Neon party ideas take traditional event lighting to the next level. Think about it: Everything looks better with the right lighting. Whether you are attending a wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah party, or corporate event — lighting décor sets the mood.
While guests are used to glittering chandeliers and plenty of candlelight, lighting is finding new and more creative ways to shine. Imagine everything from LED dance floors and glow-in-the-dark instruments to neon catering trays and uplit floral décor.
It’s true: Glow-themed parties are taking over every type of celebration. And we mean every type of celebration. After all, adults (as well as kids) will love neon-themed parties. Even luxe wedding celebrations can benefit from neon décor and entertainment.
It’s true: Glow-themed parties are taking over every type of celebration.
These neon party ideas promise to transform your event into a wonderland of light and color. From LED lounge seating to glow-in-the-dark place settings, we’ve found all the fun ways to illuminate your next celebration.
That’s not all. PartySlate can connect you with lighting designers and a talented A/V team to bring your favorite glow-in-the-dark party ideas to life. Make sure to check out our curated directory to find lighting designers, party planners, photographers, and more.
But first, enjoy our favorite neon party ideas for an epic glow party.
Neon Party Ideas for Décor
1) Ceiling Décor Worth the Neck Crane
If You Like It . . . Put a Ring on It
Event planner Duke + Van Deusen, along with Ovando Design and Production, brought modern elegance to this outdoor wedding at Parrish Art Museum with wow-worthy glow-in-the-dark elements. Long after sunset, the wedding reception was brilliantly illuminated with glow-in-the-dark instruments and a stunning ceiling installation.
photographer: Vik Photography | planner: Duke + Van Deusen | décor: Ovando Design and Production | venue: Parrish Art Museum
Go Green & Glow Green
This colorful gala wowed guests with fan-shaped laser lights and rainbow-hued uplighting. Had it not been for the delicious sit-down dinner by Joy Wallace Catering (did someone say miniature baked Alaska?), we may have spent the entire evening looking skyward.
photographer: Robert Hacman Photography | venue: The Fillmore – Miami Beach | caterer: Joy Wallace Catering | sound & lighting: AEG Live
Tangled Up in Blue (& Green & Pink & Gold)
Why settle on one color when you can have them all? The top-notch planners at Leslie Mastin Events with the design team at Jes Gordon kept Bar Mitzvah guests mesmerized with an ever-changing lighting display. A unique ceiling installation of colorful orbs interwoven with neon lighting drew friends and family to the dance floor all night long.
photographer: Gary Zindel | planner: Leslie Mastin Events | décor: Jes Gordon | venue: Metropolitan West
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2) Light Up a Room with Glow-in-the-Dark Tablescapes and Seating
Go for the Gold with Illumination
Everything about this Bar Mitzvah, from the neon signage to a giant bumper ball, captured our imaginations. Anthony Taccetta Event Design kept us sitting pretty with neon plating and seating. The lavish centerpieces and rings of candlelight had us lingering long after dessert.
photographer: Gruber Photographers | planner: Imagine Party and Events | planner & décor: Anthony Taccetta Event Design | venue: Cipriani 25 Broadway | entertainment: Total Entertainment | rentals: Custom Rentals, CORT Event Furnishings, Something Different Party Rental, & Party Rental | caterer: Peter Callahan Catering | production: Stargroup Productions & Modern Gypsies Productions
A Party with Gravitational Pull
With so many incandescent elements at this glow-in-the-dark pop-up party, planned and designed by LUXE Creative, it was hard to pick a favorite. From an indoor firework display to jewel-toned uplighting, every detail of this event was a brilliant flash of illumination. We especially love the futuristic centerpieces with orbiting neon rings. Talk about galactic grandeur.
photographer, planner, décor, lighting design, entertainment & rentals: LUXE Creative
Spotlight Your Spread
Guests at this neon-themed Bar Mitzvah, planned by Alison Ross Events, were immersed in “glow” from the moment they walked through the door. Kehoe Designs and BlackOak Technical Productions teamed up to create radiant décor at every turn, such as the neon-tube ceiling installation and its reflection on the black-lacquered dance floor. Most of all, we love the illuminated tablescapes with LED lighting and glittering gold votives.
photographer: Romy Modlin Photography | planner: Alison Ross Events | décor: Kehoe Designs | venue: Venue West | lighting: BlackOak Technical Productions | video: Xpress Video Productions | entertainment: DJ Famos
A Table for Two… On a Command Ship
Glencoe, IL
This TRON-themed Bar Mitzvah, planned by Alison Ross Events, has us wheeling through cyberspace. With royal-blue uplighting and midnight-black tables trimmed in neon-green lighting, the décor was straight out of science fiction. We especially love the glow-in-the-dark dinner plates and reflective lucite seating.
photographer: Romy Modlin Photography | planner: Alison Ross Events | décor: Epic Events | venue: private club | video: Xpress Video Productions | entertainment: HYPE Productions
Get Your Glow on While Dining
This basketball-themed Bar Mitzvah celebration, planned by JOWY Productions, has us rushing for a seat at the table. Dark linens by La Tavola Fine Linen popped against the glass tabletop, while an illuminated base drew all eyes to the floral décor. Catering by Wolfgang Puck Catering – Los Angeles kept us happily seated, while furnishing by Blueprint Studios had us relaxing in comfort.
photographer: Suzanne Landis | planner: JOWY Productions | décor: Marks Garden | venue: The GRAMMY Museum & The Terrace at L.A. LIVE | caterer: Wolfgang Puck Catering – Los Angeles, The Fry Girl,& Candy Vixen | linens: La Tavola Fine Linen | rentals: Blueprint Studios, Studio D Decor, & Town & Country Rentals | lighting: Lighten Up | entertainment: Feel the Vibe | dance floor: Barker Decor | printed materials: La Artista & Raoul from The Wolf Counsel | Kids’ Activities: Plan It! Events& Time Machine Slow Motion Photo Booth, Vita Perfetta, & Hit + Run| videography: Vidicam Productions | transportation: Go West Adventures
Down the Rabbit Hole
Guests followed Alice down the rabbit hole and into a surreal and magical Wonderland at this neon-themed Bat Mitzvah party. With LED lounge furniture and tablescapes by CERF, this venue space was easily mistaken for an otherworldly dreamscape. Make sure to see the neon “Drink Me” potions, another of our favorite on-theme elements from this neon party.
photos courtesy of & rentals: CERF | production: PBG Events | venue: Temple Sholom | entertainment: Jewish DJ
RELATED: Add Sparkle to Every Event — Iridescent Décor is Here to Stay
Neon Party Ideas for Entertainment
3) Steal the Limelight with an Illuminated Dance Floor
Magic Cube, Magic Celebration
Evoke Design & Creative planned an unforgettable Bar Mitzvah with a glowing Rubik’s Cube-like dance floor, while Total Entertainment kept the dance party going with engaging entertainment. Frost DC set the scene aglow with brilliant uplighting in every color of the rainbow. Even the tabletops glowed with glitter centerpieces.
photographer: Lee Ross Photography | planner: Evoke Design & Creative | décor: HMR Designs | venue: Hyatt Deerfield | lighting: Frost DC | entertainment: Total Entertainment | caterer: Entertaining Company | videographer: Total Vision Media
Hip to be Square
Creative Touch Party Design made this 16-year-old’s birthday dreams come true with a neon-geometric dance floor and cascading neon-balloon installation. Guests enjoyed blowing iridescent bubbles with glow-in-the dark bubble guns and sipping on beverages with glow-in-the-dark straws.
photographer: Xoxo by Cortini | planner: Creative Touch Party Design & Tayra Perez Project King Imprint | venue: Kimpton Overland | entertainment & dancefloor: Ampd Entertainment | lighting: JACOB CO | photo booth: Ricardo Robot Booth Photography | dessert: Mae’s Bakery
Party Ad Infinitum
This spectacular gala, deserves another mention. We are mesmerized by this LED dance floor that evokes a traditional infinity mirror. With a colorful dance floor like this, you can guarantee your guests will never want to go home.
photographer: Robert Hacman Photography | venue: The Fillmore – Miami Beach | caterer: Joy Wallace Catering | sound & lighting: AEG Live
In Line for a Good Time
JOWY Productions raised the bar (the neon bar, that is) at this neon-themed Bar Mitzvah at the beautiful and transformable Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. From neon foosball to starlit linens by La Tavola Fine Linen, this celebration was lit to the nines. We especially adore the striped dance floor leading straight up to the stage.
photographer: John Solano Photography | production & design: JOWY Productions | décor: CJ Matsumoto & Sons | venue: Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills | linens: La Tavola Fine Linen | dance floor: Barker Decor | lighting: The Lighter Side| props & décor: Studio D Decor | rentals: Town and Country | balloons: Balloon Celebrations | entertainment: CheckOne 2 | montage: Bluecat International
Criss Cross Will Make You Jump Jump
What makes a black-lacquer dance floor even better? How about a criss-crossing pattern of neon stripes? Alison Ross Events drew all eyes to the dance floor with these kaleidoscopic colors. We also love the stage backdrop featuring the B’Nai Mitzvah kids. Other details, such as black-light candles and 10-feet tall centerpieces, also had us swooning.
photographer: Romy Modlin Photography | planner: Alison Ross Events | décor: Epic Events | entertainment: HYPE Productions
Step Up into the Light
Celebrants at this graffiti-themed Bar Mitzvah showed off their dance moves on a private, up-lit stage. Event planner Partie Girl/Tracie Simkin created a memorable event filled with vibrant illumination. Glowing cocktail tables, fluorescent graffiti-paint, and spectacular uplighting wowed us at every turn. We especially love the banquet table covered in neon graffiti.
photographer: Cobalt Photography | planner: Partie Girl/Tracie Simkin | décor: Epic Events
RELATED: 24 Futuristic and Space-Themed Party Ideas [Photos]
4) Add Glitz and Glamour with the Right Entertainment
Neon costumes
A party is the perfect excuse to put on that brand new outfit. This 30th-anniversary party for Joy Wallace Catering wowed us with its myriad of neon décor — including LED skirts and headpieces. Drapery by SWAG DECOR, a Rose Brand Company came in every color of the rainbow — including glitter, which we think should be added to ROYGBIV. With so much glow going on, we feel ready to celebrate for another 30 years and more.
photographer: Robert Hacman Photography & World Red Eye | décor: SWAG DECOR, a Rose Brand Company, Lovely Locks, Jerens Tropicals, & Jet Fresh Flower Distributors | venue: Ice Palace Studios | caterer: Joy Wallace Catering & Zak the Baker | entertainment: Joy Entertainment | rental: Nuage Designs, Lavish Event Rentals, Elements & Accents, Bubble, & Diamonette | invitations & print: Alpine Creative & Miami Banners| lighting & sound: Event Factor Group | coffee cart: Aroma Espresso | dessert: Earth and Sugar | game rentals: Hollywood Game Works | unicorn rental: Ivan Rodriguez Consulting | videographer: Merge Social | balloons: Monet Twisting | neon signage: Mr. Neon | laser lighting: Liquid Sky Laser | branded coconuts: My Island Events | activities: Sara Kaplan, Yartu, & Talia Garcia Fine Art | photo booth: SoBe Photobooth | BOH radios: Trade Audio
Music to Our Ears (and Eyes)
Let’s hear another round of applause for this Bar Mitzvah planned by Anthony Taccetta Event Design. In addition to the glowing tablescapes, this celebration featured LED instruments and a show-stopping performance by Total Entertainment. Without a doubt, we experienced a moment of synesthesia, where sound became light and light became music.
photographer: Gruber Photographers | planner: Imagine Party and Events | planner & deécor: Anthony Taccetta Event Design | venue: Cipriani 25 Broadway | entertainment: Total Entertainment | rentals: Custom Rentals, CORT Event Furnishings, Something Different Party Rental, & Party Rental | caterer: Peter Callahan Catering | production: Stargroup Productions & Modern Gypsies Productions
Up the Tempo
Russell Harris Event Group and Got Light paired up to create a corporate event that guests won’t forget anytime soon. In addition to aerialist performances and LED crescent-moon ceiling installations, this illuminated bash featured drummers in LED costumes and glow-in-the-dark snare drums. From now on, we’ll take our music with a dazzling dose of lights.
photography: American Image Gallery | planner: Russell Harris Event Group | venue: The Exploratorium San Francisco | lighting: Got Light | entertainment: Earth Circus | a/v: Everything Audio Visual | caterer: Global Gourmet Catering | furniture: AFR Event Furnishings | photo booth: LA Photo Party
Get Your Groove On
There is more than one reason to love this holiday party, so we’re mentioning it twice. In addition to The Lux Productions setting the scene with astounding audio-visual effects, Entire Productions won guests over with unforgettable entertainment. Meet-and-greet LED robot dancers (with costumes featuring over 100 lights each) mingled with guests, while the DJ kept everyone on the dance floor with an eye-catching neon DJ booth.
photographer: Black Cat Photo | planner: Spot on events | décor: Sharp stick studio | venue:
Chabot Space & Science Center | a/v: The Lux Productions | rentals: Blueprint Studios – Rental & Bright Event Rentals | entertainment: Entire Productions | caterer: Grace streets catering & Wine
Strike a Light
This unforgettable corporate event dazzled guests with everything from neon art installations to glow-in-the-dark bicycle drums (you have to see it to believe it). However, it was the aerial performances by The Actors Gymnasium that has us glowing from head to toe. We especially love how the aerial silks mimic the vibrant laser lighting.
photographer: Christopher Andrew | event design, production, & entertainment: Cabinet of Curiosity | venue: Revel Fulton Market | aerialists: The Actors Gymnasium
Multi-Sensory Neon
This trendy launch party for “The Future of Music,” captured by Tori Soper Photography, revealed how technology reinvents the way music is performed and experienced. In addition to futuristic games and a dazzling light show, guests enjoyed vibrant neon décor. We love how this neon installation and dynamic stage backdrop turned the musical performance into a multi-sensory experience. Talk about the wow factor.
event photographer: Tori Soper Photography | venue: Aloft Chicago
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5) Get Guests Mingling with Glow-Worthy Activities
Strike a Pose with Fashion that Glows
This glow-themed Hulu corporate event, planned by Gravel Experiential, gave guests the opportunity to become part of the glowing décor with glow-in-the-dark accessories. From suspenders to sunglasses and headbands, the clothing at this extravaganza was meant for the stage. We especially love the glow-in-the-dark bowtie spotted on one especially-fashionable guest.
photographer: Scott Ball | planner: Gravel Experiential | décor: Illusions Tents, Rentals & Event Design | venue & caterer: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | entertainment: Cutting Edge & Aerial Horizon
This Party was a Hole in One
Birthdays are for making wishes come true; so when the guest of honor loves golf, a golf-themed celebration is definitely in order. Creative Touch Party Design gave guests an experience of a lifetime with a glow-in-the-dark golf course. From flagsticks to the fairway parameters, the landscape was aglow with every color of the rainbow.
photographer: PS Photography and Films | planner: Creative Touch Party Design
A Glowing Disposition
We mentioned the dance floor at this neon-themed Bar and Bat Mitzvah, but the activities were just as impressive and memorable. Custom-neon paint guns brought face paint to a whole new level. Faces were (literally) glowing at this fun-filled celebration planned by Alison Ross Events.
photographer: Romy Modlin Photography | planner: Alison Ross Events | décor: Epic Events | entertainment: HYPE Productions
Get a Healthy Glow with Yoga
This neon-themed 18th-birthday party was in full-swing with hanging yoga balls. Evoke Design & Creative transformed the raw space with neon-tresses, vibrant uplighting, and colorful laser lights. Guests even had the opportunity to partake in glow-in-the-dark ping pong and air hockey.
photographer: Theo Milo Photography | planner & design: Evoke Design & Creative | décor: Revolution Event Design & Production | venue: AJAXS
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Neon Party Ideas for Catering
6. Sparkling Champagne and Cocktails
Sparkling Champagne, Sparkling Décor
LUXE Creative created a dreamscape of light and color at the ninth annual Hamot Gala. Guests enjoyed glow-in-the-dark tabletop décor, glittering candlelight, and jewel-toned uplighting. Lighting formations shaped like DNA sequences and chemical compounds adorned the walls, while a laser-lit champagne wall tempted guests to indulge in the finer things in life.
photographer, planner, décor, lighting, & entertainment: LUXE Creative | venue: Bayfront Convention Center
A Smashing Good Time
Joy Wallace Catering’s 30th-anniversary celebration proved just how much the right caterer can elevate a celebration — with everything from a washing-machine mixologist to a fishing-for-bisque interactive-catering station. Elements & Accents, Lavish Event Rentals, and Nuage Designs added stunning furniture and details at every turn, while Alpine Creative Group designed beautiful invitations. We also love this glow-in-the-dark bar area with a backdrop of magnetic fruit containers.
photographer: Robert Hacman Photography & World Red Eye | décor: SWAG DECOR, a Rose Brand Company, Lovely Locks, Jerens Tropicals, & Jet Fresh Flower Distributors | venue: Ice Palace Studios | caterer: Joy Wallace Catering & Zak the Baker | entertainment: Joy Entertainment | rental: Nuage Designs, Lavish Event Rentals, Elements & Accents, Bubble, & Diamonette | invitations & print: Alpine Creative & Miami Banners| lighting & sound: Event Factor Group | coffee cart: Aroma Espresso | dessert: Earth and Sugar | game rentals: Hollywood Game Works | unicorn rental: Ivan Rodriguez Consulting | videographer: Merge Social | balloons: Monet Twisting | neon signage: Mr. Neon | laser lighting: Liquid Sky Laser | branded coconuts: My Island Events | activities: Sara Kaplan, Yartu, & Talia Garcia Fine Art | photo booth: SoBe Photobooth | BOH radios: Trade Audio
Magic Potions
This Mad Hatter-themed birthday party at Tarallucci e Vino Events featured hand-held sparklers, paper lanterns, and glow-in-the-dark ice cubes. Colorful strobe lights and an onsite-tattoo station were additional elements that made this event a birthday to remember.
photographer: Matt Simpkins Photography | décor: Mimosa Floral Design | venue: Tarallucci e Vino Events & Home Studios Inc.
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7. Passed Plates with Pizzazz
Service with a Smile — and a Sparkle
They say “the third time’s the charm,” so here’s one more shout out for this glamorous Bar Mitzvah planned by Anthony Taccetta Event Design. We also love these uplit trays serving delicious bites. Sometimes, it’s fun to let the glow come straight to you.
photographer: Gruber Photographers| planner: Imagine Party and Events | planner & deécor: Anthony Taccetta Event Design| venue: Cipriani 25 Broadway| entertainment: Total Entertainment| rentals: Custom Rentals, CORT Event Furnishings, Something Different Party Rental, & Party Rental | caterer: Peter Callahan Catering | production: Stargroup Productions & Modern Gypsies Productions
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8. Wine, Dine, and Shine Food Stations
Blue Skies at the Ballpark
This baseball-themed Bar Mitzvah, planned by Evoke Design & Creative, had guests smiling from ear-to-ear with a baseball-diamond dance floor and vibrant LED lighting. Guests enjoyed elevated ballpark cuisine by Ridgewells Catering, all while experiencing the surrounding twilight glow.
photographer: CONNOR STUDIOS | planner & design: Evoke Design & Creative | décor: Revolution Event Design & Production | venue: The Decatur House | caterer: Ridgewells Catering
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Personalized Neon Party Ideas
9) Take the Glow Home with You
Tie a Bow that Glows
We’re not quite done talking about this 16th-birthday party planned by Creative Touch Party Design. In addition to the imaginative neon dance floor, these glow-in-the-dark party favors captured our imaginations. Between the glow-in-the-dark shoelaces and the bubble wands that produced iridescent bubbles, the take-home gifts had us smiling all the way to the front door.
photographer: XOXO by Cortni Balloons | planner: Creative Touch Party Design | planner: Tayra Perez Project King Imprint | venue: Kimpton Overland | entertainment & dancefloor: Ampd Entertainment | lighting: JACOB CO | photo booth: Ricardo Robot Booth Photography | balloons: | dessert: Mae’s Bakery
Keep reading to learn more about neon party ideas — along with how to pull off the look.
How Do You Throw a Neon Party?
Finding neon party ideas and inspiration is just the beginning. PartySlate is here to connect you with a talented team of event vendors to bring your glow-in-the-dark party ideas to life.
Check out PartySlate’s curated list of top event vendors to discover talented party planners, florists, photographers, and more. Make sure to use the filters to narrow down your search by city and event type.
You can also find a dream venue for your neon party here. Use the filters to find your ideal setting based on location, guest count, event type, and more.
What Do You Do at a Neon Party?
Neon-themed parties will differ depending on the type of event. A neon wedding, for example, will have a completely different schedule than a glow-in-the-dark Bar Mitzvah party.
Every celebration, however, can benefit from delicious catering, dynamic entertainment, and wow-worthy décor.
When it comes to catering, you might choose passed plates with neon trays for a cutting-edge cocktail party. Wedding couples may prefer to go with a sparkling Champagne wall and laser light décor
A violinist with a glow-in-the-dark instrument may be perfect for wedding entertainment, while a DJ with a neon mixer station may be the best choice for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party.
Remember, your party planner and team of vendors can help you decide on which glow-in-the-dark party ideas are right for you and your unique celebration.
What are Some Good Party Ideas?
Neon-themed parties are just the tip of the iceberg. Explore some of our other favorite party themes on PartySlate below:
Remember, you can find all of your party-planning needs on PartySlate. Click to find a venue, team of vendors, and endless inspiration.
