Unique party themes are hard to come by — after all, the definition of unique is being “unlike anything else.” Social media sharing has accelerated a need to stand out, while making it even more difficult to do so. Enter PartySlate.com.
We see hundreds of real event albums added to our platform each day, hosted by and for people just like you. Our team combs through each and every one of those new events to find the inspiration you’ve been searching for.
2023 will be all about outside-the-box themes and the innovative elements that bring them to life. Put on your creative party hat, and get ready to discover everything from a “pink apple” Bat Mitzvah party to a Bodega-inspired wedding (yes, really). Let these 23 brand new party ideas wow your guests — or inspire your own spin. It’s the Jordan (23) year of events — so it’s about time we step up our theme game.
*In no particular order…
1. Take Notes From This “Beats by G” Theme
It’s one thing to throw a party after your favorite musical genre; it’s another to theme a party around your favorite headphones. The celebrity-owned Beats by Dre brand inspired Gavin’s entire Bar Mitzvah party — with his own twist, of course.
“Beats by G” was born for the night with a custom logo, a line of merch for party guests (we’re eyeing the cozy matching sweatsuit), and a series of catering stations (you’d find us at “G’s Sushi”).
2. Find a Home in a “Wizard of Oz” Rehearsal Theme
Mill Run, PA
Click your heels – and clink your glasses. There’s nothing quite as whimsical as a Wizard of Oz-themed rehearsal dinner, especially one with its own yellow brick road.
The couple’s planner, GoBella Design & Planning, shared details about the grooms’ Oz-inspired outfits, which were “filled with personal touches, like embroidery of the couples’ dog (instead of Toto) and the Tin Man’s clock heart set to 11:11 (their lucky numbers).”
3. Start Plotting Your Very Own Movie-Themed Wedding
For the free-spirited couple, you might want to consider turning your wedding day into a movie premiere. How? Just look at the photos from Jordan and Sierra’s red carpet-worthy celebration.
The couple’s bold color choices, dramatic floral arrangements, and personalized neon signage set the scene for a rom-com with the happiest of endings. Their poster-inspired invitations and cinematic entrance transported guests straight into a fairytale (one with a modern edge), and surely led to rave reviews.
4. Bring the Big Apple to LA (Or Anywhere)
The bustling streets of New York came to Los Angeles for one epic city-to-city evening. Witness the “Big Apple” become the “Pink Apple” at Madison’s “Madison Avenue” birthday soirée.
Heightened details include a subway station photo op, a diner serving up burgers and shakes, street signage-inspired table numbers, and pink cab place cards. See the full event album to window shop more unique NYC-themed ideas.
5. Give Guests a Complementary Lift to Aspen
While we’re on the topic of city themes, why not go mountainside? As one of the most iconic and remote destinations in the country, guests will always appreciate a whirlwind trip to Aspen.
Jemma created her own ski resort with a lift-inspired DJ booth, ski run signage, gorgeous mountain backdrops, crisp white furniture details, and indoor fire pits. Trust us, you’ll want guests to cozy on up for a theme like this — as it’s guaranteed to give them chills.
6. Cater to Your Culture (Like This Bodega-Inspired Wedding)
The bride wore black — and created her own bodega-theme for another unique twist. Sylvia and Puneet infused culture into their experiential wedding day with a custom food market and bodega — and we’ve got receipts on all the details.
The interactive store included a specialty newspaper with photos and quotes from the wedding party, an “In sickness and health” vending machine, and “Have a nice life” to-go bags. We’ll take one of every idea, please.
7. Season Your Affair With a Bistro Theme
Hats off to the chef. We love a passion-turned-party theme — and this culinary-inspired Bar Mitzvah party is checking off all the necessary ingredients (from a rolling pin ceiling to egg carton centerpieces and a “beets” DJ booth).
With any bistro-inspired affair, catering becomes one of the most important elements, and this party delivered on a great menu with mini skillet-serving vessels, make your own cannoli station, and more.
8. Make The Amazing Race Your Own Reality
Cat Spring, TX
Ready, set — revel (in this epic, interactive theme idea). For her 30th birthday, Ali hosted her own “Amazing Race” at her family’s ranch. The event was 10 months in the making, with countless details going into the party concept, décor — and of course, the race itself.
This “race to 30” included suitcase invitations, a supply store, first class flight-inspired catering, and a “zero-proof” mocktail bar.
9. Make It Groovy Baby, With an Austin Powers Theme
London, England
The 60s may be making a popular party comeback — but an Austin Powers spin will keep it completely original.
This 21st-birthday party, which took place in London – yeah, baby! — kept guests on their toes with innovative design elements, on-theme catering, and a very specific dress code. Look through the party photos to spy a color-saturated entrance, flower-power table arrangements, and funky bar figures.
10. Get Dolled Up for a Barbie Beach Bash
We’re living for this Barbie bachelorette party. While Barbie themes aren’t new (hello, Barbiecore trend), it’s the spin on details that can take it from ordinary to extraordinary.
This bride-to-be knew how to perfectly accessorize the party with hot-pink serving vessels (and matching pink drinks, duh), a hot-pink cassette DJ booth, beach Barbie-patterned blow up pools, and so much more.
Not included: the bride-to-be’s private beachfront estate. However, you can browse waterfront venues in PartySlate’s outdoor event spaces directory.
11. Make History With a Rodeo Disco Renaissance Theme
When you share your birthday party with a friend, you might have to make compromises — or maybe you won’t…
This Beyoncé Renaissance-inspired party added the birthday girls’ separate loves of disco and rodeo, and combined them into one innovative style. They say opposites attract, and in the world of unique party themes, it couldn’t be more true.
12. Let It Be The Beatles Theme
All you need is The Beatles inspiration for your next party. This colorful, musical, and whimsical kids’ birthday party theme was a crowd pleaser for both the adults and kids in attendance.
Pay close attention to the shapely details that included flower sculpted tables, cushions, and cookies, alongside heart molded plates and vibrant star cutouts. When it comes to choosing a theme, why not bring to life a yellow submarine?
13. Open Your Own Sushi Restaurant — And Get It Catered By a Real One
The world of party themes is truly your oyster (or maki roll, if you will). There’s no shame in playing pretend for the day, especially when it comes to the most unique celebration ideas.
For Lily’s 25th birthday, she designed her own sushi restaurant with branded chopstick sleeves, custom wrapped tables, lychee bar signage, and more. It’s giving main character energy, with a side of soy sauce.
14. Take 90s Kids’ Slang — and Make it Even Flyer
Nothing sets the tone for an epic wedding weekend like a unique welcome party theme — especially one with a nod to the couples’ personality. These grooms had creative party elements in the bag with their “90s catchphrase” themed occasion.
The nostalgic lingo says it all, with an iconic “Gettin’ sippy with it” boombox wall (holding grab-and-go juice pouches), a “Let’s bounce” bounce house (for the grown ups, this time), and a snack table that was “All that and a bag of chips.” Need more of the 411? Just browse the full event album.
15. Plug Your Favorite Gadgets With a Technology Theme
Game over. This technology-themed Bar Mitzvah party wins when it comes to innovation. The details were, shall we say, out of control — with Xbox controller wall projections, video game-inspired designs, and holographic-inspired signage.
From the lighting to the interactive entertainment, there was no shortage of high-tech features that are sure to inspire your next party.
16. Play Up Your Milestone With a Super Mario Theme
Super Mario World has never looked so…adorable. These parents-to-be celebrated their new family member with a “Super Baby World” shower. Choose your character: from Toad’s food truck to Princess Peach’s DJ booth.
Between all the winning elements, nothing leveled up the party like the signage, which featured Super Mario-inspired fonts, catchy phrases, and colorful backdrops.
17. Join Loved Ones With a Country Club Theme
Stephanie’s country club-themed Bat Mitzvah party put the perfect spin on your typical teen’s sports party. The theme was in full swing with a built-out, PGA-inspired golf shop in the midst of the celebration.
Stephanie’s event designer, Jen Gould Event Design, shared that the “storefront was surely a hit amongst Stephanie’s friends, for the line was out the door all night long!”
18. Satiate Guests With a McDonald’s Theme
If you have a bun in the oven, this adorable McDonald’s-themed party inspiration is for you.
From the drive-thru ordering station to the custom golden arch and floral to-go boxes, this celebration proves branding is for way more than just corporate events. We’re truly “lovin” every fast foodie detail — and yes, we’ll have fries with that.
19. Win Over Your Guests With a Tailgate-Themed Party
You’ve got spirit, yes you do — just make sure the bar has spirit(s), too. Blake’s University of Michigan sports-themed Bar Mitzvah party featured the school’s infamous football slogans, signature “Maize and Blue” colors, and nods to the program’s recognizable football stadium.
Game-winning inspiration goes far beyond one school: Take Blake’s ideas and apply them to your own team for a completely unique celebration.
20. Make It All-Inclusive With a Resort Party Theme
Trust us, no one hates a luxury vacation — especially without the hassle of travel. Maddy’s experiential Bat Mitzvah party took guests on a tropical trip with resort-inspired details and a sunny palette.
The design boasts an “out of office” vibe with a room-key place card wall, sandy beach dance floor wrap, and palm tree centerpieces. Make sure to also check out the giant beach ball-inspired bar, which complemented a beach ball-covered ceiling. We’ll take a one-way ticket to Maddy’s, please.
21. Piece Together a Unique Pink Puzzles Theme
Dalia’s pink puzzles-themed party kept things classy and creative. The party strategically used geometry to bring intriguing design elements to life, from the tableware to the serving vessels.
Delicate details kept the pink palette light and feminine, while guests solved various puzzles around the party (including a brilliant, custom word search about the Bat Mitzvah girl).
22. Treat Your Guests to a Hocus Pocus Theme — Any Time of Year
We love a creative take on a classic theme. In this case, Disney magic took over for a Hocus Pocus-inspired dinner party. The evening featured a themed bounce house (and a dessert-induced sugar rush).
We’re spellbound by the party’s stunning candy cart, as well as the custom cocktails named after each witch — wins for both the kids and adults.
23. Rock Out to a Punk Rock Music Theme
Reality TV star Teddi Mellencamp did not disappoint when it came to her daughter’s 2nd birthday. Knowing Teddi’s love for punk rock style (and probably a good pun), the “Born 2 Rock” theme was born.
Mellencamp shared on Instagram that her daughter “partied like a rock star! If rock stars drank juice, ate with their hands, and went to bed at 7PM.” Sounds like the perfect night to us.
People Also Ask…
How should I decide on a unique party theme?
When it comes to choosing your party theme, it all comes down to personality. Think about your favorite colors, music genre, brands, cuisine, hobbies — and go from there.
If you need more inspiration, explore our party themes resource guide — which has a range of ideas from pop culture party themes to decade party themes.
Whether you’re brainstorming a unique party theme for your wedding after-party, your little one’s birthday, your next anniversary, or your upcoming bachelorette party, you’ll find the best inspiration for your event at PartySlate.com.