Three party themes represented from left to right: disco party theme, 90s party theme, and Candyland party theme | PartySlate
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The Best Party Themes [Resource & Guide]

Three party themes represented from left to right: disco party theme, 90s party theme, and Candyland party theme | PartySlate

Take it from PartySlate: Great parties start with great party themes. Whether you’re a CEO planning an employee event or a party host celebrating an important milestone, take your event to the next level with an epic party theme. You heard it hear first, even themed rehearsal dinners are trending.

So what are the best party themes? Great party themes are like hubs on a wheel: They keep everything from the party décor to the entertainment rolling smoothly along. Your party theme will determine the look and feel of your celebration — down to the smallest detail. The best themes also create opportunities for guest engagement. Think costumed attire, photo ops, immersive entertainment, and more.

In addition to the 5 most popular party themes on PartySlate, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite themes for every kind of celebration — be it a corporate event, wedding, or important milestone. From classic to trending, these engaging themes start with a click of the cursor. Get ready to be inspired.

1. Great Gatsby Themed Party Ideas, Old Sport

GATSBY GLAM WEDDING CELEBRATION at The Temple House in Miami Beach, FL
photographer: PS Photography and Films | planner: Bustled by Christina Nicole | floral: Andres Aguilar Designs | venue: THE TEMPLE HOUSE | projection mapping: United Projection

Great Gatsby-inspired parties wow with Champagne, swinging jazz, and plenty of sparkle. Transport guests back to the 1920s with Art Deco designs, cigar rolling stations, feathery centerpieces, and more.

2. Can you Dig These Disco Themed Party Ideas?

Droga5 Holiday Party 2017
photo courtesy of & planner: TINSEL Experiential | venue: INDUSTRIA

Get your groove on with the best disco party ideas. Incorporate bouncy beats, glittering disco ball décor, tie-dye color palettes, and other 70s-inspired elements for an unforgettable party that takes you back in time.

3. Totally Tubular 80s Theme Party Ideas

80’s Themed 50th Birthday party
photographer & videographer: Hart Studios | planner & swag: M.Studio Events | production, décor & staging: Geo Events | venue: Sebonack Golf Club

Grab your boom box, and start planning an epic celebration with these unique 80s party ideas. Some of our favorite party elements include Rubik’s Cube décor, slinky ceiling installations, and MTV-inspired backdrops. 

4. 90s Theme Party That Are All That and a Bag of Chips

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Themed Birthday Party at a Private Residence in Miami, FL
photographer: Imagery By Jules Photography | planner: KeAira Chantell Events | floral: The Simon Design | décor: Elf’s Prop Shop

Don’t be Clueless when it comes to 90s party ideas. Opt for bright color palettes, walkman cookies, and rollerblades galore. Give a nod to your favorite 90s sitcoms with fun backdrops and photo ops.

5. Paris Themed Parties Are Très Magnifique

Glamorous Paris Themed Bat Mitzvah at Emanuel Luxury Venue in Miami Beach, FL
photographer: Partigliani Photography | décor: Event Effects | florals: Gilded Group Décor | venue: Emanuel Luxury Venue

These Paris-themed gatherings promise to bring joie de vivre to your celebration. Discover how macaroon pyramids, cabaret entertainment, and French Champagne will elevate your celebration — even far from the City of Love.

6. Tropical Theme for a Party in Paradise

Tropical 40th Birthday Bash
photographer: Infinite Creations | planner: Monica Pardo Events | décor & specialty rentals: Gilded Group Décor

These tropical party ideas promise to transport you to paradise — with or without the beach. Take your guest to a land of swaying palms and tranquil waters with the right tropical party décor, catering, and entertainment.

7. Futuristic Party Themes Worth the Space Travel

space theme party idea | PartySlate
photographer: Michael Kress Photography | planner: Evoke Design & Creative | décor: Syzygy | venue: Carnegie Library

Cross the galaxy or step into the future with these larger-than-life space party ideas. Cue the LED robots, Virtual Reality stations, and laser lighting installations for an unforgettable soirée.

8. Candyland Themed Parties Are Always Sweet

A Magical CandyLand 2nd Birthday Party at LEVEL THREE in Aventura, FL
photo courtesy of & venue: LEVEL THREE | planner: Monica Pardo Events | décor: Gilded Group Décor & Bambini Soiree

Take your cues from Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, and host an epic bash with creative Candyland party ideas. Make your celebration a confectioner’s dream with candy-chic centerpieces, colorful bar areas, sweetened cocktails, and more. 

9. Casino Themed Parties for the Win

007 Casino Wedding
photographer: Roey Yohai Studios | planner: Sidekick Events | décor: Frank Alexander NYC | venue: Rainbow Room

Casino Party Ideas

You’re sure to win with these creative casino party ideas. Transform your party venue into a glamorous casino with poker chip invitations, Art Deco décor, and interactive casino games for a fun-filled fête.

10. Come On Barbie, Let’s Go Party

Malibu Dream House 50th Birthday Celebration
photographer: Line 8 Photography | event planner: Colin Cowie Lifestyle | designer: Jonathan Adler | client: Mattel

Barbiecore is a flirtatiously-fun fad that we can’t stop thinking about. Think lots of glitter and luxurious details that would make Barbie pink with envy.

11. Step Right Up to a Carnival Theme Party

Incredible Carnival Themed Graduation Party in Lyme, Connecticut
photographer: Carla Ten Eyck Photography | planner: Lifetime Events By Jacqueline | design: Art Of The Event | rentals: PEAK Event Services

Recreate the festive atmosphere of a real-life fair. This family-friendly party theme wows with carnival rides, interactive games, and eclectic entertainment. Guests will love comfort food favorites like buttery popcorn, fried corn dogs, and airy cotton candy.

12. Après-Ski Party Theme for Winter Wonderland Vibes

Ski Inspired Bar Mitzvah at Old Oaks Country Club in New York
photographer: Michael Jurick Photography | planner: Plan Great Events | design & floral: Jen Gould Event Design | venue: private club

Bring the thrills from the mountain peak down to the base with an après-ski-themed party. Whether you are a black-diamond skier or a resident snow bunny, you’ll love this cozy-glam aesthetic with plenty of photo ops.

13. The Stars Align With These Zodiac Party Themes

Sarankco Celebrating a Decade!
photo courtesy of & event agency: Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers)

There’s something for every astrological sign with these Zodiac party ideas. Channel your personality traits, and discover the party style that’s right for you.

14. Flower Power Party Theme

Summer Sunflower Dinner Party
photographer: Shumanev Photography | event planner: Partyology | floral : H.A Floral Design

Finding the right party theme is as easy as choosing your favorite flower. Think beyond mere décor, and utilize flower power to inform every single element of your party — from invitations to cocktails.

15. Masquerade Theme Parties That Spark Intrigue

Venetian Masquerade Corporate Holiday Party at The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
photographer: Show Ready Photo | planner: All Set Events | floral: Michelle Lywood | venue: The Regency Center |rentals: Standard Event Rentals | caterer: Foxtail Catering & Events | entertainment: Lucky Devils Band

Masked balls are famous for their glamorous costuming and luxurious décor. From ornate venues to magical entertainment acts, this mysterious party theme promises to keep guests engaged from start to finish.

Party Themes by Event Type

While there’s no limit to the imagination, some themes are better suited for specific event types. Hint: You’re probably not likely to find a teddy-bear themed wedding. Click to see which themes and event types are perfectly matched. You might be surprised.

Storybook-Inspired Baby Shower at J Loft in New York
photographer: Steve Williams Photography | planning & design: Kbelle’s Design | venue: J Loft

Baby Shower Theme Ideas

These baby shower theme ideas have us excited about the future. From boho baby showers to nautical themed soirées, these party themes are perfect for celebrating the parents-to-be.

Disco-ThemeD Engagement Party
photographer: Rachel Leiner Photo | planner: Finley and Marie | floral: Tender Florist | venue: Short Stories Hotel

Engagement Party Themes

Celebrate your proposal with an elegant engagement party. Our favorite engagement party themes draw inspiration from travel destinations, pop culture, the seasons, and more.

Lavender Bridal Shower at Veranda in Los Angeles, California
photographer: Mike Akopian Production | planner: Event Blvd. | floral: Design by Ashley | venue: Veranda LA

Wedding Shower Themes

Celebrate your impending nuptials with the best wedding shower themes. From Gatsby Glam to an afternoon tea party, these themes promise to elevate love at every turn.

Industrial and Unique Wedding at Hickory Street Annex in Dallas, TX
photographer: Jennifer Yarbro Photography | planner: Each & Every Detail | florals: Workshop at Hickory Street | venue: Hickory Street Annex

Wedding Theme Ideas

Even weddings can benefit from a great party theme. Think outside the box and go with a fun, yet elegant wedding theme — such as a Parisian féte or garden party — for a stylish exchange of vows.

A Lavish Winter Wonderland Quinceañera at Westfield Greenville Event Venue in South Carolina
photo courtesy of, planner & design: Lemiga Events | floral: C. Wamen Floral & Events | custom décor: Indadglow Productions | venue: Westfield Greenville Event Venue

Quinceañera Theme Ideas

Celebrate this important milestone with a spectacular theme that captures the personality and style of the quinceañera. From a celestial-inspired quince to a Cinderella-inspired reception, these themes will have you ready to turn 15 all over again.

Retro Pop Sweet 16 at MusikFest Café in Bethlehem, PA
photographer: Rodney Bailey Photography | planner: Magnolia Bluebird design & events | décor: Revolution Event Design & Production | venue: MusikFest Café

Sweet 16 Theme Ideas

Is there anything sweeter than a Sweet 16? These Sweet 16 ideas — from retro to fairytale themes — are what teenage dreams are made of.

Pool Party Bat Mitzvah at Park Hyatt in New York, NY
photographer: Tripp Street Studio | planner: Victoria Dubin Events | design: Dejuan Stroud, Inc. | venue: Park Hyatt New York | dance floor & entertainment: Total Entertainment | print & graphics: Ceci New York | lighting & video: Fusion Productions

Bat Mitzvah Theme Ideas

PartySlate’s shortlist of creative Bat Mitzvah themes will have you applauding. Go with something your friends haven’t seen yet like a lightning-themed Bat Mitzvah party or a coffee-themed reception. There’s no limit to the imagination. 

Bright Blue Rock Climbing Bar Mitzvah at Greenwich Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, CT
photographer: André Maier Photography | planner: Kraft Events | construction: Eggsotic Events | venue: Greenwich Boys and Girls Club

Bar Mitzvah Party Themes

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah will be one of the most important milestones in your child’s life. Celebrate the achievement with one of these unique Bar Mitzvah party themes. You’ll find everything from a surfer theme to a TV Network Launch Theme.

Stylish Non For Profit Gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City
photographer: Roey Yohai Studios | planner: Rafanelli Events | design: Studio D Decor | venue: Ziegfeld Ballroom

Gala FundraisingThemes

Galas are an essential part of any non-profit organization’s fundraising efforts. Ensure that your gala leads to even greater donations with an epic party theme that keeps guests engaged. From inspirational themes to cutting-edge tech themes, these party ideas promise to take your fundraising efforts to the next level.

People Also Ask…

How do you Pick a Party Theme?

Three images of various party themes like hearts, yellow, and watermelon.
photographer from left to right: Show Ready Photo | Charmaine Mallari Photography | Imagery by Jules Photography

Your party theme determines everything from décor and catering to photo ops and entertainment. As such, choosing a party theme is an important first step in planning your dream celebration.

Scour the internet and you’ll find lists, quizzes, and even astrological guidance to help you find the perfect party theme. In addition to talking with your party planner, we recommend considering the following when choosing party themes.

  • Favorite Colors: Can color really be a theme? Absolutely. Colors come with powerful associations. They influence both our mood and understanding of the world. Plus, they set the scene for wow-worthy celebrations.
  • Favorite Hobbies: Turn your favorite hobby or activity into an epic party theme. Activity themes naturally result in — you guessed it — engaging activities for you and your guests.
  • Favorite Vacations Destinations: No time to travel? No problem. Bring your dream vacation to you with a location-based theme. Best of all, there’s no need to limit yourself to planet Earth.
  • Favorite Decades: Decade parties are making a comeback. Go back in time and discover a world of Champagne towers, disco balls, PacMan video games, and more.
  • Favorite Movies, TV Shows & Celebrities: Each year, celebrity weddings and influencer events capture attention world-wide. The reason is simple: Pop culture celebrates the here and now.

For even more inspiration, visit the following: 

What are the Most Popular Birthday Themes?

Celestial, winter, and troll birthday party themes | PartySlate
photographer from left to right: Katie Beverley | Lemiga Events| Bufotos

The answer might depend on your age. Popular party themes for kids include unicorns, cars, donuts, and — who would have guessed it? – Tik Tok. We especially love movie themes for a kid’s birthday party.

At PartySlate, we’re always looking for new trends and ideas. Head to 22 Kids’ Birthday Party Trends for 2022 for the best kids’ birthday ideas.

Adults, of course, are drawn to different themes. Some of the most popular adult birthday party themes include Hawaii, casinos, and almost decade from the 20s onward. 

How can I use PartySlate to Plan my Next Party Theme?

Pastel candle backdrop with instructions on how to use PartySlate to plan your next event | PartySlate
background photo photographer: Caitlin McNeil

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