How to throw a Love Island-themed party, according to top event planners

Fairy lights are an essential

It’s taken over our summer once again, but this year’s series of Love Island is coming to a close.

As the reality TV series finale approaches, avid fans of the show may find themselves panicking - just what will we do with our evenings without the antics of various young, hot, muggy and melty singletons to entertain us?

Well, why not celebrate the final show by throwing a Love Island-themed party?

We asked some of the UK’s top party and event planners to share their best ideas and tips for hosting a party inspired by Love Island.

How to throw a Love Island party:

Set the scene

In an ideal world, you’d host your party by a pool, but of course that isn’t always an option. Second best, however, is any outdoor space, but if that’s not possible you can decorate a living room to set the scene just as nicely.

According to Pearl van den Ende from Pearl, Rock and Raven, “lots of fairy lights” are a must, and if you’re outside, why not light a fire pit for people to gather round. Sun loungers and bean bags will also provide authentic seating options.

Van den Ende, who has planned parties for the likes of David Attenborough and Christian Dior, also recommends making (or buying) signs with phrases such as “crack on,” “muggy” and “graft” in hot pink to recreate the decor of the villa.

If you have space, why not set up a “hideaway” chillout area to provide a little privacy for any guests who may be coupling up - or just want somewhere quieter to chat.

Julie Hope Girgenti, founder of Exceptional Events, says that if you can, why not go all out to recreate the island feel: “Palm trees, leaves, whatever you can find,” she suggests to The Independent. “I’d probably have real sand laid out and tiki torches lining the path helping to add a nice warm glow to the area late into the night.”

Drinks, drinks, drinks

Continue the summer party theme with tropical cocktails - why not offer a range of drinks like Koko Kanu coconut rum, Chambord black raspberry liqueur and Sipsmith’s new Strawberries & Cream Syrup for gin, as well as a selection of garnishes, and let guests get creative.

“Get some personalised cocktail glasses made with each guests names on,” suggests Van den Ende, “Or serve from the official Love Island bottles.”

You could also recreate the Love Island feel by offering guests drinks served in flamingo wine glasses or opaque white champagne flutes.

Create the party vibe

Julia Marryat, director of Mirage Parties, recommends embracing the style of the Islanders’ regular parties - which are really just an excuse to pile on the glitter and dress up.

“Glitter parties are always a huge success as guests’ anticipation of a great night is heightened as they adorn themselves in the hours before arrival,” she tells The Independent.

“Have a glitter artist on-hand to apply more (biodegradable) glitter throughout the night and to those who have been a bit too conservative.”

And Van den Ende points out that you don’t need to stop at glitter - why not employ a hair, makeup and nail artist to glam up your guests during the event.

Music is of course essential at all parties - if your budget won’t stretch to a DJ fresh out of Ibiza, the next best thing is to play the Ministry of Sound x Love Island: The Pool Party Soundtrack.