10 of the Best Party Theme Ideas
As an event photographer with a number of years of experience under my belt, I have had the privilege of shooting some awesome parties and events that have left an impression on me. And the thing that always stands out is a great party theme, because choosing the right theme for the occasion is about more than just costumes or looks.
The right theme compliments the event and occasion, elevating the atmosphere to heights that are not otherwise possible. Party themes also give guests a clear-cut guide to be creative with how they dress and behave without worrying if they are going to fit in or not, and there will normally be an endless number of activities and party games that can be built around the chosen theme.
Because of how important party and event themes are for creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved, I have decided to outline 10 of the best party theme ideas based on my own professional experience and creativity. Enjoy!
The 70’s Theme
Perfect for any party and event where the key focus is on having fun such as with birthdays and Christmas parties, the ‘70s theme brings out a playful and not-so-serious side to guests that makes it difficult for anybody to stay sitting down. You can stick to a purely disco theme with the Bee Gees music playing, strobe lights, disco balls, and a roller-skating floor for the really adventurous people, or you can stick to the general ‘70s trends of tie-die shirts, bell-bottom denim jeans, and bright, groovy, retro colors.
The picture above is from one such ‘70s themed party I was booked in to shoot, and it rocked.
Wild West
Wanted posters, wagon wheels, old barn doors and all of the cowboy and Ol’ West paraphernalia you can think of. This theme is perfect for the more casual party or event where guys and gals can put on their best pair of cowboy boots and try their hand at some line dancing or country waltz, and this also presents the perfect opportunity for hiring a mechanical bull to keep with the theme and provide some great fun.
You will probably earn some bonus points for arranging a wild west-themed party for a rural country audience, although this is a theme that anyone can get onboard with and have a great time.
Hollywood Red Carpet
Like the Emmys, the VMAs, or any other red-carpet event where celebrities get to strut their stuff, a red-carpet event is a great idea for any formal party that is giving out awards or celebrating the accomplishments of somebody. This could include a high school ball, the opening of a new business, a graduation, or any awards ceremony where the achievements are worthy of more than just a little praise.
From my perspective as a photographer, the red carpet is the perfect setting to capture everyone arriving in flashy cars and strutting while wearing their best. In that moment, I can share my energy with each and every guest to get them smiling and putting their best foot forward to make sure that everybody who steps on that carpet looks like a million dollars in every shot.
The Great Gatsby Theme
A Great Gatsby-themed party brings the class and liveliness of the roaring twenties back to life, and because of the stunning dress and style associated with this era, it is perfect for some of the more formal parties and events where people need to look good while socializing.
Ladies can break out the feather fans, the pearl necklaces, and all of the glamorous jewelry that accents the swinging movements of the dances from the 1920s. Men can put on their best black and white suits or opt for an all-white look just like Jay Gatsby. You can always check out TV shows like Boardwalk Empire which was set in this time for more great ideas.
Black, white, and gold are the dominant color combinations for this theme, and with this being set during the era of prohibition, décor can include rustic wooden barrels like in this picture. This is also an opportunity to put some of the most famous prohibition era cocktails and drinks on the menu for your guests to enjoy.
The above picture was an awesome birthday photoshoot I was lucky to be a part of where everybody was up and dancing the hits of the 1920s while looking their best.
Neon/Glow in the Dark Party
Perfect for high-energy parties, the neon or glow in the dark look is perfect for loud music, low lighting, lots of bass, and plenty of energy and raving. This theme option is generally more appropriate for a younger crowd, although this completely depends on the audience because we all know that age doesn’t define your willingness to party.
A DJ and dance floor are necessary for this theme, and I thoroughly recommend hiring a set of black lights to give the area and everybody close by an otherworldly look. Encourage guests to wear body-safe glow in the dark paints, glow sticks, bright colors, crazy hair, and essentially anything that would look good in a night club.
Famous People of the Past
The last item on this list is probably one of the most overlooked themes that I can think of, but it gives guests the most amount of freedom to be as creative, passionate, funny, and informative as possible so that they can bring their own flavor to the party without many restrictions.
The only limitation of this theme is that you can’t come as someone who is currently famous, so guests have to dress as someone who has either passed away or fallen from fame. A must have for this theme is, naturally, a stage or performing area where anyone can get up and put on the best impersonations of their character for all to see, with prizes and awards going to the best dressed and the best performers.
You can also shake things up by allocating specific people certain eras that they have to choose their characters from. This can be random, or based on seating arrangements or age etc.
Masquerade
The masquerade theme combines luxury with a level of mysteriousness, and it is perfect in any instance where the guests of your party or event are not all acquainted with each other or are not yet on familiar terms with each other like in some professional environments where people don’t have the chance to meet and talk while doing business. This would work great for a community ball or a work party since the use of face masks allows everybody to come and go as they please and not get caught up on introductions.
Since masquerade normally requires formal attire, you can tell everyone to treat it as a black-tie event with ball gowns and tuxedos. I also recommend using a deep purple and burgundy color palette for the décor with gold or silver accents for that luxurious feeling.
Disney Themes
I originally thought that this will be a great theme for kids, but the more that I pondered it, I realized that it’s a great idea for adults too since we have all grown up with Disney. You can define the theme as anything regarding Disney or pick a specific movie or TV show such as Frozen or The Emperor’s New Groove. I guess this could even include Star Wars now that Disney have purchased that franchise.
You can even go for a Disney princesses and princes theme, or heroes and villains of Disney. Decorate the party area with whites, baby blues, pinks, and the specific colors of the movies and TV shows you are focusing on. You can even have some TVs playing the best clips in the background, and don’t forget the Disney soundtracks!
Arabian Nights
This is an opportunity to incorporate anything Moroccan or Arabian into a party, whether it’s amazing food, flavored sheesha pipes, stylish Middle Eastern dress, deep red and gold drapes and intricately woven carpets with lots of cushions so everyone can sit comfortably on the floor like a real Bedouin tent in the dessert.
This theme is both classy and cozy. Mainly because the dress styles encourage intricate body art, bright vibrant colors, and a truly amazing gastronomic experience for those who choose traditional Moroccan catering while providing a warm and comfortable environment for everyone to either sit together in one area or get up and dance in another.
Black and White Ball
Weddings, graduations, and even political or business events can benefit from the formality of a black and white ball. Champaign combined with suits and ties and ball gowns make a terrific environment for giving speeches and mixing and mingling with the crowd. The confidence boost from being dressed so well normally gives everyone an extra kick in their step, and that’s exactly what I or any other photographer wants because that’s how the best photos are made.
Think of the interesting ways that you can integrate the black and white theme into the decorations as well, from tablecloths and hanging drapes to balloons, chandeliers, and even fake snow that falls down on the crowd at a key moment.
As you can see, by choosing a theme for a party you open up a whole world of possibilities for activities, dress, dancing, and atmosphere that would be missing from a party that has no designated them. It provides structure to your guests so that they can put on their best outfits and not worry about looking out of place, and it can also be a complete break from normality where people can express a different side of themselves. That is why I love themed parties, because from behind the camera, I can see all of this unfolding, and it’s beautiful.