Ah, the 80s. A decade of big hair, neon everything, and music that still gets us dancing like nobody’s watching! Planning an 80s-themed party is your golden ticket to reliving a time when scrunchies were fashionable, and mixtapes were the ultimate love letter. Whether you’re a die-hard child of the 80s or just a fan of its over-the-top awesomeness, this ultimate guide will help you throw a party that’s “like, totally rad, dude!”
Grab your leg warmers, tease your hair to the heavens, and get ready to party like it’s 1985.
1. Set the Mood with 80s Decor
First rule of the 80s? More is more. When it comes to your decorations, think bold, bright, and borderline tacky—if it feels extra, you’re on the right track.
- Neon and Blacklight Wonderland: Light up your space with neon signs, blacklight posters, and glow-in-the-dark accents. Under blacklight, your fluorescents will pop like a Cyndi Lauper music video.
- The Icon Wall: Dedicate a wall to the legends of the 80s. From Madonna and Michael Jackson to Ferris Bueller and Marty McFly, their photos and posters scream instant nostalgia. Add some cassette tapes and Polaroids for an authentic touch.
- Retro Props: Scatter Rubik’s Cubes, VHS tapes, and even old-school boomboxes as table decor. Bonus points if you can dig up an Etch A Sketch or a classic lava lamp to seal the deal.
Pro tip? Throw in a fog machine for that concert-like vibe. Nothing says 80s like boogieing your way through a cloud of dramatic mist.
2. Get That Killer 80s Dress Code
An 80s party without outrageous outfits? Gasp—blasphemy! The fashion in this decade was colorful, unapologetically wild, and ridiculously fun.
- Ladies, Rock Those Glam Looks: Think leg warmers, off-the-shoulder tops, acid-washed jeans, and vibrant makeup (blue eyeshadow, anyone?). Carry a chunky belt bag (not a “fanny pack,” we don’t say that) to top it all off.
- Guys, Channel Your Inner Icon: Slash-style leather jackets, ripped jeans, and fingerless gloves will have you looking like a rockstar. Not into edgy? Go preppy with pastel polos, popped collars, and Sperry loafers.
- All the Accessories: Oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, sweatbands, and way-too-big earrings are non-negotiable. The louder your accessories, the better.
And don’t forget the hair. Crimp it, tease it, or mousse it up into a gravity-defying mullet. After all, bigger is always better.
3. Music That Will Get Everyone on Their Feet
The 80s blessed us with iconic bops—from pop anthems to rock power ballads, the playlist is half the party.
- Ultimate 80s Jams: Your go-to classics should include hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. When “Livin’ on a Prayer” comes on, prepare for a room full of fist pumps.
- Dance-Off Central: Add Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston tracks to turn your party into a dance battle. Got some bold moves you’ve been itching to show off? “Footloose” is your cue!
- Mixtape Magic: For that extra nostalgic touch, curate your playlist in a “mixtape” order. Better yet, stream throwback radio intros or DJ some tunes yourself.
Pro tip? For some background ambiance, play 80s MTV (a.k.a. when they actually showed music videos). Throw it on a TV in the corner and watch as guests mouth the words between snacks and shimmies.
4. Plan Some Totally Tubular Activities
An 80s-themed party isn’t complete without games and activities that’ll transport everyone back to the golden era of fun.
- Arcade Throwback: Got access to vintage arcade games like Pac-Man or Space Invaders? Great! If not, set up Wii or PlayStation games with retro-inspired themes.
- Karaoke Showdown: Who doesn’t want to belt out Toto’s Africa after a few cocktails? A karaoke machine paired with an 80s-only songbook is a guaranteed hit.
- Dancefloor Flashbacks: Organize a “Best 80s Dance Contest.” The moonwalk, the robot, and yes, even the sprinkler—anything goes. Winner gets a trophy shaped like a cassette tape.
- Movie Snippets Trivia: Use classic 80s movies like The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, or Back to the Future to stump your guests on famous quotes. Can they shout “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” faster than your grandma? Test them!
If you really want to go hardcore, how about a group re-enactment of favorite scenes? The more dramatic, the better.
5. Serve Up Flashback Food & Drinks
The 80s weren’t just colorful in fashion and music—they brought bold vibes to the table, too. A combination of nostalgic snacks and modern twists will keep everyone munching (and sneaking seconds).
- Retro Snacks: Think pizza bagel bites, sliders, and pigs in a blanket. Cheese balls and colorful Jell-O molds are also a nod to the era.
- DIY Candy Bar: Fill jars with quintessential 80s candy—Pop Rocks, Ring Pops, Nerds, and neon-colored gummy anything. Your guests will love snacking like it’s recess all over again.
- Epic Cocktails: Craft colorful drinks like Blue Lagoons and Tequila Sunrises. Add whimsical straws and umbrellas for flair. Virgins can sip Shirley Temples or Capri Suns—because some things never go out of style.
Want to level up? Name your food and drinks with cheeky 80s references, like “Ferris Bueller’s Burger Bites” or “Electric Slide Spritzers.”
6. Send Your Guests Home Smiling
Don’t end the night without giving your guests something to remember it by—other than sore dance muscles and glorious Instagram tags.
- Polaroid Tombstone: Set up a Polaroid station where guests can snap instant photos with their killer outfits. Give them frames or mini albums so they can take home the memories.
- Themed Party Favors: Glow sticks, 80s sunglasses, and cassette tape keychains are easy and fun takeaways. Or go nostalgic with slap bracelets and stickers.
- Memory Mixtape: Burn a CD (yes, burn—go FULL retro) with the night’s playlist. Mark it with Sharpie like the mixtapes of yore, and hand them out as they leave.
By the end of the party, your guests will be raving about the experience and wishing the 80s never ended.
7. End with a Bang
The 80s weren’t about subtlety, and neither should your party be. Wrap up the festivities with a group singalong to “We Are the Champions” by Queen or a final dance-off to “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics. If anything says, “This was the best night ever,” it’s an entire room screaming the lyrics to an epic anthem.
And don’t forget to snap one last group photo—posed and cheesy, of course.
Gnarly, Dude—The Perfect 80s Party Awaits!
Planning an awesome 80s-themed party just boils down to reliving the best parts of this energizing, technicolor decade. With the right music, bold style, and a splash of neon magic, you’ll have your guests longing to rewind time. Because if there’s one thing the 80s taught us, it’s this—life’s better with a little flair, a lot of fun, and a never-ending soundtrack.
Now crank up the tunes, flip on the disco ball, and get ready to dance all night. Your 80s bash is going to be totally righteous!
For a more laid-back vibe, consider hosting a memorable sleepover or slumber party. Creative Ideas for Hosting a Memorable Sleepover or Slumber Party