It was an epic book launch party to mark such an epic event.
My first trade book Can You Just Sit With Me? Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life was released with InterVarsity Press on September 26, 2023. And I knew this moment deserved an Epic Book Launch Party so I planned one. What you’ll find in this post are my must haves for creating the perfect way for celebrating the launch of my new book. It was such a special time. Yes, tears were shed, not only because I wrote a book about grief but because it was sweet, monumental occasion shared with people I love.
Elements of an Epic Launch Party
An Epic Launch Party must have an epic location. I’d had my eye on The Glass Box for years, way before I’d even thought about writing a book. This space is stunning, full of natural light, and was large enough for the intimate setting I wanted for this event.
Great food. Tea time bites were the perfect touch.
Decorations. Fresh flowers, a book-centric backdrop and coordinating elements throughout the room.
Guests. For me, my guests included close friends and family. It was important to me for this particular launch party, to fill the room with people who personally knew parts of my grief journey and have supported me somewhere along the way.
Party Favors. I wanted to be intentional here so I created grief affirmation cards accompanied by a tea light candle in a mesh drawstring bag individually gifted for each guess to use to make space for grief. The custom tea and bookmarks were gifted from my publisher. I used them as gifts for those who purchased books during that time.
Book reading and signing. I read a short story from one of the chapters in my book and then allotted time for signing books. Both were such sweet times.
Games and Door prizes. I created a book-themed mingle bingo game for guests as they arrived and passed out raffle tickets for prizes.
You can’t forget all the beautiful people and vendors that helped to make it happen! So, I’ll leave my list here for your use or to give you ideas for your launch party:
The Glass Box
Nana’s Lil Sweets
Folie à Deux Events LLC
Emily Fry Photography
Uncovered Light (April Massey – Day of Coordinator)
And a special shout out to Zach Waldon for capturing these moments on video!
