Cue the nostalgic tunes, dust off your glittery attire, and get ready to party like it's the 2000s! Whether you're a fellow millennial reminiscing about your teenage years, a Gen Z'er intrigued by the iconic pop culture of the era or someone who is just fond of the 2000s, hosting a 2000s-themed party is the ultimate blast from the past, in my opinion. From fashion faux pas to chart-topping hits, let's explore some ideas to throw an unforgettable throwback bash.
What to wear to a 2000s theme party?
The 2000s was a glorious mishmash of styles, ranging from the undeniably iconic to the…well, let’s just say interesting. Delve into the era's style from low-rise jeans and chunky belts to velour tracksuits. Don’t forget to accessorise with chunky jewellery, trucker hats, and Von Dutch caps.
Alternatively, encourage guests to showcase their fashion flair with iconic 2000s-themed costumes, paying homage to beloved pop culture icons. Whether it's channelling the pop princess vibes of Britney Spears, the preppy chic of "Mean Girls," or the enchantment of Harry Potter's wizarding world, the options are endless. Don't forget to award prizes for the best-dressed guests, from '00s nostalgia merch to bragging rights as the ultimate fashionista.
To help you on your way here's a few more iconic 2000s styles:
Low-rise jeans: These jeans, worn below the natural waistline, were a staple in almost everyone's wardrobe during the early 2000s.
Velour tracksuits: Made famous by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Juicy Couture, velour tracksuits was loungewear meeting street wear.
Cargo pants: Cargo pants with numerous pockets were a popular choice for both men and women, offering a utilitarian yet trendy look.
Babydoll dresses: Babydoll dresses, characterised by their empire waistlines and flowy skirts, were a favourite among young women, often paired with ballet flats or chunky boots.
Denim mini skirts: Denim mini skirts were a must-have item for fashionistas in the 2000s, often styled with graphic tees or cropped tops.
Polo shirts with popped collars: The preppy look was in full swing with polo shirts, often worn with popped collars and paired with khaki pants or denim.
Trucker hats: Thanks to celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Justin Timberlake, trucker hats became a trendy accessory, often with quirky logos or slogans.
Embellished belts: Chunky, embellished belts were a popular accessory, worn over dresses, boho style maxi skirts, or even low-rise jeans to add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
Hoodies: Hoodies, especially those from brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister, were a casual yet stylish staple for both men and women.
Boho-chic maxi dresses: Flowy, bohemian-inspired maxi dresses gained popularity towards the latter half of the decade, often featuring floral prints and crochet detailing. I had so many of these growing up.
Crop tops: Crop tops were everywhere in the 2000s, often paired with low-rise jeans or mini skirts for a trendy, midriff-baring look.
Juicy Couture tracksuits: Made famous by celebrities and socialites, Juicy Couture tracksuits, adorned with the brand's iconic logo, became a symbol of luxury and status.
The music: creating a 2000s party playlist
No 2000s party is complete without a playlist featuring the era's chart-topping hits. From Britney Spears to Eminem, Spice Girls to OutKast, curate a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B classics guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. Set the mood with early 2000s anthems like "Oops!... I Did It Again," "Hey Ya!," and "Hollaback Girl”. Remember 'Variety is the spice of life', and the same goes for when you're creating your playlist. Don't stick to just one genre; instead, explore different musical styles.
For playlist inspiration check our ultimate 2000s party playlist, curated by DJ CL Smooth.
2000s decor ideas
Transform your party space into a time capsule of 2000s nostalgia with retro-inspired decor. Think glitter backdrops, neon lights, and inflatable furniture reminiscent of MTV's "Cribs". Create DIY decorations using iconic symbols of the era, such as peace signs, yin-yang symbols, and psychedelic patterns. And for the pièce de résistance, set up a photo booth complete with props like flip phones, shutter shades, and oversized sunglasses for Instagram-worthy snaps.
Y2K inspired menu
No throwback bash is complete without a menu inspired by the era's most beloved snacks and treats. For me my favourite snacks consisted of delights like Lunchables, Cheesestrings and Babybells. Of course you may not want a snack table full of cheese so non-cheese menu items could include smiley faces, turkey twizzlers and chicken dippers.
Quench guests' thirst with themed cocktails like Cosmopolitans, Appletinis, and Jell-O shots, or keep it kid-friendly with DIYand fruit punch.
Party games and activities that scream 2000s
Keep the party vibes going with a lineup of fun-filled games and activities inspired by the best of the 2000s. Test guests' knowledge with a trivia quiz covering everything from music and movies to fashion and fads. Or challenge them to a dance-off featuring iconic choreography from music videos of the era – think the "Crank That" dance or the "Macarena" on repeat. And for a dose of nostalgia, set up a gaming station with classic video games like Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution.
Final tips for hosting the ultimate 2000s throwback bash
Planning a 2000s-themed party may seem like a daunting task, but fear not – we've got you covered with some handy tips to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Start by setting the mood with an invite that pays homage to the era's iconic imagery, whether it's a DIY mixtape or a throwback photo collage. Next, consider your venue and decor, opting for a space that can accommodate your retro-inspired vision. And don't forget the little details, from themed party favors to a killer playlist that keeps the party going all night long. For more tips and tricks check out some of our other party planning guides, like “The ultimate guide to planning a birthday” or “Wedding planning guide”.