An 80s themed party is the perfect way to relive the vibrant and eclectic decade known for its distinctive fashion, music, and pop culture. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone or want an excuse to don leg warmers and tease your hair, hosting an event that harks back to this iconic era can be an electrifying walk down memory lane.

From choosing a specific 80s subculture to setting up a dance floor that would make any 80s club-goer proud, we have you covered. Get ready to blast some synth-pop hits, serve some vintage snacks, and encourage your guests to embrace the maximalist ethos of the decade that brought us Pac-Man, MTV, and the Moonwalk. Let’s get your time machine ready for an unforgettable blast from the past!

Planning Your 80s Themed Party

Deciding on a Specific 80s Theme

The 1980s were a dynamic and iconic era, offering a plethora of subcultures and moments you could choose for your themed party. You might go for a general 80s vibe, letting guests draw inspiration from various aspects of the decade. Or, you could narrow it down to a specific theme.

Think about focusing on a particular facet of the era, like the neon-soaked aerobics craze, the rise of hip hop, or the blockbuster movies that defined a generation. You could also pay homage to a significant pop culture event, like Princess Diana’s wedding or Whitney Houston’s GRAMMY win. Whatever you decide, make sure it resonates with the nostalgic spirit of the decade and is broad enough to give your guests plenty of costume and decoration ideas.

Building an 80s Playlist

Music is the heartbeat of any party, and the 80s were no exception. To truly capture the essence of the decade, you’ll want to curate a playlist that includes a mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop classics. From the electrifying riffs of AC/DC to the synth-pop sounds of Madonna and the groundbreaking beats of early hip-hop, your playlist should be a time capsule that gets everyone on their feet.

If you’re aiming to elevate the experience, consider hiring an 80s tribute band or a DJ who specialises in the era’s hits. The right music will not only entertain but also transport your guests back in time.

Invitations and Dress Code

Set the tone for your 80s extravaganza with invitations that reflect the era’s aesthetic. Bold colours, geometric patterns, and references to popular 80s icons can all be part of the design. To ensure your guests are in sync with the theme, specify a dress code encouraging them to wear their best 80s attire.

The fashion of the 1980s offers a wealth of options, from power suits with shoulder pads to acid-wash denim and leg warmers. Encourage guests to channel their inner Madonna, Michael Jackson, or any other 80s icon. For a truly immersive experience, you might consider sending out digital invitations styled after the era’s beloved mixtapes or Polaroid photos.

Budgeting and Shopping List

Organising a successful 80s-themed party requires careful financial planning. Start by determining the total amount you can allocate to the event, considering its size and scope. Then, break down your budget into categories such as venue, food and drink, entertainment, and decorations.

Keep track of your expenses using a spreadsheet, and list every potential cost, from the smallest party favour to the most significant venue hire fee. Always include a contingency fund, typically around 10% of your total budget, to cover any unexpected costs. When shopping for your party, look for items that evoke the 80s, like neon decorations, Rubik’s cubes, and classic candies like Bottle Caps and Razzles.

Remember to balance your desire for an authentic 80s experience with the practicalities of your budget. Don’t hesitate to get creative with DIY solutions or second-hand finds to keep costs down.

80s Decorations and Set-Up

Colour Schemes and Patterns

To truly encapsulate the 1980s in your party decor, select a colour palette that mirrors the vibrant and dynamic aesthetic of the time. Consider incorporating electric hues like fuchsia, teal, and neon green to give your space a pop art or retro-futuristic vibe. Alternatively, pastel tones such as mauve, coral, and seafoam green can offer a more subdued yet still characteristic 80s look.

Incorporating patterns is essential in setting the mood. Geometric shapes, strong lines, and checkerboard designs can be integrated into your decorations to reflect the era’s penchant for bold design. Shiny surfaces and neon lights can also enhance the retro-futuristic atmosphere reminiscent of the decade’s fascination with technology and space-age aesthetics.

DIY Decoration Ideas

Creating your decorations can be a fun pre-party activity and adds a personal touch to your event. For example, you can create homemade Rubik’s cubes from square boxes, black wrapping paper, and coloured paper. These can serve as a centrepiece or a photo booth prop.

Additionally, you can create wall art or table settings featuring iconic 80s motifs like cassette tapes, boob boxes, vinyl records, and the MTV logo.

Sourcing Authentic 80s Memorabilia

Incorporating genuine memorabilia can significantly enhance the authenticity of your 80s themed party. Items such as vintage arcade games, classic movie posters, and retro technology like floppy disks can transport your guests back in time. Thrift stores, online auctions, and garage sales are excellent places to find these nostalgic treasures.

The aim is to evoke nostalgia and replicate the excitement of the era.

Setting Up a Dance Floor

No 80s party would be complete without a dance floor for guests to bust out their best moonwalk or electric slide. For those who enjoy DIY projects, constructing a dance floor with wooden beams and plywood can be more cost-effective than renting one. Painting it in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern aligns with the 80s theme and provides a striking visual effect.

For a more elaborate set-up, frames made from larger lengths of wood can underpin the plywood. These can be connected with mending plates to create a larger dancing area. This approach saves money and gives your party a unique, customised feature.

Iconic 80s Fashion Guide

Overview of 80s Fashion Trends

The 1980s were a decade of bold style, colours, and silhouettes, and it’s an era that’s left its mark on how we dress today. You’ve probably noticed unique trends like biker shorts, blazers with pronounced shoulders, and taffeta evening wear popping up in modern fashion. These elements have made a comeback, infusing our current wardrobe choices with a dash of 80s fun and a love for vibrant dressing.

The era was all about unapologetic glamour and statement pieces that were meant to turn heads. Fashion icons like Grace Jones, Madonna, and Bianca Jagger became muses with their distinctive styles that captured the spirit of the time.

Men’s Party Attire

If you’re a guy aiming to channel the 80s vibe, picture the era’s fashion-forward men who weren’t shy about standing out. The punk rock scene in London brought us a rebellious mix of fishnets, chains, and studs, often paired with leather. This edgy look starkly contrasted the polished outfits you’d see at places like Studio 54.

At this iconic club, you might’ve found a double-breasted leather blazer matched with metallic trousers for a sleek look. The 80s also welcomed the classic country club look, epitomised by black-and-white outfits that oozed luxury and sophistication.

Women’s Party Attire

Women’s fashion in the 80s covered a wide spectrum, from power dressing to punk rock. The decade was all about structured silhouettes, abstract shapes, and the chic, powerful look of women who were going places. Designers like Claude Montana and Azzedine Alaïa led the charge, creating iconic outfits like those Grace Jones rocked in the 1985 Bond movie “A View to Kill.”

Studio 54 was the place to be for stylish partygoers, where flowing dresses and skirts could be effortlessly paired with cowboy boots. The versatility of 80s dresses meant you could dress them up or down. Take Bianca Jagger’s frilly lace dress—it was a showstopper.

For a more laid-back yet iconic party look, you might go for Heather Locklear’s draped disco top with high-waisted jeans. Or, for another fashionable choice, Brooke Shields’ polished turtleneck and checked blazer combo were on point.

Accessorising Your Outfit

Accessories in the 80s were far from understated. Hats, oversized earrings, brooches, belts, gloves, and sunglasses were all statement pieces that could take an outfit to the next level. Designers like Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Karl Lagerfeld were at the forefront with their bold accessory designs.

The era’s accessories were crafted to stand out, perfectly complementing the decade’s love for glamour and excess. Whether it was the fantasy fashion shows of Thierry Mugler or the bold and abstract designs of Issey Miyake, accessories were key in nailing the 80s look. So, if you’re looking to add an authentic touch to your 80s party attire, throwing in these bold accessories is a must to capture the essence of the decade.

80s Inspired Food and Drinks

Popular Snacks from the 80s

Begin with a spread of classic snacks that were all the rage during the 80s. Potato skins, loaded with cheese and bacon, are sure to evoke nostalgia. Serve up some individual quiches for a sophisticated touch reminiscent of an 80s cocktail party.

Nacho chips paired with a 7 layer dip will add a casual yet satisfying option. Prawn cocktails provide a quintessential start to the dining experience. And for a refreshing side dish, consider a potato or pasta salad.

Devilled eggs can be prepared in advance and easily served as finger food. For heartier fare, beef stroganoff or a grilled steak with a robust spice rub were both popular choices of the time.

Neon and Brightly Coloured Drinks

Neon and brightly coloured drinks reflect the boldness of the era and can also serve as eye-catching decor. Blue Hawaiians, with their striking blue hue, are a must-have.

Mix cranberry and orange juices with vodka and peach schnapps for a potent and popular beverage. The Woo Woo offers a playful option with its cheeky name. For a non-alcoholic alternative, opt for a homemade fruit cooler, avoiding the pre-made bottled versions from the past.

And for a true 80s vibe, serve an Alabama Slammer. This sweet, alcoholic concoction gained popularity in America during the decade.

Themed Cake and Dessert Ideas

An array of desserts that pay homage to the 80s is essential. Pineapple upside down cakes and lemon meringue pies are flashy yet simple-to-make options. For a unique twist, try a classic Bombe Alaska.

A bowl of frozen yoghurt topped with fresh fruits and compote or a classic trifle can offer a refreshing treat in warmer weather. For those who might not favour traditional cake, an 80s-style candy cake or a visually impressive PAC-Man cake are both straightforward to prepare.

Rainbow fruit kababs can add a burst of colour and a healthier option to your dessert spread.

Catering vs. Homemade Options

When deciding between catering and preparing food yourself, consider the size of your event, your budget, and your culinary comfort level. Preparing the food yourself can be more economical and allows for complete menu control, which is beneficial for accommodating various dietary preferences. However, it can be labour-intensive, potentially requiring assistance from friends or family.

If you’re pressed for time or lack confidence in your cooking abilities, a professional caterer might be the better choice. This is especially true for a more upscale dining experience or if serving alcohol, as caterers can provide licensed bartenders to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all.

Entertainment and Activities

Classic 80s Party Games

Introduce a variety of classic 80s games to your party to keep guests entertained. Twister, a game that gained immense popularity during the decade, is a great way to get guests moving and laughing as they attempt to touch different coloured spots on a mat without falling over.

For those who prefer a digital challenge, vintage video games like PacMan and Donkey Kong can recreate the feel of an old-school arcade. Trivia contests with questions about the decade’s pop culture can engage guests’ memories and competitive spirits. Consider using the 1980s edition of Trivial Pursuit or Scene It to delve deep into the era’s trivia.

A Rubix Cube competition can add a fun and challenging element. At the same time, Simon Says can involve guests in a classic game of memory and quick response.

Karaoke with 80s Hits

Karaoke can be a highlight, with guests performing 80s classics. Compile a selection of tracks from iconic artists of the time for guests to choose from. Consider organising contests for lip-syncing, air-guitar, or dance moves to encourage participation and showcase guests’ talents.

Photo Booth with 80s Props

Set up a photo booth where guests can capture memories of their themed attire. Provide props that reflect the era, such as fingerless gloves and neon accessories, for partygoers to enhance their photos. Utilise a tablet and a stand against a vibrant backdrop for a makeshift photo booth, and consider using an app that offers digital effects to give photos a genuine 80s touch.

Screening Favourite 80s Movies

Create a chill-out zone where guests can watch quintessential 80s films. Classics like “16 Candles,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Ghostbusters” can serve as both entertainment and a nostalgic backdrop. This area can be a tranquil spot for guests to unwind and enjoy the iconic stories of the decade.

Ready to Rewind?

As the final track fades out and the neon lights dim, your guests will carry home memories of a night that perfectly recaptured the unbridled fun of the 1980s. You’ve mastered the mixtape of party planning, from bold fashion statements and synth-pop anthems to arcade showdowns and cola-infused cocktails. It’s about creating a vibe that’s as infectious as a top-charting power ballad.

As you kick off those high-top sneakers and pop the last piece of Bubble Tape, remember that the ultimate 80s-themed party is about celebrating a decade of excess, expression, and unforgettable moments—a blast from the past that feels just as vibrant today. Now go on, you party animal. It’s time to start sketching ideas for the next throwback bash. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good sequel?