When it comes to planning a private party, it can be difficult to know where to start. Naturally, you want to make sure everyone has a great time, and you want your big party to be remembered for all the right reasons. To help you pull together the party of the year, we’ve collected 30 of the best ideas for you and your friends, to get your private party started!If you’re arranging a private party, or in charge of organising a hen or stag do, we’ve pulled together 30 of the best party ideas to make sure your event is a show-stopper for you and your guests to remember forever.
Don’t know where to start with planning your next private party? We’ve pulled together 30 of the greatest party ideas to inspire your party of the year!
PRIVATE PARTY IN A BAR OR A RESTAURANT
DJ, a cover band, a jazz duo, an acoustic guitarist, stand-up comedian, or a close-up magician.
Choose from a multi-course dinner, a buffet or a cocktail party. Don’t forget to ask if you can bring your own drinks, if there is a discount for group orders, and if a PA system is included in the price.
HIRE A PARTY BUS OR A LIMO
Bring in a DJ or themed playlist to soundtrack your pub, bar or nightclub crawl in the comfort of your own luxury transport.
Ask the price for an extended hire time, offers on bubbly, and availability of fridge and sound system; don’t forget to discuss the route in advance so you don’t miss the best spots! (from £25pp)
PARTY WITH A TRENDY MUSIC BAND OR A DJ
A unique chance to celebrate your special day in the company of your favourite music band, singer or DJ.
Not all artists are available to perform at private events. Consider busy tour schedules and performance riders, and if your favourite artist isn’t available, consider a great cover band instead.
SUSHI OR PIZZA MAKING MASTERCLASS
Create a playlist from your favourite songs, or play some nice lounge and jazz music for a relaxed atmosphere.
Usually 2-3 hour event, ask if drinks and any gifts for guests are included in the price. Maximum number of guests is usually limited. (from £40pp)
DANCE OR POLE DANCE MASTERCLASS
Salsa, Single Ladies, Dirty Dancing, Burlesque, Thriller, Hip-Hop… You’ll need a strong beat and some sexy vibes to bring out your best moves.
1.5-2 hour long event, usually for around 10 guests. Pole dance masterclasses are not suitable for pregnant women. It’s best to avoid drinking before the masterclass, but why not to book a table at the nearest bar or restaurant for afterwards? (from £25pp)
SPA PAMPER HEN WEEKEND
If you are not a big radio fan, we recommend you make a personalized playlist, which will guarantee nice and relaxed atmosphere (jazz, lounge, soul, funk).
Ask what is the maximum capacity of the salon and if private areas are available so you can all be treated at the same time. Will there be food and drink provided or available on site, or can you bring your own? (from £25pp)
WINE, CHEESE OR COFFEE TASTING
Wine tasting quizzes and challenges. Don’t forget to bring your ipod with your favourite songs, or request some themed music from the venue.
Wine, bubbly, cheese, chocolate, coffee and desserts tasting… Whatever you’re trying, a tasting session is the perfect icebreaker as the group gets to know each other. Book in advance. (from £30pp)
KARTING OR QUAD BIKING
Why not record the racing (and victory dances!) on your GoPro or mobile phone and create a great movie of your day, set to your favourite song?
From 16 years, 5ft or above, no broken limbs/pregnant women. If the event package is not catered, don’t forget to bring some food or book a table in a nearby bar or restaurant. (from £35pp)
STAG PARTY AT A LAP DANCE CLUB
Order the stag’s favourite song for his dance, or even bring him onto the stage (don’t forget your camera!).
If you are planning a party for your friend, don’t forget to ask his opinion before booking a lap dance party. (from £25pp)
PAINTBALL MATCH
Why not take your paintball party to another level with funny, themed costumes, or set up teams before you go, with forfeits for the losers?
Don’t forget trainers and comfortable clothes, and BBQ, burgers, beer (ask the supplier if catered event options are available) for after the match. (from £10pp)
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
Relax and enjoy the sound of the wind, birdsong, and total focus. Clay shooting is a great chance to get out into the countryside and enjoy the sounds of nature.
All the tuition and equipment is provided on site. BBQ, burgers and beer are ideal for after shooting – ask the venue about catering options. (from £35pp)
BOAT CRUISE PARTY
Entertain your guests with DJ spinning the best new electronic dance music, a cover band, dancers, or a close-up magician.
Usually 3-5 hour event. Catering and drinks packages may be available – ask your supplier. Don’t forget the seasickness pills!
KARAOKE PARTY
Throw your own X-Factor competition or choose a genre and fancy-dress for more fun.
Request a private karaoke booth or book out an entire venue for you and your mates. A few drinks for the most shy guests will help to reveal their pop star potential. (from £20pp)
TREASURE HUNT OR QUEST EVENT
Treasure hunt, escape game, espionage, murder mystery… get those brains ticking with an intriguing event to remember. Themed fancy dress optional, but a deerstalker is sure to bring out your inner sleuth.
Why not finish your treasure hunt in a cozy bar, or even a nightclub? Custom scenarios can be provided; consider weather and season when booking your event – indoor and outdoor options will be available.
PHOTO-SHOOT PARTY
Professional hair styling and make-up. Consider a lounge radio station or Fashion TV compilations for appropriate atmosphere – you want upbeat, feel-good tunes to show your best side.
Usually your own food and drinks are allowed. Light snacks will stop you getting tired too quickly, and a glass of fizz is great for a confidence boost. (from £20pp)
PRIVATE MOVIE SCREENING
Watching a movie with your friends becomes a whole lot more fun when you hire a private room in a cinema or bar, especially if you add in some movie-related fancy dress.
Ask the manager to start the movie credits with your own personalized message, and find out if you can get themed drinks and catering to match the movie. (from £20pp)
HIKING WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS
Canyoning, hiking, climbing… getting active in the outdoors is a great bonding opportunity, just don’t forget the guitar – singing around a campfire is one of the most romantic moments to remember.
Consider hiring a professional instructor, or finish your hike at a glamping spot for a luxurious night under the stars. (from £40pp)
BEER BREWING MASTERCLASS
Get some blues and soul classics on the stereo, to help you put all your love into the process.
You will need to wait for several weeks for your own creation to be ready, but you can always combine beer brewing with beer tasting. Burgers and hot dogs will perfectly accompany the variety of beers and ales you sample during your session. (from £25pp)
COCKTAIL MAKING MASTERCLASS
Cocktail making needs an upbeat dance and pop soundtrack. Why not hire a professional DJ to really get the party started?
Check your supplier provides all the sophisticated ingredients required for original and classic cocktails in the venue, office or home. Usually 1.5-2 hour event; ask if any food is provided. (from £25pp)
A POOL PARTY
Are you going to throw a pool party without a professional DJ to get those summer time vibes going? Of course not! Get the best on the decks to ensure your party makes a splash!
Beach cocktails, bubbly, cold lager, poolside snacks, some fun inflatables… and don’t forget the sunscreen! (from £150 for pool hire)
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Get the best jazz and swing hits performed by a live band, or put on some psychedelic rock for a spectacular Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Themed cocktails, cupcakes, posters, black and white décor, and a quirky dress code. Go beyond the Hatter’s Tea Party and use all your imagination for a truly crazy night.
HOLLYWOOD PARTY
Soundtracks from your favourite movies, jazz and blues hits, classic movie screenings, and glamourous attire are all you need for a fabulous Hollywood party.
Throw classic a Hollywood party or pick your favourite movie theme and coordinate all the décor, music, catering and outfits. Obligatory extras: a red carpet and a dress code to impress.
A DECADE PARTY: 20S, 30S, 60S, 00s..
Find a live band to play the greatest music hits from your chosen decade, or get your own playlist on the iPod hooked up to your venue’s PA system.
Try to keep meals, drinks and décor close to the decade style. The more thorough the approach, the better party you’ll have.
MEXICAN PARTY
If you don’t have the budget for a real Mariachi band, consider creating a themed playlist from folk Mexican and Latin-American music.
Tacos, burritos, nachos, tequila, margaritas, bottled lagers with lime, cacti, mustaches, sombreros, piñatas, some fun fancy dress, and plenty of colour, all go into making your Mexican night spectacular.
GUITAR HERO PARTY
Turn up the volume on the best rock and pop music hits for you and your guests to rock out to.
Pizza and beer! If you don’t have a full set of game controllers, you can rent them from your local supplier.
A MOUSTACHE PARTY
Find a DJ with the longest beard in your town, or stick one on if required.
Moustaches are great, but even better with some more accessories and fancy dress – get your cameras out or set up a photobooth to capture your friends’ best furry faces!
CASINO PARTY
Embrace the blues and soul music for the soundtrack, with poker and black jack for the games.
Good whisky and cigars make the perfect match for a casino event. Don’t forget to print rules of the games if not all of your friends are aware of them, or even share the game rules around ahead of the event.
ZOMBIE PARTY
Sound tracks from classic horror movies, a horror movie screening, and a gory, gruesome dress code are all that’s required for an apocalyptic zombie night.
With a little imagination, food and drinks can easily be created to match your gory theme. Let your caterer get creative, or hit the kitchen with friends to see what you can come up with.
PIRATE PARTY
Johnny Depp’s compilation “Rogue’s Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys”, is sure to get your pirate party started.
Rum & Coke, a seaworthy dress code, treasure hunts, pirate flags, and a sea-themed buffet; hopefully the night won’t end with someone having to walk the plank!
SUPERHERO PARTY
A night dedicated to your favourite superheroes and comic heroes. Watch movies, throw a video game competition, or just watch the guy in the Batman costume dealing with Superman. Pick your favourite superhero or hold a competition to create your own!
We know you’re feeling powerful in that cape, but try not to destroy the planet…
AMERICAN STYLE
Fill the jukebox with some folk and blues music, American rock classics, and proper American pop to get your party jumping.
Burgers, beer, corndogs, flags, Elvis quiffs and shades, flags, beer pong in red plastic cups, and an American accent will have you and your guests living the American dream.
See also London Wedding Bands.
P.S. If you are planning a hen or stag party, use this ultimate wedding checklist to make your planning process easier.
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Marketing Manager at Poptop – UK Leading Events Planning Concierge Service