10 unique coronation party ideas fit for a king

Discover ten unique and exciting coronation party ideas to celebrate the historic ascension of King Charles III to the throne. From traditional to modern, our ideas will help you honour the past while embracing the future.

Read time: 7 – 10 minutes

Key takeaways:

Unique and memorable ways to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III
Get the 10 inspirational ideas straight away
…and delve into the detail – from décor, to attire, food and beverage, entertainment, and memorable moments – further down the article

To make the most of this joyous, once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we’ve prepared a list of 10 unique coronation party ideas that blend the traditions of the past with the spirit of the future – ideas that will delight your guests and make the day even more unforgettable.

Royal garden coronation party: Step into a luxurious outdoor garden coronation party, filled with vintage tea sets, luxurious garden furniture, and an electric atmosphere of excitement and togetherness.
Swinging 60s soiree: A 1960s-inspired British music invasion coronation party with vintage decor, mod-inspired attire, and classic hits from iconic bands such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Who.
High tea and garden tour: Treat guests to a refined high tea in a picturesque garden setting with floral centrepieces and elegant tea sets, coupled with guided tours of the garden, making for an unforgettable coronation celebration.
Royalty across the ages coronation party: A historical British costume-themed coronation party for guests to don their finest attire in tribute to their favourite royals from throughout the ages.
Afternoon tea and croquet: A sophisticated garden tea coronation party with croquet to celebrate coronation. Scones, champagne, delicate florals.
Horse racing soiree: In honour of one of King Charles III’s passions, host a horse racing-themed coronation party with traditional British food and Mint Julep cocktails.
Royal river coronation party: Host a luxurious yacht or riverboat coronation party with seafood, champagne, and entertainment while sailing the Thames.
Historical costume coronation party: Throw a lively historical costume coronation party where guests can display their favourite British historical outfits.
Royal family inspired film screening: Treat your guests to a regal movie experience with a screening of a classic film highlighting the British monarchy, such as “The King’s Speech” or “The Queen.” Let them embark on a cinematic journey into the fascinating world of royalty.
Cocktail and canape reception: Host a sophisticated cocktail and canape reception with a modern twist on classic British cuisine for a memorable and stylish event.

Whether hosting at home or at an exclusive venue, let’s raise our glasses in celebration and toast to the beginning of a new chapter in our nation’s history. Long live the King!

1. Royal garden coronation party:

Step into a luxurious outdoor garden coronation party to celebrate the coronation of the new king, where vintage tea sets and luxurious garden furniture create the perfect ambiance for a joyful celebration of togetherness and excitement. The mood of the coronation party is electric, with guests dressed in their finest attire, and a sense of excitement filling the air.

Décor: The colour palette of the event is regal, with rich shades of purple, gold, and red. Consider incorporating native blooms such as roses, daisies, and lilies into your floral arrangements to celebrate the country’s natural beauty.

Attire: Smart-casual dress code — a polished and refined look that is comfortable enough for an outdoor garden coronation party. For men, a well-tailored suit with a crisp shirt would be a sophisticated choice. For women, a chic dress or a stylish jumpsuit paired with statement shoes or a tailored blazer with wide-leg trousers would be fitting.

Food and beverage: For the coronation party, a classic British afternoon tea would be an ideal food choice, with tea sandwiches, scones, and traditional British pastries as the mainstays of the menu. Scones can be served with clotted cream and jam, and traditional British pastries like Victoria sponge, Bakewell tart, and Eton mess can be included to add variety to the menu.

Entertainment: To provide a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, classical musicians or a harpist could be hired to provide beautiful background music for the coronation party.

Memorable moments: The beautiful floral arrangements and picturesque garden scenery, providing guests with the perfect backdrop for social media moments and frame-worthy photographs of family and friends.

2. Swinging 60s soiree:

Throw a coronation party with a British music invasion theme, inspired by the iconic bands of the 1960s like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Who.

Décor: Set the scene with vintage posters, album covers, and Union Jack flags. Guests can dress up in mod-inspired clothing or rock band t-shirts and dance to classic hits while celebrating the new king’s coronation.

Elevate the décor by incorporating vintage posters, album covers, and Union Jack flags. Enhance the atmosphere with retro lamps or lava lamps and a cosy seating area with retro furniture and beanbags for guests to relax and enjoy the tunes.

Attire: Encourage guests to dress in bold patterns, bright colours, mod-inspired pieces, and retro accessories like fedoras or bowler hats. Costumes inspired by The Beatles, Twiggy, or Mick Jagger are sure to turn heads and create an unforgettable event.

Food and beverage: Offer mini versions of classic British dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie as bite-sized canapes. Pair these with gin and tonic cocktails served in vintage glassware for a truly immersive experience.

Entertainment: Include a live band playing classic tunes from iconic British bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Guests can dance and sing along to their favourite hits from the era and enjoy a fun and nostalgic atmosphere.

Memorable moments: Guests will have a blast dancing to the classic tunes, enjoying the retro-themed decor, and immersing themselves in the 1960s British music scene. The atmosphere will be electric, with guests capturing photos and videos for fond memories.

3. High tea and garden tour:

Guests will enjoy a refined high tea experience in a picturesque garden setting, complete with elegant tea sets and floral centrepieces. Lead tours of the garden, pointing out the stunning landscaping and plants. This combination of delicacies and natural beauty will make for an unforgettable coronation celebration.

Décor: Incorporate unique and unexpected decor elements like neon accents or abstract floral arrangements. Project botanical scenes onto the walls or screens set up in the garden for a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.

Attire: Smart-casual or formal dress. For a chic and modern garden coronation party attire, guests can opt for flowy dresses or jumpsuits in bold floral prints or bright colours. Men can dress up in tailored suits in light colours or pastel hues.

Some designer options could include a floral-printed maxi dress from renowned Australian brand Zimmermann or a pastel-coloured suit from Paul Smith. The key is to keep the look elegant and sophisticated while still being comfortable and suitable for an outdoor garden coronation party.

Food and beverage: Offer a selection of teas from around the world and classic finger sandwiches. Serve petit fours and add a touch of elegance with vintage tea sets and delicate floral arrangements on the tables.

Entertainment: Classical musicians to provide background music.

Memorable moments: The elegant high tea in the lush garden creates a tranquil atmosphere. As guests indulge in a delightful assortment of treats, they are transported into a world of luxury and sophistication. The stunning garden scenery serves as a backdrop for unforgettable photo opportunities.

4. Royalty coronation party through the ages:

Host a fun coronation party where guests come dressed in their favourite historical British costumes inspired by famous members of the royal family. Create a regal atmosphere with luxurious fabrics, elaborate chandeliers, and portraits of notable historical figures such as King Henry VIII or Queen Victoria. Fresh flowers and ornate candle holders can add elegance to the tables.

Attire: Encourage guests to choose costumes from any period of British history referencing famous royal family members such as Henry VIII, Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret, or Zara Phillips.

Food and beverage: Serve traditional British cuisine such as roasted beef, Yorkshire pudding, and trifle with a modern twist, along with scotch whisky cocktails, gin and tonics, fine wines, and spirits, including those preferred by members of the royal family.

Entertainment: Have live music from British classical or folk musicians, and games like croquet or lawn bowls enjoyed by members of the royal family in the past. Historical reenactors can perform scenes from famous British events like the wedding of William and Kate.

Memorable moments: Take photos with vintage decor and royal family portraits, and host a costume contest for the most creative, historically accurate or humorous outfits. Raise a glass of champagne or scotch whisky to celebrate the occasion and the rich history of the British royal family.

5. Afternoon tea and croquet:

Host a sophisticated afternoon tea coronation party with croquet games in the garden to celebrate the new king’s coronation. Serve scones, clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches, and offer a range of teas and champagne.

Décor: Set up tables with crisp white tablecloths, delicate floral arrangements, vintage teapots and teacups, pastel-hued bunting, and twinkling fairy lights throughout the garden.

Attire: Encourage smart-casual dress with optional sophistication, such as summer hats or dressy sandals. Men can wear lightweight linen shirts and trousers, and women can opt for pretty sundresses or skirt and blouse combinations.

Food and beverage: Provide an assortment of teas, including classic blends such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as more unusual varieties like lavender or mint.

Offer scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, cucumber sandwiches, and other finger sandwiches with fillings such as smoked salmon and cream cheese or egg and cress. Serve chilled champagne or sparkling wine for celebration.

Entertainment: Set up croquet games with vintage-style wooden mallets and balls, and create a mini tournament with prizes for the winners. Alternatively, hire a string quartet or classical musicians for a relaxing musical backdrop.

Memorable moments: Enjoy the beautiful garden setting and each other’s company while sipping tea, nibbling on treats, and engaging in friendly croquet games. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the coronation party in style, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Horse racing soiree:

Host a coronation party horse racing-themed coronation party in honour of the new King’s love of horses. Decorate the venue with racing silks and betting slips, and serve traditional British foods like beef Wellington, roast potatoes, and treacle tart. For drinks, consider serving a Mint Julep, a classic cocktail often associated with horse racing.

Décor: Set the scene for a horse racing-themed coronation party with decorations inspired by the sport, such as racing silks, betting slips, and jockey helmets. Use red and white colours, which are often associated with horse racing, and decorate the space with horseshoes and other equestrian-inspired items. Hang up vintage racing posters or prints to add a touch of nostalgia to the event.

Attire: Suggest a smart-casual dress code that incorporates the horse racing theme, such as wearing hats or fascinators for ladies and ties or bowties for men. Encourage guests to wear outfits inspired by the horse racing culture, such as jockey silks or riding boots, to add to the ambiance of the event.

Food and beverage: Serve a traditional British menu with dishes like beef Wellington, roast potatoes, and treacle tart. Offer a Mint Julep cocktail, which is a classic drink often associated with horse racing, as well as other beverages like champagne, wine, or beer. For dessert, consider serving miniature jockey hats made of chocolate or a cake decorated with a horse racing theme.

Entertainment: Create a fun and exciting atmosphere by incorporating horse racing games and activities like sweepstakes and betting. Set up a mini horse racing track and have guests bet on the winner. Organize a sweepstake where guests can purchase a ticket and have the chance to win a prize if their chosen horse wins the race. You can also incorporate games like horseshoe throwing or a horse racing trivia game to keep guests engaged.

Memorable moments: Guests will enjoy the social aspect of the coronation party while celebrating the coronation of the new king. They will enjoy the horse racing games and the opportunity to dress up in smart-casual attire. They will also appreciate the traditional British cuisine and cocktails that capture the essence of the horse racing culture. This event will provide a unique and unforgettable experience that guests will cherish for years to come.

7. Royal river coronation party:

Host a luxurious coronation party on a yacht or riverboat with elegant decorations and views of the Thames.

Décor: Create a luxurious and elegant atmosphere with soft lighting, candles, and floral arrangements. Use fine china, crystal glasses, and silver cutlery, and add luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet. Add a nautical touch with anchors, ropes, and sea-themed decor.

Attire: Suggest a formal dress code to complement the luxurious setting, such as black tie for men and cocktail dresses for women. Encourage nautical elements in outfits, like navy and white stripes, anchor motifs, or boat shoes.

Add glamour with statement jewellery and accessories. Dress comfortably as guests will be cruising the Thames.

Food and beverage: Offer delectable seafood dishes like lobster, shrimp, and oysters, and pair them with fine wines and champagne. Offer a signature cocktail, like a Thames Spritz, to add a unique touch.

Entertainment: Hire a band or DJ to play a range of music to suit all tastes. Create a playlist with upbeat and romantic songs to set the perfect atmosphere. Add to the excitement by offering games and activities, like a casino table or a photo booth.

Memorable moments: The stunning views of the Thames will be a highlight for guests, who can enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of the yacht or riverboat, mingle with friends, and dance the night away. The event will create memories that will last a lifetime, leaving guests feeling like they have been treated like royalty.

8. Historical costume coronation party:

For a regal and playful historical costume coronation party, encourage your guests to don their favourite British historical costumes.

Décor: Create an authentic atmosphere with historical décor items such as tapestries, antique rugs, and wooden furniture.

For a more festive touch, add colourful bunting and streamers to liven up the space. Incorporate period-specific elements such as a gramophone or phonograph to provide music and add to the ambiance.

Attire: The attire should include historical pieces such as elegant Tudor gowns, Georgian wigs, Victorian frocks, and hats or fascinators, giving guests the opportunity to express their creativity while embodying their favourite British historical figures.

Food and beverage: The menu can feature a range of canapes and cocktails inspired by traditional British cuisine, such as cucumber sandwiches, sausage rolls, gin and tonics, and Pimm’s cups. In addition, a selection of fine wines and spirits can be served to elevate the dining experience.

Entertainment: Include decorations with royal portraits and vintage decor, and guests can admire each other’s costumes and pose for photos in front of the decor.

To add to the playful atmosphere, consider organizing games such as croquet or lawn bowls, and setting up a photo booth with British-themed props.

Memorable moments: Guests will enjoy the playful and creative costumes while socialising with friends, taking photos in the vintage decor, and participating in the costume contest with prizes for the most creative or historically accurate outfit.

With the right atmosphere, guests will be transported back in time and feel like they are part of British history themselves.

9. Royal family film screening:

Host an iconic British monarchy film screening like “The King’s Speech” or “The Queen” for a cinematic journey into the world of royalty.

Décor: Set up the space with red carpets and movie posters like a traditional movie theatre for an immersive experience. Guests can feel like they are attending a royal movie premiere.

Attire: Encourage smart-casual or formal attire for added elegance. Serve British-themed snacks such as scones, tea sandwiches, and popcorn. Serve wine, champagne, or soft drinks to make the occasion more festive.

Food and beverage: For the screening event, be inspired by traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. Mini beef wellingtons, smoked salmon crostini, sausage rolls, and cheese and onion tarts are great options.

Pair these with fine wines or British-inspired cocktails like a Pimm’s Cup or gin and tonic. Offer classic British sweets like treacle tart, sticky toffee pudding, and banoffee pie for dessert.

Entertainment: Include a brief discussion or Q&A after the screening to spark conversation among guests about the portrayal of the monarchy in popular culture. Play the popular TV series “The Crown” in the background to keep the theme of royalty fresh in guests’ minds.

Memorable moments: Guests will enjoy the film while admiring the decor and engaging in meaningful conversation about the monarchy. Consider hosting a trivia game or photo booth, where guests can capture moments in front of a movie-inspired backdrop.

10. Cocktail and canape reception:

For a stylish and refined event with a touch of British sophistication, host a cocktail and canape reception featuring classic British cuisine with a modern twist.

Décor: Consider elegant and refined decor with a British touch, such as antique silverware, vintage glassware, and crystal candleholders.

Add in some Union Jack bunting or British flags for a highlighted theme. Incorporate design elements inspired by modern British chefs, like minimalist and sleek decor, or pops of bright colours.

Attire: Encourage smart-casual or formal attire with a dress code like “elegant British attire.” Suggest incorporating modern British fashion trends like statement accessories or bright, bold patterns.

Food and beverage: Offer British-inspired canapes with a modern twist using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Mini-Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish, smoked salmon blinis, and crab cakes with aioli are great options.

Showcase signature dishes from modern British chefs like Marcus Wareing’s modern take on fish and chips or Heston Blumenthal’s meat fruit. Offer cocktails showcasing the best of British spirits, such as the British Mule made with gin, ginger beer, and lime or a Pimm’s Cup. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like mocktails and soft drinks.

Entertainment: Hire a live jazz band to play classic tunes or a DJ to spin modern hits for a sophisticated cocktail reception. Consider showcasing performances by modern British musicians or incorporating video projections of contemporary British art installations.

Memorable moments: Encourage guests to try different canapes and cocktails and spark conversation with interesting topics related to British culture and history. Capture the evening with plenty of photos and perhaps even a photo booth, so everyone can take home a fun memento of the evening.

Incorporate interactive elements, such as a gin or whisky tasting station or a mixology workshop with a modern British mixologist, to create a more memorable experience.

Are you celebrating a special occasion?

The coronation is a momentous event that deserves to be celebrated in style. With our list of 10 unique and regal coronation party ideas, you can add a touch of elegance and excitement to King Charles III’s coronation.

From a luxurious garden coronation party to a swinging’ 60s soiree, there’s an option for every taste and style. So why not book a consultation with one of our dedicated event planners or be inspired by our blog to make your coronation celebration unforgettable?

You can call us at 01932 22 33 33, email us at hello@mgnevents.co.uk, or complete the form below to get started.

Let’s raise our glasses and toast to a new chapter in our nation’s history, as we witness the ascension of Prince Charles to the throne.