The 1980s were a decade of vibrant colors, bold fashion, and unforgettable music. It was a time of big hair, leg warmers, and neon everything. It’s no wonder why the 80s have become such a popular theme for parties and events. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a corporate event, or just a fun get-together, throwing an authentic 1980s theme party will transport your guests back in time and create an unforgettable experience.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to throw a successful 1980s theme party. From choosing the perfect venue and invitations to iconic costumes and music, we’ve got you covered. So put on your best acid-washed jeans and let’s dive into the world of the 80s!
Choosing the Perfect Venue and Invitations
The first step to throwing an authentic 1980s theme party is choosing the right venue. The 80s were all about vibrant colors and bold designs, so try to find a venue that fits this aesthetic. A colorful nightclub, an old-school arcade, or even a roller skating rink would be perfect for an 80s themed party.
Once you’ve chosen your venue, it’s time to send out your invitations. Get creative with your invitations and incorporate some 80s elements. You can use neon colors, cassette tapes, or even a Rubik’s cube design. Make sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, dress code, and any other special instructions. And don’t forget to ask your guests to RSVP so you can plan accordingly.
Venue Checklist:
- Find a venue with a retro or colorful vibe
- Consider renting out an old-school arcade or roller skating rink
- Incorporate 80s elements into your invitations
- Include all important details and ask for RSVPs
Essential 1980s Decor and Color Schemes
Creating an authentic 80s atmosphere is key to a successful theme party. The 80s were all about bold colors, patterns, and geometric shapes. Incorporating these elements into your decor will instantly transport your guests back in time.
Start with the color scheme – bright neons, electric blues, and hot pinks are all quintessential 80s colors. You can use these colors in your tablecloths, balloons, streamers, and other decorations. For a more subtle option, opt for black and white with pops of neon colors.
Next, add some iconic 80s props such as Rubik’s cubes, cassette tapes, and boomboxes. These items are not only great decorations, but also serve as fun photo props for your guests. Don’t forget to include some classic 80s movies or posters on the walls to add to the ambiance.
Decor Checklist:
- Choose a color scheme with bright neons and bold patterns
- Add iconic 80s props like Rubik’s cubes and cassette tapes
- Incorporate classic 80s movies or posters
- Use black and white with pops of neon for a subtler option
Iconic 80s Costumes and Dress Code
What’s a theme party without costumes? The 80s had some truly unique fashion trends that are perfect for a costume party. Encourage your guests to dress up in their best 80s attire and award prizes for the best costumes. Here are some iconic 80s looks to inspire your guests:
- The Preppy Look: Think polo shirts, khakis, and boat shoes for men, and mini skirts, oversized blazers, and chunky heels for women.
- The Rocker Look: Leather jackets, ripped jeans, band t-shirts, and studded accessories are all must-haves for a rocker costume.
- The Workout Look: With the popularity of aerobics in the 80s, this is a fun and easy costume to pull off. Leg warmers, leotards, and headbands are key pieces for this look.
- The Pop Star Look: Who can forget Madonna’s iconic outfits or Michael Jackson’s red leather jacket? Encourage your guests to channel their inner pop stars with bold outfits and lots of glitz and glitter.
Don’t forget to include a dress code on your invitations so your guests know what to expect. You can also provide some 80s accessories like sunglasses, jelly bracelets, and fingerless gloves for those who may need help completing their looks.
Costume Checklist:
- Encourage your guests to dress up in 80s attire
- Award prizes for the best costumes
- Provide 80s accessories for those who may need them
- Include a dress code on your invitations
Music and Entertainment to Set the Mood
No 80s theme party is complete without the right music and entertainment. The 80s had an incredible range of music from Madonna and Michael Jackson to Bon Jovi and Queen. Create a playlist with all the hits from the decade and get your guests dancing and singing along.
For extra fun, consider hiring an 80s cover band or tribute act to perform at your party. This will add an extra level of authenticity and entertainment to your event. You can also incorporate some classic 80s games and activities such as Pac-Man, Twister, and Rubik’s Cube competitions.
Music and Entertainment Checklist:
- Create a playlist with 80s hits
- Consider hiring an 80s cover band or tribute act
- Incorporate classic 80s games and activities
- Get your guests dancing and singing along
1980s-Inspired Food and Drink Ideas
Food and drinks are an important aspect of any party, and for an 80s theme party, you can have a lot of fun with the menu. The 80s were all about fast food, junk food, and excessive amounts of sugar. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your menu:
- DIY Taco Bar: Tacos were a popular party food in the 80s, and setting up a DIY taco bar is a fun and interactive option for your guests. Include all the classic toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Pop Rocks Cocktails: These fizzy candies were a huge hit in the 80s and now they’ve made a comeback in the form of cocktails. Simply rim your glasses with pop rocks and use them as a garnish for your favorite cocktail.
- Jell-O Shots: Jell-O shots were a staple at 80s parties, and it’s easy to see why – they’re fun, colorful, and tasty. You can make them in different flavors and colors to match your party’s color scheme.
- Fondue: Nothing screams retro like a fondue fountain or pot. Set up a variety of dipping options such as bread, fruits, and vegetables for your guests to enjoy.
Don’t forget to include some classic 80s snacks like Doritos, Twinkies, and Hostess cupcakes. And for dessert, a classic ice cream sundae bar is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Food and Drink Checklist:
- Incorporate the 80s love for fast food and junk food into your menu
- Set up a DIY taco bar for a fun and interactive option
- Include pop rocks cocktails and Jell-O shots for a nostalgic touch
- Have a fondue station with various dipping options
- Don’t forget classic 80s snacks and an ice cream sundae bar for dessert
Interactive Games and Activities from the 80s
In addition to music and entertainment, there are many fun and interactive games and activities you can include in your 80s theme party. These will not only keep your guests entertained but also add to the overall 80s atmosphere.
- Lip Sync Battle: Divide your guests into teams and have them compete in a lip-sync battle. Choose some classic 80s hits and let them show off their best lip-syncing skills.
- Rubik’s Cube Competition: Give your guests a taste of the 80s craze with a Rubik’s Cube competition. Set a timer and whoever solves it first wins a prize.
- Trivia Game: Test your guests’ knowledge of the 80s with an 80s trivia game. Include questions about music, movies, and pop culture from the decade.
- Karaoke: Karaoke is always a hit at parties, and with so many iconic songs from the 80s, your guests will have a blast singing along to their favorite tunes.
Games and Activities Checklist:
- Lip sync battle
- Rubik’s cube competition
- 80s trivia game
- Karaoke
Conclusion
Throwing an authentic 1980s theme party is all about embracing the bold and vibrant elements of the decade. From choosing the perfect venue and invitations to iconic costumes and music, every aspect of your party should be a flashback to the 80s. Don’t forget to incorporate 80s-inspired food and drinks and fun interactive games and activities to keep your guests entertained. With this ultimate guide, you’ll be sure to throw an unforgettable 80s themed party that your guests will talk about for years to come. So put on your leg warmers and get ready to party like it’s 1989!