Instagrammable Moments: How to Design Events People Can’t Stop Sharing

April 22, 2025 Mario Stewart

 Photo by João Vicente Watanabe on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-taking-a-picture-with-a-cell-phone-Q6o22yzg3P4

The success of any event is measured by a number of factors. It’s not one specific thing, but a combination of small achievements that contribute to the event’s overall success. New York City event planners work tirelessly on every detail to make sure their guests are enjoying themselves, and the event’s goals are being met. One of the most visible ways to know if your guests are having a good time is to see how many moments are being captured online. There’s something really fun and engaging about snapping photos at an event and showing them off to all your followers. Instagrammable events have become the gold standard, offering visually stunning experiences that guests can’t resist posting about. From breathtaking decor to creative installations, these events are designed to dazzle both in person and on social media. Plus, it’s New York City! There’s a shareable moment around every corner. 

Creating an Instagrammable experience goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about crafting moments that resonate and engage. Whether it’s a striking photo backdrop, shareable food and drinks, or immersive elements, these details turn your event into a viral sensation your guests can’t wait to show off. When done right, your event lives on far beyond its physical timeline. It can reach global audiences and amplify your brand’s visibility.

By blending creativity with shareable elements, you can host an event that leaves lasting memories while making waves online. So, are you ready to create something worth sharing at your next NYC event.

6 Creative Tips to Plan Instagrammable NYC Events That Everyone Will Share

An Instagrammable event relies on the availability of carefully crafted moments that guests can't resist capturing and sharing in the moment. They’ll be angling for every possible snapshot when there’s wow factor. Every element of the event, from decor to activities, can contribute to its overall visual and interactive appeal. Check out these key strategies to create irresistible Instagram-worthy moments at all your NYC events.

1. Incorporate Eye-Catching Visuals

Make decor the foundation of your event's overall vibe with bold and creative elements. Use themed backdrops wherever you can, floral arrangements, and neon lights. For example, a vintage theme could include elegant chandeliers and rustic furniture. Or a neon theme might incorporate glowing arches and LED sculptures. Bring in the colorful models, too, for live-action event design that will inspire many-a-selfie.

2. Design Interactive Spaces

Create spaces where guests can actively engage with the event's mood-inspiring aesthetics. Everyone loves a photo booth! Consider adding photo booths, mural walls, or AR experiences, too. Get creative with interactable props. For example, add a life-sized frame, photo props, or a branded swing as a focal point for photos.

3. Feature Unique Food and Drinks

It’s 2025. People can’t resist snapping photos of their food and drinks.  Visually stunning and delectable menu items will be an instant hit. Brightly colored cocktails, artful plating, or fun food presentations, like cotton candy towers or gold-dusted desserts, can become highlights of your event. Providing a serving tray that boasts your company’s brand or edible logos on food items boosts shareability.

4. Leverage Lighting for Ambiance

If you’ve ever taken a photo that will make it onto your Instagram feed, you know lighting is everything. Consider adding strategic lighting to enhance the mood and visual impact because no one’s posting an event selfie if they don’t look amazing. Include fairy lights, curated spotlighting, or color-changing setups to complement your theme and create stunning photo ops. Path-lighting or LED pathways are great for both functionality and Instagram-worthy aesthetics for any nighttime event, too.

5. Introduce Event-Specific Hashtags

Tie the entire event together with a branded hashtag (using the name of the event or corporate event client) that guests can use individually when sharing their posts. Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to the event's theme. Include the hashtag on signage, photo areas, and digital displays to encourage usage.

6. Plan Engaging Activities (They’ll Actually Love)

People love participating in the action, especially if it looks good on camera. Plan some NYC event activities that get people involved. Create those can't-miss photo moments that inspire selfie-stardom. We suggest confetti drops, colorful backdrops, or stylized giveaways. For example, a brand launch event could feature an unveiling moment concealed in visuals like smoke bursts or glitter cannons.

When your event looks fantastic and feels unforgettable, people will want to show it off. By designing every detail with visual and emotional engagement in mind, you can make sure your event leaves a lasting impression both in person and online.

Why Social Media Buzz Is So Important for Today's Events

Getting people to share your event on social media takes some savvy event planning strategy. It’s about creating moments that feel genuine, fun, and worth capturing. There’s something to be said for keeping your devices tucked away and being in the moment of an event. But when you create the kind of experiences guests want to post about, there’s an irresistible nature to it. People want others to bear witness to their experiences. 

When people share their experiences online, your event goes beyond the venue. It reaches new audiences, sparks conversations, and turns guests into natural ambassadors for your brand. Every photo, hashtag, and story shared helps build your event’s visibility and keeps the experience going long after the day is done.

FAQs About Instagrammable Events

What is an Instagrammable event?

An Instagrammable event is designed to be visually appealing and share-worthy on social media. These events include eye-catching decorations, interactive installations, unique food presentations, and captivating backdrops to encourage guests to take photos and share online.

How can I make my event Instagrammable?

To make your event worthy of your guests’ Instagram feeds, focus on creative decor, vibrant lighting, themed photo spots, and interactive elements. Incorporate visually striking features like murals or floral walls and establish a branded hashtag to encourage social media sharing.

Why are Instagrammable events important?

Instagrammable events help extend your reach by encouraging attendees to share their experiences online. This can help boost brand visibility, create lasting impressions, and engage a broader audience through social media exposure.

What are the key elements of a shareable event?

Key elements include visually appealing decor, interactive activities, creative food displays, unique ambiance, and designated photo zones. Photogenic moments that inspire guests to take and share pictures are essential.

How can I use hashtags for my event?

Create a unique, easy-to-remember hashtag specifically for your event. Display it prominently on event signage, and encourage event attendees to use it when posting photos or videos on social media platforms.

Learn About All the Latest Social Media Promotion Insights at The Expo

The Event Planner Expo 2025 is where inspiration meets opportunity. With three immersive days of high-energy networking, powerhouse speakers, and direct access to decision-makers, it’s the ultimate environment to recharge your creativity and elevate your event game. Want to put your brand in front of thousands of industry pros? Exhibit on Day 3’s premier trade show floor and let the right people discover what you do best. Your next big client or brilliant idea might be waiting there.

 

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