Funny Themes for Parties for Costume Parties

Scroll To See More Images

There's no question that a good theme can take a party from average to wildly creative, fun and jaw-dropping (if you're willing to get crafty with decorations, of course). One of the hardest parts about planning a party, though, is coming up with the perfect theme in the first place—which is why we turned to the experts. StyleCaster asked party planners to give us their best theme party ideas, so all you have to focus on is actually throwing the perfect bash. If you're feeling a lack of inspiration for an upcoming soiree, we've got your back. Sometimes we all need a little push toward our greatest potential—and that remains true even in party planning. Streamers and a white cake just won't cut it, friends. Now is the time for you to truly pull out all the stops. Your guests won't know what hit them.

From tips on how to turn classic theme parties—like James Bond or Bohemian Nights—into truly memorable displays to some seriously creative theme ideas—like a 'Come as your favorite SNL character' theme—you're sure to find the most epic theme for your next party. Below are 65 different theme party ideas guaranteed to make any bash the talk of the town. Some of these party themes are a bit abstract, so let your creativity shine with them. There's no wrong way to interpret a unique party theme—as long as you have some fun with it. So log into your Pinterest, get out your favorite notebook and start preparing to throw the most incredible party you've ever thrown.

Courtesy of The Chickabug Blog.

1. Pop Art

Party Planner: Carrie Baker of Carrie Baker Events.

"I did a Pop Art themed baby shower and we used tons of Campbell's soup cans for flowers," says Baker.

Courtesy of Jessica Bordner Photography/The Bash.

2. Flamingo Luau

Party Planner: The Bash.

The Bash recommends using a fire dancer to make your flamingo luau extra special.

Courtesy of Party in a Box.

3. 1980s

Party Planner: Lynne Goldberg.

To make the theme extra fun, Goldberg suggests: "Send an invitation that includes a pair of shoulder pads with the invitation and tell them they must wear them to the party."

Courtesy of Chambre 237.

4. Burning Man Meets Coachella

Party Planner: Brian Worley of B. Worley Productions.

"It has a very carefree, relaxed decor vibe, and with these two events getting so much coverage these days through social media and just how creative they are in terms of visuals, it can really be a fun event," says Worley.

Courtesy of AirBnB.

5. Barbie's Dream House

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

Bring on the pink! This theme is all about emulating Barbie's signature hue and retro vibe. Pink pillows, pink blankets and cute pink sunglasses complete the decor.

Adobe.

6. Superheroes

Party Planner: Lucy Harris of Hello Baby Bump.

Harris suggests: "Use theme songs of villains and heroes as music. Food could be cookies in the shapes of insignias, the colors that are common with superheroes, etc."

Courtesy of Lauren Elle Photography.

7. Couture Balloons

Party Planner: Richard O'Malley of The How Behind the WOW!

"We have all see the clown make a balloon animal and helium-filled orbs drop from the ceiling,  but here I am talking about balloons as couture fashion. Make your arrival in one of these and Instagram just might crash," says O'Malley

Courtesy of Luxe Recess.

8. Bubbles in Boca (Boca Retirement Theme)

Party Planner: Molly Sinsheimer.

Have everyone dress up as individuals who retired in Boca. According to one of the attendees of this party, "People dyed their hair silver, bought fake dentures, wore bright colors, glasses on chains, etc. The decor had homemade palm trees, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, pool floats…with a creative spin on AARP advertisements posted on the walls…" Sinsheimer even filled empty pill bottles with tequila shots and told everyone to "take their meds."

Courtesy of HBO.

9. Game of Thrones

Party Planner: Piera Pizzo, Evite Party Specialist.

"Channel your inner Hot Pie and whip up some meat pies for your guests," suggests Pizo.

Adobe.

10. Car Theme

Party Planner: Carrie Baker of Carrie Baker Events.

"I once did a 'car' themed event. Only it wasn't for kids! It was a gentleman's 40th birthday. We held the event at a car museum and had access to a secret vault of vintage collection cars for the cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner in the museum's Porsche exhibit. It was such a great conversation starter for guests. We kept with the theme from beginning to end – from the invites to the limited edition hot wheel cars that I did for place cards!"

Courtesy of Allie Peachfully Chic.

11. Masks & Mimosas

Party Planner: Lori Hulshof of SPL.

"The underlying theme is 'Pamper Yourself'," says Hulshof. "And the ladies who attend are always in a good mood and ready to laugh. The best part about a pampering theme is that you don't need to reserve a formal location; someone's home will work just fine."

Adobe.

12. Tropical Party

Party Planner: The Bash.

The Bash suggests using hula dancers to add a wow-factor to your tropical theme party.

Courtesy of MGM.

13. James Bond

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

"We had a client who celebrated his 60^th Birthday as James Bond. His entrance to his blow-out birthday bash included sliding down a 40ft steel fireman's pole, landed sitting down and was served a perfectly made dirty martini by a masked waiter," says Correale.

Adobe.

14. Silver Soiree

Glitter is the name of the game for this party theme. Have your friends come in their favorite silver ensembles, gift everyone silver necklaces and hats to wear and hang silver streamers around your space.

Party Planner: Lynne Goldberg.

Courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas.

15. Glow in the Dark

Party Planner: Brian Worley of B. Worley Productions.

It's gonna be glowsticks galore at your next Glow In The Dark-themed party! Or, buy a blacklight and have your friends wear all-white so they'll glow from head to toe.

Courtesy of TheBakerMama.

16. Basic B*tch

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

Meluso suggests: "Incorporate all the basic things from Instagram that everyone secretly loves—i.e. brunching (Supply everyone favorite brunch bites and bottomless mimosas, pizza, froyo, photo booth, a designated hashtag for the event…"

Adobe.

17. Seven Deadly Sins

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

A theme that involves costumes is always a good time. Which deadly sin will you go as? Jealousy, Lust, Wrath or something else entirely?

Adobe.

18. Beach Party

Party Planner: The Bash.

The Bash suggests adding a seafood-theme food truck (like The Shucking Truck) to your beach party.

UNSPLASH.

19. Resort Staycation

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

Pull out the beach towels, set up a cocktail bar and put on some soothing ocean noises in the background—you'll be transported to paradise in no time.

UNSPLASH.

20. Paint the Town Red Party

Party Planner: Lynne Goldberg.

Yes, it's another color-themed party! Have your group dress up in shades of red from head to toe.

Adobe.

21. Music Video Party

Party Planner: Richard O'Malley of The How Behind the WOW!

"There is a NYC company called 'Overnight Celebrity' that not only shoots a music video for you all over the 'city that never sleeps' but they bring YOU in the recording studio to make you a rapper or rocker of you dreams. Ok, this one uses some tech to make sure you stay on key," says O'Malley.

Courtesy of Celebrations at Home.

22. Bubbles & Bowties

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

"Everyone gets a personalized [champagne] bottle and a fabulous colorful bowtie as a takeaway," suggests Meluso.

Courtesy of Target; Adobe. Design: Cierra Miller/STYLECASTER.

23. Target Theme (yes, like the store)

Party Planner: Ariel Sagat of Hostess Helper NYC.

"All decor was red, white, and polka dot," says Sagat. "There was even a Starbucks corner of the dessert table with cupcakes in hot cups to resemble Frappuccino's. I love when clients really go for a theme and don't hold back. Guests notice and appreciate the small details more so than if you spend a ton of money to have an extra layer on the cake. It's always fun to create any type of "help yourself bar" where guests really interact with the event and can personalize their experience."

UNSPLASH.

24. Pool Party

Party Planner: The Bash.

For an extra fun twist, The Bash suggests amping up your pool party with an ice pop food truck (like Mom and Icepops in NYC).

UNSPLASH.

25. Bohemian Nights Summer Hamptons Party

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

"Last summer, we worked on a Bohemian Nights Summer Hamptons Party that was the coolest blend of Bohemian Vibes and Hamptons elegance in one," says Correale. "From mixed-color fabric studded bars that served rosé and tequila all night long to homemade chocolate chip cookies that were served on a larger-than-life steel spoon, this event blew it out of the park. The main edible attraction was the oversized seafood bar that featured locally sourced oysters, ginormous shrimp cocktail, lobster, tartar, ceviche, clams, and warm buttered mini lobster rolls passed on wooden trays."

Adobe.

26. Tea Parlor

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

It's time to show off just how much you love the Brit's favorite morning drink. Set up a few different tea flavors around the room for your guests to choose from, whip up some adorable mini sandwiches and pretend to be posh all afternoon.

UNSPLASH.

27. Never Feel Blue Party

Party Planner: Lynne Goldberg.

It's hard to feel sad when you're hanging with your friends at a blue-themed bash!

UNSPLASH.

28. Sip & Shred (Apres Ski Theme)

Party Planner: Molly Sinsheimer.

"Guests dressed in vibrant jumpsuits and coats with very fun and furry headpieces." The party was hosted at a lodge-themed bar with campfires, s'mores and a mountain backdrop for photos.

Courtesy of La Croix.

29. La Croix Theme

Party Planner: Ariel Sagat of Hostess Helper NYC.

Have each of your friends come dressed as their favorite flavor of La Croix and create a few custom cocktails that complement each one!

UNSPLASH.

30. Rainbow

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

"We had a really awesome couple who celebrated their union with a Rainbow Wedding," says Correale. "It was the most colorful wedding – all the guys and gals of the bridal party wore a different color dress and suit to fit a rainbow. We created a menu that featured their style – tomato soup sips with a micro grilled cheese bite, raw colorful vegetable crudité sourced from local vendors, hanging bacon and our signature miniature confetti cake bites."

Adobe.

31. Denim & Diamonds

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

No, I'm not talking about real diamonds—fake ones are fine, too! Just make sure that you come decked out in all denim to match your faux bling.

UNSPLASH.

32. Food Festival

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

Like a potluck, but elevated! Create a DIY festival in your backyard by telling all of your friends to cook up their fave dishes.

UNSPLASH.

33. Coastal Social

Party Planner: The Bash.

For the coolest coastal social around, The Bash suggests using a ukulele player to entertain the guests.

UNSPLASH.

34. Farm to Table Foodie Party

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

Got a few vegans and veggie-lovers in your crew? Create a menu of farm-to-table recipes and let everyone dig in.

UNSPLASH.

35. Unicorn Theme

Unicorns please pretty much any crowd, so feel free to go all-out. Unicorn horn headbands! Rainbow decor! The list goes on.

Party Planner: Piera Pizzo, Evite Party Specialist.

UNSPLASH.

36. Music Festival

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

Now each of your friends can play DJ for a day (or an hour). Create a "set list" and have them test out their skills.

Courtesy of Inspired by This.

37. Not Your Average Slumber Party

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

Meluso suggests gifting "personalized silk pajamas with guests initials, SLIP Silk Eye Masks, Bubbly, etc."

UNSPLASH.

38. Glamping

Party Planner: The Bash.

For extra fun, The Bash recommends using a Tarot Card reader at your glamping party.

UNSPLASH.

39. Fourth of July

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

"We did a HUGE 4^th of July blow-out where all of the food was served via individual vignettes," says Correale. "We had a New England Lobster Roll Station, a Chicken and Shrimp Waffle Cone Stand, Colors of the Rainbow Vegan Sushi Bar, Brick Oven Pizza Served from a pick-up truck, Ramen Burgers and Pasta Doughnuts. It was epic!"

UNSPLASH.

40. Day of the Dead

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

If you want to celebrate, prepare the food of the person you're celebrating and set up traditional drinks like hot chocolate or coffee

Courtesy of A Practical Wedding.

41. Summer Camp

Party Planner: The Bash.

What's a summer camp party without sweets? The Bash suggests using a cookie dough food truck (like 2 Dough Boyz in NYC) for added flavor.

UNSPLASH.

42. Beer Festival

Party Planner: Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.

Beer drinkers, this theme is for you. Have every one of your guests bring a six-pack of their favorite IPAs, stouts, lagers and more and have yourselves a day trying them all out.

UNSPLASH.

43. Florals Theme

Party Planner: Piera Pizzo, Evite Party Specialis.

What's cuter than a bouquet-making party? You can buy flowers for cheap at your local grocery store or flower market and spend the afternoon testing out your arranging skills.

Adobe.

44. Murder Mystery

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

If you already have a specific murder mystery board game that you love, pull it out. Or, create your own game that's highly specific to your friend group.

Courtesy of Victoria Magazine.

45. Garden Party

Party Planner: The Bash.

"Hire a Mixologist (that uses locally sourced organic ingredients) so you can host stress-free," suggests The Bash.

UNSPLASH.

46. Roaring '20s Great Gatsby

Party Planner: Kristie Linda Meluso of KMA Events.

If you have a projector handy, play your favorite version of The Great Gatsby on mute in the background of your soiree. Then, have everyone come dressed up to the nines in flapper-inspired frocks.

UNSPLASH.

47. ClamBake

Party Planner: The Bash.

"You don't need to be in Nantucket to host a clambake!" says The Bash. "Hire a Steel Drummer and eat and dance the night away!"

Courtesy of NBC.

48. SNL Characters Theme

Party Planner: Carrie Baker of Carrie Baker Events.

"[A] dream theme would be a 'Come as your favorite SNL character' costume party! I was just talking to a friend about how everyone has a favorite SNL character, from the early days of the show, to the epic 90s, to the more recent cast, there are so many options! Its so fun and nostalgic and you can really get creative," says Baker.

Adobe.

49. Wonderland Theme

Party Planner: Ariel Sagat of Hostess Helper NYC.

"I worked on a first birthday party in early December," says Sagat. "We decided to go with a winter ONEderland theme, which was perfect because all the stores were full of amazing winter supplies for the holiday season. We created a hot chocolate station after coming across some peppermint bark, flavored hot chocolate, marshmallow toppers, and candy cane stirrers."

Adobe.

50. Science & Underwater Theme (Aquaman vibes)

Party Planner: Brian Worley of B. Worley Productions.

"Think Aquaman's home city infused with a science lab where things replicated in ways not how they started," says Worley. "The idea was to use lighting effects to make it feel as if the guests were underwater and create entertainment that is interactive and heavily costumed.  Immersive and atmospheric, the theme is a science lab for the exploration of both the known and unknown. Through projection, costumed performers, illumination, and large scale décor elements, the space is an ethereal backdrop or laboratory beneath the ocean's surface."

Courtesy of Natalie Mayhew.

51. Retro Rainbow Roller Disco Party

Party Idea: Natalie Mayhew.

"This party transports guests back to the fun and simple days of hanging out with friends at the roller rink. We used bright rainbow colors and metallic details to create a groovy retro disco vibe. Real roller skates and skate wheels made our table really stand out!"

Courtesy of Natalie Mayhew.

52. Perfect Pet Party

Party Idea: Natalie Mayhew.

"This Perfect Pet Party will delight your dog, their friends, and their friend's owners too! With treats and favors for both pets and humans, everyone is sure to leave this party happy. We used a grassy green color scheme, created a DIY Tennis Ball table centerpiece, and added personalized pet details wherever we could."

Courtesy of Natalie Mayhew.

53. Mix, Mingle, & Make Flower Arranging Party

Party Idea: Natalie Mayhew.

"This Mix, Mingle, and Make Flower Arranging Party is perfect for Galentine's Day, Birthday, Shower, Bachelorette party, or just for fun anytime! Guests are entertained by the DIY activity and are each able to leave with a gorgeous floral arrangement to take home. We hired a local floral designer to teach our group, and set the scene with a fun floral pegboard backdrop, dessert table, and champagne bar."

Courtesy of Natalie Mayhew.

54. Magical Paris Party

Party Idea: Natalie Mayhew.

Experience the magic of a "Day in Paris" with this sweet and sophisticated theme. We used a soft pink color scheme with black and white stripes, reminiscent of an elegant Parisian patisserie. Of course, this party requires a wide variety of delectable desserts, just as you would find in a Parisian patisserie. Paris-themed props like vintage bicycles, Eiffel Tower figurines, and beautiful blooms added to the look.

Courtesy of Lois Campos Photography

55. Succulents & Rose

Party Idea: Chári Herndon at ChicHomeStyle.

Gather your best friends, paint a few succulent vases and sip on your favorite glasses of rose-tinted wine. What could be better than that?

Courtesy of Missy Robinson.

56. Seriously Sweet Party

Party Idea: MissyRobinson.

If you've got some vintage board game lovers in your crew, set up a few different games of Candy Land for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget the sugary sweets!

Courtesy of Jamila Kyari.

57. African Print Tablescape

Party Planner: JamilaKyari Blog.

"Your table setting decor can be all about colours, prints and patterns – all sorts of creative elements! If you are in for a bold uptake on a party tablescape, consider using some vibrant wax print fabrics as your tablecloth or runner and napkins, layered upon with natural, wooden pieces as accessories to usher in a little of that African vibe."

The MEGA Agency.

58. K-Pop Party

Party Idea: Nikki May of DealFindingDiva.

Hang posters around the room of everyone's favorite K-Pop Groups and get a karaoke machine so everyone can sing along

Courtesy of House of Kerrs.

59. Personalized Jarcuterie Boards

Party Idea: House of Kerrs.

"Customize your fruit kebabs with your child's name, birth year or themed party expression!"

Courtesy of The Party Teacher.

60. Boho Disco Picnic

Party Planner: The Party Teacher.

"We combined two styles to please two different tastes. Lots of vintage silver with disco ball glam PLUS blue and white PLUS shades of rose. The focus was on letting the girls get loads of pics for the Gram in our photo set areas with lots of time to snack and chat. They also had a scavenger hunt, played cornhole and attacked a disco ball piñata."

Courtesy of Jennifer Perkins.

61. Golden Girls Virtual Happy Hour

Party Idea: Jennifer Perkins.

"Tell the girls to grab themselves some cheesecake and log on.  C reate your own fun or order a Golden Girls themed party in a box with everything you need including Golden Girls Bingo!"

Courtesy of Jennifer Perkins.

62. Caftans and Cocktails Pool Party

Party Idea: Jennifer Perkins.

"Gather up the girls and bust out the caftans!  Summer begs for pool parties, loud floral prints and cocktails with the ladies – a cocktails and caftans party delivers in all areas."

Courtesy of Jennifer Perkins.

63. Bob Ross Painting Party

Party Idea: Jennifer Perkins.

"This is a party theme that works perfecting virtually or in-person and with kids or adults.  Who does not love painting, Bob Ross and happy little trees? Supply guests with a small canvas, paints and queue up the Joy of Painting!  There are entire Bob Ross party kits you can order online complete with wigs."

Adobe.

64. Mermaid Baby Shower

Party Idea: My Motherhood Made Easy Blog.

Take your guests "under the sea" with this fun mermaid-themed soiree. Buy tiny fishtails for all of your guests to stick into their cupcakes and DIY a game of Pin the Tail on The Mermaid.

65. Astrology Party

ImaxTree. Design: Allison Kahler/STYLECASTER.

Take a nod from the universe and throw a star-studded soirée. Have guests dress up as their zodiac sun sign (bonus points if everyone has to guess based on the ensemble) and complete the cosmic vibes with space-themed decor, such as the planets and moons.

A version of this article was published in 2018.

townsendming1968.blogspot.com

Source: https://stylecaster.com/101-theme-party-ideas/

Share this post