Do you have a Disney-lover in your life who is obsessed with the film Onward? Or maybe you just think it’s a great idea for an all-ages party theme. Well, you’re in the right place: throwing an Onward themed party is easier than you might think!
Choosing a Venue
The first step to throwing an Onward themed party is deciding on a venue. If you’re hosting a small group, consider renting out a small hall or conference room at a local hotel or community center. For larger groups, you might need to book a bigger reception hall. No matter the size of your gathering, be sure to pick a space that’s large enough for everyone to move around and have enough space for the decorations and activities you’ll include.
Gathering Decorations
Once you have your venue and party date ready, it’s time to start gathering decorations. There are several ways to get creative around this theme – and some of them are relatively inexpensive! Get crafty with cardboard to create your own replicas of character imagery from the film. Hang up some balloons in Onward-themed colors like light blue, purple, and orange. If you have access to outdoor space, consider setting up a landmark photo booth replica or other props. Finally, don’t forget to set a festive ambience with plenty of twinkle lights.
Crafting Creative Invitations
Part of the excitement of an Onward themed party is waiting eagerly for the night to arrive! Create invitations that reflect the fun of the movie while also teasing your guests with hints of what’s in store. If you have the time and resources, consider sending out quirky invites made up of mini-cubes that need to be put together. Or print out images from the film and roll them up like scrolls. However you choose to send them, make sure your guests know that your event is one not to be missed.
Planning the Menu
Make sure your guests are well-fed and ready for a night of dreaming with an Onward-themed menu. Try creating fun dishes like mini tacos (in homage to Ian’s favorite food) and cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles (the magical powers of Onward). Also remember that some of your guests may have dietary restrictions, so be sure to have several vegan and vegetarian options available. Lastly, make sure to follow the party theme with beverages like shimmery blue drinks and hot cocoa with magical white chocolate toppings.
Selecting Party Games
Parties aren’t complete without some fun activities! Continue the Onward theme by setting up some magical games. Challenge your guests to a portal building contest or a mini-quest where they’ll have to race to find clues around the venue. Or set up a few different video game console stations and invite players to compete in life-size games like Monster Cage. Have a few surprises up your sleeve, too – try sprinkling colorful powder around the venue similar to Ian and Barley’s magical quest.
Setting Up an Onward Photo Booth
Creating an interactive photo booth is a great way for guests to preserve memories of the night. Hang up backgrounds inspired by scenes from Onward and make sure to include props like Ian and Barley’s wizard staffs! Place a sign next to the photo booth with instructions so everyone knows how to take their photos. Be sure to have your camera ready so that you can capture everyone’s fun moments!
Arranging Music and Entertainment
Finding the right mix of music is crucial for evoking the Onward theme! Prepare a playlist ahead of time featuring music from all genres that represent bars and magical creatures in the movie. Choose upbeat music for when everyone’s talking and interacting and softer music for when they’re enjoying their food or games. As an added bonus, arrange for some live entertainment like an acoustic performance or magician – guests will surely appreciate the effort.
Creating a Memory Book
Memory books are a great way to create lasting memories of your event, and they also give your guests something tangible to take home. Ask everyone to write down what they enjoyed about the party or tips for how to throw future magical gatherings. Learn how to make personalized memory books using design software or request help from an online print shop.
Thank You Gifts for Guests
Finally, be sure to thank your guests for coming with some memorable keepsakes. Small items like custom pens or mugs with movie-inspired quotes or other items are great reminders of your gathering. Or get creative and craft something – Ian & Barley paper dolls could be an unforgettable gesture! As a bonus, consider partnering with a local organization related to the theme of Onward and donate a portion of proceeds from party items.
Throw an Onward themed party that your friends and family won’t forget with these tips! With proper planning and preparation, your night will be full of laughter and magic.
