The 80s were a time of big hair, bold colours, and even bigger beats. What better way to relive this iconic decade than by throwing a totally rad 80s-themed party? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a corporate bash, or just gathering your friends for some nostalgic fun, an 80s party promises unforgettable energy and excitement. At All The Feels, we specialise in creating showstopping events, and our DJs and bands know just how to bring the magic of the 80s to life.
Why Choose an 80s Party Theme?
An 80s-themed party is a celebration of music, fashion, and culture that’s sure to hit the right note with guests of all ages. For those who lived through the decade, it’s a chance to relive the good times. For younger guests, it’s an opportunity to embrace the vibrant and eccentric spirit of an unforgettable era.
The music alone makes the 80s a standout theme. With hits ranging from synth-pop anthems to disco classics, there’s something for everyone. And it’s not just about nostalgia – the 80s have inspired countless modern trends, making this theme both retro and relevant.
At All The Feels, our DJs and bands specialise in capturing the essence of any decade, especially the 80s. From electrifying live renditions of your favourite tracks to expertly curated playlists, we’ll keep your party buzzing with the decade’s unmatched energy.
Setting the Scene: 80s Decorations and Venue Ideas
Creating the perfect 80s atmosphere starts with bold and vibrant decor. Think neon colours, geometric patterns, and retro accessories. Here’s how you can bring the decade to life:
Neon Colours and Retro Patterns
Use bright pinks, yellows, and greens as your primary colours, complemented by funky geometric patterns on tablecloths, napkins, and banners. These bold hues scream 80s and instantly brighten up any venue.
Cassette Tapes and Glow Sticks
Scatter cassette tapes as table centrepieces or string them together to create a fun garland. Glow sticks can double as both decor and party favours, keeping the dance floor glowing.
Posters of 80s Icons
Feature stars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince in large posters or as part of a photo wall. This will spark nostalgia and serve as a great photo backdrop for guests.
Venue Ideas
Transform a disco hall into an 80s nightclub, complete with a light-up dance floor. For a more casual vibe, a retro diner setup with booths and checkered floors works beautifully. If hosting at home, add a fog machine and LED lights to recreate the ultimate 80s party ambience.
Dress the Part: 80s Outfit Ideas
Encourage your guests to embrace the era’s bold fashion with a themed dress code. The 80s were all about making a statement, so think bright colours, exaggerated silhouettes, and fun accessories. Here’s how to guide your guests:
For Women
Go for neon leggings or shiny spandex paired with off-the-shoulder tops. Add leg warmers, big belts, and scrunched socks. Crimped hair or teased ponytails will complete the look. Don’t forget bold makeup with colourful eyeshadow and bright lipstick.
For Men
Leather jackets paired with acid-wash jeans are classic. Add a graphic band T-shirt featuring 80s rock legends like Guns N’ Roses. Accessories like fingerless gloves and aviator sunglasses will tie the outfit together.
Accessories
Oversized hoop earrings, chunky plastic bangles, and neon sweatbands are must-haves. Guests looking to stand out can opt for wigs styled in mullets or gravity-defying 80s hairdos.
For extra fun, suggest dressing as iconic 80s characters like Marty McFly from Back to the Future or Madonna in her Like a Virgin era.
80s Music: The Heart of the Party
Music is the heartbeat of an 80s-themed party, and it’s essential to get it right. This was the decade that gave us iconic artists like Whitney Houston, Duran Duran, and Queen. A great playlist will have your guests singing along and hitting the dance floor.
At All The Feels, our DJs and live party bands specialise in creating the perfect 80s vibe, drawing from years of experience in curating unforgettable musical experiences. Here’s what we can do to make your party stand out:
Customised 80s Playlists
We carefully craft playlists tailored to your preferences, blending chart-topping synth-pop hits like Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” with timeless power ballads like Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Our DJs take the time to understand your crowd, ensuring every track resonates with the energy of the night.
Live DJ-Mixed Sets
With seamless mixing, our DJs can create a continuous flow of music that keeps your dance floor packed. From iconic beats to deep cuts, every mix is designed to keep the excitement levels high.
Immersive Dance Floor Experiences
Beyond just playing music, our DJs set the tone with dynamic lighting, fog machines, and interactive moments that bring the 80s energy to life. Your guests won’t just hear the music – they’ll feel it.
Guest Interaction
We’re experts at reading the room and engaging with your guests, taking song requests and ensuring everyone feels part of the experience. Whether it’s a slow dance moment or a group singalong, we’ve got it covered.
Add a Live Element
Want something extra special? Hire one of our live bands to perform crowd favourites like “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics or “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Combine our DJ expertise with live performers like saxophonists, vocalists, or electric violinists to give your 80s soundtrack an extra layer of flair and authenticity.
Food and Drinks with a Retro Twist
Keep the theme going with 80s-inspired snacks and drinks. Here are some ideas to transport your guests back in time:
Snacks
Serve cheese puffs and mini pizzas on retro-style platters to capture the casual fun of the 80s. Arrange these with vibrant serving trays shaped like records or cassette tapes for added flair. Include bowls of buttery popcorn, salted pretzels, or even retro-inspired finger foods like pigs in a blanket to give guests nostalgic snacking options.
Drinks
Create a signature cocktail menu with iconic 80s drinks like Blue Lagoon, which combines vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade for a tropical vibe. Add Piña Colada, the creamy mix of rum, coconut, and pineapple that screams retro indulgence. For non-alcoholic options, serve drinks in brightly coloured cups with neon straws, and don’t forget classics like Cherry Coke and root beer floats topped with whipped cream and cherries.
Desserts
Offer Jell-O cups in vibrant colours layered to mimic a rainbow or styled in neon hues that glow under blacklight. Decorate cupcakes with neon frosting, edible cassette tape toppers, or sprinkle them with edible glitter to reflect the 80s’ love for all things bold. For a standout dessert, create a cake shaped like a Rubik’s cube with fondant-covered layers or serve mini doughnuts arranged to resemble a vinyl record for a playful twist. A retro candy bar featuring Pop Rocks, Nerds, and Fun Dip is another great way to bring the 80s flavour to life.
Activities and Entertainment
No 80s party is complete without some decade-themed activities. Keep your guests entertained with:
Retro Arcade Machines
Rent machines featuring classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. Guests of all ages will enjoy the nostalgic gaming experience.
Karaoke
Set up a station with 80s anthems like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor or “Take on Me” by A-ha. Provide fun props like inflatable microphones and wigs to enhance the experience.
Trivia Games
Organise a trivia session with questions about 80s pop culture, including music, movies, and iconic moments. Offer prizes like 80s-inspired accessories or gift cards.
Dance-Offs
Host a dance contest featuring moves like the moonwalk or the robot. Create a playlist of high-energy hits like “Footloose” to get everyone involved.
Why Choose All The Feels for Your 80s Party?
When it comes to throwing an 80s-themed bash, All The Feels are the experts in creating unforgettable experiences. Our professional DJs and bands are passionate about bringing your vision to life, with a commitment to energy, passion, and precision that’s second to none.
Here’s why we’re your go-to choice:
- Expertise in 80s Music: Our team has an in-depth knowledge of the decade’s hits and knows how to keep the energy high all night.
- Customised Entertainment: Whether you want a fully themed setlist or a mix of 80s classics and modern hits, we’ve got you covered.
- Unforgettable Atmosphere: From seamless transitions to high-energy performances, we ensure every moment of your party is a showstopper.
Don’t just take our word for it – our clients rave about the atmosphere we create. Whether it’s our seamless playlist transitions, jaw-dropping live performances, or bespoke event planning, we go above and beyond to ensure your party is a hit.
Ready to throw the ultimate 80s party? Get in touch with All The Feels today and let us help you create a night your guests will never forget!