How Best to Plan a Retro-Themed Birthday Party

Planning a retro-themed birthday party is a fantastic way to transport your guests back in time for a fun-filled and nostalgic celebration. Whether it’s the swinging ’60s, groovy ’70s, or totally tubular ’80s, a retro party can appeal to all ages. According to event games hire specialists like Expoplay.co.uk , the key to a successful retro-themed party is in the details: from the décor and music to food and entertainment. Here’s how to plan the ultimate retro birthday bash with an added twist of event games hire services.

Step 1: Choose Your Era

Start by selecting the retro era you want to recreate. Each decade has its unique style and personality. The ’50s may call for a rock-and-roll vibe with vinyl records and soda floats, while the ’80s demand neon lights, arcade machines , and a playlist of synth hits. Once you’ve picked the era, let it guide all your choices, from invitations to party games.

Step 2: Set the Mood with Décor

Your décor should instantly transport your guests to the past. Use the colours and patterns that defined your chosen era. For instance:

 1950s: Diner-style checkered tablecloths, jukebox props, and pastel balloons.

 1970s: Disco balls, psychedelic patterns, and lava lamps.

 1980s: Bright neon accents, cassette tapes, and iconic movie posters.

Add themed tableware and photo booths with era-specific props like oversized sunglasses or vinyl records.

Step 3: Curate a Retro Playlist

Music is essential to capturing the spirit of your retro party. Create a playlist with hits from the chosen decade. Encourage guests to show off their dance moves with a dance-off game.

If you’re hiring games, consider adding a retro-inspired dance machine or karaoke setup for added entertainment.

Step 4: Serve Iconic Foods and Drinks

Retro parties are the perfect excuse to serve up nostalgic treats. Some ideas include:

 1950s: Milkshakes, mini burgers, and popcorn.

 1970s: Fondue stations and punch bowls.

 1980s: Pizza rolls, jelly rings, and colourful fizzy drinks.

You can also add a modern twist by serving these classics with a gourmet spin or creating themed cocktails/mocktails for adults.

Step 5: Entertainment with Event Games Hire

No retro-themed party is complete without entertainment, and hiring event games is an

excellent way to immerse your guests in the fun. Companies offering event games hire

services have a wide variety of retro options to elevate your party, including:

 Arcade Machines: Bring back the excitement of Pac-Man, Space Invaders, or Donkey

Kong. These classics will captivate kids and adults alike.

 Pinball Machines: Perfect for evoking nostalgia while entertaining your guests.

 Funfair Stalls: Classic games like ring toss or hook-a-duck bring a carnival vibe

reminiscent of simpler times.

 Dance Machines: Let your guests channel their inner '80s pop star with a retro

dance-off.

 Batak Pro: This fast-paced reaction game is a hit for engaging party-goers.

Hiring these games eliminates the hassle of sourcing and setting up entertainment, allowing you to focus on enjoying the event.

Step 6: Encourage Dress-Up

Invite your guests to dress in outfits from the chosen era. Whether it’s poodle skirts and

leather jackets for a '50s party or leg warmers and shoulder pads for the '80s, dressing up adds to the fun and creates fantastic photo opportunities.

Step 7: Plan the Perfect Party Favours

Send your guests home with mementoes of the day. Retro party favours like yo-yos, Rubik’s cubes, or personalised Polaroid photos are fun and fitting souvenirs.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com