A Retro 60s Party is a fun and vibrant way to celebrate the iconic decade known for its bold fashion, groovy music, and psychedelic vibes. Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash or just looking for a fun event theme, a 60s-inspired party can transport your guests back in time to the era of peace, love, and groovy tunes. Here’s how to plan the perfect Retro 60s Party:

1. Invitations

Set the tone for your 60s party right from the start with fun and retro invitations.

  • Psychedelic Designs: Use bold and colorful designs with swirling patterns, peace signs, and flower power motifs. Think of psychedelic fonts and vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and purple.
  • Vinyl Record Invitations: Create invites that look like mini vinyl records or music album covers from the 60s.
  • Ticket Invitations: Design invitations that resemble concert tickets or movie tickets, giving a nod to the popularity of concerts and films in the 60s.

2. Venue and Decor

Transform your venue into a groovy 60s space with bright, colorful, and nostalgic décor.

Color Scheme

  • Bold and Bright: Use vivid colors like yellow, orange, green, purple, and pink for a cheerful, psychedelic vibe.
  • Black and White: Incorporate classic black and white patterns like checkered floors, polka dots, or stripes for a mod look.

Decor Ideas

  • Peace Signs: Decorate with peace signs, flowers, and groovy patterns.
  • Disco Balls: Hang disco balls and glittery garlands for that retro, dance-party vibe.
  • Lava Lamps: Place lava lamps around the venue to create a groovy, psychedelic feel.
  • Flower Power: Decorate with flower garlands, fabric flowers, and flower-patterned tablecloths to give off that iconic 60s hippie vibe.
  • Posters and Photos: Hang posters of popular 60s icons like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, or movie posters like The Graduate.
  • Retro Furniture: Set up retro-style seating with bean bags, psychedelic sofas, and mid-century modern chairs.
  • Tapestries: Hang tapestries or psychedelic wall art for an authentic 60s atmosphere.
  • Neon Lights: Add some neon lights with groovy slogans like “Make Love Not War” or “Peace and Love.”

3. Food & Drinks

Serve up food and drinks that reflect the fun and funky nature of the 60s!

Food Ideas

  • Finger Foods: Serve bite-sized appetizers like mini sandwiches, cheese cubes, deviled eggs, and shrimp cocktails.
  • Retro Snacks: Offer retro snacks such as Chex mix, popcorn, potato chips, and Jell-O molds.
  • Tuna Salad or Deviled Eggs: Classic party foods from the 60s!
  • Fondue: Set up a cheese fondue station for a true throwback experience.
  • Mini Pies: Serve small portions of mini fruit pies or cream pies for dessert.

Drink Ideas

  • Martinis: Serve classic gin martinis or vodka martinis—the drink of choice in the 60s.
  • Old Fashioned Cocktails: Offer Old Fashioned, whiskey sours, or Manhattans for that retro, sophisticated vibe.
  • Wine Coolers: Serve fruity wine coolers or sangria—popular during the 60s.
  • Themed Mocktails: For a non-alcoholic option, serve retro mocktails like a shirley temple or a fruit punch.
  • Root Beer Floats: A classic 60s treat, serve root beer floats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Music Playlist

No 60s party would be complete without the perfect soundtrack. Here’s what you should include in your playlist:

  • The Beatles: “Twist and Shout”, “Hey Jude”, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
  • The Supremes: “You Can’t Hurry Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”
  • Jimi Hendrix: “Purple Haze”, “Foxy Lady”
  • The Rolling Stones: “Satisfaction”, “Paint It Black”
  • The Beach Boys: “Good Vibrations”, “Surfin’ USA”
  • Aretha Franklin: “Respect”
  • Otis Redding: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
  • The Mamas and the Papas: “California Dreamin’”
  • Elvis Presley: “Suspicious Minds”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
  • The Temptations: “My Girl”

Make sure to mix in some 60s rock, motown, and psychedelic music to keep the vibe authentic!

5. Party Activities and Games

Keep the fun flowing with games and activities that reflect the spirit of the 60s.

Dance Party

  • Twist Contest: Set up a dance-off for the twist, which was one of the biggest dance crazes of the 60s.
  • Hippie Dance Party: Encourage guests to do the Hippie Shake or Go-Go dancing if you have space for it. You could even hire a dance instructor to teach guests the moves of the era.

Costume Contest

  • Host a costume contest for the best 60s-inspired outfits—think mod fashion, hippie attire, and flower power.
  • Encourage guests to come in their best bell-bottom pants, mini skirts, or tie-dye shirts. Offer prizes for the best mod look, best hippie outfit, and best retro style.

Photo Booth

  • Set up a 60s-inspired photo booth with fun props like psychedelic sunglasses, peace sign necklaces, flower headbands, and retro hats.

Retro Trivia

  • Create a 60s-themed trivia game to test guests’ knowledge on everything from 60s pop culture and music to historical events. Use questions about the Beatles, moon landing, flower power, and more!

6. Costumes and Dress Code

The 60s was a decade of bold fashion choices. Encourage your guests to embrace the groovy spirit with these costume ideas:

For Women:

  • Mod Style: Think mini skirts, shift dresses, and go-go boots. Add bold geometric patterns, bright colors, and high collars for the ultimate 60s mod look.
  • Hippie Look: Encourage guests to wear flared jeans, tie-dye shirts, fringe, flower crowns, and round sunglasses for that free-spirited hippie vibe.
  • Rockstar Chic: Guests can channel the look of 60s rock icons with leather jackets, fringe, and bold prints.

For Men:

  • Mod Look: Think skinny ties, checkered suits, and button-up shirts. A beatnik look with a black turtleneck and beret is also a great option.
  • Hippie Style: Bell-bottom jeans, floral shirts, and peace sign necklaces will give guests a laid-back, 60s vibe.
  • Classic Rock: Men can dress up like their favorite rock star from the 60s—think Jimi Hendrix or The Beatles.

7. Party Favors

Send guests home with a little 60s-inspired favor to remember the fun!

  • Flower Headbands: Give out flower crowns for a hippie touch.
  • Mini Vinyl Records: Offer guests mini vinyl record coasters or retro record player souvenirs.
  • Peace Sign Necklaces: Give out peace sign necklaces, psychedelic sunglasses, or retro candies like Pop Rocks.
  • Mini Lava Lamps: Send guests home with mini lava lamps as a fun and quirky keepsake.

8. Ending the Party

As the night winds down, play some classic 60s slow songs like “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, or “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley for a smooth ending to the retro celebration.

A Retro 60s Party is all about having fun, embracing peace and love, and celebrating the fashion, music, and culture of an iconic decade. With groovy décor, vintage tunes, fun costumes, and themed activities, your party will definitely have your guests feeling the nostalgic vibes of the 60s!