A throwback party

Throwback invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

BoomboxUse this designFortune tellerUse this designGel pensUse this designTotally radUse this designTape sleeveUse this designStill lifeUse this design

BoomboxUse this designFortune tellerUse this designGel pensUse this designTotally radUse this designTape sleeveUse this designStill lifeUse this design

BoomboxUse this designFortune tellerUse this designGel pensUse this designTotally radUse this designTape sleeveUse this designStill lifeUse this design

Ideas for your throwback party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Activities for your throwback party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Decade dance-off

Ages 12 and up · 20 min

Play three rounds of dance hits, one each from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Everyone dances, and when the music stops the room votes by applause for the best move of the round. Each round's winner takes a bow.

You’ll need: Speaker and a decade playlist, A small prize for each round

Name that tune

Ages 12 and up · 15 min

Play the first two seconds of famous songs from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Teams of three write down the song and the artist, then swap papers to score. Most points wins.

You’ll need: Speaker and a playlist, Answer sheets, Pens

Friendship bracelet station

Ages 12 and up · 25 min

Each guest strings a bracelet on stretchy cord, with letters or colors that mean something to them, and trades it with someone else. Everyone wears the one they get home.

You’ll need: Stretchy cord, Beads and letter beads, Scissors

Totally rad trivia

Ages 12 and up · 20 min

Teams answer questions about 80s, 90s and 2000s movies, music, toys and fashion, read by the host, and write answers on a card. Add a picture round of old gadgets: a cassette, a flip phone, a disposable camera. Most correct wins.

You’ll need: Printed question sheets, Answer cards, Pens, Printouts of old gadgets for the picture round

Shop the throwback look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the throwback shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. Festidy's free party planner puts the whole birthday in one place.

1. 6 to 8 weeks out

   • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
   • Set a budget and choose your big two
   • Write the guest list
   • Choose a theme or a look
   • Lock in the location and a rain plan
   • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

2. 4 to 6 weeks out

   • Decide on music and one main activity
   • Book rentals if you need them
   • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
   • Collect photos and messages from friends
   • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
   • Send the invitations
   • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A tiered cake in hot pink and teal buttercream with a fondant cassette on top and a ribbon of "tape" down the side.
   • Ask helpers and give them roles
   • Make one contact and confirmation list

3. 2 to 3 weeks out

   • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Hot pink, teal and purple foil balloons with neon paper streamers
   • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Pizza bagels and a soft pretzel bar with cheese dip
   • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: A decade dance-off: one round each for the 80s, 90s and 2000s
   • Follow up on RSVPs
   • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
   • Build your one-stop shopping list

4. The week before

   • Confirm every vendor
   • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
   • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
   • Write the party-day schedule
   • Send the final party note

5. The day before

   • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
   • Pack a party-day kit
   • Charge devices and share the run sheet
   • Make the final weather and space call

6. Party day

   • Set up an hour before
   • Run the party and finish on time
   • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

7. After the party

   • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
   • Send thank-yous
   • Save photos and notes for next year
   • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

• 1:30 pm
  Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
• 2:00 pm
  Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
• 2:45 pm
  FoodFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
• 3:40 pm
  Toasts and slideshowCo-host introduces two or three short toasts.
• 4:00 pm
  CakePhotographer gets the candle moment and a group photo.
• 4:15 pm
  Music and dancingEntertainment lead turns up the playlist.
• 5:00 pm
  Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free throwback printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More birthdays themes

Garden tea partyArt studioWinter wonderlandBlack and goldSpa dayRodeo roundupGlowCampingParisDiscoLuauPool partyFiestaTailgateBackyard cookoutSage and blushBohoWildflowerAmalfi lemonsCoastal summerPearls and champagneCelestialSupper clubPicnic in the parkMasqueradePalm SpringsPickleballBookwormYogaWoodshopBird watchingKnittingGone fishingRoaring twentiesMurder mystery dinnerGame nightAdventure awaits