
It wouldn’t be a Pride celebration (and one put on by Color Pop Events, nonetheless) without the iconic rainbow, the most widely recognized symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community. When it was first created in 1978, it was comprised of eight representative colors: pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic, blue for peace, and violet for spirit. Eventually, it was reimagined in six colors for the current flag design.
I teamed up with a handful of amazing vendors to bring this party to life, and we let the rainbow palette lead the way. For the styled shoot component of the party, I designed a tablescape to photograph before the party started, and for guests to take photos of throughout the event. Mimosa Floral Design outfit the table with taper candles and various flowers across the color spectrum, iridescent silverware, and plates with a touch of shimmer.
The caterer (and venue host), Dish Food & Events, brought a rainbow display of crudité and snacks to the party. They also crafted two signature cocktails for the night: “It's Electric” was a bright blue tequila libation and “The Barbie-tini” was a fresh take on the classic cranberry and vodka. Local doughnut authority, Underwest Donuts, made a vertical display of their treats, once again proving donuts to be the most photogenic of pastries.
The 80s ambiance was created in part by the decor. Something of out a throwback prom movie, a hot pink sparkly backdrop from Flux Photobooth Company was a definite crowd-pleaser. Inspired by the decade, the props provided were a perfect extra touch (think mullets, boomboxes, and hairspray).
The talent of the night was celebrated drag queen Lauren Ordair. Song, dance, and resounding laughter filled the venue as Lauren took the stage. In addition, DJ Rob Kelley lit up the dance floor with the greatest hits from the 80s.
An emblem of love, freedom, and inclusivity, the rainbow flag was waved proudly throughout Brooklyn this weekend—and was the perfect design muse for this celebration of Pride.
Words by Leah Weinberg of Color Pop Events. Photos by Clean Plate Pictures.
VENDORS
Catering | Dish Food & Events | @dishfoodnyc
Planner | Color Pop Events | @colorpopevents
Photographer | Clean Plate Pictures | @cleanplatepictures
Videographer | Elizabeth Mealey | @elizabethmealey
Photo Booth | Flux Photobooth Company | @fluxphotoboothco
DJ | Rob Kelley | @74events
Florist | Mimosa Floral Design | @mimosafloral
Doughnuts | Underwest Donuts | @underwestdonuts
Rentals | Patina Rentals | @rentpatina
Drag Queen | Lauren Ordair | @laurenordair
COLOR POP EVENTS
Leah Weinberg is the Owner & Creative Director of Color Pop Events—a New York City-based wedding planning company that focuses on the details and lives in the logistics. Now in her sixth year of business, Leah leverages skills like organization, attention to detail, and client service from her prior career as a commercial real estate attorney to excel at event production. Her colorful work and party planning tips have been published online and in print with Vogue, Glamour, Marie Claire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Living, The Knot, Buzzfeed, and more.
