How to Decorate for a Frat Party

When you throw a frat party, first select a theme and then decide if it's black-tie or casual dress. Guests will need to know which type of attire to wear, so include that on invitations.

Instructions

Decorate for a Black-Tie Frat Party

1. Opt for elegance. Avoid any cheesy, gimmicky and bargain decorations. The decor should match the elegance you are requesting from your guests. That means no disco balls, plastic dinnerware or beer mugs.

2. Hire a caterer or host the party at an upscale restaurant. That way, you won't have to worry about table settings and food.

3. Transform your frat house. If you plan to host the black-tie party there, clean up the house and move any unnecessary furniture out of the way. Change wall decorations and even apply a fresh coat of paint.

4. Find a party planner. When you're choosing black tie, guests have higher than normal expectations and you may find that you are in over your head when it comes to planning decorations.

5. Try to rent a venue. Country clubs, upscale restaurants and campus ballrooms may come complete with black-tie decor or a party planner, taking any decoration stress away from you.

6. Consider a destination black-tie frat party. For instance, if your school is located in the suburbs of a large city like Dallas or Boston, head to the city for your party.

7. Rent black-tie party decor. Many party companies will rent tables, chairs and other types of decor for your special event. Unless you host lots of black-tie events, purchasing the decorations may not be worthwhile.

Decorate for a Casual Frat Party

1. Select fun, themed decorations. Party supplies and decorations are available for a variety of themes like Pirates of the Caribbean or Western cowboys and cowgirls themes.

2. Plan a holiday frat party. Host a casual Christmas, Halloween or Fourth of July party. Select fun, inexpensive decorations that you can re-use when you decorate next year.

3. Have fun with it! Get silly decorations like noise makers, games and blown-up photos of your frat brothers dressed as pirates (for a pirate theme).

4. Make the decorations on your own. You can make your own confetti, place cards and silly drinking games for the party.

5. Check around the frat house. You can make use of sports equipment for a playoffs party or pajamas for a sleepover party.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're hosting a black-tie party and you've hired a party planner, be sure to specify that you want the planner at the party. You can relax and enjoy yourself while the party planner oversees the details.