Fancy Dress Party Ideas

When it comes to planning and hosting a fun party that will be loved and remembered by all your guests for years to come, you can’t really go past a fancy dress theme. With everyone in costume, the conversations are simple to start, laughing is easy, and your guests are their own entertainment as they ease into the roles of their chosen outfits.

“Fancy Dress” as a theme on its own is a broad instruction allowing your guests to be significantly creative with their outfits which is great, plus they have a larger range of options to cater to their budgets and levels of enthusiasm.

Having said that, creating a more focused fancy dress theme might be helpful in creating next level excitment with guests finding clear direction and inspiration to create their party outfits. A focused theme can also allow for a more cohesive atmosphere as decorations, music, and activities can all be tailored to match the theme. Note: if the theme is too obscure or elaborate, guests may struggle to find something that fits the theme that they can afford.

Here are some great fancy dress theme ideas:

Alice in Wonderland

An Alice in Wonderland party transports guests into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale. Guests can dress as their favorite characters, such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, or the Cheshire Cat. Decorate the venue with oversized playing cards, teapots, and colorful, mismatched furniture to create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Serve a variety of quirky treats like “Eat Me” cookies and “Drink Me” potions, and set up a whimsical tea party complete with eccentric tea sets. Play games like a croquet match with flamingo mallets and hedgehog balls to immerse everyone in the Wonderland experience. This theme is perfect for a fantastical and unforgettable celebration.

Wonderland Invitation Template

$4.80

An invitation to follow the White Rabbit and join an enchanting Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter tea party – beware of the Queen of Hearts. This invitation…

All One Colour

Dive into a world of monochromatic magic with an All One Colour theme! Guests can choose a color and dress head-to-toe in shades of it, creating a visually striking effect. From elegant black tie affairs to whimsical pastel dreams, this theme offers a wide range of creative possibilities. Decorate your space in the chosen color, from balloons to tablecloths, and watch as your party comes to life in a vibrant sea of unity.

Around the World

Celebrate global diversity with an around-the-world theme. Guests can dress up in traditional costumes from different countries, showcasing the rich tapestry of world cultures. Serve international cuisine and decorate your venue with flags and landmarks from around the globe.

Australian

An Australia-themed fancy dress party offers a fun opportunity to celebrate the unique culture and iconic symbols of the Land Down Under. Guests can dress as iconic Aussie figures like Steve Irwin or Crocodile Dundee, or as Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. For a bogan twist, guests can embrace the stereotype of an Australian “bogan” by dressing in flannel shirts, mullet wigs, and thongs. Decorate your venue with Australian flags, inflatable kangaroos, and a bar serving up Aussie beers and BBQ snacks. Play some classic Australian tunes by artists like AC/DC or Men at Work, and you’ll have a true blue Aussie party that’s as fun as a day at the beach.

Back to School

Take a trip down memory lane with a Back to School-themed party! Invite guests to dress up as students, teachers, or even their favorite schoolyard characters. Deck out your venue with chalkboards, school desks, and lockers, and serve up classic school cafeteria food items. Create a nostalgic atmosphere with games like a spelling bee or a “pop quiz” trivia game.

Back To School Invitation Template

$4.80

Invitations for your Back to School themed fancy dress party. Are you the cheerleader or jock, a geek, a nerd or maybe even a teacher or principal?…

Back Of The Bus Ticket Invitation Template

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Invitations for your Back to School themed fancy dress party. Perfect for a party bus or modify the text the suit your venue and planned activities.…

Circus

Roll up, roll up to the greatest show on earth with a Circus-themed party! Guests can come dressed as clowns, acrobats, strongmen, or even wild animals. Transform your space into a big top extravaganza with colorful decorations, circus tents, and carnival games. Serve up circus-themed snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs, and let the magic of the circus come to life.

Cococabana

A Copacabana themed fancy dress party brings the vibrant energy and tropical flair of Brazil to your event. Guests can dress in colorful and flamboyant outfits inspired by Carmen Miranda, with fruit-laden headdresses, ruffled dresses, and bold accessories. Decorate your venue with palm leaves, tropical flowers, and vibrant colors to create a festive atmosphere. Play samba and bossa nova music to set the mood, and encourage guests to dance the night away in true Brazilian style. It’s a party that’s sure to be full of color, music, and fun!

Decades Party

Travel back in time with a decades-themed party. Choose a specific decade, such as the 1920s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s etc, and have guests dress up in period-appropriate attire. Play music from that era and decorate your venue to match for a truly immersive experience.

Doctors and Nurses

A Doctors and Nurses themed fancy dress party offers a playful twist on the medical profession, allowing guests to dress up as either doctors or nurses. Guests can get creative with their costumes, wearing scrubs, lab coats, stethoscopes, and nurse caps. Decorate your venue like a hospital ward, with white sheets, medical equipment, and hospital signage. Serve up “prescription” cocktails and snacks, and play medical-themed games like “Operation” or “Pin the Bandage on the Patient.” It’s a fun and lighthearted theme that’s sure to inject some humor and excitement into your party.

Doctors and Nurses Fancy Dress Invitation Template

$4.80

Get ready to play doctors & nurses at your fun-filled Fancy Dress Party. Dress up in your scrubs and stethoscopes, lab coats, nurse fits or come as a patient. This invitation looks…

Famous Couples / Duos / Trios etc

Celebrate the power of partnership with a Famous Couples/Duos/Trios-themed party! Guests can choose their favorite famous pair or trio and come dressed as them, whether it’s classic duos like Bonnie and Clyde or dynamic trios like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Decorate your venue with posters or photos of famous partnerships and serve up themed snacks and drinks, like “Romeo and Juliet” cocktails or “Batman and Robin” sandwiches.

Fairtytale

Bring your favorite fairy tales to life with a fairy tale fantasy theme. Guests can dress up as characters from classic stories like Cinderella, Snow White, or Peter Pan. Create a magical atmosphere with enchanted decorations and whimsical music.

Fantasy and Mythology

Let your imagination run wild with a fantasy and mythology theme. Guests can dress up as mythical creatures like unicorns, dragons, or elves, or as characters from fantasy worlds like Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. Create a mystical setting with ethereal decorations and mystical music.

Gatsby

Step into the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties with a Gatsby-themed party! Encourage guests to dress in their finest flapper dresses and dapper suits, reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. Transform your venue into a lavish speakeasy with art deco decorations, jazz music, and a signature cocktail bar serving up classic drinks like mint juleps and champagne cocktails.

Hawaiian Luau

A Hawaiian Luau themed fancy dress party brings the warmth and spirit of the Hawaiian islands to your event. Guests can dress in tropical attire, such as Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, leis, and flower hair accessories. Decorate your venue with tiki torches, palm fronds, coconuts, and colorful flowers to create a tropical paradise. Play Hawaiian music, such as traditional hula or ukulele tunes, and encourage guests to dance the hula or participate in a limbo contest. It’s a party that’s sure to transport everyone to the beauty and relaxation of Hawaii.

Hollywood Glamour

For a touch of elegance, consider a Hollywood glamour theme. Guests can dress up as their favorite movie stars from the golden age of cinema, such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, or James Dean. Roll out the red carpet and have a paparazzi photo booth to complete the experience.

Masquerade Ball

Add an air of mystery and intrigue with a masquerade ball theme. Guests can wear elaborate masks and elegant evening wear, creating a sophisticated and enchanting atmosphere. Serve decadent treats and host a mask-making station for added fun.

Medieval/Renaissance

ransport your guests back in time with a Medieval/Renaissance-themed party! Guests can dress as knights, princesses, jesters, or even royalty, creating a rich tapestry of medieval characters. Decorate your venue with banners, tapestries, and suits of armor, and serve up a feast fit for a king with hearty fare like roast turkey legs, mead, and rustic bread.

Pirates (& Mermaids)

Dive into an underwater adventure with a Pirates and Mermaids-themed party! Guests can choose to be either swashbuckling pirates or enchanting mermaids, creating a whimsical and nautical atmosphere. Decorate your venue with treasure chests, fishing nets, and seashell.

Retro Gaming

For a nostalgic twist, consider a retro gaming theme. Guests can dress up as characters from classic video games like Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, or Pac-Man. Set up retro gaming consoles and have a gaming tournament for added fun.

Robots and Aliens / Space and Sci-Fi

Blast off into outer space with a Robots and Aliens-themed party! Guests can come dressed as futuristic robots, extraterrestrial beings, or even space explorers. Transform your space into a sci-fi wonderland with metallic decorations, neon lights, and futuristic props.

Rockstars

Unleash your inner rockstar with a Rockstars-themed party! Guests can dress as their favorite rockstars, whether it’s Elvis Presley, Madonna, or Freddie Mercury, creating a rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza. Decorate your venue with music posters, guitars, and stage lights, and have a karaoke or air guitar contest for added fun.

Royal

A Royals themed fancy dress party is a regal affair that celebrates the pomp and splendor of royalty. Guests can dress up as kings, queens, princes, and princesses, wearing elegant and majestic costumes fit for royalty. Decorate your venue with gold accents, velvet drapes, and royal crests to create a palace-like atmosphere.

Steampunk

Dive into a world of Victorian fantasy with a Steampunk-themed party! Guests can dress in steampunk fashion, combining Victorian-era clothing with industrial and mechanical accessories. Decorate your venue with gears, cogs, and brass accents, creating a retro-futuristic atmosphere.

Something Starting with the Letter…

Get creative with a Something Starting with the Letter… themed party! Guests can come dressed as anything that starts with a specific letter chosen by the host, allowing for a wide range of costume options and creative interpretations. Decorate your venue with decorations related to the chosen letter, and serve up themed snacks and drinks. This theme is sure to spark conversation and creativity among your guests.

Letter Spot Invitation Template

$4.80

The perfect invitation for a fancy dress themed costume party… come dressed as something that starts with the letter… choose your first name or nickname initial or something related to your celebration.…

Superheroes and Villains

One classic fancy dress party theme is superheroes and villains. Encourage your guests to come dressed as their favorite comic book or movie characters, whether it’s Superman, Wonder Woman, the Joker, or Catwoman. You can even add a twist by asking guests to create their own original superhero or villain persona.

Toga Party

A toga party is a lively and festive event where guests dress in togas, emulating the attire of ancient Roman citizens. The toga, traditionally made from a large piece of fabric draped over the body, is a simple yet iconic costume choice. Decorations typically include Roman-inspired elements such as columns, laurel wreaths, and faux marble statues. Food and drinks often include Mediterranean fare like grapes, olives, and wine. Music sets the mood with upbeat tunes that encourage dancing and celebration. Toga parties are known for their fun and relaxed atmosphere, making them a popular choice for college events, themed parties, and costume gatherings.

Wild West

Transport your guests to the Old West with a wild west theme. Guests can dress up as cowboys, outlaws, or saloon girls, creating a lively and adventurous atmosphere. Serve western-themed food and drinks and host cowboy-themed games for a rootin’ tootin’ good time.

Zombie Apocalyse

Prepare for the undead with a Zombie Apocalypse-themed party! Guests can dress as survivors or zombies, creating a post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Decorate your venue with abandoned props, fake blood, and caution tape, and set up zombie-themed games and activities, such as a zombie obstacle course or a “last survivor standing” challenge. Serve up “brain food” and “zombie cocktails” to complete the theme and immerse your guests in a thrilling zombie apocalypse experience.