Hosting a 1980s-themed party is the perfect way to celebrate one of the most vibrant and energetic eras in history. For those of you with first-hand experience of the decade, it’s all about nostalgia. But even if you’re not from the legwarmers and cassette tape generation, the sheer fun of the 80s is completely universal. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a themed gathering with friends, or a retro corporate event, the key to a successful 80s party is embracing the decade’s bold style and lively spirit.
As ever, we’re ready with a helpful guide containing everything you need to know about hosting an unforgettable party, from choosing the perfect playlist to creating eye-catching décor and tips on retro dress codes. So, get ready to time-travel back to the decade of big hair, neon colours and iconic pop culture!
Send Retro-themed Invitations and Set the Dress Code
The fun of an 80s party begins long before the first guest arrives, so start as you mean to go on – big, bold and totally neon!
Party invitations offer the perfect opportunity to introduce the theme and build excitement for your event. Whether you prefer printed or digital designs, you’ll want to embrace bold colours, geometric patterns and the neon graphics that defined the decade.
Next, ensure your party goes with a swing by encouraging guests to dress in their favourite eighties-inspired outfits. The more colourful and creative, the better! Popular choices include neon tracksuits, leg warmers, shoulder pads (think Dallas and Dynasty), acid-wash jeans, leather jackets, fingerless gloves and oversized accessories. Oh, and don’t forget big hair, bright makeup and classic trainers to complete the look!
To encourage participation, consider offering a prize for the best-dressed guest, or even hosting a catwalk parade during the party.
By setting expectations early, you’ll ensure guests arrive ready to embrace the vibrant style and energy of the 80s.
1980s Party décor
One of the easiest ways to bring the 1980s to life is through bold, eye-catching decorations.
Start with a bright colour scheme featuring neon pink, electric blue, lime green and bright yellow. Use balloons, streamers, tablecloths and banners in these colours to create an energetic atmosphere. Geometric shapes such as triangles, zigzags and chequerboard patterns were also popular 80s design trends which can be incorporated in your décor.
Add a touch of nostalgia by decorating walls with posters of iconic films, musicians and TV shows of the era. On that note, cassette tapes, vinyl records, Rubik’s Cubes and other vintage-inspired props make great conversation starters and help to reinforce the theme.
Lighting also plays a major role by helping to create mood and atmosphere. Neon signs, LED lighting, disco balls and coloured spotlights can instantly transform an ordinary room into a retro party space.
Create the Perfect 80s Playlist
No 80s party would be complete without a soundtrack packed with the decade’s biggest hits. Music was at the heart of 80s culture, and the right playlist can instantly transport guests back in time. Aim for a mix of pop, rock, new wave and dance classics that will appeal to a wide audience.
Suggested artists/songs:
- Michael Jackson – ‘Thriller’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Beat it’
- Whitney Houston – ‘Saving All My Love for You”
- Prince – ‘Purple Rain’
- Bon Jovi – ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’
- Cyndi Lauper – ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’
- A-ha – ‘Take on Me’
- The Police – ‘Every Breath You Take’
- Wham! – ‘Wake me Up Before You Go Go’
- Bonne Tyler – ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’
- Madonna – ‘Like a Virgin’, ‘Material Girl’
Keep energy levels high by starting with upbeat tracks as guests arrive, gradually building towards a lively dance-floor atmosphere. Why not organise a sing-along session or encourage guests to demonstrate their best 80s dance moves? And better still, why not hire a DJ to take care of all the music for you!
Food and Drink
When planning your menu, there are plenty of simple, but authentic, 80s foods to choose from:
Visual centrepieces:
Cheese and pineapple hedgehog: Place small cubes of cheddar and chunks of tinned pineapple onto cocktail sticks (together) and spear into a foil-wrapped melon or grapefruit half.
Classic prawn cocktail ring: Cold prawns arranged neatly around a central bowl of Marie Rose sauce, served with iceberg lettuce.
Hot finger foods:
- Sausage rolls
- Cocktail sausages glazed with honey and mustard
- Vol-au-vents – fill with chicken, mushrooms or prawns in bechamel sauce, or egg mayonnaise
- Mini Quiche Lorraine
Cold foods:
- Coronation chicken pasta salad
- Scotch eggs
- Pork pies
- Branston Pickle
- KP Skips
- Dips
- Pickled onions
- Tinned salmon sandwiches
- Ham sandwiches
- Ritz Crackers
Sweet items:
- Trifle – finished with Dream Topping, decorated with sprinkles or glace cherries
- No-bake cheesecake – topped with tinned mandarins or tinned black cherries
- Iced Party Rings
- Chocolate cornflake cakes
- Fairy cakes – covered in water icing with a cherry on top
Drinks:
Serve colourful cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks in sugar-rimmed glasses decorated with fun garnishes such as cherries, citrus peel, edible flowers or cocktail umbrellas and finish with neon-coloured reusable straws.
Popular 80s cocktails:
- Sex on the Beach – vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and orange juice
- Blue Lagoon – vodka, blue curacao and lemonade (lemon and lime soda)
- Pina Colada – light rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice and ice (Del Boy’s favourite!)
- Purple Passion – Vodka (or grain alcohol), Concord grape juice, lemonade or lemon juice and ice.
80s soft drinks:
- Diet / Cherry Coca-Cola
- Tango
- Dandelion and Burdock
- Lilt – with the “totally tropical taste” – now non-alliteratively sold as Fanta pineapple and grapefruit, which just doesn’t have the same ring to it!
- SodaStream drinks – could be replicated with today’s more modern version. If you have one, we suggest writing the original 80s advertising slogan on a card next to it: “Get busy with the fizzy!”
Why not hire a caterer to take care of it all for you? You can provide them with a list of requirements or let them know the theme, and they will take care of the rest.
Party Games and Entertainment
- An 80s music quiz – challenge guests to identify songs, artists or famous movie quotes
- Dance competition – play classic tracks to get everyone involved
- Retro video games or arcade-style activities
- Best dressed competition – award a prize for the most authentic 1980s look
- Karaoke – with 80s songs, obviously!
Hire a Professional Entertainer
Professional entertainment can take your 80s-themed party from enjoyable to truly unforgettable. From private celebrations to corporate events or community gatherings, an experienced professional can elevate the whole experience by creating an authentic retro atmosphere. Options could include:
- 80s tribute band
- 80s-themed DJ
- Saxophonist playing 80s classics
- Professional quiz host
- Magician
These work particularly well for corporate events and larger private parties, and did you know you can hire a professional entertainer right here on the PartyWizz website?
Photo Opportunity
Having put so much effort into recreating the sights and sounds of the 1980s, it would be a shame not to preserve the memories for posterity. A themed photo booth is a fantastic addition, giving guests tan opportunity to strike a pose in their best retro attire. Stock yours with themed props such as oversized sunglasses, colourful wigs, inflatable guitars and other nostalgic items. Not only will this keep them entertained throughout the evening, but it will also provide lasting mementos of a truly memorable occasion.
The key to hosting a successful 1980s party is to fully embrace the decade’s vibrant style, iconic music and sense of fun. From invitations and decorations to entertainment and photo opportunities, every small detail helps to create an immersive experience for your guests. Most importantly though, don’t get too caught up in perfection – some of the best memories come from spontaneous moments on the dance floor, enthusiastic karaoke performances and guests hamming it up in their retro outfits. With a little planning, and a hefty dose of nostalgia, your 1980s party is guaranteed to be a celebration guests are talking about long after the last song has played!
PartyWizz helps you book the best entertainers and party services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and face painters to DJs and photographers, you’ll find those in your area on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, kids or other private party, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers in just a few clicks!
