80s Party Ideas

The more the merrier when it comes to pulling off a 80s prom themed party. Having a large number of guests will make it feel like a "real" prom. For this reason, the 80s themed prom makes a perfect fundraiser for your charity.

If you didn't make it to your own high school prom the first time, this is the prefect way to make up for it with over-the-top party ideas!

80s Theme Prom Venue:

For a large event, try booking a local high school gym for an authentic feel that just can't be duplicated by any other venue.

80s Prom Theme Decor:

A balloon arch provides a totally awesome backdrop for photos. And it's guaranteed that guests will want photos of their outrageous 80s digs.

80s photos also make great decor. If you're able to gather 80s photos of some of the guests of honor, take them to your local printer for poster size blow-ups.

80s Theme Party Supply Shop

What to Wear to an 80s Prom Party:

The 80s prom party is the quintessential American 80s costume opportunity. No other 80s party offers quite the same chance to sport what was the best and worst in 80s fashions.

For the ladies, dresses with tulle, skirts with double bubbles, puffy sleeves or skirts, and huge (I mean really huge) bows are back! Metalic dresses and metalic polk-a-dots were fashionable.

For men, 80s prom outfits include bolo ties, paint-splashed cummerbunds and bow ties, white Miami Vice jackets, and hugely pleated black trousers. Loudly printed vests, and tuxedos with tails were also popular.

Oh, and if you really want this costume to stand out, don't forget a corsage or boutonniere!

The 80s spanned 10 years of course, so there's a wide range of 80s fashions from 80s punk to bubble-gum-pink party dresses and Miami vice yuppie style clothing. A helpful hint when it comes deciding on your 80s outfit, is to first decide what years you want to mimic. After all, there's a big difference between 1980 and 1989. Create your clothing ensemble and hair around the same time period if you're striving for authenticity.

I find that the best way to recreate a fashion is to watch a few movies from the 80s. You'll easily collect ideas from popular movies like Pretty in Pink, Valley Girl, Flashdance, Rocky Horror Picture Show and the like.

For even more great 80s party ideas, including what to wear to an 80s party, 80s music, or 80s inspired entertainment, visit the 80s theme party page. If you're interested in peeking at some inspiring 80s prom dresses take a look at my 80s party blog where I talk about the 80s prom party I'm attending.

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