How to Plan a Disco-Themed Bachelorette Party

A disco bachelorette party is the perfect event for brides-to-be who are always the first (and last!) person on the dance floor—or, for those who have a penchant for all things vintage music and clothing. Simply put, if you're in the early stage of planning a pre-wedding getaway and want to throw a groovy celebration, consider hosting a colorful event that pays homage to the disco era.

Between the music, invitations, décor, fashion, games, and more, the options are truly endless when it comes to hosting an unforgettable disco bash no one will soon forget. Best of all? There are ways to lean into this vibrant aesthetic without breaking the bank and going over budget. Plus, disco bachelorette parties provide a plethora of photo opportunities that are perfect for posting on Instagram and/or TikTok.

Ahead, we put together a comprehensive guide to planning a disco-themed bachelorette party, including fun, easy-to-execute ideas anyone can follow. Read on for more.

How to Throw a Disco Bachelorette Party

Here, we break down everything that goes into planning a disco bachelorette party, from budgeting tips to venue selection and invitation ideas and more.

Budget

It’s easy to go overboard when you’re planning the ultimate bash for your BFF (or for yourself if you're a bride-to-be), but it's not wise to go into debt for one night or weekend. So, if you’re hosting the event solo, sit down and figure out what you can reasonably afford and go from there. And if it’s a joint party, get together your planning committee and nail down a sum you all feel comfortable with, then divide and conquer.

To maximize your budget, don’t be afraid to shop secondhand, borrow items from friends or family, or check out Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group; your neighbors may be storing the perfect décor or have extra party supplies to give away.

Venue

Studio 54 may not exist anymore, but you could channel the iconic disco danceteria at a local venue—or even in your basement! For example, consider checking out a local restaurant’s party room for the occasion; just make sure you can play your own music, as they may have certain rules and restrictions for celebrations. You can even try booking an hour or two at a local roller rink to get in the spirit (bonus points if they have a special adults-only disco night).

Décor

Décor is a must for any disco-themed celebration, so head to the party supply store or do some thrifting in the weeks before the bash. Gibson suggests “glitter balls and LED dance floors” for authenticity, as well as “disco ball centerpieces, neon lights, and sequinned table runners” for sparkle and color. (If you’re having the party at a specific venue, ask if they have any of the above on hand to save a little cash.)

Hosting the party at your home? Consider lighting up a few lava lamps for a cheeky retro touch. This is also a great time to do a little shopping on Facebook Marketplace or ask your friends and family if they have any disco-esque pieces that you could borrow, like the aforementioned disco balls, lava lamps, metallic streamers, or backdrops. String lights are a fun touch you can definitely reuse later, to boot.

As for tabletop décor, order disco ball cups or chic plastic martini glasses, and stick to a metallic palette to mimic the look of a shiny chrome dance floor—or opt for a bright, celebratory hue. “You can place LED lights under translucent tablecloths to create a glowing effect,” Gibson adds. “Napkins and plates should feature vibrant ‘70s patterns or iconic disco imagery.” 

Lastly, when planning your party décor, consider things guests could take home and reuse later, like disco ball planters or fun drink coasters. “Coasters made from real or replica vinyl records bring some nostalgia and are something guests can use at home,” Gibson shares. “You can even look for titles or artists that fit with the disco theme.”

Invitations

Whether you go digital or send paper invites, you’ll want them to set the tone for the party and give guests an idea of what to expect, not to mention what to wear. “Think bright colors, bold fonts, and psychedelic patterns,” advises Sally Gibson of Someone Sent You a Greeting. Meaning, it’s okay to lean all the way into the theme, especially with something as cheeky and fun as disco. “It may sound cheesy, but include as part of the invitations phrases like ‘Boogie on Down’ or ‘Get Down Tonight,’ as it will set the tone and get people in the spirit," Gibson adds.

Dress Code and Attire

You can’t hit the dance floor without the perfect outfit, so make a moodboard and share it with the invitation—that way, your crew will know exactly what to wear. As for outfit ideas, think slinky cocktail dresses, strappy metallic sandals, platform shoes, bell bottoms, and jumpsuits. Additionally, remember that disco does not equal hippie; they’re two very different things, so stay away from peace signs and tie-dye and gravitate to metallics, jewel tones, satin, and sparkle. We’re talking Studio 54, not Woodstock.

Music and Entertainment

Disco was all about the music, so you have to get this particular detail right. “No disco party is complete without a killer soundtrack,” says Gibson, and she’s right. Find a disco playlist on Spotify or make your own with classics from musicians like Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, Diana Ross, ABBA, and Earth, Wind and Fire. (Sneaking in a few of the bride’s favorite songs is totally fine, as well—you don’t have to stick to the theme the entire night.)

To really go all out with the disco night aesthetic, though, call in the pros and hire a DJ; just make sure to let them know this is a disco party so they’re prepared. “If you want to really go the extra mile you can have a disco dance-off or karaoke,” adds Gibson.

Food and Drinks

Since you're throwing it back to the ‘70s for this pre-wedding event, selecting trendy drinks from the disco decade should be a top priority. More specifically, for cocktails, serve Midori Sours or pour multiple bottles of Champagne, both of which were a huge hit at past discothéques. A Tequila Sunrise (tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and a Maraschino cherry) is another trendy throwback to consider.

When it comes to the menu, in particular, we’ve got one word for you: fondue! Fondue was massively popular in the ‘70s, so offer a few varieties for your guests to really channel the disco era. What's more, be sure to serve an assortment of hors d'oeuvres, including mini quiche, crab cakes, kabobs, and a cheese ball.

Games and Activities

There's no better way to pay homage to the '70s than with a disco-themed dance-off. According to Gibson, consider hiring a dance teacher to show you and your crew some vintage-style dances—or if you’re on a strict budget, find a YouTube tutorial and learn it in advance, then teach the rest of the guests. You can even ask your group to learn some moves before the event for a bachelorette TikTok video.

Need more ideas? If you’re going to a bar or club at some point in the night, create a ‘70s-inspired scavenger hunt and challenge guests to find things like vinyl records, someone who looks like John Travolta, or to request a disco song from the DJ. Then, gift winners a “Disco Fever Survival Kit,” says Gibson. “Fill a small bag with '70s-inspired items like lip gloss (in bold and glittery colors), mini disco ball keychains, retro candy, and maybe a pair of novelty sunglasses.”