How to Throw an Unforgettable '80s Themed Birthday Bash

An '80s themed birthday is the perfect way to bring a burst of nostalgia and fun to any celebration. But how do you start planning this party? With so many ideas, decorations, and music to choose from, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Don't worry! Here are some tips on how to host an unforgettable '80s themed birthday bash.

1) First things first, you want to make sure that your guests know the theme of the party as soon as they walk in.

When you walk into a party, the first thing you notice is the vibe. For your '80s themed birthday, you want to make sure that people get the urge to dance the moment they enter. Hang up neon posters of your favorite '80s artists to immediately transform your space into an '80s wonderland. Streamers were also a big part of the era, so make sure you hang plenty of them in complementary colors for that extra pop!

2) Now that you’ve got your decorations sorted out, it’s time to pick the right music.

Your playlist should be a mix of classic '80s hits and some forgotten gems from the era. Make sure you hit all the big names, such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, The Cure, Prince, and Duran Duran, for your main playlist. You can even consider adding some B-sides of your favorite artists for a more unique experience. In addition to the music, you can also look into renting a karaoke machine and have some fun singing along to classic ballads.

3) Of course, no '80s themed birthday bash would be complete without the food!

You want to make sure that you recreate the classic '80s junk-food experience - think neon-colored candy, popcorn, and chips. You can also look into creating some recipes from popular movies of the time, such as Back to the Future or The Goonies. For drinks, you want to stick with classic soda flavors that were popular in the era, such as orange, lemon-lime, and grape.

4) Now, it’s time for the activities.

While you can incorporate popular trends from the '80s, such as breakdancing and neon art, you don't want to forget about classic party games. You can look into playing board games such as Guess Who or Trivial Pursuit or have a friendly game of Twister or Duck Hunt. As the night closes in, you can also put on a movie that everyone can watch together. You can either watch Revelation Road, Grease, or The Breakfast Club for a classic night of nostalgia.

5) Seating is paramount if you're hosting a party with more than a few guests.

Make sure that you create an environment where people can mingle and sit down comfortably. People do not want to have to stand for the entirety of your party, so make sure that you have plenty of seating. You can look into renting some classic '80s furniture, such as bean bags or arcade machines. Not only will these add to the atmosphere, but they'll also give your guests a place to relax and reminisce.

6) Safety First.

Although the '80s were a time of free-spiritedness, you still want to make sure that your guests are safe and secure. Make sure that all the decorations are properly secured to prevent any accidents. You'll also want to have an emergency plan in place just in case and make sure that your guests know what to do should an emergency arise.

7) Finally, don’t forget about the favors!

As your guests leave, you want to make sure that they get a little something for attending your party. Everyone loves a little gift, especially if it is something they can use! You can create custom earbuds with your favorite 80's artist or get some keychains that say, "Thanks for attending my '80s themed birthday bash!" You can also send out classic '80s cards or posters as a way to remember your party.

An unforgettable '80s themed birthday bash is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. Start by decorating your space with neon posters and streamers, pick out the perfect music playlist, create some classic '80s junk food recipes, and set up some fun activities for everyone to enjoy, and you are well on your way to the perfect bash. With these tips, you're sure to have a night that your guests will never forget!