90s Party Ideas: The Coolest Guide to Throwing a Nostalgic Bash
Ready to relive the glory days of the 90s... or live them for the first time if you weren't even born in this coolest of decades?!
Well, I was there. I lived through the 90s from start to finish, right in the centre of London. So I consider myself in-the-know of how to 'ave it large, 90s style.
To get straight to the point, a 90s-themed party is an awesome way to celebrate the decade of grunge, boy bands, BritPop and Friends (the ultimate 90s TV show).
Whether you were (or are) all about the Spice Girls, obsessed with Nirvana, or couldn’t get enough of Friends and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this guide is packed with everything you need to throw a totally rad 90s party.
So, grab your flannel shirts, dust off those VHS tapes, and let’s get this party started with some awesome 90s party ideas!
And don’t forget to add an extra layer of fun with our 90s Music Bingo—a splendid way to keep your guests entertained and singing along to their favourite hits from the decade.
90s Party Decorations
To set the scene for your 90s party, you’ll need to bring back the bold colours, funky patterns, and iconic symbols that defined the decade.
- Neon and Bright Colours: Think neon pink, electric blue, and lime green. Use these vibrant colours for your balloons, streamers, and tablecloths to give the space that unmistakable 90s vibe.
- Retro Posters: Deck the walls with posters of 90s icons like Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, TLC, and The Spice Girls. Don’t forget the must-have movie posters from classics like Clueless, The Lion King, and Pulp Fiction.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Everything: From stars on the ceiling to glow sticks for your guests, the 90s were all about things that glowed. Scatter glow-in-the-dark stickers around the room, and give everyone a glow stick to wear.
- Bean Bags and Inflatable Furniture: Create a chill-out zone with inflatable chairs and bean bags. These were all the rage in the 90s and make for a perfect spot to relax with friends between dance sessions.
- Cassette Tapes and CDs: String up old cassette tapes and CDs to use as decorations. You can even create a backdrop of hanging CDs that catch the light and shimmer as your guests dance the night away.
90s Party Food and Drink Ideas
No 90s party is complete without the iconic snacks and drinks that everyone loved back then. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Snack Table: Load up the table with classic 90s snacks like Dunkaroos, Gushers, Ring Pops, Fruit Roll-Ups, and Pop-Tarts. Arrange them in bright, colourful bowls that scream 90s!
- Pizza Bagels and Pizza Rolls: These were a staple of after-school snacks. Serve mini pizza bagels and pizza rolls for that authentic 90s taste.
- Lunchables: Remember those DIY lunch kits? Create your own Lunchables station where guests can assemble mini pizzas or cracker stacks.
- Jell-O Cups: Serve up some vibrant Jell-O cups in neon colours. Layer them for a cool effect, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Capri Sun and Kool-Aid: Keep the drinks simple with classic 90s favourites like Capri Sun pouches and Kool-Aid in bright, sugary flavours. You could also whip up a Kool-Aid punch for a more grown-up option.
- Sunny D and Squeeze-Its: If you can find them, these nostalgic drinks will take your guests right back to the 90s. Sunny D is perfect for a citrusy kick, while Squeeze-Its add a fun, interactive element.
90s Music Playlist
The music of the 90s was diverse, ranging from grunge and alternative rock to pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Here’s a playlist that will get everyone on their feet:
- Spice Girls – Wannabe
- Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
- Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
- TLC – No Scrubs
- Britney Spears – ...Baby One More Time
- MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This
- Mariah Carey – Fantasy
- Green Day – Basket Case
- Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
- Destiny’s Child – Say My Name
- Beastie Boys – Sabotage
- Oasis – Live Forever
- Sir Mix-a-Lot – Baby Got Back
- Smash Mouth – All Star
- Coolio - Gangster's Paradise
And for a fun, interactive activity, get your guests involved with 90s Music Bingo! It’s the perfect way to relive those classic hits while adding a competitive twist to your party.
90s Costume Ideas
When it comes to 90s costumes, there’s so much to choose from! Here are some ideas inspired by 90s music, movies, and celebrities:
- Grunge Rocker: Channel your inner Kurt Cobain with a flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and a beanie. Don’t forget the Converse sneakers and a disheveled look to complete the outfit.
- Britney Spears: Recreate Britney’s iconic schoolgirl outfit from the “…Baby One More Time” music video. Think a plaid skirt, white shirt tied at the waist, and knee-high socks.
- The Fresh Prince: Go full Will Smith with a bright, oversized jacket, neon colours, and a flat-top haircut. Add a pair of high-top sneakers, and you’re set.
- Clueless Characters: Dress up as Cher or Dionne from Clueless. Cher’s yellow plaid skirt suit is instantly recognizable, while Dionne’s bold, funky outfits are perfect for making a statement.
- Spice Girls: Gather your friends and go as the Spice Girls. Each member has a distinct look—Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, and Posh—so there’s something for everyone.
- Matrix Characters: Go futuristic with sleek, all-black outfits and cool sunglasses. Whether you choose Neo, Trinity, or Morpheus, the look is unmistakably 90s.
- Saved by the Bell: Dress like Zack Morris or Kelly Kapowski with vibrant, colourful outfits and big hair. This preppy, high-school look is quintessential 90s.
- Boy Band Member: Get that boy band look with matching outfits, gelled hair, and synchronized dance moves. Whether you’re into NSYNC or Backstreet Boys, you can’t go wrong.
- Liam or Noel Gallagher from Oasis: Capture the Britpop look by dressing as either Liam or Noel Gallagher. For Liam, go for a parka jacket (preferably khaki or navy), a bucket hat, and round sunglasses. Pair this with straight-leg jeans and a casual, crew-neck t-shirt. For Noel, opt for a denim jacket over a button-down shirt, paired with dark jeans and desert boots. Don’t forget the tousled mod hair and a confident swagger to complete the look.
With these costume ideas, your guests will have a blast stepping back into the 90s and reliving the fashion and fun of the decade!
This guide is packed with everything you need to throw an epic 90s party that your friends will be talking about long after the last song plays.
And don’t forget to grab your 90s Music Bingo game—perfect for adding an extra layer of fun to your nostalgic bash!
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