One of the greatest things about throwing a themed party, especially when it involves fancy dress, is that people tend to lose their inhibitions. Compare the somewhat reserved, stuffy atmosphere of a dinner party with the jovial banter encountered at a fancy dress party and you’ll see what we mean.
There can be little doubt that dressing up makes people happier, more outgoing and chattier, and gives any party a wonderful atmosphere.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five of the most classic fancy dress party ideas; these are not only guaranteed to get your party going but are also great fun for your guests.
1. Toga Party
All your guests need are a strategically folded bed sheet, sandals and a laurel wreath for this iconic party. You can base this on a Greek theme if you like, and serve Hummus, Baklava and Feta cheese as aperitifs. Alternatively, the Roman theme is equally grand and allows those who have a tad more ambition to turn up dressed as a gladiator, or perhaps Julius Caesar. One tip is to have plenty of safety pins and sticky tape available to help people avoid ‘wardrobe malfunctions’ and end up showing more than just their face at your party!
2. Rocky Horror Picture Show Party
If, like Basil Fawlty, you do not want Riff Raff at your party, then a Rocky Horror Show Party is not for you! One of the most popular dress-up parties there is celebrates Richard O’Brien and Jim Sharman’s saucy tale of Brad and Jan stumbling across Dr Frank-N-Furter’s annual Transylvanian Convention. This is the perfect party for adults only, risqué dress, stockings, latex and lace are the norm; and that is just for the men!
3. Film and TV Stars Party
If you have a mix of young and older guests and want to give them plenty of choice, then a popular idea is to add a Film and TV theme to your party. Seldom will you get to see Darth Vader locked in deep conversation with Elvis Presley about why Fabio Capello should drop Frank Lampard! The Film and TV theme allows your guests free reign to be as conservative or creative with their outfits as they like and is flexible enough to include younger and older guests easily.
4. Superheroes and Villains Party
Let’s face it, some of us just love being Superman, Batman or Catwoman, while others prefer to be the Joker, Darth Vader or the Terminator. A Superheroes and Villains party brings the two opposing ends of the scale of justice together for one evening. Again, this theme allows guests real flexibility to dress up as their favourite hero, or villain; or even to be more creative and come as their own specially designed super-creation, such as the gravity-defying ninja ice-cream warrior!
5. Pirates Party
Shiver me timbers! Pieces of eight! What better way to spend an evening than having a leg strapped to your side, using a modified crutch and wearing a hat and eye patch, complete with makeup and growling pirate voice! Others may prefer the more striking Johnny Depp look from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, while others may opt for cabin boys, the ships wench or go for the full Captain Hook look, complete with 70s Kevin Keegan perm!
Fancy dress parties like those listed above are a perfect way to create the desired atmosphere at your party. Costumes lower inhibitions and encourage even shy guests to participate in the conversation as they provide an ideal starting point for discussion and put guests all on an equal footing and at ease. With this in mind, it is easy to see why themed parties remain very popular and are the perfect way to celebrate a special event.