The 90’s is actually something. If you want to relive its iconic fashion and makeup, or unforgettable music and culture, hosting a retro 90s theme party is a fantastic choice.
In our guide, you will find 8 simple steps to create an amazing 90s party: from the theme, the retro invitations, the nostalgic decorations, to delicious snacks. These steps will complete an ultimate guide that you need for an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to bring back all the best 90s memories!
1. Determine what inspires you
We bet that you want your 90s party like no others, so start by thinking about what you loved most about the 90s. This step ensures you create something unique and unforgettable.
Here are some ideas to help you make up your mind.
Music Genres
The 90s music is about pop and hip-hop, so you can take these artists as inspirations for a 90s theme party.
- For catchy pop music, we have Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC…
- For those who love hip-hop, the 90s saw distinct styles of Tupac, Snoop Dogg…
Iconic TV Shows and Movies
Your favorite TV show? Not a bad idea!
- “Friends” – the sitcom that everyone watched!
- Memorable fashion and slang from “Clueless“
- MTV’s music videos influence trends and styles of the 90s.
Create a Mood Board
There are countless ideas for your 90s theme party, so to visualize your party and keep your planning on track, create a mood board before getting started. You can search on Pinterest for inspiring photos that suit your selected theme. They are photos of:
- 90s decorations
- 90s food
- 90s drink
- 90s outfits
- …
2. Create and send out invitations
Next, let’s create the perfect invitations to invite people to your Retro 90s Theme Party. There are some common ideas when it comes to designing something 90s-themed:
- About color: You should combine black with vibrant colors such as neon pink, blue, and neon yellow.
- About patterns: Bold lines and shapes, polka dots, and animal prints are the most popular patterns in the 90s.
- Font: Fonts that remind us about MTV’s are the perfect choice. They are typically a bold, sans-serif font with an edgy style.
However, it’s also possible to design invitations still in 90s theme but with more creativities:
- Make it cuter: Use a pastel color palette instead of bold colors. Try doodles of 90s icons like Tamagotchis and cassette tapes for a softer look of 90s themes.
- Retro look: You can use vintage patterns like old-school video game graphics and muted colors for a retro feel of the early 90s.
- Be more creative: Try to create invitations featuring a collage of 90s elements: VHS tapes or Game Boys. You should incorporate bold typography to make it more eye-catching.
Besides, make sure your invitations include all the necessary details:
- Time
- Location (include instructions for parking or entry if it’s necessary)
- Theme (Clearly state that it’s a Retro 90s Theme Party and encourage guests to dress in their favorite 90s attire)
3. Buy your Outfits
90s fashion is always a fun and indispensable element in a Retro 90s Theme Party. Here are some style ideas to help you nail your 90s look:
Clothes
- One-shoulder overalls
- Matching sporty tracksuits
- Oversized printed band T-shirts
- Flannel shirts with ripped jeans
- Baggy jeans
- Plaid skirts with knee-high socks and preppy blazers.
Accessories
- Combat boots
- Snapback hats and gold chains for a hip-hop look
- Scrunchies if you are sweet
- Slap Bracelets for fun
- Chokers
- Neon Sunglasses
90s Fashion icons
Still find it hard to choose a 90-themed outfit? Let’s look at what the icons of this time wearing to find inspiration:
- Kurt Cobain with his flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and Doc Martens
- Will Smith’s colorful, oversized outfits
- The Spice Girls’ styles
- Cher from “Clueless”
- “Friends” Characters: Go for Rachel Green’s classic leather jackets, Monica’s casual chic, or Joey’s laid-back style.
4. Start Decorating
Now it’s time to move to the most important part of throwing a 90s theme party: decoration.
Neon Colors and Geometric Patterns
- Again, neon colors should be incorporated in decoration. We recommend hot pink, electric blue, neon yellow, and lime green. You can use these colors when making the party’s welcome gate, backdrop, banners and more.
- Bold geometric patterns such as zigzags, triangles, and polka dots should appear in tablecloths and wall decorations.
Posters and Other 90s Items
- The 90s is all about posters. Hang your old collected posters of popular 90s bands like Backstreet Boys as well as iconic movies and TV shows on the wall as decoration.
- Use real cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and boomboxes as part of your décor. Otherwise, make prints of these things and stack them on tables or hang them on walls.
Themed Tableware
- 90s-themed tableware are plates, cups, and napkins that usually feature popular designs from the decade. If you are a cartoon fan, you can try looking for a table with images of “Rugrats” or “The Powerpuff Girls”. They are so fun!
- If you can’t find specific 90s-themed items, consider using solid neon-colored tableware and adding custom printed 90s stickers to personalize them.
Additional Touches
- Use lava lamps and black lights to create a retro vibe.
5. Think about Food and Drinks
Your 90s theme party is not complete without classic 90s snacks and drinks. We have some suggestions for you:
Classic 90s Snacks that bring back childhood memories:
- Dunkaroos
- Gushers
- Fruit by the Foot
- Pop-Tarts.
- Ring Pops and Nerds candies.
Iconic non-alcoholic beverages:
- Capri Sun
- Surge
- Crystal Pepsi.
Get creative with how you present your food and drinks:
- Use old-school lunchboxes for serving
- Set up a candy bar with jars filled with 90s candies like Sour Patch Kids and Airheads.
- You should label the lunch boxes and jars with 90s-themed tags or clear stickers. These tags and stickers can feature the guests’ name and some characters from popular cartoons, famous people from the 90s to make it more fun and create a personalized experience.
6. Got A Playlist Yet?
How about the perfect playlist to set the mood and get everyone dancing at your 90s theme party?
Create a playlist featuring all the chart-toppers from the 90s. You can take these songs as example:
- How Am I Supposed to Live Without You – Michael Bolton
- Vogue – Madonna
- Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
- I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) – Hi-Five
- Black or White – Michael Jackson
- Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-A-Lot
- Wannabe – Spice Girls
- Nice & Slow – Usher
Remember to choose music that’s suitable for dancing and will keep the energy high throughout the party.
7. What to do in your 90s Theme Party?
The 90s were all about fun and excitement, so why not bring that spirit to your Retro 90s Theme Party with some nostalgic activities?
Party Games
Set up traditional games like:
- Twister
- Jumanji
- Operation
90s Trivia
- Test your guests’ knowledge of the 90s with a list of trivia questions about hit movies, songs, celebrities, sports, and more.
- You can even give out prizes to the winners to add an extra element of fun.
Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props like floppy hats, giant cell phones, and neon sunglasses. Your guests can take retro-inspired photos and bring them home as the memories of your 90s theme party.
Karaoke
Create a karaoke station with a selection of 90s hits for your guests to sing along to.
With these fun activities, your Retro 90s Theme Party is sure to be a hit with all your guests.
8. Don’t forget 90s Theme Party Favors
To make your Retro 90s Theme Party unforgettable, send your guests home with some fun 90s-themed party favors. There are some ideas for you:
Retro Toys:
- Mini Rubik’s Cubes
- Tamagotchis
- Slap Bracelets
Customized Items:
- Keychains: Create keychains featuring retro designs or even pictures of your guests with a 90s filter.
- Stickers: Hand out a bunch of vinyl die cut stickers with iconic 90s images like roller skate shoes, Nintendo games, a rainbow with bold text,…
- Buttons: Customized buttons with 90s slogans or messages you want to give your guest.
DIY Items:
- Mixtape CDs: DIY CDs with a mix of 90s hits that your guests can bring home and enjoy.
These party favors will ensure your guests leave your Retro 90s Theme Party with fond memories and make your party truly unforgettable.
Last words
Hosting a Retro 90s Theme Party is a fantastic way to relive the vibrant and fun-filled decade. From the music and fashion to the snacks and games, your party will be a hit with these simple steps.
For more ideas on how to throw themed parties, check out our blog page. We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect event, no matter the theme.
