Are you ready to travel back in time and throw the ultimate 1980s themed party? The 80s were all about big hair, bold fashion, and epic music. It was a decade filled with iconic pop culture references and trends that are still celebrated today. So why not take your next party to the next level with a totally rad 1980s theme? In this guide, we will give you all the tips and tricks you need to throw an epic 1980s party that will have your guests talking for years to come.
Introduction to the 1980s Theme
The 1980s marked a significant era in pop culture, influencing fashion, music, and entertainment. It was a decade of excess, where everything was bigger and bolder. From neon colors to shoulder pads, the 80s had its unique style that is still celebrated today. When planning an 80s theme party, it’s essential to embrace the over-the-top nature of the decade and go all out with your decorations, music, and costumes.
To get started, first, choose a venue that can accommodate your desired number of guests and has enough space for dancing and mingling. Next, set a date and time for your party, and make sure to send out invitations at least two weeks in advance. This will give your guests enough time to prepare their outfits and plan to attend your event.
Now let’s dive into the details of how to make your 1980s theme party a huge success.
Invitations and Attire
The invitation sets the tone for any party, and for an 80s theme party, it’s essential to be creative and fun. You can go classic with a physical invite or opt for a digital invitation through platforms like Evite or Paperless Post.
When designing your invites, make sure to incorporate elements from the 80s, such as bright colors, cassette tapes, or iconic movie characters. You can also add a catchy phrase such as “Get ready to party like it’s 1985!” to get your guests excited.
Next, let’s talk about attire. Encourage your guests to dress up in their best 80s-inspired outfits, and give them ideas on what to wear. Some popular fashion trends from the 80s include neon colors, oversized tops, acid-washed jeans, and leggings. For men, think leather jackets, mullets, and parachute pants.
To make things more interesting, you can even have a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed male and female guest. This will not only add an extra layer of fun to your party but also motivate your guests to put more effort into their outfits.
Decorations and Ambiance
When it comes to decorations for your 1980s theme party, the key is to go big and bold. Think of the 80s as a decade of excess, and let that be your guide. Start with the entrance, where you can hang a banner with an iconic 80s phrase like “Welcome to the jungle!” or “Girls just want to have fun!”
Inside the venue, use lots of bright colors, streamers, and balloons to create a vibrant atmosphere. You can also incorporate some classic 80s symbols like Rubik’s cubes, boomboxes, and cassette tapes into your decor. If you have a photo booth at your party, consider having some fun props like inflatable guitars, leg warmers, and oversized sunglasses for your guests to use.
Ambiance is also crucial when it comes to a themed party. Consider playing classic 80s movies or TV shows on a loop in the background, such as The Breakfast Club or Top Gun. You can also have a slideshow of 80s fashion and pop culture references playing on a screen to add to the atmosphere.
Music and Entertainment
The 80s was a decade of iconic music, and no party is complete without some epic tunes from that era. Make a playlist of all the popular songs from the 80s to keep your guests dancing all night long. Some must-have songs include “Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Like a Virgin” by Madonna, and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
If you have some budget to spare, consider hiring a DJ who specializes in 80s music or even a cover band that can perform all the classic hits. This will take your party to the next level and ensure your guests have an unforgettable experience.
As for entertainment, there are many fun options to choose from for your 1980s theme party. You can set up an old-school video game console like Atari or NES for your guests to play, or have a lip-sync battle with 80s songs. You can also have a dance-off with popular 80s dances such as the robot or the moonwalk.
Food and Drinks
No party is complete without food and drinks, and for an 80s theme party, you can get creative with your menu. Consider serving some classic 80s snacks like Pop Rocks, Ring Pops, and Gushers. For drinks, try some colorful cocktails like a Blue Hawaiian or a Fuzzy Navel, both popular drinks from the 80s.
You can also incorporate some fun food stations into your party, such as a nacho bar or a DIY pizza station. This will not only provide your guests with delicious food but also add an interactive element to your party.
For dessert, a classic 80s treat would be a giant bowl full of candy, such as M&Ms, Skittles, and Nerds. You can also have a cake with a design that reflects the 80s, such as the iconic Pac-Man or Rubik’s cube.
Conclusion
Throwing an epic 1980s theme party may seem like a daunting task, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to throwing a totally rad celebration. Remember to go all out with your decorations, music, and costumes, and don’t forget to have fun yourself!
The 80s were all about having a good time, and by incorporating all the elements of that era into your party, you’re sure to have a night to remember. So get ready to party like it’s 1989 and rock out with your friends at the ultimate 1980s themed party!