C’mon Barbie, Let’s Go Party — 18 Barbiecore Party Ideas

It’s been called an interior design trend by Homes & Gardens, a fashion trend by CNN, and a “trending aesthetic” by Who What Wear — but PartySlate is here to tell you that Barbiecore is also a fun party theme. 

The flirtatiously fun fad is fueled by pink, pink and, you guessed it, more pink. The trend isn’t the hue of your grade-school eraser or carnival cotton candy; rather it is the hot pink of the neon-drenched 80s. It is both monochromatic and over-the-top. Think exaggerated proportions, lots of glitter, and luxurious details that would make Barbie herself pink with envy.

When planning a Barbie theme party, just ask yourself, “What would Barbie do?” and let the plastic princess be your guide. Plus, we’re here to help with fab ideas — from a wow-worthy entrance to cool party favors.

1. Make an Entrance Like an Icon

Impress your guests from the start with an entrance that wows. Think pink. Balloons, flowers, and drapery set a luxe tone from the very beginning.

RELATED: Hire a skilled planner to help execute your party vision from entrance to ending.

2. Go Big on Décor With a Malibu Moment

Malibu Barbie doesn’t travel by mini-van. Rather, she zips around in a pink (of course) convertible. Rev into party mode by creating a clever car display. Flank it with flowers for the perfect photo spot or stanchion it off for a VIP moment.

RELATED: Find a design, décor and/or floral team on PartySlate.

3. Invite Ken & His Friends

A party isn’t a party without friends. Invite Barbie’s besties to join your soirée and create totally on-theme décor installations with vintage and modern-day dolls.

4. Make Your Barbie Party Pop with Balloons

We all know that plastic is fantastic; so is latex. Bring a pop vibe to your Barbie theme party with balloon installations in an ombré of pink hues. Create a photo spot, stage backdrop, or overhead décor with a mass collection of balloons.

RELATED: Find a balloon décor artist in your area.

5. Create a Vibrant Vibe With Luxe Lighting

We look at thousands of events on PartySlate every month, and here’s one thing we’ve learned: the right lighting can take a party from dull to dynamic. Drench your ‘do in hot pink lights. But don’t stop there. Consider glowing tables, pink candles, or a projection of Barbie’s logo or funny Barbie-like quotes (see below).

RELATED: Find a top AV and technology team in your area for perfect party lighting.

6. Be a Doll — in the Perfect Photo Op

Strike a pose in style in an iconic Mattel-style Barbie box. Your guests will love the novelty of getting to step into their own toy story.

RELATED: Find a photographer to capture all of the fun.

7. Belly Up to a Barbiecore Bar

The bar is often a focal point of any party. Deck yours out with Barbie ads and vintage dolls for a bright and colorful Pop Art aesthetic. Go a step further and theme the names of your cocktails; some ideas: Malibu Mule, Dream House Daiquiri, or Barbie Breeze.

RELATED: Choose a cocktail caterer to mix drinks and engage guests.

8. Wow With Ice, Ice Barbie

Creative ice continues to wow at parties. Whether you opt for branded cubes with Barbie’s heels or her iconic profile — or a full-on stiletto ice luge for shots, keep it cool with icy elements.

9. Keep it Classic With OG Barbie’s Profile & Font

Barbie’s high-pony profile is instantly recognizable. Utilize the classic image in a nod to your Barbie party theme. Print the profile on menus or cocktail signage, project it behind your DJ, or emblazon it on your cake.

RELATED: Your invitation and print team can work with you to design custom signage.

10. Don’t Forget a Playset

Girls — and boys — just wanna have fun. Keep it light and playful with interactive moments. The parties below engaged guests with a hot pink custom Jenga-style game, a lash and glitter station (of course), and inflatable pools (that can make a splash even when you’re far from Malibu).

11. Make Your Guests Feel Like Legends

Create a paparazzi-worthy walkway with a Barbie-theme step-and-repeat or a catwalk so your guests can model their Barbiecore fashion.

12. Offer a Pink Parlor for Mattel-ing Secrets

Lounge furniture is a party must-have to create spots for guests to gather. Keep it perfectly-pink with rentals that fit into your monochrome party palette and include glam touches like satin and sequin pillows.

RELATED: Find a rentals company to deck out your party.

13. Deliver Dining With Pretty in Pink Style

You can take your tabletops in the direction of luxury or veer off toward campy fun, but regardless of the style you choose, be sure to keep it pink. Rich florals, gold chairs and serveware, and bright linen all work together to create a dinner scene Barbie could only dream of.  

RELATED: The perfect caterer can fill those tables with on-theme bites and sips.

14. Hire Classic & Fantastic Entertainment

Whether you bring guests to the dance floor as the DJ spins the classic “Barbie Girl” song by Aqua, or you wow your friends and family with acrobatic acts or professional dancers — creative entertainment is a must.

RELATED: Find a band, DJ, or specialty act on PartySlate.

15. Serve a Different Kind of Pink Drink

Fill your friend’s Instagram feeds with pretty pink drinks from your party; they won’t be able to resist snapping a pic of themselves sipping a cool cocktail.

16. Skipper Over to an All-Pink Dessert Bar

As long as you’re kicking it old school with a creative Barbie theme party, you might as well evoke childhood with a candy bar — not a bar of chocolate, mind you, but a spread of pink and red sweets. 

RELATED: Find a bakery near you to conjure a confection for your soirée.

17. Let Them Eat (Clever) Cake

Keep it classic with a Barbie doll cake straight from the 1970s, where oodles of frosting stand in for her ball gown. Or take it late-night with a sense of humor like the host of one of the parties below — with a cake showing Barbie in various stages of the party’s debauchery.

18. Send Guests Home in Style With Custom Cookies

There are so many iconic images affiliated with Barbie that custom cookies are just right for a Barbiecore bash. Consider these shapes: Barbie’s profile, mini convertible cars, stilettos, lipstick tubes, lips, pink diamonds, or cat-eye sunnies.

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People Also Ask…

How do you host a Barbie theme party?

Throwing a fun and totally on-trend Barbie theme party is as easy as choosing the elements you love in the list above — then hiring your perfect vendor team to make it happen. Depending on the details you opt to focus on, you’ll want to choose the necessary event professionals to produce your vision.

Want a dance-all-night party? Opt for a floor-filling band or DJ. Imagining a dinner that will wow your foodie friends? Find a top caterer near you. Interested in dazzling with an over-the-top party design? You’ll want to find a talented design team.