Throwing a college party these days without a theme is like not having an unlimited rides pass at a carnival or like wearing ski boots to a beach: simply asinine. There are so many creative themes that allow party goers to relinquish their insecurities and really let loose for an evening; of course the liquid courage helps. I have been to several themed parties at my sister’s sorority at UT Austin (Where I got the idea for the party pack) and now that I am in college, I have seen what works, and also what themes to avoid because they are so over done it is almost a buzz kill. Honestly, the best college party themes are ones that are spontaneously thought of a few days before the party and don’t require a ton of work. Here are my favorite college party themes in no particular order.
1. Fucking up the theme: Sometimes you will be going to a party where you think the theme is simply lame. This is your time to shine, and really be a boss. For example, if the party is a “Biker” party, dress up as a “Hiker” and tell everyone you must have heard it wrong. If it is a “Toga” party, dress up as “Yoda” from Star Wars and say you are hard of hearing, and hard other places also. If you are at a Golf Pro and Tennis Hoes party, throw your friend under the bus and tell the chicks asking why you are dressed up as Jack Sparo, he told you it was a Pirate Party. Chicks will find it adorable you are willing to be the odd one out and like to spend the night original guys!
2. Sin Ropa Fiesta: This in Spanish simply means wear anything besides clothes to the party.You can wear the 50% off vinyl banner you borrowed outside of Old Navy or cut up some old tires and make a Mad Max get up. Girls, usually take the cake on creativity with this one, and find classy ways to show off all kinds of skin while still covering up,,, well sometimes.
3. Homeless Party: Wear a trash bag, setup a card board house in the corner of the party, or don’t shower for a week in preparation for this college party theme. This is theme has endless possibilities for creativity. I once saw a friend pan handle for beer while wearing nothing but a shower cap and duct tape underwear. Now I have never seen a homeless man wear this attire, but anythings is possible. Again, girls find ways for me fall in love with every homeless chick at the party.
4. 80s party: Sure this one has been done to death, but what other theme has an entire decade of golden musical hits to accompany the party. Such hits like “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Jessie’s Girl” were written for 80′s parties that were to be thrown 25 years later. So many bright colors, neon fanny packs, parachute pants, Freddy Mercury,,, I love the 80s.
5. Pull a fast one: I once threw a party and told 1/2 the invites it was a pirate party and the other half it was a Disney party. the result a mixed bag of hilariousness. Some people were a bit put off by my deviousness but after the beverages started pouring, people thought it was hilarious and seeing Pocahontas make out with a pirate on the dance floor was a beautiful sight. Basically pick two themes that are near polar opposites, make two FB invites, and there you go. People show up and go WTF?
6. Bubble Wrap: All guests are allowed to wear is bubble wrap which can be purchased at a moving supply store. We had one where at times throughout the night, the DJ would announce it’s time to Pop, and you just pop everyone else’s bubbles. If you can get bubble wrap on the floors, ceiling and walls, it is even better.
Themes to Avoid and recommendations
1. Toga Party: Think of a new theme, or modify it, like have a Zombie Toga Party
2. Pimp and Hoes: If your fraternity is throwing this bash, think again, it has been done before and probably better.
Nothing is a bigger buzz kill than people showing up to the party not dressed up. The reason Halloween parties are so amazing is because everyone is dressed up. Try to charge a cover for people not dressed up, or make it known before the party people who are not dressed up will not be let in.
If you are a huge player on campus, have a competition to see who picks the next college theme party your house is going to throw. Have the finalists on facebook and get people excited about it.