80s Theme Party Planning 8 Step Checklist
Are you ready to take a trip back to one of the most iconic decades in history?
Planning an 80s theme party is the perfect way to relive the vibrant fashion, unforgettable music, and neon vibes that defined the 1980s.
Whether you grew up during this era and are celebrating a birthday or just love the retro aesthetic, an 80s theme party promises a night of fun, nostalgia, and epic memories.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to create a totally tubular 80s bash, from the invitations to the final cleanup.
Step 1: Set the Stage with Totally Rad Invitations
The first step in planning your 80s theme party is setting the tone with your invitations. You want your guests to feel the 80s vibe as soon as they receive their invites.
Go for bright, neon colors, and consider using iconic 80s imagery like cassette tapes, arcade games, or boomboxes.
You can make your own DIY invitations or opt for pre-made designs that scream 80s.
If you’re looking to save time, you can find some awesome 80s-themed invitations on Amazon. UK readers can check these out and US readers click here.
Step 2: Create the Perfect 80s Party Playlist
No 80s theme party is complete without an incredible playlist filled with the greatest hits of the decade.
The music is what truly transports your guests back to the 80s, so make sure to include a mix of pop, rock, and one-hit wonders. Think Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Bon Jovi.
Spotify is an excellent resource for finding ready-made 80s playlists, or you can create your own. Just make sure the music is loud, the beats are strong, and there’s plenty of opportunity for your guests to bust out their best 80s dance moves.
For inspiration, check out Billboard’s list of the top 100 songs of the 1980s or explore some classic 80s music videos on YouTube.
Step 3: Get the Look with 80s-Themed Outfits
Fashion is everything when it comes to an 80s theme party.
Encourage your guests to go all out with their outfits, from bold, neon colors to big hair and leg warmers.
For the ultimate 80s vibe, think oversized blazers, high-waisted jeans, and plenty of accessories.
For those looking to purchase the perfect 80s outfit, Amazon has a wide range of costumes and accessories to choose from. UK shoppers can explore this collection while US shoppers should check here.
Step 4: Decorate Your Space with 80s Flair
Transform your home into an 80s wonderland with the right decorations.
Neon colors, geometric shapes, and iconic 80s symbols are key to creating the perfect atmosphere.
Think about hanging retro posters, setting up a photo booth with 80s-themed props, and even playing old-school arcade games if you can.
Here are some easy and budget friendly 1980s decoration bits to get you started;
80s Table Toppers
53 Piece 80s Decoration Set
Retro Party Lights
80s Backdrop
Step 5: Serve Up Some Gnarly 80s Snacks and Drinks
Your 80s theme party wouldn’t be complete without some totally rad snacks and drinks. For a fun twist, serve up some popular 80s snacks like pizza rolls, Doritos, and Pop Rocks. Check out this guide for some inspo.
You can also get creative with your food by giving it fun, 80s-inspired names – think “Pac-Man Pizzas” or “Rubik’s Cube Jello.”
When it comes to drinks, classic cocktails like the Blue Lagoon, Piña Colada, or anything with a neon color will fit right in.
As always, check out the cocktail recipes on Smartblend for some amazing options.
Don’t forget to have some soda classics like Tab or Pepsi on hand for a true 80s throwback. For those looking for inspiration, check out this list of iconic 80s drinks to add to your menu.
Step 6: Plan Fun 80s-Themed Games and Activities
Keep the energy high at your 80s theme party with some fun and interactive games. Consider setting up a karaoke station with 80s hits, or plan a dance-off to see who can moonwalk the best.
For a laid-back option, create an 80s trivia game with questions about the decade’s music, movies, and pop culture.
Another great activity is hosting a “Best Dressed” contest, where guests can vote on their favorite 80s outfit of the night.
Prizes can be anything from a Rubik’s Cube to a cassette tape of their favorite 80s album.
For those who love board games, consider including some 80s classics like Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary.
Amazon has a range of 80s-themed board games – UK readers can check these out and US readers click here.
If all that isn’t of interest you could also think outside the box with something like an 80s murder mystery, or 80s games night.
Step 7: Capture the Memories
One of the best parts of hosting an 80s theme party is capturing all the fun memories with your friends.
Make sure to set up a dedicated photo area with 80s-themed props like oversized sunglasses, neon wigs, and inflatable boomboxes.
You can also provide disposable cameras for a true 80s feel – the grainy, vintage look of film photos adds a nostalgic touch to the party.
For me, it has to be an Instax moment. Which you can also get in the UK here.
Consider creating a hashtag for your party so that guests can share their photos on social media. This way, everyone can enjoy the memories even after the night is over.
Step 8: Send Your Guests Home with Rad Party Favors
As your 80s theme party comes to an end, send your guests home with some fun and memorable party favors.
Think about small items that capture the spirit of the 80s, such as slap bracelets, neon sunglasses, or mini Rubik’s Cubes.
For a personalized touch, you could even make mix CDs (or USBs) of the 80s playlist you created for the party, so guests can relive the night whenever they want.
These small, thoughtful favors will leave your guests with lasting memories of your totally awesome 80s bash.
Final Notes
Planning an 80s theme party is all about embracing the bold, colorful, and fun spirit of the decade. With the right music, outfits, decorations, and activities, your party is sure to be a hit.
So, start sending out those invitations, get your neon leg warmers ready, and prepare for a night of nostalgia and fun.
We’d love to hear how your 80s theme party turns out! Leave a comment below to share your favorite ideas or let us know how your party went.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out some of our other decade inspired party ideas here, or check out these;
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