Ideas for Iconic 80s Themed Parties

Are you ready to party like it's 1985? There's something irresistibly fun about stepping back into the neon-soaked, synth-heavy world of the 1980s – and that's exactly why 80s-themed parties have become one of the most popular ways to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. This iconic decade gave us unforgettable music, bold fashion, and a carefree spirit that translates perfectly into the ultimate theme party experience.

From Michael Jackson's moonwalk to LL Cool J's beats, from big hair and leg warmers to neon signs and glow sticks, the 1980s offered a treasure trove of iconic styles and cultural moments that make for absolutely epic celebrations.

In our latest blog, we'll show you how to create the perfect 80s party atmosphere, from essential decorations and fashion tips to music playlists and party activities that will keep your guests entertained from start to finish.

What Makes the 80s Such an Iconic Decade for Theme Parties?

The 1980s were an absolutely iconic decade, which is why 80s-themed parties are always a crowd favourite. From the bold fashion to the unforgettable tunes, there’s just something about the era that brings good vibes. Think big hair, neon colours, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and a whole lot of spandex — more is more when it comes to 80s style.

The music alone is enough to get the party pumping. Legends like Michael Jackson, LL Cool J, and Bryan Adams dominated the charts and laid down tracks that still get a dancefloor going. Whether it’s blasting pop bangers or a classic power ballad sing-along, the 80s soundtrack is full of absolute belters.

People love 80s parties because they’re a chance to let loose and have a laugh. Dressing up is half the fun — one minute you’re putting on fingerless gloves, the next you’re busting out the moonwalk. Add in some throwback decorations, arcade games, or a DIY photo booth with retro props, and you’ve got yourself a proper good time.

80s-themed parties are all about embracing the bright colours, flashy, and slightly outrageous spirit of the decade — and who doesn’t love an excuse for a boogie?

 

Planning Your 80s Birthday Party: Getting Started

When you're ready to start planning your 80s-themed party, choosing the venue is often the most challenging part. You need to decide whether you want to host your family and friends indoors or outdoors.

Indoor spaces are a fun way to recreate the retro nightclub vibe with disco lights and a dance floor, while an outdoor setting can work well for laid-back afternoon celebrations with fairy lights, games, and a barbecue or food truck.

Next, set your budget early on. Factor in key elements like decorations, food and drinks, costumes, entertainment, and party favours. 80s props like neon signage, cassette tapes, and inflatable boomboxes don’t have to cost a fortune — a mix of DIY and affordable party supplies can still give your event plenty of flair without blowing the budget.

For invites, make them pop with 80s flair! Think bold colours, funky fonts, and classic references — maybe a cassette tape design or a “You’re Totally Invited!” message. Digital invites are easy to personalise, or go all-out with printed cards for a nostalgic touch.

80s Party Decorations: Creating the Perfect Retro Atmosphere

Bringing the 80s to life is all about bold colours, iconic visuals, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re hosting your party indoors or outdoors, here are our top party ideas to help you transport guests into their own 80s music video!

Colour Schemes and Visual Elements

The 80s were anything but subtle — think neon pink, electric blue, lime green, and bright yellow. Pair these eye-popping colours with black-and-white checkerboard patterns or geometric shapes to give your space that classic 80s edge. Metallic accents and glow-in-the-dark touches also work brilliantly to add that extra pop, especially under party lighting or UV.

Essential 80s Decorations

To create a fully immersive vibe, go all-in on nostalgic decor. Inflatable boomboxes, cassette tapes, Rubik’s cubes, arcade-style signage, and posters of 80s pop icons like Michael Jackson or Madonna instantly transport your guests back in time.

Don’t forget the disco ball — it’s a must for any 80s dancefloor. Use themed tableware, streamers, and banners in your colour scheme to tie the look together. For photo ops, set up a retro backdrop with props like giant sunglasses, scrunchies, fake moustaches, and mullet wigs for guests to pose with.

DIY Decoration Ideas

Want to add a personal touch without spending too much? DIY is the way to go. Create your cassette tape garlands using cardboard and markers, or upcycle old VHS covers into wall art. Create cardboard cutouts of iconic 80s items, such as arcade machines, floppy disks, or old-school TVs. You can even make your own neon signs using glow sticks and clear tubing for a simple but effective visual feature.

Whether you go all-out or add a few key touches, decorating your 80s party space is all about colour, energy, and nostalgia — the more over-the-top, the better!

80s Fashion and Dress Code: Encouraging Iconic Styles

An 80s party isn’t complete without the era’s loud, flashy, and downright fabulous fashion. Encourage your guests to go all-out with big hair, bold colours, and iconic accessories — the more outrageous, the better!

Start with the hair — the bigger, the better! Teased hair, crimping, side ponytails, and loads of hairspray were all the rage. Add scrunchies, neon headbands, or glittery clips for an extra touch of flair. For blokes, a mullet wig or a bit of hair gel to spike things up can go a long way.

When it comes to clothing, think bright and tight. Neon t-shirts, leg warmers, shoulder pads, high-waisted jeans, mini skirts, and tracksuits in clashing colours are all essential. Channel Madonna with lace gloves and layered skirts, or go full aerobics instructor with leotards and headbands.

Accessories were everything in the 80s — chunky plastic bangles, oversized earrings, fingerless gloves, and bum bags were must-haves. Don’t forget the makeup! Bold blue or purple eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, and bright red or hot pink lipstick were the go-to glam looks.

For those leaning into specific 80s music vibes, hair metal looks, complete with leather jackets, band tees, ripped jeans, and big hair, are spot on. Or try punk rock style with tartan, safety pins, dark eyeliner and studs.

Set up a photo booth stocked with themed props, such as fake microphones, giant sunglasses, inflatable guitars, and wigs in all shades of neon. It’s a great way to capture everyone’s killer outfits and adds to the fun.

Music and Entertainment: Keeping the Party Going All Night Long

The soundtrack is the heart of any 80s-themed party — and with so many iconic tunes from the decade, putting together an epic playlist is half the fun. A great mix of pop, rock, hip-hop, and new wave hits will keep the energy high and the dance floor packed all night long.

Start by loading up your playlist with the decade’s biggest stars. Michael Jackson is a must — Billie Jean, Thriller, and Beat It are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. LL Cool J brings that early hip-hop flavour, while Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69 always gets a singalong. Don’t forget Madonna, Prince, and Cyndi Lauper for those feel-good dance anthems that scream 80s.

Hair metal also had its moment in the spotlight — crank up the volume with tracks from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Poison. For something a bit edgier, throw in some punk-inspired rock from The Clash or Billy Idol. And of course, no 80s party is complete without some new wave magic from bands like A-ha, Duran Duran, and The B-52’s.

If you’ve got the space, consider setting up a karaoke station so guests can belt out their favourite 80s hits — or hire a DJ who knows their retro tunes inside out. You could also add a few arcade-style games or a dance-off competition for extra laughs.

From smooth ballads to synth-heavy bangers, the 80s were made for parties. With the right playlist and a bit of nostalgia, you’ll keep the vibes high and your guests dancing ‘til late.

80s Party Food and Drinks

No 80s party is complete without some throwback snacks and funky drinks to match the theme. The 80s were all about fun, colour, and convenience — and your party menu should reflect that vibe!

Start with popular snacks from the era, such as cheese cubes and cabanossi on toothpicks, devilled eggs, fairy bread, Jatz with French onion dip, and party pies. Add in some retro treats, such as jelly cups, chocolate crackles, or neon-coloured popcorn, for a nostalgic sugar hit. For a modern twist, serve everything in bright, themed containers or arrange on checkerboard-patterned platters to match your party decor.

For drinks, think bright and bold. Colourful cocktails like Blue Lagoons, Tequila Sunrises, and Midori Splices were all the rage. Add some fun garnishes — think umbrellas, cherries, and glow sticks! For a booze-free option, try whipping up mocktails like fruit punch or fizzy spiders with soft drinks and ice cream.

When it comes to the cake, go all out with an 80s-inspired design. Think cassette tapes, arcade machines, Rubik’s cubes, or neon lightning bolts made from fondant. A rainbow-layered sponge cake or one topped with edible glitter and retro patterns will definitely wow your guests.

80s Party Games and Activities: Fun for All Ages

A perfect way to make an 80s-themed party memorable is to roll out the entertainment!

Start with a classic 80s trivia contest. Test your guests’ knowledge of music, movies, fashion, and pop culture from the decade. You can run it in teams or as a quick-fire challenge with small prizes for the winners. Keep the fun going with a movie quote game — get guests to guess the film from iconic 80s lines like “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” or “I feel the need... the need for speed!”

Dance competitions are always a hit — especially when you throw in some 80s moves like the moonwalk, running man, or robot. Crank up the music and let guests battle it out for the title of best dancer. For those who like a challenge, set up a Rubik’s Cube competition and see who can solve it the fastest — or even who can get the furthest before giving up!

A photo booth featuring 80s-themed props, such as giant sunglasses, inflatable guitars, mullet wigs, and boomboxes, gives everyone a chance to snap some hilarious photos. You can also run a scavenger hunt with 80s items hidden around the party space — think old-school mobile phones, VHS tapes, or arcade tokens.

Ready to Celebrate Like It's the 80s?

Planning 80s-themed parties is all about embracing the fun, bold spirit that made this iconic decade so full of happy memories. From the moment your party guests walk through the door and see those bright neon signs to the end of the night when they're still dancing to hair metal hits, an 80s theme party creates an atmosphere of pure celebration and nostalgia.

Ready to create your own radical celebration? Explore Shindigs' extensive range of 80s party supplies, decorations, and accessories to make your party unforgettable. From neon tableware to retro photo booth props, we have everything you need to celebrate like it's the 1980s all over again. At Shindigs, we're here to help you throw the most awesome celebration this side of the decade.