If your teen marches to the beat of a different era’s drum, a decade-themed b’mitzvah might be the way to go! Celebrate their vintage vibes with throwback menus, retro music, and décor that brings the past to life.
1950s: Rock 'n' Roll Diner Bash
If your teen loves a good Elvis movie or plays the Greasesoundtrack on repeat, it’s time to shake, rattle, and roll!
Décor: Transform your venue into a classic diner with jukebox centerpieces, neon signs, and checkered tablecloths. Balloon arches and mylar musical note balloons can add a festive touch.
Dress Code: Poodle skirts, leather jackets, and saddleshoes encouraged. Grease is the word!
Menu: Serve up diner faves like burgers, hot dogs, fries,and pizza. For dessert, offer mini pies, milkshakes (spiked for adults), and rootbeer floats. Maybe a soda fountain, too?
Music: Get everyone dancing with hits from Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly.
1960s: Peace, Love, and Psychedelic Vibes
Feelin’ groovy? The 60s are calling and hippies are welcome.
Décor: Embrace the flower power era with vibrant colors like pea green, saffron, and pink. Incorporate psychedelic patterns, lava lamps, and tie-dye elements to create a groovy atmosphere.
Dress Code: Tie-dye, bell bottoms, peace signs, and flowerchild flair.
Menu: Offer a variety of finger foods and snacks popular inthe 60s. Think deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, party cheese balls with crackers, and layered salads.
Music: Play iconic tracks from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Janis Joplin.
1970s: Disco Fever Extravaganza
If disco balls are your teen’s idea of glam, boogie down a ta glittery, funky 70s bash.
Décor: Set the scene with disco balls, mirrored surfaces, and bold geometric patterns. Use warm colors like orange, brown, avocado green, and gold to capture the 70s aesthetic.
Dress Code: Leisure suits! Hit up the closest vintage shop for flared pants, sequined one-shoulder tops, and polyester prints.
Menu: Serve classic 70s dishes like Swedish meatballs, cheese fondue, and shrimp cocktail. For dessert, consider a chocolate fountain or retro-inspired cakes.
Music: Get the party started with hits from the Bee Gees, ABBA, and Donna Summer and a colorful lighted dance floor.
1980s: Retro Arcade Party
Is your teen totally rad? Gag me with a spoon and get readyfor some 80s excess.
Décor: Neon colors, arcade game graphics, and iconic 80s symbols like cassette tapes and Rubik's Cubes can set the mood. Gaming stations with classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are period perfect.
Dress Code: Neon brights, leg warmers, acid-wash denim, and scrunchies. Big hair; don’t care!
Menu: Offer fast-food favorites and Italian-American dishes like mini pizzas and bruschetta. Set up a candy bar featuring Reese’s Pieces, Runts, Nerds, and other popular 80s treats where guests of all ages can create their own 80s “mix.”
Music: Eighties hits by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Bon Jovi can fill up the dance floor.
1990s: Grunge Meets Pop Culture
For the kid who’s always quoting Friends or knows every word to Wannabe, the throwback bash has to be 90s.
Décor: Bold colors, geometric patterns, and references to popular 90s shows and movies should drive decorations. Set up a photo booth with props like slap bracelets, Tamagotchis, and oversized cell phones.
Dress Code: Backwards caps, slip dresses, flannel shirts, and choker necklaces.
Menu: Serve comfort foods like bagel bites, pizza rolls, and Dunkaroos. A DIY soda bar with options like Crystal Pepsi and Surge can take the nostalgia factor up to 10.
Music: Mix grunge hits from Nirvana and Pearl Jam with pop favorites from Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. A karaoke station can add interactive fun for guests.
More Ideas:
· Incorporate games, photo booths, and DIY stations that reflect the chosen era.
· Send guests home with themed souvenirs like vintage candy, mini lava lamps, or custom mixtapes.
· Create a retro museum by inviting guests to bring photos of themselves from the theme era and displaying them during the party.
By embracing a decade theme, you can create a memorable andpersonalized b’mitzvah that celebrates your child's unique interests and transports guests to another time.
Find the perfect partners to make your teen’s retro b’mitzvahdreams come true on their big day. Come to the next Atlanta b’Mitzvah Expo and check out the talented pros in our vendor directory.
