The Kentucky Derby racing itself last only for a few minutes which is why the sport is dubbed an exciting two minutes sport. The entire event itself is a day-long event that kickoffs as early as 9 in the morning. To avoid missing out from the very start, it will make arrangements towards Saturday, May 6 2023.
1. Set the Tone With the Invitations – Make Your Invitations Stand Out
You should get your guests ready to enjoy everything about this Derby since the Kentucky Derby provides the ultimate theme party. To establish the mood, a Derby party invitation should be equally educational and fun, like this editable, printable version from Etsy. If you want everyone to dress the part, specify “Derby attire” on the invitation, and be ready to provide wardrobe ideas or simple potluck cuisine options to your guests if they are unfamiliar with the race day customs so everyone can fully dress according to the theme you have laid out.
2. Choose a Colorful Dress Code
You are free to go all-out for a Derby Day party since guests will follow your lead about what they should wear: a big hat, a full suit, a theatrical dress—the Derby is not the time for understatement.
Sharing a few fashion rules with visitors can be beneficial as well. For the ladies, a statement hat or festive fascinator is a must, as well as a vibrant dress or printed set. Men, on the other hand, can choose from seasonal staples with Derby-specific accessories, like a needlepoint belt or a Derby pocket square, or go for a vibrant suit (perhaps a pastel?).
Hold a best-dressed contest by allowing everyone to cast an anonymous vote, more like to Bet on the Kentucky Derby most well-dressed, for the person they think looks the best if you want to encourage your guests to boost their style game and aren’t frightened of some friendly competition. The winner of the best dressed, however, wins the derby day’s top prize.
3. Don’t Forget Your Derby Decorations
Kentucky Derby Day outfits, from time immemorial, have been known to speak for themselves. And for your party, you should consider a little touch-up so your space can match the theme of the derby. Since the Kentucky Derby has been dubbed “The Run for the Roses”, you should definitely make sure roses are part of your decorations.
4. Online Stream for fans left at Home
If you plan on bringing about 50 guests, there are chances the number will make it. However, an online stream link for guests who couldn’t make it due to one reason or the other can be shared with them. And how to do this, set up a timer somewhere all the attendees will be aware of so nobody will get swept away in conversations that they miss the big event and by doing so, many moments from the onset can be captured to be shared with guests at home.
5. Teach Your Guests About The Derby Day Fun and Events
Even though the costumes are amusing, you can give your event some context by including information about the famous race’s background. Your guests can be impressed with interesting facts and figures about the iconic race and its background even before it begins. With this, your visitors are leaving this derby event with some new information.
6. The Kentucky Derby Day Signature Drink: a Mint Julep
The Mint Julep, having been inducted to the Kentucky Derby in 1938, has been accepted by thousands and is now an official drink of the derby. Without this cocktail, I don’t think there could be any Derby party. In today’s Kentucky Derby parties, about 120,000, if not more than, Mint Jeleps are served at Derby weekend. The Mint Julep’s recipe isn’t as hectic as it might sound. Mint Julep consists of a mixture of bourbon, crushed ice, sugar, water, and just a fresh mint and with this combo, you are good to go for your Derby Day partying.
7. Go For a Southern Dish Style
Your cuisine for Derby Day should stick to the Kentucky Derby Day concept. You can sample some traditional Southern fare like smoked grits and pimento cheese dip. However, if you are on the lookout for a menu direct from the source, the official Kentucky Derby website has all the dishes you’ll need for race day. But many folks’ favorite Derby meal by far has to be the ‘jar-cuterie’—an entire charcuterie plate in one convenient Mason jar. The website contains menu items that are offered at Churchill Downs, such as Kentucky burgoo and shrimp succotash salad.
