Themed parties are loads of fun, and a great way to break the ice at your wedding, corporate event, or birthday party. Here are some of the best party theme ideas we’ve seen in Melbourne over the years, as well as a few we’d love to see in the future.

1. Alphabet

Choose a letter from the alphabet (the first letter of the birthday boy/girl’s name perhaps?) and instruct your guests to come dressed up as something that begins with that letter. Lots of scope for creativity.

2. Charity

If you’re planning a corporate event, why not combine it with your company’s charity efforts and turn it into a themed charity event? Some of the most popular in Australia include The World’s Greatest Shave (March onwards), Red Nose Day (June 24), National Pyjama Day (July 22), Daffodil Day (August 26), and Movember (held throughout the month of November).

3. Colour

The simplest (and easiest) theme of all. Start by hiring uplighting to set the colour of the room, then you can colour-theme your décor, and involve your guests by asking them to wear an item of that colour.

4. A Day at the Races

If you live in Victoria you can do this one any time during Spring Carnival, or on Melbourne Cup Day itself. Hire a projector screen so you can watch the big race live, get your guests to dress up as jockeys (or horses), or hold a race of your own!

This Day at the Races themed wedding at Yarra Ranges Estate was a lot of fun.

5. Hawaiian

There is nothing more comfortable in the hot Australian summer than partying barefoot, in a hula skirt or Hawaiian shirt. Borrow some boards from your surfie friends, some ukuleles from your hipster ones, source some Hawaiian music, stock up on ham, pineapples, and cocktail ingredients, and you’re in business. And if you really want to cool off how about a Hawaiian pool party?

6. Special dates

We all know about Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, but have you heard of…

National Hat Day (January 15)
Opposite Day (January 25)
National Kazoo Day (January 28 – on second thought, give that one a miss)
Something On A Stick Day (March 28)
Golfer’s Day (April 10)
Scrabble Day (April 13)
Hairstyle Appreciation Day (April 30th)
National Doughnut Day (first Friday in June)
Donald Duck Day (June 9)
National Pink Day (June 23)
Embrace Your Geekness Day (July 13)
Teddy Bear Day (September 9)
International Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19)
Wear Something Gaudy Day (October 17)
Punk For A Day Day (October 25)
or Absurdity Day (November 20)?

7. Decade

Was the birthday boy or girl born in the 1980s? An 80s themed party is a no-brainer. Or you can do it the other way around: a 50s theme is a great choice for a 50th birthday.

8. Swing

It’s the Roaring 20s again, so now’s your chance to relive the prohibition era. Gangsters, pinstripes, ringlets, spats, art deco, big band music – what’s there not to like about a swing party? Project some classic silent movies on a wall.

9. Hollywood

Give your event all the glamour and sophistication of the Hollywood’s Golden Age. Throw on a tux and roll out the red carpet. Props can include old film projectors (some Photobooth hire companies carry these) and smaller versions of the famous Hollywood Hill sign.

10. Superhero

This is a good one if you want to make it easy for your guests to dress up – superhero costumes are a breeze to source, and there are dozens to choose from. Put the theme music from the TV shows and movies on during the start of the night, or show old Batman episodes on a projector.

Tips

1. You can theme any event! Well maybe not a funeral.

2. Keep it simple. Your guests are more likely to dress up if they won’t need an elaborate costume.

3. Be specific. Vague themes like “happiness” are difficult to work with.

4. Try and choose a broad theme. It will give your guests more options.

5. Hold a competition for the best-dressed person on the night.

Check out this article for more party tips.