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Spectacular Glow Party Ideas for Grown Ups

December 24, 2023 by Anna-Bet Stemmet

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It’s about time we share our stash of glow party ideas, don’t you think? Planning a glow party is all about setting the scene for a fluorescent fiesta that’ll leave everyone glowing with excitement. From neon outfits that dazzle to sensational drinks that shimmer, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you throw a bash that’s (literally) lit. Ready, set, GLOW! ✨ 

Neon party décor ideas

Wide shot of a wall decorated with neon lights for a glow party

Here are a few of our favorite black light party ideas that helps to set the scene for excitement:  

Neon balloon arch

Create an entrance that wows with a neon balloon arch. Use a variety of fluorescent balloons to form an arch that guests can walk through upon arrival, setting the tone for the glowing festivities. 

Black light wall art

Transform your party space with black light-reactive wall art. Consider fluorescent posters, paintings, or murals that come to life under UV light, adding a visually captivating element to the ambiance. 

Glow-in-the-dark tablecloths

Elevate your table settings with glow-in-the-dark tablecloths. These specially designed linens add a luminous touch to the dining area, creating a cohesive and immersive glow party experience. 

UV-reactive streamers and banners

Hang UV-reactive streamers and banners across the venue for a dynamic and colourful backdrop. These decorations move with the music and create a mesmerising visual effect, enhancing the overall party atmosphere. 

Luminous centerpieces with LED lights

Illuminate tables with luminous centerpieces featuring LED lights. Incorporate glow sticks, neon flowers, or other glowing elements to create focal points that contribute to the vibrant and energetic vibe of the party.  

Read next: Great Party Themes for Every Occasion  

Glow-in-the-dark party outfit ideas

Close up of a man wearing neon makeup for a glow party

Next up, outfit ideas for a neon party. This is one of the most fun aspects of any glow party, for sure.  

Neon makeup

There are so many amazing beauty products available on the market today. Find some glow-in-the-dark makeup and get crafty. The world is quite literally your oyster; you could go for an animal pattern, a Day of the Dead makeup style, or just follow your gut and see where your imagination takes you. 

Neon onesies

Embrace comfort and style with neon onesies in vibrant colours. These one-piece outfits not only provide a bold look but also ensure you’re ready to hit the dance floor with ease. 

Glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and shorts

Opt for classic glow-in-the-dark t-shirts paired with neon shorts. This combination is both practical and visually appealing, allowing for easy movement while still capturing the essence of the glow party theme. 

Fluorescent tutus and leggings

Make a statement with fluorescent tutus and leggings. This fun and flirty ensemble adds a playful touch to your glow party outfit, creating a dynamic and eye-catching appearance under black lights. 

Glow painted clothing

Get creative by using glow-in-the-dark paint to customise your clothing. Paint slogans, patterns, or even create abstract designs on your outfit for a personalised and luminous touch. This could even be part of the experience—partygoers could bring articles of clothing, and the host could provide some paint to add some shimmer and shine! 

LED accessories and jewelry

Enhance your glow party look with LED accessories and jewelry. Light-up bracelets, necklaces, and headbands add an extra layer of illumination, ensuring you stand out on the dance floor. 

Festive vibes: 25 Fun Work Christmas Party Ideas in 2024

Black light party drink ideas

Close up of a grouping of fluorescent reactive glasses at a glow party

If you want to create neon drinks with some shimmer for your glow party, here’s a general idea: 

Choose a neon drink base

Start with a neon-coloured drink as your base. This could be a neon cocktail, neon lemonade, or any other beverage that fits your party theme. If you want the drink to really glow, consider incorporating an energy drink high in B vitamins. These tend to glow yellow under black lights and work well for big-batch drinks 

On the other hand, milk also glows white under black lights, so cocktails like a White Russian or Eggnog might also do the trick. Tonic water glows blue, so you could go for a simple gin and tonic as well.  

Add edible glitter

Once you’ve prepared the drink, go the extra mile by sprinkling in edible glitter or using a sparkly rimming sugar. Make sure to use edible glitter specifically designed for consumption. This is usually made from ingredients like sugar, maltodextrin, and food colouring. You can find edible glitter in various colours, including neon hues, to match the vibrant theme of your glow party. 

Serve in UV-reactive cups

To enhance the neon glow, consider serving the drinks in UV-reactive or fluorescent cups. These cups will react to black light, adding an extra dimension to the visual experience. If you shop around, you may also be able to get some LED glow cubes for drinks that flash in different colours.  

You might also like: How to Host a Brunch Party at Home  

Glow party invites

Close up of a neon sign reading 'let's party' in neon pink

To send out invitations for your glow party and manage the guest list, follow these steps: 

Choose a theme

Incorporate glow-in-the-dark elements into the invitation design. Use neon colours, fluorescent graphics, or even include a small glow stick with physical invitations to set the tone for the party. 

Digital invitations

Utilise online invitation platforms or social media to create digital invitations. Include essential details such as the date, time, location, and dress code. Ensure the design aligns with the chosen glow party theme. 

RSVP system

Set up an online RSVP system through the chosen invitation platform. Encourage guests to confirm their attendance by clicking a button or responding to the digital invitation. This helps you keep track of the expected number of attendees. 

Guest list

Keep a record of the guest list, noting down names and contact information. Consider factors such as venue capacity and food and drink quantities when finalising the list. Ensure you have a clear method for checking in guests at the entrance. 

Get organised: 8 Cocktail Party Ideas & Your Planning Checklist 

Neon party game ideas 

Close up of a person wearing neon arm bands holding a bunch of glow sticks in a dark room

Glow-in-the-dark Twister

Set up a Twister game with fluorescent paint or neon stickers on the mat. Use a black light to make the colours pop, creating a challenging and entertaining experience for participants. 

Neon limbo

Add a glow-in-the-dark twist to the classic limbo game. Use neon-coloured ropes or glow sticks as the limbo bar, and challenge guests to see how low they can go under the black light. 

UV pong

Transform the traditional beer pong game by using UV-reactive ping pong balls and cups. Set up a UV light above the table to enhance the glowing effect as players aim for the cups. 

Glow stick scavenger hunt

Organise a scavenger hunt with glow sticks hidden around the party venue. Provide participants with clues that lead them to different glowing treasures, adding an element of adventure to the festivities.  

Fluorescent ring-toss

Create a ring-toss game using fluorescent rings and pegs. Set up the game in an area with UV lighting, making it a visually appealing and challenging activity for guests of all ages. 

Eats & treats: 25 Creative Cocktail Party Menu Ideas 

There you have it, friends, you’re good to glow! Remember to tag us on Instagram if you share any #GlowParty pics and sign up for the newsletter so we can shimmer into your inbox with more tasty inspiration! ✨✨ 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fluorescent colours such as neon greens, pinks, oranges, and yellows tend to glow brightly under black light. These colours contain phosphors that absorb and re-emit ultraviolet light.

A glow party is a social gathering where participants wear glow-in-the-dark or UV-reactive clothing and accessories, creating a visually vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The party often features black lights, neon decorations, and fluorescent elements to enhance the overall glow effect.

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