Party Like It's 1989
The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion, iconic music, and unforgettable pop culture. From neon colours and big hair to synthesizers and MTV, the 80s offers endless inspiration for themed parties. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday for someone born in the 80s or simply love the decade's aesthetic, this guide will help you create an authentic 80s party that's totally rad!
Why 80s Parties Are Popular
The 80s theme remains one of the most popular party choices because of nostalgic appeal for those who lived through it, distinctive visual style that's instantly recognizable, amazing music that still gets people dancing, fun fashion that encourages creativity, and broad appeal across age groups.
80s Party Entertainment
Music Bingo with 80s Hits
Keep guests entertained with music bingo featuring the decade's best songs. Include new wave and synth-pop classics, rock anthems and power ballads, pop hits from Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince, one-hit wonders everyone remembers, and British 80s bands. It's perfect entertainment that gets everyone singing along to their favourite decade.
80s Karaoke
Set up karaoke with 80s classics including power ballads for dramatic performances, upbeat pop for group singing, rock anthems for air guitar moments, and duets from iconic 80s pairs.
80s Fashion and Dress Code
Iconic 80s Looks
Encourage guests to embrace the decade's style with neon colours and bold patterns, leg warmers and headbands, shoulder pads and power suits, acid wash denim, and big hair (the bigger the better!).
80s Icons to Emulate
Suggest costume inspiration including Madonna with lace gloves and crucifix, Michael Jackson's red leather jacket, Prince's purple rain look, Cyndi Lauper's eclectic style, and Top Gun aviators and bomber jackets.
80s Party Decorations
Colour Scheme
Embrace the decade's bold palette with neon pink, green, yellow, and orange, electric blue and purple, black and white geometric patterns, and metallic silver accents.
Essential Decorations
Create authentic atmosphere with cassette tapes and boomboxes, Rubik's cubes, vinyl records and album covers, arcade game imagery, and MTV logo and music video references.
80s Party Food and Drink
80s Food Favourites
Serve nostalgic treats including cheese and pineapple on sticks, vol-au-vents, prawn cocktail, Black Forest gateau, and Arctic Roll for dessert.
80s Cocktails
Mix decade-appropriate drinks including Sex on the Beach, Woo Woo, Slippery Nipple, Long Island Iced Tea, and Piña Colada. Serve in neon-coloured glasses.
80s Music Playlist
Create the perfect soundtrack with new wave and synth-pop (Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, The Human League), pop icons (Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston), rock and metal (Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard), one-hit wonders (Toni Basil, A-ha, Soft Cell), and British 80s (Wham!, Culture Club, Pet Shop Boys).
80s Party Games and Activities
80s Trivia
Test knowledge of the decade with questions about 80s music, movies, and TV shows, fashion and pop culture, world events, and technology and toys.
Name That Tune
Play 80s song intros and have guests identify them quickly. Award points for artist, song title, and year.
80s Charades
Act out 80s movies, TV shows, songs, and celebrities. Keep it fast-paced and fun.
80s Photo Booth
Create Instagram-worthy moments with neon backdrop, 80s props (sunglasses, wigs, boombox), cardboard cutouts of 80s icons, and Polaroid camera for authentic 80s photos.
80s Party Timeline
Structure your evening for maximum nostalgia. 8pm: Guests arrive in costume. 8:30pm: Costume contest and photos. 9pm: Dinner and music bingo. 10pm: Dancing and karaoke. 11pm: 80s music video hour. Midnight: Party continues for night owls.
80s Party on a Budget
Create the vibe without overspending by making DIY decorations, shopping charity shops for 80s clothes, using items you already own, streaming 80s music playlists, and focusing on atmosphere over expensive elements.
80s Party Favours
Send guests home with nostalgic treats including mix tapes (or Spotify playlists), retro sweets, neon sunglasses, scrunchies, and small 80s toys or keychains.
Making It Authentic
The best 80s parties capture the decade's spirit with attention to detail in music, fashion, and decor, enthusiasm from the host, encouraging full participation, and celebrating everything that made the 80s unique. Whether you're reliving your youth or discovering the decade for the first time, an 80s party is guaranteed to be totally awesome!
Ready to party like it's 1989? Grab your neon, tease your hair, and get ready for a night of 80s magic that'll have everyone saying 'radical!' and 'tubular!' all night long!
>> See Our 80's New Wave Music Bingo Game
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