Once you have decided on your theme, whether that be a Hawaiian, Roman Toga, or basic costume dress up parties, you will want to make your invitations very specific. Guests may be very embarrassed if the guidelines of the costumes are not made clear. Be sure to purchase or make invitations that are large enough so that you have room to spell out the details of exactly what type of party you will be having and the theme of costume that you are asking guests to wear. It is best if you make a note that all guests must wear costumes, with no exceptions. If you allow some guests to come as they are, this will hinder the fun of the dress up parties.
Dress up ideas that must be considered beside the actual costumes is to create an environment that matches and compliments your costume ideas. For example, if you are going to ask guests to wear Hawaiian costumes, it would be a great idea to decorate accordingly. For relatively small money, you can turn your home or room into a Hawaiian island. Hang cuts out of parrots, ask friends and family members to borrow any flowering plants that they may have, you may add blow-up palm trees and other decorations that add a feel of Hawaii.
No matter which theme you decide to go with, you will also want to have food and drinks that match your theme. For example, if you are going to have guests dress as clowns, your appetizers should be those that are found at the circus. You can serve popcorn, pretzels and slices of pizza. Serve plenty of soda and for adults who are drinking, you can still serve alcoholic drinks in fun striped cups. For this type of party, you will want very colorful streamers and of course, tons of balloons.
If you are thinking of dress up parties for young girls, nothing is more fun than asking guests to dress up as High Society. Guests can wear fancy dresses and guests can find slews of inexpensive yet shiny costume jewelry. You will want to decorate with candelabras, fancy tablecloths and serve tea and small cookies and breads. Young boys may love the idea of cowboy, hobo or “dress as who you would like to be when you grow up” dress up parties. For general parties such as this, food can be anything that children will love: pizza, cookies, chips and other easy snacks.
Adult dress up parties can be as tame as “harem girls and sheiks” or as wild as “Sexy Sleep Clothes”. Again, just be sure that all guests understand that a costume is a must. Add music to your background, make sure you have more than enough food and drinks, have fun decorations and your party is sure to be a success.