Costume parties have long been a custom in the United Kingdom over the years, but they’re not solely for youngsters anymore. People of every age love a theme party - everyone has fun dressing up! Recently though, theme parties have started to be way more than simply dressing up in a few things you found in your wardrobe. There are multiple online stores that sell all you could want for that perfect party - costumes, accessories, decorations, tableware - and so much more.
A theme party doesn’t need to be held due to a particular occasion such as Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, a stag or hen party, or a birthday party; in fact you really don’t need an excuse to host one.
Theme parties are extremely popular, with each person wearing an outfit that is representative of specific style or era. A really popular era is the roaring 20s - think flapper dresses, gangsters, molls and zoot suits. Popular accessories include feather boas, cigarette holders, bobbed hairstyles and feathered headbands. What about the swinging 60s? Great choices to celebrate flower power would be dressing up as hippies or mods, wearing go go boots, mini skirts, fringed waistcoats and tie-dye clothes. Keep the psychedelic theme going by playing all the famous songs from the 60s, preferably on an old turntable!
There are lots of ideas when throwing a 70s party, as a matter of fact, this might be the most popular theme. Think disco, bell bottoms, afros, Farrah Fawcett hair, platform shoes, hot pants and leisure suits. Play the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and show off your 70s dance steps such as The Bump and The Hustle. Finish the look with a sparkly disco ball! The 80s epitomized flamboyant style - think Madonna, Cyndi Lauper or Michael Jackson. Fluorescent colours, ripped clothes, leggings, lace, layering, showy jewellery and teased hairstyles.
Popular movies through the ages make a fantastic theme party. Austin Powers, Chicago, Top Gun, Star Wars, Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Avatar are all ideal selections.The fantastic thing about a party with a movie theme is that you are able to buy an all-in-one outfit of the character you choose, rather than buying lots of different pieces. The ultimate in luxury is a masked ball. Enhance the venue with elegant gold and silver decorations, and serve decadent finger foods and drinks.
A birthday party is no longer simply a cake and some candles! Creating a birthday party around a particular theme is a great way to personalize that person’s special day. Decorate with plenty of balloons, bunting, confetti and banners, and don’t forget complementary tableware. No matter if the theme is based around the person’s age, or a best-loved character from films or stories, you can be assured that they will have a birthday to remember!
It is important to pick a theme that is fitting for all your guests; for instance a Tarts and Vicars or burlesque theme might not be a good choice when there are children around! In addition, if a theme is flexible, it will give all the guests an opportunity to dress up, no matter if they are the really imaginative type or a little conservative.
While many people choose a costume that shows their particular persona, a costume party is also an ideal way for you to do something that no-one expects. It’s time to really use your imagination! For example, if you are a person who is generally introverted, you can use a costume party as an excuse to pick something that will surprise people. Remember, it’s only one night - so make yourself the centre of attention!
Needless to say there will always be certain guests who show up wearing their normal clothes. Maybe they couldn’t think of what to wear, or maybe they received their invitation at the last minute. A good idea is to offer wigs, face paint, and a couple of items of clothing so they have a chance to get dressed up.
Always try to provide food and drinks that complement the theme of the party. Just make certain that it’s simple - you really don’t want your guests spilling something on their expensive new costume! Also, remember to add decorations for that finishing touch. You really need to pull out all the stops to get the mood going. Be sure that the decorations, tableware and accessories coordinate with the kind of shindig that you are having.
There are plenty of options out there for throwing an awesome fancy dress party; it’s simply a case of finding one that is ideal for you and your company. Most important of all, just have fun!
Ellie A Martin has worked in the fancy dress costume game for a lot of years and particularly loves fancy dress wigs giving suggestions and tips from www.justforfun.co.uk