Samantha Gades; Unsplash
'90s Party Theme
Oh snap, this party’s going to be bangin’.
About the Theme
Is there anything better than hosting a themed party? We think not. After all, it’s a great way to get all your guests involved as everyone plays their part to ensure the party transforms into another world. And perhaps one of the best themed parties to host is one that turns back the clock to the 1990s. Yes, we’re taking outfits inspired by “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and 90s hip-hop blasting through your stereo. Now that’s what we call a party.
Indulge in a night of nostalgia with a ’90s themed party. When it comes to décor, lean on popular games, music, TV shows and decade favorites like gel bracelets, Beanie Babies and yo-yos. Don’t forget to ask your guests to dress in decade wear.
To help you host the best '90s themed party that will have everyone talking, we’ve created a handy guide. We’ve listed out the top '90s theme party ideas, from the entertainment down to the food. Follow our tips and your guests will be partying like it’s 1999 all night long.
VIBE: Eclectic
SIMILAR PARTY THEMES: ’80s, Neon
Venue Settings
Loft
Loft spaces offer plenty of room to accomodate large guest lists, with soaring ceilings and plenty of windows for a dynamic party atmosphere.
OUTDOORS
Nothing screams the 90s quite like kids spending hours playing outside in the great outdoors. Bring that sense of nostalgia to your next event by hosting your party outside. Set up your '90s theme party in your backyard or head over to your local park or beach for some wide-open space to celebrate.
BASEMENT
How many basement parties did you host back in the day? Relieve all those good times with your very own basement party. Add some bright, beaded string curtains and inflatable furniture and you’ll be in good shape.
Breather; Unsplash
Entertainment
'90s Band
A live band covering all the best throwback songs brings this party to life. Complete the party vibe with chart-toppers from Whitney Houston, Spice Girls, MC Hammer and TLC.
CD DANCE PARTY
CDs were all the rage in the early 1990s, so what better way to blast your favorite throwback tunes than on your own boombox? Dig through your closet to find your tried-and-true CD player or zip over to your local second-hand store to score one. While you’re at it, hunt down some old CDs, too. Think LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa and Janet Jackson. Hook your CD player up to some speakers and get ready for the ultimate 90s dance party.
GAME ROOM
Retro video games are the essence of the 1990s. Pay homage to these classic video games with a gaming area at your '90s theme party. Set up Nintendo 64, Playstation and some Game Boys, and then let the competition commence. Your guests will love nothing more than breaking out their old gaming skills and trying to remember the cheat codes on favorites like Donkey Kong, Mario Kart and Zelda.
FILM FESTIVAL
Chances are, you can rattle off countless ’90s cult classics off the top of your head. So for your next '90s theme party, why not project them onto a wall or screen? With a movie playing in the background, your guests can enjoy the film, without it dominating your party. Choose from flicks like “Clueless,” “Titanic,” and “Pulp Fiction” among many more.
THROWBACK TRIVIA
What stuffed animal fad debuted in 1993? Or how about, how many members did the band Backstreet Boys have? (Bonus points if you can name them!) Break the ice and get the party started with a few rounds of 1990s trivia. Throw in questions about music, movies, fashion and news stories. and your guests will be eager to show off their knowledge.
Neonbrand; Uunsplash
Food
Bagel Bites
Reinvented forms of pizza really had a moment in the ’90s. Of course, pizza bites and pizza rolls were ever popular, along with easy options like Hot Pockets and Lunchables. Create a spread with these no-hassle snacks and your guests will be over the moon.
SWEETS
There’s nothing sweeter than the treats from the 1990s. Give your guests a solid sugar rush with popular candy, such as AirHeads, Bubble Gum Tape, Warheads, PopRocks, and Ring Pops. Don't forget iconic ’90s sweets like Nerds, Dunkaroos, Gushers, and Pixie Sticks.
Beverage
Sex on the Beach
Fruity drinks were a huge hit during this decade, which is why this combination of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice was one of the most popular.
JUICE DRINKS
There was something about the 1990s that just made people want to slurp up some sugary juice drinks. From Squeeze Its and Capri Suns to Little Hug Fruit Barrels, there are all kinds to choose from. For an extra kick, make some adult-friendly versions with alcohol.
COSMOPOLITANS
Carrie Bradshaw, the lead character in the hit TV series “Sex and the City,” put the spotlight on Cosmopolitans, as she always ordered this cocktail with her girlfriends out on the town. This pink, fruit cocktail will surely take your party guests down memory lane.
Creative Detail
Tech Décor
Repurpose old-school tech items like cassette tapes and CDs, and tap into classic arcade game décor like Pac-Man or Super Mario for creative signage ideas.
DRESSCODE
No '90s theme party is complete without dressing the part. Encourage your guests to dress up in 90s attire, from flannel shirts and spaghetti strap dresses to windbreakers and tube tops, the options are endless. Inspire them to dress like their favorite 90s icons, such as Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Kurt Cobain or Johnathan Taylor Thomas.
When it comes to hosting your next birthday party or gathering with friends, you’ll never go wrong with these '90s theme party ideas.