Despite the spooky decor, throwing a hauntingly good holiday party follows many of the steps of throwing any party. It can seem a frightful event to plan, but with a little forethought, it can end up a howling success. In this guide, we’re exploring what goes into throwing a Halloween party that can become an anticipated yearly event. Let’s dive in!
Halloween Holiday Party Planning
Holiday party planning, at its core, centers around some basic principles. It starts with coming up with a strong theme, executing the theme, and getting everyone there to celebrate. Starting early, there’s no reason why you can’t turn your Halloween event into the season’s spookiest.
The Importance of Theming
Theming is important to any party, but it’s especially important to consider for a Halloween party. The first question to ask yourself is whether people are encouraged to come in costume or not. This can help you decide the tone you plan on setting, whether that’s whimsical, nightmarish, or just plain entertaining.
Luckily, companies like Premier Sound and Lighting can help you take your event themes to the next level. With rentals like LED dance floors or screens, photo booths, and more, your Halloween gathering will be in good hands.
So, with more people planning Halloween parties than ever, a focused and distinct theme can help set your party apart. Here are three theme ideas to inspire you!
1. Classic Movie Monsters
Theme your party around some of the traditional favorite monsters of the holiday: Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolfman, or Dracula. Consider decorating in a combination of black, white, and grey elements to evoke the black-and-white monster movies of the 40’s. Decorate your space to resemble the castle laboratory of a mad scientist.
2. “Night of the Living Snacks”
Zombies are a popular symbol of Halloween and easy to theme an event around. Start with rough-around-the-edges and pre-distressed decor to evoke the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Add cupcakes or similar decorations with “decaying” decorations or that otherwise look undead. One song to make sure to add to your playlist is Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
3. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
Good grief! Join Charlie Brown’s friend Linus’ annual tradition (and the classic Halloween special’s plot) by awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Decorate your space like a pumpkin patch (possibly with orange crepe pumpkins and green garlands). If possible, use a larger pumpkin as a centerpiece to represent The Great Pumpkin (maybe surrounded by snacks). You’ll want to play Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy” or another song from the special for the full effect.
Start Inviting People Early (But Not Too Early)
Most likely, the Halloween party you’re planning won’t be the only one scheduled in your area. The later people are aware of your party, the more likely they are to have committed to attending someone else’s. So get the word out early! Letting people know to have that weekend free will help them plan which party they really want to attend.
Depending on the number of people you plan on inviting, consider writing invitations or getting word-of-mouth moving early among friends. At the same time, avoid letting people know too early (like more than two months in advance). That far off, it’s much easier to forget about the exact party date or details. You want them to be thinking about your upcoming Halloween party and feeling excited about it.
Elevate Your Event with Professional Sound and Lighting!
More and more Halloween parties are held every year, and everyone wants theirs to be the spookiest and scariest. Elevating your Halloween party to the next level couldn’t be easier with professional sound and lighting solutions. For far less than you’d expect, options like these can make a large impact on your Halloween party.
Most other party throwers will be making the most of strobe lights and sound effects CDs. By working with a professional, you can have frightful LED screens or delightful photo booths. Ultimately, this can turn an ordinary Halloween party into a spook-tackular event that will keep people screaming for more next year.
Halloween Holiday Party Planning Checklist
With those initial concepts out of the way, it’s time to focus on getting your space into its own costume. This is the opportunity to turn your Halloween party plans into a fun or frightening (or both) reality. In this holiday party planning checklist, we’ve highlighted some major categories to focus on to execute that vision.
Haunted Halloween Food and Beverage
There are two categories of Halloween-related food and beverage to consider stocking up on. The first is to put focus on the seasonal flavors of fall. For this, think of flavors like apples, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice, that can evoke the warmth and comfort of the season. Many manufacturers produce items like this with Halloween theming as well, like skull-shaped candy apples or popcorn in spider-shaped bags.
The second is to lean into the childhood associations of Halloween’s trick-or-treat candy. This can mean more candy, soda, and other sweets. Try to further evoke those associations by leaning on candy people would associate with the holiday. This can include treats like mini chocolate bars, candy corn, or snack bowls with monster-themed cereals like Count Chocula.
Spooky Party Favors and Decoration
It’s very easy to break the bank buying Halloween decorations: whole stores and industries are built around it. This is why it’s especially important to consider theming before you go shopping. You will have a clearer idea of what decorations you need and what you might just want.
Depending on your budget and theming, start by looking for decorations that can be easily reused or have additional utility. Don’t forget essentials like napkins and cups either.
Atmospheric and Ambient Holiday Lights and Sounds
Whether your party is scary or fun or both can all boil down to presentation. The decorations and food set initial impressions, but a truly great atmosphere is quickly set by lights and sounds. This can include spooky dance floors, creepy lighting effects, or screens playing horror classics.
Getting effects like these can turn an everyday Halloween party into one people are talking about for years to come. However, for those looking to take their event to the next level, professional-grade Halloween party lighting and sound options are available. Talk with a sound or lighting professional for more options that work in your budget.
Make Your Next Halloween Holiday Party Unforgettable with Premier Sound and Lighting!
Halloween only comes once a year, so you only get one chance to throw an unforgettable Halloween holiday party. With a little inspiration and the right execution, your party can be the premiere destination for fun tricks and treats. That’s where Premier Sound and Lighting comes in. They have decades of experience making unforgettable parties for all kinds of events. Thus, helping you take any event or gathering to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Premier Sound and Lighting today to start planning the kind of epic Halloween event that your friends will never forget. Throwing Houston’s greatest Halloween party (whether the scariest or most fun) starts by getting in touch with us! We can’t wait to help you elevate your gathering.
