How to throw a Disco-themed party!

It’s time to get groovy, baby, with a disco-themed party! It will be a night you will never forget as you dance under disco balls, being the ultimate “Dancing Queen”.

Hosting a disco-themed party requires some thought, imagination, creativity, and an eye for detail, with a focus on retro flair.

Create the Ultimate Disco Decor 

Regardless of whether you’re having your disco-themed bash at home or a venue, you need decor to achieve that ’70s vibe. You’ll need to hang a giant disco ball over the makeshift dance floor and scatter mini versions on tables or in vases. In terms of the colour palette, think metallics (silver, gold), and use fringe curtains, tinsel tassels, and shiny streamers in silver, gold, and hot pink. Lava Lamps and strobe lights set the mood with retro lighting and flashing strobes to energise the dance floor, as do vinyl records and retro posters. And why not hand out glow necklaces and bracelets for extra sparkle under black lights? Additionally, Silver Metallic and Confetti Balloons, which include a mix of shiny metallic silver and transparent confetti-filled balloons, are available at the  Wicked Party Store, and are perfect for adding a luxe touch to your disco-themed bash.

Encourage a Funky & Fabulous Dress Code

Encourage guests to go all out to get into the disco mood. One of the most defining fashion elements of the 1970s was bell-bottoms, which were the ultimate fashion statement of the decade — dramatic, expressive, and unapologetically groovy. If you’re channelling disco vibes for your party, these pants are a must-have (hey, if they were worn by everyone from Cher and ABBA to The Bee Gees and John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever), so head straight to the costume shop for those and you can also grab some sequins, jumpsuits, shiny dresses, and platform shoes. Funky wigs and coloured classes are a cool touch and will be a great addition to your private DIY photo booth ops.

Play Retro Music 

The ’70s produced some of the most memorable hits that are still beloved today, like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “Hotel California” by The Eagles. Other notable hits include “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. So, you should curate a playlist with disco-themed tunes that will have you dancing all night long, just like they did back then under the disco balls. If you can’t find ’70s hits on Spotify, consider asking your parents if they have any vinyl or cassettes on hand. Alternatively, you can also hire a live DJ. The music is one of the most essential and enjoyable elements of your disco-themed party, so have fun.

Provide Hilarious Entertainment Options

There are some fantastic games you can play that will add a special touch to your party. A dance-off is always side-splittingly hilarious as everyone tries to bust out their best moves (some people do lack the coordination skills or have two left feet, as is commonly regarded). And for those who want to showcase their vocal talents, then disco karaoke is an excellent idea—perhaps… depending on the group’s reaction to their singing. And, since everyone has put such an effort into their ’70s costume attire, why not have a “Best Dressed” and “Worst Dressed” competition, where you hand out awards?

Serve Iconic Drinks & Food

After all that dancing, your group is sure to have worked up a thirst for a cold drink. The 1970s were all about bold colours, creamy textures, and tropical flair, so think signature cocktails such as the Tequila Sunrise and piña coladas served with neon straws. Serve them in cute disco ball cups in pink or silver or disco drink pouches which you can find on our Party Store! And if they are hungry (working up a sweat does have that effect), set up a fondue station with cheese or chocolate fondue and dippables like bread cubes, strawberries, and marshmallows. You can also serve retro bites such as devilled eggs, fondue, cocktail weenies, and disco fries topped with cheese and gravy. Disco ball cupcakes with edible glitter and silver sprinkles are also sure to be a hit amongst your guests.

Capture All of the Funky Moments

One thing you must do for your disco-themed party is set up a photo booth, so your guests have long-lasting memories of your groovy night together. To make your photo booth stand out, add a neon sign backdrop with sayings such as “Boogie Nights,” “Stayin’ Alive,” or “Disco Made Me Do It.” Mount mini disco balls or mirrored tiles for a reflective, glamorous effect, and add a layer of Silver Foil Backdrop Curtains for a Studio 54 shimmer (available at the Wicked Party Store). Don’t forget the hilarious props, such as funky wigs, glitter glasses, and peace signs, which come together to create the picture-perfect shot that’s so Insta-worthy. 

You’ll have a blast at your disco-themed party as you let loose and get groovy—Austin Powers, eat your heart out! For more inspiration, head here.