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.
photographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See Morephotographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See Morephoto courtesy of & venue: EssentiaLyfe
See More2. 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.
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
See Morephotographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See More3. 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.
photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions
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photographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
photographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
See More4. 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.
photographer: Jujuu Photography | Macy Lima Celebrations + Events
See Morephotographer: Jennifer Yarbro Photography | Jennifer Yarbro Photography
See Morephotographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
See Morephotographer: Jujuu Photography | Macy Lima Celebrations + Events
See More5. 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.

photographer: Tripp Street Studio | Victoria Dubin Events
photographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See Morephotographer: Fred Marcus Studio | SPACE54
See Morephotographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See More6. 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.
photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions | Balloon Celebrations
See More7. 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.

photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
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.
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
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photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions
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.

photo courtesy of & design: Hey Girl Decor
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
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photographer: Jujuu Photography | Macy Lima Celebrations + Events

photographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
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).
photographer: Marcia Perel Photography | Despina Craig Events
See Morephoto courtesy of & venue: EssentiaLyfe
See Morephotographer: Jujuu Photography | Macy Lima Celebrations + Events
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photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions | Balloon Celebrations
photographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
See More11. 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.
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
See Morephotographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See More12. 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.
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
See Morephotographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions | Balloon Celebrations
See Morephotographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
See More13. 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.
photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions
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photographer: Diana Feil
photographer: Marcia Perel Photography | Despina Craig Events
See Morephotographer: Clane Gessel Photography | NYLUX Events
See Morephotographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
See More14. 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.
photographer: John Watkins | Elite OC Productions
See Morephoto courtesy of & venue: EssentiaLyfe
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photographer: Jujuu Photography | Macy Lima Celebrations + Events
photographer: Ira Casel Photography | Lauren Perry Events, LLC
See More15. 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.
photographer: Carrie McGuire Photography | Soirée8 Tabletop Rentals and Shop
See Morephoto courtesy of & cocktails: Last Call Bar Catering
See Morephotographer: Andreas & Nico | Last Call Bar Catering
See More16. 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.
photographer: Clane Gessel Photography | NYLUX Events
See Morephotographer: Kelli Durham Photography | Impressions Events
See Morephotographer: Marcia Perel Photography | Despina Craig Events
See Morephotographer: Line 8 Photography | Colin Cowie Lifestyle
See More17. 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.
photo courtesy of & design: Hey Girl Decor
See Morephoto courtesy of & venue: EssentiaLyfe
See More18. 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.

photographer: Peter Bohler Photography | JOWY Productions
photographer: Fred Marcus Studio | SPACE54
See MorePeople 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.