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Ultimate List of 80s Party Ideas and Themes

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If you find yourself yearning for a time when neon lights, shoulder pads, and synth-pop ruled the airwaves, then look no further than the glorious 80s. The era of big hair, iconic fashion, and unforgettable music – an 80s party theme for your next get-together. At Encore Musicians, we understand the importance of throwing a party that people will remember, so we’ve put together a guide of the best 80s party ideas and themes. Get ready to step back in time and dance the night away to the tunes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince.

80s party ideas

1980s casette

  1. Invitations: Set the Tone
  • Start by setting the mood with retro-inspired invitations. Think bold neon colours, geometric shapes, and, of course, a sprinkle of glitter.
  • You can create digital invitations with vibrant 80s graphics or opt for physical invites that mimic cassette tapes or old-school arcade game tokens.
  • Don’t forget to mention that your party is an 80s extravaganza, so guests know to come dressed in their best 80s attire!

  1. Venue Décor: 80s decoration ideas
  • Transform your venue into a neon paradise reminiscent of the iconic 80s arcades and dance clubs with neon signs, glow sticks, and plenty of fluorescent hues.
  • Other 80s party decorations ideas include cassette tapes, Rubik’s cubes, and posters featuring legendary 80s bands and movies.
  • To add a touch of nostalgia, set up a corner with vintage video game consoles like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong for some retro gaming fun.

1980s rollerskates

  1. Dress Code: Glam and Glitter
  • Encourage your guests to channel their inner Madonna, Michael Jackson, or Cyndi Lauper with an authentic 80s inspired dress code.
  • Think leg warmers, off-the-shoulder tops, high waisted, acid-washed jeans, animal print and Members Only jackets. 
  • Don’t forget the accessories – think chunky jewellery, fingerless gloves, and, of course, teased hair. A prize for the best-dressed guest will surely motivate everyone to go all out with their outfits!

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  1. Food and Drinks: Tasty Nostalgia
  • Keep the nostalgia flowing with an array of 80s-inspired snacks and beverages. Serve classics like mini sliders, pigs in blankets, and cheese fondue.
  • For drinks, create colourful cocktails like Sex on the Beach and Blue Lagoon. You can even set up a DIY cocktail station where guests can mix their own drinks, adding a playful twist to the evening.

6. Activities: Retro Fun

  • Host a dance-off where guests can showcase their best moonwalk or breakdancing moves.
  • Set up a karaoke corner featuring iconic 80s hits, allowing your guests to unleash their inner rockstars.
  • A lip-sync battle to the tunes of Bon Jovi or Queen is guaranteed to bring the house down.

dance off

7. Party Favours: Rad Takeaways

  • Send your guests home with 80s party favours to remember the night. Think mini cassette tape keychains, neon sunglasses, or custom-made mixtapes featuring the best tracks played during the party.
  • These tokens of appreciation will ensure that your guests reminisce about your fantastic 80s bash long after it’s over.

madonna

7. Music: Dance Floor Anthems

  • No 80s theme party would be complete without the iconic dance floor anthems that decade produced.
  • From Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to Prince’s “Purple Rain,” ensure that the playlist is packed with chart-toppers that will keep your guests grooving all night long.
  • And don’t forget the classic power ballads – nothing says 80s like belting out “Total Eclipse of the Heart” together. 

  1. Live Music: Elevate Your 80s Experience with “Ultimate 80s Party Band” from Encore Musicians
  • Transform your 80s party into an unforgettable experience with Encore Musicians’ “Ultimate 80s Party Band.” This band flawlessly recreates 80s hits like “Karma Chameleon,” “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” and “Never Gonna Give You Up”.
  • With meticulous attention to detail, they not only capture the music but also the essence of the era, making your party an unforgettable journey into the heart of the 1980s. 

Conclusion 

At Encore Musicians, we believe that every party should be an unforgettable experience. By embracing the vibrant spirit of the 1980s, you can create a celebration that transports your guests to a time of endless fun and infectious energy. So, dust off your leg warmers, get your party supplies, tease that hair, and let’s make your 80s party an event to remember. 

Ready to book? Look over our expert-vetted and varied collection of musicians or enquire now for the Ultimate 80s Party Band.

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Ava-May Rooney

Ava-May is our specialist in SEO Content and Public Relations. Ava-May is a passionate music lover who appreciates various music styles, from neo-soul to Cambodian rap. She's worked at music festivals such as All Points East, British Summer Time, and Wide Awake and regularly attends gigs in her free time.

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