Costume Parties

While costume parties are typical around Halloween, I have heard of other people throwing costume parties during different times of the year. Mardis Gras is one time where a costume party could be a good idea.

What are some other times you could throw a costume party? I was thinking a “white” party (where everyone wears all white clothing and all the decorations are white), similar to the ones that a rap mogul throws, could be a fun theme, too.

Do you think people would go for a costume party outside of Halloween? If you’ve thrown one, please sure your ideas and experiences!

Thanks.

It’s only a slight variation on the “white party” idea, but I’ve also heard of people hosting “black and white” parties.  The contrast between the two colors could make for interesting decorations.  I think guests could also really get behind a tropical luau theme with grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and leis.  Another theme I’ve heard of is Heaven and Hell, where you decorate one floor as Heaven and one floor at Hell.  I think I’ve heard of it mainly from college students, though, so I don’t know how much of a “frat party” stigma the theme might have.

I’ve been invited attend to a “South of the Border” themed party this summer. The food, drinks, and decor will all have a Mexican theme, and the guests (grown up s only) are all being asked to wear attire that coordinates with the theme.

I LOVE the idea of costume parties all year round.  Mardi Gras and Carnival are both really fun, of course, but I think as long as you keep it simple people will be willing to dress up year-round.  I think something like “Wear all white” or “Wear your best Hawaiian shirt” are things that people will always be willing to do.

Most people probably won’t be willing to go all-out, but moste are (in my experience)  willing to dress up a bit.  It only adds to the fun.

wow definetly!!! Dress up parties are the best parties to go to as thought and time are necessary it gets people talking weeks before about your party and enusres that the night is going to be crazy and hillarious.

The theme has to be a theme that everyone can do and will not be too expensive.
If too expensive than people will not be bothered to pay for it. Themes for eras are usually easy to do and cheap. People love 70s and 80s parties

karenlyn—You’re right, a lot of people won’t be into the entire “costume” but can be encouraged to dress up with a few accessories or with their shirt. Good idea!

codename—Keeping costs down for guests is something I didn’t even consider! Thanks for pointing that out! An ‘80s party would be a great theme for me, because most of my friends were born in the early part of the decade.

Related to this topic, do you do anything for guests that don’t have a costume for a themed event?  Not so much the person who refuses to wear a costume (my husband is one of those people), but the person who doesn’t have a fitting costume, or as codename suggests, can’t afford one.  Do you think it would be a good idea to keep a few extra costume pieces or accessories on hand so that they can join in on the fun?  Alternately, it seems like you could also provide guests with a wearable themed party favor when they arrive (the obvious example that comes to mind is a lei at a luau party), and then everyone will be guaranteed to have at least one thematic touch.

That is an ok idea to suggest about having dress up materials available for people who did not dress up although it is time consuming and on the night you don’t want to be worrying about that…a simple wig or funny tie could just do the trick.

If people don’t dress up they will look like the odd ones out…you will always get that at a party but there is very little you can do about it.

Most of my friends write on the invitation “no costume, no entry” a threat could always work…not that you would actually not let them in…but they will feel a little embarrassed.

These are great suggestions for costume parties! Somehow the fun level seems to increase if people are in a costume of some sort - even if it is a feature boa over their regular clothes! I like the idea of having a box of fun costume accessories at the door for those who didn’t arrive with their “costume.” A quick trip to a thrift store can quickly find an assortment of fun clothes, hats and accessories.