Times flying and your next class reunion is coming up already! It should be a night to remember; catching up with old friends over beverages, good eats, and limitless laughter.
But, as the reunion planner, you know that a lot goes in behind the scenes to make it a truly special occasion. And without the right reunion decorations, personalized gifts, and eats/drinks, it could be a lackluster experience altogether. You might be panicked on how to get started on planning if you haven’t settled on a theme.
Fret not! This all encompassing guide will list off all of the best reunion theme options, along with some general planning tips for doing your selected theme the right way. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
| – Nostalgic Decade Themes: Relive your high school glory days with era-specific parties, from 1950s diners and 1970s discos to 1990s grunge nights. – Classic Event Concepts: For a timeless feel, consider a Red Carpet Hollywood gala, a casual Family BBQ Picnic, or a Pep Rally theme featuring your original school colors and mascot. – Essential Planning Timeline: Secure your venue and entertainment months in advance to ensure availability and give out-of-town alumni plenty of time to travel. – Atmosphere is Key: Use era-appropriate music, signature “throwback” cocktails, and themed photo booths to encourage guests to mingle and share memories. – Personalized Touches: Boost school spirit with custom reunion t-shirts, mugs, or goody bags that feature your class year and school logo. |
What are Popular Class Reunion Themes?
There are dozens of themes to choose from for your high school reunion.
At a glance, popular reunion program ideas include:
- decade themes (roaring 20s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s)
- red carpet Hollywood
- school colors / school spirit revival
- outdoor reunion (family BBQ, class picnic, an evening under the stars)
- then vs. now throwback night
- A formal gala
- Wine and cheese night
Let’s explore each of these options further and explore how to make your reunion event theme your own!
Decades Theme
If you graduated more than 15-20 years ago, the time you went to high school has officially entered its nostalgic era.
Certain aspects of the times you grew up in are no longer cultural norms, but they’ll forever hold a place in your heart as staple aspects of that time.
Let your whole class relive the decade of their formative years with a decade-themed party (or, opt into a different decade depending on the interests of you and your fellow schoolmates.)
Some decade-specific reunion themes to consider include:
Roaring 20s Reunion
Ok, so you probably didn’t graduate in the 1920s! But who doesn’t love a Gatsby-esque party filled with jazz music, boujee cocktails, and high-end attire?
Some quick ideas:
- Color schemes: black and gold aesthetics are a must!
- Outfits: vintage, posh looking dresses featuring sequins or beads for women, or a fine suit for a man make the perfect 1920s outfit.
- Activities: card games were a staple of the ‘20s. Some prohibition-themed drinking games could be fun too!
- Food: popular foods at classy cocktail parties in those times included deviled eggs, shrimp cocktails, cheese platters, and Oysters Rockefeller.
- Drinks: the 1920s were the height of Prohibition. Enjoy classy cocktails like the wealthy did back in that era. Popular liquors to add to the mix include moonshine, champagne, and absinthe
- Classic musicians from the era to play: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and other jazz pioneers dominated the music-scene in that era, and will certainly act as the perfect background music for your classy event.
Warner Brothers Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1950s-Themed Reunion
Does anything encapsulate a true sense of Americana than the 1950s. White picket fences, TVs in the household, and a growing middle class defined the era.
Here’s how to capture this iconic decade at your high school reunion
- Activities: everybody dance! Do the jitterbug, the bunny hop, or the jive. Or bring along hula hoops for the dance floor.
- Food: who doesn’t love 1950s-style diner food. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes will treat your entire graduating class nicely (no roller skates required)
- Outfits: go greaser style with a leather jacket, or rock a white shirt and jeans like James Dean. Women can wear a cute pencil skirt or flared skirt.
- Classic 50s musicians to play: it’s the era of Elvis! Play the King of Rock and Roll or lean into other 50s legends like Buddy Holly, Little Ritchie, or Ray Charles.
Designed by Freepik
1960s-Themed Reunion
From psychedelic aesthetics to British Invasion music, there’s no shortage of options to make your ‘60s inspired reunion one to remember.
Consider these options for your 60-year reunion if you graduated in the 1960s:
- Decorating: lean into vibrant, psychedelic color schemes. Your peers will love a hippie-inspired look.
- ‘60s Outfits: think mini skirts, bell bottom pants, sports coats, and vibrant colors. Everyone will look straight out of Woodstock!
- Activity Ideas: play classic ‘60s games like Twister, or do karaoke with your favorite Beatles songs
- Music from the ‘60s: from the Fab Four to the Yardbirds, songs from British bands will likely dominate your high school reunion soundtrack.
Designed by Freepik
‘70s Reunion Program
Get groovy, baby! Is there anything funner than a 1970s-themed occasion filled with bright, sequin outfits and classic disco bangers?
If you graduated in the 1970s, this is the perfect occasion to reminisce for your 50-year reunion.
- Decorations: a disco ball, Afro wigs, and bright vibrant balloons, table, and wall decorations will make your reunion stand out just like the ‘70s.
- ‘70s fashion choices: think Farrah Fawcett hair and bohemian vibes for the girls. Men could embrace a Freddie Mercury look. Flashy accessories are a must for all.
- Food: cheese fondue was a ‘70s staple. Also consider quiche and vol-au-vents.
- Music to dance to: Earth, Wind, & Fire, Bee Gees, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder will probably dominate your playlist.
Designed by Freepik
1980s High School Reunion Theme
Who doesn’t like dressing up like a Yuppie once in a while? Rather than a vibrant, psychedelic vibe like a ‘60s or ‘70s event might have, this is your chance to look extra dapper for your fellow alumni.
- Outfits: dress sharp. Power suits dominated 1980s fashion for men, while women loved oversized blazers and high-rise jeans. Or, lean into the bright colored neon vibes that feel like you’re back in a ‘80s fitness instructor video.
- Food: finger foods and quick bites were everywhere at 1980s parties. Popular food choices include finger foods like potato skins, or cheesy dips.
- Music: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince; there’s no shortage of options when it comes to playing absolute classic party music at your 1980s-themed reunion.
1990s High School Reunion Theme
Whether your schoolmates loved Nirvana or N.W.A. during their ‘90s high school days, give your peers the gift of 1990s nostalgia.
- Outfits: would it be a true ‘90s reunion party if people weren’t wearing flannel and skater jeans. Play the part of a true 1990s high schooler.
- Food: how many chicken nuggets did you eat in the ‘90s? Keep the snacks rolling like chicken nuggets, hot pockets, and pizza bagels for some tasty casual cuisine.
- Music: whether you lean into Seattle grunge or West/East coast hip-hop, you’ve got hundreds of ‘90s hits to choose from.
2000s High School Reunion Theme
Relive the start of the digital age! While you might not have the flip phone anymore, you can appreciate the good times and funny outfits that encapsulate the early 2000s.
- Outfits: women need a chunky necklace and low-rise denim jeans to have a true 2000s outfit. Men can rock chunky shoes and cargo pants (and get frosted tips if they’re truly committed to the bit!)
- Music: for early 2000s hits, think ‘Mr. Brightside’ or Brittney Spears classics. If you’re going for the later 2000s, think Black Eyed Peas and LMFAO.
Best Classic School Reunion Themes
Besides the decades themes, there are dozens of other popular reunion program ideas to choose from, including:
Red Carpet / Hollywood Theme
Your graduating class is filled with superstars. Act like it! This is your chance to give all of your peers the absolute VIP treatment, with a red carpet, fine dining, and glitzy attire and reunion decorations.
- Outfits: this is not a casual event. Your peers are looking for an excuse to get dressed up. Wear classy dresses and full suits just like the Hollywood stars would at the academy awards.
- Decorations: think classy. Decorate with glittery streamers and table decor. Use fine china and silverware. And definitely have a Photo Booth to capture everyone’s stunning outfits.
- Food: treat your peers like royalty. If you can swing it, go for steak dinner, deviled eggs, caviar, etc. so they truly have a night to remember.
- Music: there’s no set rules for music at a Hollywood-esque event. Just keep it classy! A fun idea could be picking Hollywood soundtrack favorites from the era you were in high school.
Family BBQ Picnic
Maybe your graduating class prefers to keep things casual! Weather permitting, an outdoor BBQ filled with good eats, low key attire, and loads of sunshine is bound to be fun, and takes the pressure off of going for a fancier vibe.
- Clothing: no need for a ball gown at this event! Keep things simple with t-shirts and shorts. Consider ordering custom reunion t-shirts as a fun way to enhance the experience.
- Food: you know the vibes! Burgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn bread. All of these barbecue staples will hit the spot. Just make sure you consider any peers that might be vegetarian.
- Music: country music will certainly match the barbecue vibe on a hot summer day. Think through which country classics defined your high school era.
Designed by Freepik
Outdoor Reunion: An Evening Under The Stars
Reunions usually happen in the summer, meaning it’s the perfect time of year to host your reunion outside. Everyone will appreciate the fresh air, whether you grew up in the heart of the country and can see the Milky Way or grew up in the city and can party on a rooftop!
- Outfits: dress accordingly. A summer evening can still get chilly in certain parts of the U.S.
- Food: outdoor party foods like finger foods, cheese dips, etc. are simple and tasty
- Decorations: make sure you prioritize good lighting! You’ll want to see your old friends as you catch up.
Pep Rally Vibes
No need to reinvent the wheel as you reminisce on the high school that shaped who you are today. Lean into your school colors, mascot, etc. to take everyone back to their teenage years.
- Decorating: get table and wall decor that will match your school colors. Get a banner with your school name and logo on it. And get in touch with your school to see if the mascot can make an appearance!
- Gifts: a goody bag featuring personalized high school accessories is a great way to help your peers lean into that nostalgic feeling. Think sweatshirts, t-shirts, mugs, beer glasses, etc.
- Event space: can you rent out your high school auditorium? If you can, hosting the event at your old high school is a great way to let everyone’s memories flood back in.
How to Plan a High School Reunion the Right Way
Now that you’re set on a theme, make sure you plan your reunion perfectly. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:
Make Sure You Invite All Alumni
No one wants to feel left out from their class reunion. Once you register on Classmates® and plan your reunion there, all of the registered alumni in your graduating class will be notified.
Book Everything Well in Advance
Event space, djs, etc. will take a while to book. Make sure you get these finalized months in advance so that these critical components of the reunion are locked in.
Reunion decorations usually ship fast, but don’t wait until the last minute to buy all of your table decor, wall decor, silverware, etc., especially if you’re making personalized items.
Not sure which month to have your reunion? Explore this When Do Class Reunions Happen guide.
Plan Your Reunion the Right Way With Classmates
Invite your peers with a set date and time they can see online. Share regular updates on your personal reunion event page. Find great high school yearbook pictures that capture the decade.
Register for Classmates for free today to get started.
Class Reunion Program Idea FAQs
1. What are the Best High School Reunion Themes?
At a glance, a few popular options for class reunions include:
- Decades theme: when did you graduate high school? Consider a decade-party to match the era you spent together.
- Hollywood red carpet: especially as you get older, a night out and dressed up with your spouse is a special occasion. Give your peers a glitzy night on the town.
- Outdoor reunion: choose a day-party with BBQ food, or an evening/nighttime event with cocktails and finger foods.
2. What is the Best Reunion Planning Website
Classmates is the best website for planning a reunion because:
- It is free for users to register and see details about their upcoming reunion
- The reunion planner can send an invitation to every registered alumni from your graduating class
- Use the discussion board to share reunion news and pictures to your fellow alumni
- See all of the alumni that will be in attendance (and reach out with direct messages beforehand on Classmates)
3. Why is Choosing the Right Reunion Theme so Important?
Your friends from growing up deserve a special evening as they rekindle old relationships. Choosing the right reunion theme that leans into the things that make you nostalgic for the times you were in high school. And make sure you use your budget to buy decorations and gifts that match accordingly!
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