What You Need to Throw a 90s-Themed Party

Those who spent their formative years in the 1990s may attest to its distinctive and spellbound charm. Most millennials attended at least a few such parties and celebrations, so it’s not unexpected that they want to relive the enjoyment in this decade. It doesn’t take much work to throw a party with a ’90s theme, but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for guests. Whether you’re planning a throwback to the ’90s for your children or an occasion for adults, here are some tips you need to know to get started.

Begin With 90s-Themed Invitations

The invites are the first step in planning a 90s-themed party. Seeing how ’90s-geeky you can be with your invitations may be a fascinating challenge.

Traditional paper invitations can also be sent out. If you’re very crafty, you could make these by hand; otherwise, WordArt and Microsoft Paint would provide the perfect finishing touches. If you’d instead not create something from scratch, the internet is rife with excellent readymade options.

Sample of 90s-themed birthday party digital invitation design

Set the Tone of Your 90s Outfit

Grunge, Swirl patterns, velvety petticoats, plaid skirts, and other eccentric fashion choices marked the 1990s. However, not all of them will likely be conducive to your guests’ comfort or the type of party you’re planning. If you look hard enough, you can discover clothing from the 1990s that will allow you to live out your wildest 1990s fashion fantasies.

Specify the dress code on the invitations to get the authentic 90s feel. One option is to have guests dress like their favorite 90s persona or celebrity; another is to have a more broad 1990s theme. There is a wide variety of options for a 1990s costume, so there is no good reason not to dress like in the 90s.

Beautiful country girls dressed in the style of the nineties sit on a tractor

Use Slang Terms From the 1990s

Everyone should talk as they did in the 1990s since they are all dressed in clothes from that era. Use catchphrases, slang terms, and other types of jargon that were common in the 1990s to add a layer of realism.

You can urge your visitors to utilize phrases and words such as “As if!,” “Booyah,” “FYI,” “Talk to the hand,” “Whatever,” “BFF,” “No duh!,” and “Take a chill pill.”

Decorate Your Party Like the 90s

What are the uses of 90s outfits and slang lingos if you cannot properly decorate your party just like the 90s? Decorating for a party is a lot of fun, whether you’re throwing it indoors or out. It should be pretty easy to set the mood for a ’90s-themed party. Some ideas for party decorations include renting an inflatable photo booth and purchasing inflatable chairs for guests to sit on. It would also be useful to hang up posters of popular 90s acts like the Spice Girls, NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, etc. Posters for films like “Titanic,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Pulp Fiction” are also noteworthy.

Some old and retro toys from the ’90s might also serve as decorative elements. Toys like Beanie Babies, Furbys, Trolls, Legos, and so on are in this category. Set up a classic TV or radio or a Nintendo Entertainment System console to keep your visitors entertained. You could be amazed by what’s available if you just start asking around, borrowing from friends, and digging through your own collection.

90s party decor with flashy retro backdrop and balloons

Eat Like the 90s

Food is an essential aspect of any celebration, and it’s easy to incorporate the decade of the 1990s. There shouldn’t be any formal meals at a 90s party, but plenty of snacks like candies, little pizza rolls, baked goods, cheese balls, etc.

You could have split a Lunchables box with your friends if you attended school in the ’90s. Set out some crackers, cheese, pepperoni, and anything else that could have been part of that memorable meal to relive the good times all over again.

Set Up a 90s-Themed Photo Booth

The classic photo booth is always a hit at parties because it gives people an excuse to dress up, get silly, and generate lasting memories. The props are the most critical aspect of any 90s-themed party you throw. Even if your guests dress up, you can still give their images a throwback feel by providing them with items from the ’90s.

3D glasses, bucket hats, choker necklaces, a boombox, huge cell phones, and more could all work as props. Even with only a plain background, you may create the ’90s feel. Think of using bold hues, geometric patterns, or cool graffiti art. Another option is hiring a professional photographer or allowing attendees to use their mobile devices.

Waist up portrait of young handsome stylish man with bright beat box on his shoulder on isolated orange

Prepare 90s Console Games to Play

In the 1980s, arcade cabinets were the norm for gamers, but the 1990s ushered in a new age. There was a sudden proliferation of popular arcade games for home use. The Nintendo 64, or N64, was the most iconic home video game system of the 90s.

Turning your get-together into a Mario Party is a great way to inject nostalgic 90s fun into your bash. Put a few game consoles around the party area and have visitors compete for the highest score. You may test your supremacy in the games as a pleasant diversion from the dance floor.

Prepare 90s Party Games or Other Types of Entertainment

Even if you want people to socialize and catch up at your party, putting some thought into the entertainment will make it much more fun for everyone. Classic gaming systems like the SEGA or Nintendo will work wonderfully, as mentioned above, but they will have player limits.

The Pop Culture Trivia Game and other card games are other alternatives. There are more than 400 questions on these cards related to 90s pop culture. Many images, game opponents, and information about the decade of the 1990s are included as well. You and your pals may use this game to reminisce about your favorite 90s flicks, TV series, and clothing styles. A timer is included to provide a level playing field.

Hella 90s Pop Culture Trivia Game box on a table

A theme based on the 1990s may be one of the most popular choices for bachelor parties in the 2020s. Still, this concept is adaptable enough to use for any event. With the tips given above on preparing a 90s-themed party, you will have enough information and idea to start your own 90s-themed party. You will need the props and other stuff to put everything together, so search them up and get ready to relive the decade of the 1990s! 

You may also check out our Guide to Types of Party Favors for Children’s Parties for more ideas.