How to Have an '80s Party

Apply plenty of gel to your hair.

Between the hairstyles and the catchphrases, there was perhaps no decade funnier than the 1980s. An '80s party will encourage all your guests to let loose and reminisce about the good old days. Even those who weren't alive in the '80s can enjoy a retro party. This theme can be used to celebrate the birthday of someone born in the '80s, or just for fun. If you weren't lucky enough to experience the decade firsthand, rent a John Hughes movie and play some music by Wham! to get inspired.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Decorations
• Music
• Wine coolers
• Candy
• Costumes
• Hair gel

Instructions

1. Find a space for your party. If you're throwing it at home, use a refinished basement or rec room, since these are less likely to be decorated in modern style. If you're holding the party outside your home, choose a club that's decorated in retro style.

2. Send invitations. Nothing ruins an '80s party faster than a crowd of guests showing up in modern fashions. If you send invitations out a few weeks in advance, everyone should have plenty of time to find an appropriate outfit.

3. Decorate the space using props left over from your youth or shop for items at a thrift store. Anything neon suits the '80s theme. Posters showing movie stars or bands from this decade also helps set the scene. You might use old magazine pictures showing people wearing '80s fashions. Guests will get a kick out of seeing how ridiculous people looked.

4. Set up some entertainment. Run classic '80s movies on TV screens throughout the party or set up a karaoke machine stocked with only '80s music. If you prefer to just play music, fill an MP3 player with songs from the decade and attach it to speakers.

5. Stock the bar with wine coolers, provided guests are over 21 years old. Include soda and other drinks as well. Fill bowls with candy that was popular in the '80s. Buy a cake decorated with an '80s saying, such as "Have a Totally Tubular Birthday!" or "Cowabunga, Dudes!"

6. Choose your costume. As the host, you should fully embrace the theme and go over the top. Men can emulate the stars of "Miami Vice" by wearing pastel suit coats with the sleeves pushed up, while women can dress like Madonna or wear any combination of neon clothes. Use '80s fashion icons as inspiration for your hairstyle. Any true '80s big hairstyle should include plenty of hairspray and gel.

References

• Party Planning Ideas: '80s Party Ideas
• Evite: '80s Party Ideas