How to Throw a Product Launch Party Everyone Will Remember

Have you been to an event where you were confused, whether it just wasn’t what you expected or something just felt a little off or misaligned? Communication comes in all forms and how you style an event is one way of communicating your brand and business. If you don’t get this right, it’s hard to connect with your guests, clients and potential customers – making it pointless when the goal is to ramp up your brand awareness and ultimately make sales. We work with clients throughout New Zealand and Australia who are planning their launch or openings in Christchurch and the wider South Island, and we’ve put together our top tips on planning a launch that leaves a big impact.

No matter whether your launching a new product, service or even celebrating a move to a new premise – it deserves a launch party that makes an impression and connects with your clients. But how do you throw a product launch that isn’t just memorable—but actually unforgettable? We’ve got you covered with some pro tips to get your launch trending, make connections that stick and ultimately give you an incredible ROI.

Let’s get planning!

Nail Down the Theme

Think of your product launch theme as the heart and soul of your event. The theme should reflect your brand’s personality and give guests an idea of what they’re in for. Whether it’s sleek and minimal, bold and colourful, or anything in between, your theme is key to setting the overarching vibe.

For example, if you're launching a sustainable product, think “nature-inspired” with lots of greenery and earthy tones along with sustainable practices throughout your planning. If it's something edgy, go for neon lights, metallics, and bold patterns. Whatever direction you go, make sure it aligns with the product and keeps people talking. Communication is key and it’s super important that this is cohesive throughout.

Pick the Perfect Venue

Unless your celebrating the opening or move to a new premise or warehouse – you’ll need to find a venue that matches the vibe of your brand or service. The venue can make or break your launch – so this isn’t something to make quick decisions about. You want a space that’s big enough to hold everyone comfortably but cosy enough to feel intimate. Plus, it should enhance your theme, not clash with it.

For example, a launch or showcase for a skincare brand or clothing line would work perfectly in a more organic, modern white-walled space like The Welder or Ilex here in Christchurch. For a wine or craft beer launch then a venue like Milton Street Substation is perfect with its historical and industrial, loft vibe.  

Create ‘THE’ Entrance

First impressions count—especially at a launch party. Give your guests a dramatic entry experience. A branded backdrop is a classic (hello, Instagram opportunity), but you can also get creative with it. Think along the lines of neon signs, interactive displays and make sure it’s all styled well with lighting and décor.

Feed Them Well (And Get Creative With the Drinks)

Let’s be honest, everyone loves a party with good food and drinks. But don’t just serve the usual fare—get creative! Think about what will leave a lasting impression.

The food can be bite-sized versions of your product’s vibe (mini avocado toasts for a wellness brand, fun sliders for something a bit more playful). For drinks, consider signature cocktails that reflect the colours or flavours associated with your product. And yes, a mocktail option is always appreciated!

Chat to Hannah from Crisp and Vale about some fantastic options here – her team specialise in these types of events and can look after your bar service also.

Make It an Experience

A great product launch isn’t just about showcasing the product; it’s about creating an experience that guests won’t forget. Think about what will make your launch feel like more than just a party—think activities, interactive stations, or performances.

Consider incorporating elements of the product into the entrance. Launching a beauty product? A mini makeover station could be a fun touch. Tech product? A futuristic light show might be the way to go. Add a DJ or live music to create a high-energy atmosphere, or, if it fits the brand, keep things mellow with an acoustic set. The goal is for guests to walk away with an experience that connects them to your product. The cheesy saying is people remember how they feel – so that should be the underpinning of all your decision making.

Epic Entertainment can help in creating a fun experience for your guests with a range of talent options – have a chat to them about ideas that will enhance your event.

Showcase Your Product or Service

Showcasing your product or service is key to your event and must be highlighted throughout.

If you have a skincare brand, then having visual displays of the product on plinths, service bars with branding, florals and lighting is an impactful way of drawing attention.

Incorporating more interactive ways of showcasing your product means a more memorable experience and one attendees will be more prone to remember. This could be having mini facial sessions or skin analysis sessions. You could also have demonstrations – especially if your target market were beauty therapists as opposed to retail consumers.

For clothing launches, a fashion show would be appropriate, as would personalised styling sessions. Really think about your guests and their experience – what will get them involved and engaged.

Functional, Styled Furniture Hire

Stylish, premium and well-chosen furniture makes your event look polished and professional. It subtly signals to your guests that this is a quality event, where details are taken seriously.

Choosing furniture with function and is cohesive with your branding is crucial. If you’re having a 2 hour event and serving canapes with some interactive stations – then you likely will need cocktail tables and some bar leaners along with service bars. If you are having a presentation or fashion show as part of your event, you’ll want seating for all guests so they can comfortably sit and listen to the speakers. Different elements of your event will determine what furniture you may need – and while this can be daunting – this is exactly where we come in. When you work with us, we want to hear all about your ideas for your event and we can then make suggestions on the type of furniture, quantities and style that will match your venue, guests, order of events and duration of your event.  

Don’t Forget the Details

The little things can make a huge difference! Personalised touches like custom signage, branded napkins, and unique party favours or goodie bags that relate to your product will make the event feel cohesive and well thought-out.

When it comes to decor, don’t be afraid to go all out! This is the first impression of your product, so let it shine. Lighting is a game-changer—think string lights, uplighting, or even LED installations that highlight key areas of the venue. Don’t skimp on table top styling – florals and lighting here is key.

Capture the Moments

What’s a memorable launch without some amazing photos? Hiring a professional photographer or videographer is a non-negotiable (we highly recommend both). Fantastic content you can share after the event, and in the months and years to come. Also share with your guests and encourage them to share on their own platforms.

Encourage guests to snap and share with a custom hashtag during your event, tagging your own social platforms. This creates instant online buzz and also lets guests feel like part of the brand’s story. Plus, those Insta-worthy shots give your product some extra social love!

Swag Bags

Everyone loves free stuff, especially when it’s on-brand and unique. Include a few goodies that align with your product, such as branded merch, samples, or useful accessories. Think about items that are practical but also a bit luxe—things that say “thank you for coming” but also “look how cool our brand is!”

Want to up the wow factor? Consider eco-friendly packaging or personalized notes to show guests that you appreciate them.

Ready to Make It Happen?

An unforgettable product launch or store opening doesn’t happen by accident—it’s all in the details. We help brands and businesses create impactful events that their customers can’t stop talking about.

Why are we the best team for your event? Our Founder and Creative Director Fallon has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and 15 years of marketing experience and oversees all of our event styling to make sure we’re offering the best step forward for your brand and business.

Let’s make yours next! Contact us here and let’s start planning.