Known for its extravagant parties, star-studded guests, and outrageous decor, Studio 54 embodied the glamour and hedonism of the 1970s – so bringing it back in all its glitzy glory is sure to be a blast! If you want to capture that same spirit with a disco-themed party – whether celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting a corporate event, or just looking to relive the magic of disco – this guide will help you throw a disco party that your guests will never forget.
Invitations
For a Studio 54 party, your invitations should exude pizazz – really sell the fabulousness. It calls for metallic finishes, star motifs, bright colours and bold typography. Add classic disco iconography like disco balls, strobe lights, and images of famous Studio 54 icons like Andy Warhol and Bianca Jagger. Digital invitations can also be a great option, especially if you want to include interactive elements like a custom video or animated graphics.
Dress Code
When it comes to looking the part – the disco aesthetic is never boring and choosing an outfit is half the fun. Encourage your guests to go all out with their 70s disco attire from sequins to metallic fabrics, bell bottoms, platform shoes and wide-collar shirts. Here are some specific suggestions:
- For Women: Glittery mini dresses, jumpsuits, halter tops and hot pants. Accessorise with oversized sunglasses, hoop earrings, bangles and feathered boas.
- For Men: Flared pants, satin shirts, leisure suits and vests. Don’t forget the iconic platform shoes, large medallions and gold chains.
- Hair and Makeup: Big, voluminous hair and bold, colourful makeup are a mainstay. Think feathered bangs, afros, and heavy eyeliner with bright eyeshadows. To make the party truly copacetic, you could hire a stylist to provide on-site hair and makeup services for your guests, ensuring everyone looks their disco best.
Decor
Here’s where you transform your venue into a dazzling disco haven. The key elements are lights, colour and even more lights! Here are some decor ideas to bring the Studio 54 vibe to life:
- Disco Balls: No disco party is complete without a disco ball. Hang several from the ceiling to create a sparkling dance floor atmosphere.
- Lighting: Use colourful strobe lights, LED strip lights, and neon signs to create a vibrant and energetic environment. Incorporate moving lights and spotlights to add to the excitement.
- Glitter and Sequins: Cover tables, walls, and even the dance floor with glitter and sequins to create a shimmering effect. Use metallic tablecloths and sequin backdrops for photo booths.
Iconic Studio 54 Elements: Incorporate replicas of famous Studio 54 elements, such as velvet ropes, star-shaped decorations, and celebrity cutouts. You could also take it one step further with a VIP area with luxurious seating and bottle service to emulate the exclusivity of Studio 54.
Music and Performances
Music is the jiving heartbeat of a 70s disco party, and it should get everyone in the mood to boogie down. The best option to cover all your bases is to hire a party band (one of our specialities at All the Feels) or a DJ specialising in disco music to keep the good vibes going. Here are some must-have elements for your music and performances:
Playlist: Curate a playlist of disco classics from artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Chic, and Gloria Gaynor. Include must-have hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Le Freak,” “I Will Survive,” and “Dancing Queen.”
Live Performances: Consider hiring professional dancers or a tribute band to perform live. A performance of iconic disco routines can electrify the crowd and make the event unforgettable.
- What’s more groovy than a DJ, saxophone and percussion combination? The All The Feels Trio or resident DJ can provide any kind of beat to keep the dancefloor full.
- The all-female ElectraBeat are the perfect company for a ladies’ disco night, known for their exceptional vocals, high-energy performances and fabulous outfits.
- Go all out with The Limelight, the epitome of a luxury show band, this ensemble offers high-end glamour, dance routines and show-stopping vocals.
Interactive Elements: Add interactive elements like a dance-off competition or a disco dance class to engage your guests and keep the energy high.
Special Effects: Enhance the experience with special effects like smoke machines, confetti cannons, and laser lights to create a truly immersive environment.
Activities
With a Studio 54 party, you want activities that are sophisticated and add to the disco vibe. They should make people feel included and welcome, but most importantly, free to have fun.
Dance Competitions: Host a disco dance-off where guests can show off their best moves. Offer prizes for categories like Best Disco Outfit, Best Dance Moves, and Best Couple Dance.
Recreate Studio 54: Consider having a doorman, coat-check, guestlist, VIP area and dedicated bar so that guests can really immerse themselves in the vibe.
Performers: In addition to music, maybe hire performers like acrobats, burlesque dancers, or magicians to entertain your guests.
Karaoke: 70s karaoke is always a hit. Set up a karaoke station with a selection of 70s disco tracks to see who can hit those high notes.
Food and Drink
No party is complete without delicious food and drinks. For a Studio 54 party, your menu should reflect the opulence and indulgence of the disco era:
- Cocktails: Serve iconic 70s cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger, Tequila Sunrise, and Pina Colada. Create a signature disco-themed cocktail to add a personal touch.
- Champagne: Offer champagne or sparkling wine to add a touch of luxury. Consider setting up a champagne tower for a dramatic effect.
- Finger Foods: Serve a variety of gourmet finger foods and canapés that are easy to eat while dancing. Think shrimp cocktails, mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, and bruschetta.
The key to throwing a vibing, jiving, groovy Studio 54-themed 70s disco party is embracing the glitz, glamour, and exuberance of the disco era. Ready to bring back the magic of Studio 54? Start planning your party today, and let All The Feels help you create a spectacular event that will be talked about for years to come.