How to Create Instagram-Worthy Event Spaces That Guests Will Love

March 24, 2025 Desiree Homer

Photo by Ivan Samkov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-black-android-smartphone-8951603/

Social media is a powerful conduit for networking, showcasing, and building an event planning empire. An Instagram-worthy event space means an open invitation for selfies, and providing a stunning backdrop for candids means you’ll capture the attention of entire platforms. New York City events have a host of different success metrics, but an easy barometer of sorts is in the events’ Instagram footprint.

1. Focus on the Food

Insta-worthy catering is a magnet for shutter-happy event guests. Most people expect beautiful scenery, but beautiful food adds a new level of cohesive aesthetic and that extra wow-factor. People love to share what they’re eating online, and it’s worth having an extra conversation with your caterer about displays and presentation elements.

2. It’s Always About the Details

The aesthetic details are key to creating an ambiance that makes every Insta story, reel, or post. Color palettes, the overall style, smaller elements like textures, fabrics, and lighting all play important roles in creating a gorgeous event space. Natural lighting, in particular, is a lovely focal point for backdrops and shouldn’t be underestimated.

3. Highlight Unique Venue Features

Does your event venue have a stunning grand staircase, a picturesque garden layout, or an indoor water feature? Use it to your advantage and create a draw toward an outstanding feature for event guests to take pictures of, or with.

4. Employ Interactive Elements

Interactive event elements are more than just a way to engage guests throughout an event and provide entertainment. Some of these that provide a direct line to a social media post include:

  • Designated hashtags
  • Interactive display feeds or photo wall
  • A classic photo booth
  • Display your event planning business’s Instagram handle and encourage tagging.

5. Remember to Incorporate Social Media in Your Event Marketing

If you want to target traffic over a social media platform like Meta, remember to incorporate these platforms into your event marketing plan from the start. If Instagram is where you want your growth to happen, consider linking it to your event planning Facebook account. Build the anticipation before the event and then have a plan to incorporate online engagement at the event itself.

6. Install a Statement Piece

While New York event venues are inherently stunning, not all may have insta-worthy features that are easily incorporated into social media posts. If you’re in this kind of a pickle, consider installing a statement piece as a focal point on and offline. Intricate floral displays, topiaries, ice sculptures, or partnering with local artists are all great options.

7. Backdrops are Your Friend

Eye-catching backdrops are another aspect to incorporate into your event. Remember that tip about the details? This is where they can shine. LED lighting, motion-activated displays, foliage and botanical arrangements, accent chairs, and arches are posh elements that elevate your event more than you imagined. Intentional backdrops aren’t only stunning for a photo opportunity but can also enhance your event’s overall ambiance and guest experience, especially as an event entrance or meal backdrop.

Let Your Imagination Guide You

Imagination is an important skill for a New York event planner, especially when creating instagram-worthy experiences, but event planners at times can experience a creative block or rut. One of the best ways to prevent this is to expand your knowledge and seek out inspiration.

The Event Planner Expo is the perfect avenue to meet new and exciting industry professionals, expand your professional network, and keep up to date with event planning industry trends and insider tips. Held annually right here in New York, you don’t want to miss it. Grab your tickets and don’t forget to register your booth to show off your unique industry talents.

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