Thinking of unique party themes can be a daunting task. But by asking yourself just a few simple questions, you can choose an event theme which your guests are sure to love!
Whether you’re organising a bridal shower, birthday party, fancy dinner, or baby shower, choosing a unique party theme is likely your first matter of business.
Every event is unique, with special purposes and people. If you’re planning a party on someone else’s behalf you may be wondering how to know what will suit them and their guests?
In this post, we will learn some of the key things to consider when selecting your event’s theme.
By the end you will be equipped with a great method to help you brainstorm your next parties theme.
This post is all about how to choose unique party themes your guests will love.
How to Choose Unique Party Themes
Step 1: What’s the Occasion?
This question, you probably already know the answer to. But it is crucial to keep in mind. For example, a pooh bear theme would be adorable for a baby shower, but maybe not as fitting for an anniversary party.
Or maybe you don’t have an occasion! No occasion parties are some of my favourites to organise. With these you have limitless freedom as the purpose is simply to have a great time.
If that’s the case, then “no occasion” is the occasion, and you can just move on to the next step.
For the sake of an example I am going to pretend I am throwing a party for a girls 10th birthday.
Grab a piece of paper and start brainstorming! Begin by writing down what your occasion is.
Step 2: Know Your Guest List
Who do you want to attend this party? Knowing who your guest list is will give you a far clearer direction when brainstorming a theme they will enjoy.
What age category does your guest list fit into?
It’s no surprise that there is a world of difference between a 5-year-old’s party and a 40th birthday party. Knowing your age group will be a huge decider in not only your theme, but the type of food you serve, games or structure of the event.
How many guests are you inviting?
Knowing your guest numbers will impact your budget and, therefore, the type of event you may want to consider.
This is also important to keep in mind as the atmosphere of a party is largely dependent on how many people are there. If you’re wanting an event at which you can sit down and have a one-table conversation, then you’re unlikely to be inviting 80 people, for example.
What makes a party enjoyable for your guests?
If you’re hosting an event for kids, then games are likely to be what makes a party fun for them. For young people, maybe it’s the perfect photo opportunities. Or maybe your guests find meaningful conversations the best way to spend an evening.
Try put yourself in the shoes of your guests and their stage of life to help you choose your theme.
Write down the answer to each of the questions regarding your guests.
Step 3: Who is this event for and what do they LOVE?
Most parties we throw are centered around someone or a special event in their life. Or it’s a seasonal event like Christmas or Thanksgiving. If this is the case, your event is still for someone, that being your guests!
For the sake of ease lets brainstorm your event for one specific person. Below is a few questions to help you get a great idea of what they’ll enjoy.
- What is their favorite color?
- What are some hobbies they enjoy?
- What is their favorite movie, TV series or book?
- Describe their personality in a few words.
- What is their usual aesthetic when it comes to dress or decorating?
- What are some of their favorite foods?
- Who means the most to them in the world?
Write down your answers and see if there are any potential themes that stand out? Circle these, and as we continue, we can hopefully narrow down the field.
Step 4: What is the party budget?
This is by far my least favourite question. But one that will determine much of your theme.
At the same time, DO NOT let a budget scare you out of doing the theme you want! This blog came out of my passion for creating events, specifically on small budgets. No budget should determine the amount of fun you or your guests can have.
The size of your guest list will largely determine the luxury you can deliver. For example, on $200 you could throw a beautiful sit-down dinner for a party of 6. Yet for a family gathering of 30 people, your $200 will likely not go far.
Write down your budget and carry onto the next step.
Step 5: Where and when?
Starting with where. Choosing a venue is going to massively impact the overall aesthetic of your event.
If you’re planning a period drama party, then finding a location that somewhat reflects the interiors of that time will really help complement your decor. It can even mean you need less decor as the location can stand alone.
If you’re planning for a large group on a small budget, then considering an outdoor area may be good. If you already know where you want the party, then look back at your themes and perhaps cross out those that couldn’t work with this location.
You’ll also need to consider when this event is. What time of the day will suit your guests, menu and aesthetic? Also, if your party is outdoors, then is the season and temperature appropriate?
Write down where you plan to hold your event (or a few possible ideas) and when you plan to hold it.
Step 6: Putting it all together
You should now have a pretty good idea of what your guests and ‘main person’ are likely to enjoy. Look back at their “favourite things” list and see which themes will work with your ideal location, what is enjoyable for your guests, time and budget.
You could do a bit of research on other parties with these themes and see what stands out to you. There will likely be a couple that you feel will suit all your criteria.
Write down your best options and begin researching those themes. From there, you will hopefully have one (or a combination of a few themes) to base your party on.
And that brings us to the end of this simple process to help you choose your unique party themes.
If you’re looking for more event inspiration, be sure to check out the Gathering Glees Dream category! There you’re sure to find more inspiration or quizzes to help you get started planning.
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