The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Black Light Theme Party in Summer
Sure, you could host another dinner party. You could serve the same wine and snacks as you always do and end the night watching yet another movie.
Or, you could jump on an epic trend and have some real fun after dark with a blacklight party. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party for your youngsters, throwing a Saturday night rager, or kicking back for a girls’ night, it’s time to try something different. Read on for our best black light party tips and ideas to give your celebrations a serious glow-up!
What Do You Need for a Black Light Party?
Well, this depends on the type of party you’re hosting, of course. But in general, you’ll need blacklights, decorations, food and drinks, and supplies for an activity of your choosing (black light paint party, anyone?).
Before you get the party started, though, you’ll want to give your guests clear instructions on your black light party invitations to make the most of your celebration. Guests may not know what to wear to a blacklight party, so include a few pointers, such as:
- Wear a white or fluorescent outfit
- Wear something you don’t mind getting messy (if you’re hosting a black light paint party)
- Bring your best glow-in-the-dark accessories
Once your invitations are out, it’s time to create a gorgeous glowing atmosphere for your guests!
Glow In The Dark Black Light Party: Decoration Ideas
When it comes to blacklight party decoration ideas, you’ll have to think differently from a traditional celebration. Why? Because you’ll be partying in the dark, of course! Balloons and streamers aren’t going to cut it (and frankly, your guests won’t even see them!). Your black light party needs anything that glows in the dark or lights up, like:
- Blacklights: you can buy bulbs to use in existing light fixtures or purchase a portable blacklight option instead
- Glow sticks
- LED or fluorescent balloons
- Lava lamps
- Glow-in-the-dark garlands
If you’re into DIY blacklight party decor, try putting inexpensive LED string lights inside wine bottles or mason jars for cute and easy accent lighting. Or, consider making a photo booth backdrop with a plastic tablecloth. Use glow tape to create a funky design, and be sure to set up a “glow bar” with glow-in-the-dark bracelets and accessories to wear in their photos and throughout the party.
Want something a little more custom for your blacklight party decor? Find a blacklight event at your local Painting With a Twist studio, and create a one-of-a-kind painting with glow-in-the-dark paint! You’ll get to experience the fun of a black light party before you host your own, and your guests will love the fluorescent flair of original artwork at your celebration.
Black Light Party Food and Drinks
DeLIGHTful Beverages
What’s more epic than a drink that glows in the dark? You already know that blacklights can create a neon glow on your clothing, but it can do the same for a common party food ingredient: tonic water!
To make any beverage into an unforgettable blacklight party drink, add a small splash of tonic water. Or, follow a simple recipe (like this one for blacklight lemonade!) and watch your guests “ooh” and “ahh” over their deLIGHTful drinks.
Lite Bites
As for blacklight party food, we have one word: neon! Brightly colored sprinkles will stand out in the glow of your black light party. And, much like tonic water can add a glow to your drinks, it can also create glow-in-the-dark foods too!
Dip cupcake frosting in tonic water, or whip up a batch of Jello with a splash of tonic water added. Individual Jello cups are perfect for a kids’ blacklight party, or you can make Jello shots for an adults-only version. Both are sure to get “glowing” reviews from your guests!
If you’d rather serve up more traditional party food, add glow tape to disposable serving dishes or decorate your table with plenty of glow sticks to keep things festive.
Where to Have a Black Light Party
Unless you have a room with no windows in your house (one that’s big enough to hold all your guests, at that), you’ll probably want to host your blacklight party outside after dark or find an alternative venue. If you must, you could use your living room and put black sheets or tablecloths over the windows, but even then, it’s best to wait until it’s dark outside so you can enjoy the full effects of your black lights.
Considering a black light paint party? Things are going to get messy! Add UV face and body paint to your list of blacklight party supplies, and let your guests paint their clothing and bodies before they hit the dance floor. For easy cleanup, host your party outdoors, or consider a different kind of blacklight paint party altogether.
Black Light Paint Party Ideas
At Painting with a Twist, you can host a black light paint party without the mess! Whether you want to host a zodiac-themed birthday party or just unwind after a long week, your local Painting with a Twist studio has everything you need to create memories — and glow-in-the-dark art! Bring your favorite drink, your black light party attire, your friends, and that glowing party spirit! We’ll do the rest.
At Painting with a Twist, our instructors can lead you through the process of creating your own glow-in-the-dark painting while you enjoy the company of your friends, coworkers, or partner — all while basking in the uber-cool glow of the blacklights. Turn on the blacklights and turn up the fun with a blacklight painting event at your local Painting with a Twist Studio today!
