Your Homecoming Dance will be a Blast from the Past with Retro Decorations

Get ready to boogie with a Retro Homecoming theme! These groovy decorations will set the psychedelic tone instantly. Add more disco to your party with our retro tips below!

Invitations

If you are looking for something different, consider attaching a computer generated or hand written tag with all the details to a butterfly mylar balloon. Use curling ribbon, satin ribbon, yarn or pipe cleaners to attach. Some slogan suggestions: “Feelin’ Groovy,” “Shake Your Groove Thing,” “Disco Nights,” “Flower Power,” or “Retro Flashback.”

Music

Compilations of the best music from the 60’s and 70’s are plentiful and inexpensive. For a psychedelic sound, try a compilation CD with songs by the Mamas & The Papas, The Byrds, and The Lovin’ Spoonful. For a mellower sound, try some Earth, Wind and Fire, Carpenters, Bread, pre-adolescent Donny Osmond, Simon and Garfunkel or The Jackson Five. Just remember to crank up the tunes, and have fun shaking your groove thing!

Lighting

To create an authentic psychedelic 60’s or disco 70’s mood, start with a few light fixtures. The most popular? A mirror ball is a Retro party “must have.” Black lights and a strobe light are next in demand, as they provide great color and atmosphere, and can be added as needed according to your room size. Good lighting for a Retro party takes care of a good portion of your decorating needs.

Attire

This is a great theme to have students dress for, and oh-so-easy. Halter-tops, tube tops, hip-hugging bell-bottoms, fringed suede vests, go-go boots, anything tie-dyed, anything crocheted, spandex, a-line mini skirts…you name it! Add some love beads, part your hair down the middle and brush it straight, or don an Afro wig, put on your platform shoes, and you’re ready to disco.

Decorations

Here are a few extra tips for pulling your funky look together for the biggest impact.
• Divide your dance site into two areas. Have one designated as your “disco” area, and the other designated as your “food” area. The disco area should be dimly lit, and your food area can be well lit, for students wanting a break from the action.
• If you are decorating a large area, drape our orange, yellow or lavender gossamer across ceilings or walls. Twist two or three colors together for a spectacular look.
• Check out Retro decorating kits to get students into the groove! The kits are great for photo backdrops, entrances, and focal points.
• Use retro cut-outs for funky table placemats and wall accents.
• Don’t forget to sprinkle the retro confetti on any uncovered surface!
• For an original touch on your Retro table, use a fine line black paint pen (available at craft and art supply stores) to draw little random happy faces, or piece signs on the handles of plastic cutlery. Tie the plastic flatware together with floral or satin ribbon…big impact at a little price!
• Sprinkle sparkle powder on the dance floor (not recommended on carpets) for a dazzling effect.
• Inflate bright yellow, orange, purple, lime green, and hot pink balloons — the more the better. Tie a 5-8 foot piece of silver curling ribbon to the end of each one. Using scotch tape, masking tape, or straight pins, hang balloons down from the ceiling so they hang at different lengths. Curl the loose end of the ribbon with scissors.
• Purchase some black light posters, velvet flocked if available, and hang them at angles on the walls for a truly psychedelic effect.

Food Ideas

The field is wide open to serve foods that you WISH were served in the good old days.
• Serve pizza, loaded hoagie sandwiches, a Mexican taco bar, heavy appetizers…your options are unlimited.
• The only thing that wouldn’t be appropriate for a Retro theme would be a formal meal. No good china allowed here!

Favors

Rather than waiting until students are making their exit to give them a favor which will add color and fun!
• Think glow in the dark! Check out glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces. A guaranteed hit, and an absolute must for a Retro event!
• Imprinted scented candles make an awesome favor for a Retro dance.
• Give favors that would have been all the rage back in the 60’s and 70’s: mood rings, Love’s Baby Soft™ Cologne, pet rocks (as close as your garden), squirt rings, or toy VW Bugs (vintage style).