When we think of a red carpet event, we think of A-listers and celebrities, but who says you can’t throw a red carpet event too? This is a fun way to elevate any event and add a level of style and exclusivity to your event. So, what is a red carpet event? It’s where a long, narrow red carpet is laid out for distinguished visitors at the event when they arrive.

Ideas for Red Carpet Event

1. Rent a Venue

When it comes to tips for hosting red carpet events, the first thing you will always want to do is scope out a venue for the event. The space is what will bring your event to life and you want to make sure you have the venue rented out so you don’t have to share it with anyone else. This amplifies the feeling of exclusivity and allows your guests all the time in the spotlight. A great way to find a place to host your event is by searching ‘party venues near me’ for different options.

2. Roll Out the Red Carpet

When you have a red carpet event, you literally need to roll out the red carpet. This should be the focal point when guests arrive and the first experience they have when they walk in. This makes them feel elevated and special, and you can even add more things on top such as cool lighting or an arched entrance to make it even more over-the-top.

3. Hire Photographers

Red carpet events cannot go unattended by a photographer. You need to hire professionals to capture the moments throughout the night. We suggest having photographers stationed at the red carpet throughout the whole night so that when people arrive, they have their photos taken by numerous photographers. This makes it feel exclusive and like what they see at A-list and celebrity red carpet events. You can also have photographers roaming around throughout the night taking photos as if they were paparazzi. This adds another fun layer to the event and a surprise and delight factor.

4. Provide Photo-Worthy Moments

It doesn’t do you much good to hire photographers if you don’t have photo-worthy moments for guests. You will want to have media walls and backdrops that make this event feel like it’s worthy. Having stations throughout where guests want to take their photo will not only help them remember the night but can be a great marketing tool and content for you for future events that you host.

5. Give Out Awards

When it comes to your red carpet party planning, you will want to make sure you give out awards to guests to make this event feel elevated and special. If this is a work function, you can give out awards to employees who deserve to be recognized for all their hard work. If this is a celebration with friends, you can give out fun awards like best dressed or most likely to face plant on the red carpet. This is a fun way to add to the theme and have a token that people can take home with them.

6. Dining and Drinks

Next, you will want to plan out your dining and drinks. You can hire event planning professionals for this or you can keep it simple with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. We recommend having a champagne toast right after the guests enter on the red carpet to add to the experience. This makes the event feel like it's worth celebrating. 

7. Dress Code

Finally, because this is a red carpet event, you will want to set a dress code. Dress codes make the event feel classy and styled and can be a fun way for guests to get dressed up when they might not necessarily. The dress code should be included on the invitation so guests are kept informed and in the loop.

When it comes to event venues in Los Angeles, Ovation Square is one of the best. With state-of-the-art equipment and a killer location in downtown Long Beach, we can help you host and plan your next red carpet event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you think champagne is a must or could I do craft cocktails instead?
A: We love the idea of both! There is just something about popping bubbly that makes events feel special and celebrated.

Q: What kind of backdrops should I have at the event?
A: We always recommend a media wall so it looks like an actual event. And then anything else that’s fun and creative where guests would like to capture a photo.

Q: How many photographers should I hire?
A: We think a few would be great for an event like this. Then you can have a couple at the front for red carpet moments, and a couple throughout the event taking photos all night.