If you didn’t already know, I love parties. Planning them, hosting them, or just being a guest at a good one. Parties bring people together, and honestly, that’s the whole point for me.
I’m guessing you feel the same way. But what usually gets in the way of loving parties is the planning. It sounds fun in theory, and then it gets overwhelming fast once you’re staring at a blank page trying to figure out where to even start.
That’s where a theme comes in. Any event, big or small, benefits from having one. A theme sets the tone for your get-together and makes planning easier by giving you a starting point rather than a hundred open-ended decisions. Once the theme’s picked, decorations, food, and even your playlist tend to follow naturally.
Here are a few of my favorite trending party themes to consider for your next event.
1. Coastal Social
You don’t need to live anywhere near the ocean for this one to work. I’m in the mountains in Utah, and it’s still one of my favorite themes to pull off. Sand, sea, and a relaxed summery atmosphere translate surprisingly well indoors or in a backyard. Think light, breezy colors, simple, fresh food, and decor that leans more “easy afternoon by the water” than “overdone tropical party.” A few shells, some blue-and-white linens, and citrus-forward drinks go a long way.
2. Casual Retro
This one’s fun because it can go in so many directions depending on which era speaks to you. Mid-century modern gives you clean lines and a sophisticated feel. 80s disco brings the energy up with bold colors and fun music. Early 2000s nostalgia is having a moment right now, too. You can even combine a few different decades into one theme if you want something a little more eclectic; there’s no rule that says you have to pick just one era.
3. Black and White Gala
Why should dressing up only happen at prom or a black-tie wedding? A black-and-white gala theme gives your guests a reason to actually get dressed up, sip a cocktail or mocktail, and feel a little glamorous for an evening. It doesn’t require a huge budget either. Simple black-and-white decor, some string lights, and a “dress to impress” note on the invite do most of the work.
4. Add an Interactive Element to Any Theme
Whatever theme you land on, giving guests something to actually do tends to make the party more memorable than décor alone. A photo booth is one of the easiest ways to do this since it fits almost any theme with a few props and backdrop tweaks. I bring a vintage 1968 camper trailer, set up as a photo booth, to events around Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah County, and it works well with pretty much every theme on this list, from Coastal Social to a full Black-and-White Gala.
So, which theme are you leaning toward for your next event? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message and let me know what you end up choosing.
Want a photo booth to go with your next themed party? Message me to check availability.