Tips for Throwing an 80's Themed Party

Theme parties are some of the most fun types of parties and can be a great way to get everyone in a festive mood. One really great theme idea for a party is to throw an 80's themed party. Here are some ideas on how to put together the perfect 80's themed bash to impress your friends and remind you of decades past.

How you and your guests dress is one of the most important parts of setting the mood for your awesome 80's party, so drag out your fingerless gloves, lingerie, legwarmers, old Hypercolor t-shirts, ripped jeans or anything else that reminds you of the 80's. Wearing tons of long beaded necklaces was very trendy. Floofy, flounced skirts were very in, and you just weren't cool unless you wore ankle socks with pumps. For guys rock t-shirts and ripped jeans are a good way to go. If in doubt, throw on anything in neon colors and you'll be good to go. Can't find a thing to wear? Take an old white t-shirt and with a black marker draw write the words "Frankie Says Relax" - or order one of these shirts online. Hey, even if they don't do much for your figure, everyone was wearing them in the 80's.

Next up is hair. No 80's outfit would be complete without ratting your hair up as high as you can get it - especially your bangs if you are female. Use a rat tail comb and lots of aerosol hairspray to achieve proper 80's hair height.

For party invitations you can either make your own using bright neon colored paper or writing popular phrases from the 80's, or you can buy invitations in 80's themes. Look for invitations featuring popular 80's television shows, movies, or even teenage heartthrobs to invite your guests to your party with style. Be sure to note on the invitation that everyone should dress 80's so no one shows up in normal clothes and feels left out.

Finally, either drag out some of your old cassette tapes and crank up some 80's music, or go more modern and use your satellite radio to dial in to the 80's channel. You could also head down to your local music store and pick up some "best of the 80's" type CD's to play at your party. Anything goes from pop to hair metal...just be sure it is upbeat and fun since that's what the 80's were all about.

If possible drag out a giant boombox to play the music on at your party - the bigger the better. As far as decorations go, try doing some 80's themes from your favorite 80's television shows, or just use lots of garish neon colors. Put a movie like 16 Candles or The Breakfast Club or even old episodes of a show like Miami Vice on the TV with the sound off so you just have the picture to add to the mood.

Most importantly, have fun! The overwhelming feeling of the 80's was fun, so your party should be too.