Hot take: Valentine’s Day parties are vastly underrated. Forget a romantic dinner for two at a snooty restaurant! Throw a party (or, like, a fun lil brunch) with your entire friend group instead. Go all out with decorations and give each other homemade valentines (!). Throw in a few themed co*cktails too, and you’ve got a soiree that rivals any other. After all, V-Day is a time to celebrate all love—which is def an excuse to have a party with your BFFs. (Your boo can come too, of course.)
The hidden lil bonus about all this? Valentine’s Day is such an aesthetically pleasing celebration. There’s the red and the pink and the chocolate and a very good reason to bring back rosé season early. It honestly makes me wonder why there aren’t more V-Day parties happening every year. This is a missed opportunity, people! It’s time to embrace the cheesy, lovey-dovey feels and put these 28 snazzy Valentine’s Day party ideas to good use.
Go ahead and scroll through for some fun party-planning tips that will make your V-Day bash the envy of the newsfeed.
1. Send some sexy-ass invites
Get your crew psyched with all the deets on your festive event. You could make it super cute and go the snail-mail route. Or if you’re looking for something more immediate, then a perfectly designed digital invite sent straight to their emails could be just the choice for you. Or you know a Whats-app with a lot of heart emojis always goes down a treat.
2. Plan a fun party game
Yes, catching up is fun, but change things up with this card game that might make you laugh so hard you pee a little.
3. Get the drinks ready
Whip up an easy Valentine’s Day co*cktail recipe for your party guests or keep it simple and just grab yourself a nice bottle of tequila, wine, or alcohol-free spirits. (Yes, those exist!)
4. Prep a cute lil craft
All good soirees have a fun activity—which can totally mean doing a V-Day craft. (They’re not just for kids, okay?) Make each other some DIY cards! Make friendship bracelets! Once co*cktails get passed around, people are bound to get creative.
5. Set up a romantic movie room
For guests who just want a moment away from the chatter (or couples who want a sec to snug), a movie room is the perf addition to any party. Throw on a romantic film, dim the lights, and give the partygoers a place to relax.
6. Do some fortune telling
Friends of any relationship status can enjoy this gorgeously illustrated deck of future-revealing tarot cards. (Or amp up the ~sexy vibes~ with an erotically themed deck instead.)
SOL Complete 78pcs Tarot Card Deck and Guidebook
SOL Complete 78pcs Tarot Card Deck and Guidebook
7. Set up a DIY photo booth
Now’s the time to use that random spare wall in your flat. Set up an Insta-worthy backdrop by covering a wall with glitter-foil and other festive items. Order some uh-mazing on-brand props and balloons, and snap and share.
8. Come dressed on theme
We’re not saying you gotta show up to your own party dressed in lingerie—but we're certainly not stopping you if you feel like wearing something a lil special under your party clothes. Aside from lace frills and strappy garments, there’s a slew of other V-Day-themed ’fits you could get all gussied up in (and yes pyjamas count as partywear).
Stripe & Stare Pale Pink Stripe Long Pyjama Set
Cherry Satin Pyjama Shirt
ASOS DESIGN Love Sucks Baby Tee
9. Have a little spa day
Self-love is the best kind of love. So why not give your party a "treat yourself" theme and curate a relaxing mini oasis? Set up a mani/pedi station, have a massage gun ready, and maybe even light some candles to *really* set the scene.
10. Do a 'secret cupid' gift exchange
Gift swap parties shouldn't be reserved for December! Have your guests bring a small token that falls under an agreed-upon price limit. Then, once your guests arrive, put everyone's name in a hat, and whoever you draw gets your present!
11. Bake and decorate!
This is the festive occasion where people with a sweet tooth thrive. Exactly why it's the perfect opportunity for a baking party. If you don't want to bake something from scratch, you could opt to decorate pre-made biscuits, or ice some cupcakes instead.
12. Host a classy dinner party
Obviously "dinner for two" is the most steadily established V-Day idea of all time. Let's take it up a notch with "dinner for [insert # of invitees here]." Design a cute menu, create a Valentine's Day-themed tablescape, and make sure you tell your guests to dress to impress. This will make for a great photo op and IRL experience.
Anna + Nina Sweet Sorrow Glass Candle Holder
Porcelain Medium Plate
Dunelm Set of 2 Pink Scalloped Edge Placemats
Dusky Dinner Candle
13. Make flower bouquets
Sure, receiving a bouquet is "nice" and all (OK, it's actually really cute and we get emotional every time), but making bouquets with your friends? New levels of all the feels, truly. Plus, it's an engaging party activity with a gorgeous outcome! For your stem supply, have everyone bring a bouquet of a specific type of flowers so that they can add them to the main pile.
14. Paint candles together
This is another cool, creative endeavour for your group. Just buy a bunch of taper candles, paint, and a few paintbrushes and you'll have the most aesthetic addition to your home.
15. Make appreciation slideshows
"Slideshow nights" are all the rage on TikTok, and for a good reason. Everyone comes with a hilarious presentation on a specific subject prepared, and in the spirit of V-Day, your subject should be Bestie Appreciation. You can include little-known facts, favourite memories, the works. You know this'll cause some happy tears to flow.
16. Do a wine swap
Here's a low-stakes activity that will get the party going. Have everyone bring their favourite bottle and wrap it up nicely, then place it on a table as they arrive. From there, every guest can pick a random bottle to keep (or pop open then and there, because why the hell not?).
17. Have a fun sleepover
The party should never end! Embrace your inner giggly teen and turn the shindig into an overnight affair. Make the dress code matching PJs to really take things a step further.
18. Write platonic love letters
Cringey? Yes. Heartwarming? Yes—with emphasis. Penning each other professions of love on cute stationery is the perfect way to honour both your friends and the season. Extra points if you've got anyone with cool calligraphy skills in your group.
19. Set up some mood lighting
It's all about the ambiance, y'all. So, for your V-Day soiree, invest in some heart-shaped string lights to hang in the space and set the mood.
20. Have heart-shaped fruit and veggie platters
If you want to get really festive, place your mini bites in heart-shaped serving trays. Why take on the Valentine's Day theme if you're not going to commit? Even the starters should feel the love!
21. Set up a lovey-dovey playlist
Build a collaborative playlist on Spotify! All of your partygoers can add their fave romantic tunes, and each of you gets a chance to play DJ for the night.
22. Get some karaoke going
No need for stellar vocals! Just a karaoke machine and a setlist of popular throwback tunes to please your adoring fans (aka your friends). No activity will bond a group more.
23. Do a scavenger hunt
Now, is this the first activity that pops into your head when you think of Valentine's Day? Probably not. But you can make it a whole thing with sweet prizes and V-Day-themed riddles. Here's how to set up a scavenger hunt BTW.
24. Play rom-com charades
Forget about regular charades. Test your group's essential rom-com knowledge with a few rounds of charades specifically focused on the classic movies in this genre. If the performances are particularly tragic, you'll know it's time to make the night a movie marathon instead.
25. Play Prosecco pong!
It's literally just beer pong, but prettier. Clear a table, pop open your bubbly, and get your game faces ready.
26. Hand out accessories to wear
When you look around the room and see your friends dripped out in heart headbands and cupid wings, you'll thank us. The V-day dress-up opportunities are vast, so stock up on the cutest options and have your guests model them all night.
PLULON 34 Pieces Valentines Heart Headbands, Sunglasses and Temporary Tattoos
PLULON 34 Pieces Valentines Heart Headbands, Sunglasses and Temporary Tattoos
27. Distribute disposable cameras
These are great for capturing memories throughout the night. By making every one of your guests participate, the event pics that you develop will have a wide range of ~artistic visions~ and perspectives. That's exactly the kind of variety we like to see!
28. Play Guess Who?
Times like these are when you should get to know your buds. Have everybody write down random fun facts about themselves on pieces of paper, and then go around in a circle drawing them from a hat. Whoever guesses the most correctly gets best friend bragging rights.
Happy V-Day!
From:
Cosmopolitan US
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in party planning and event organization, I can confidently provide information related to all the concepts used in the article about Valentine's Day parties. Let's dive into each concept and explore them in detail:
Valentine's Day Parties
Valentine's Day parties are a fun and underrated way to celebrate the holiday with friends and loved ones. Instead of the traditional romantic dinner for two, hosting a party or a brunch with your entire friend group can be a more inclusive and enjoyable option. It's an opportunity to celebrate all forms of love and create lasting memories.
Decorations
Decorations play a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance for a Valentine's Day party. Using a combination of red, pink, and other festive colors can create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Consider using heart-shaped decorations, balloons, and glitter-foil backdrops to add a touch of romance to the venue.
Homemade Valentines
Giving each other homemade valentines adds a personal and heartfelt touch to the party. It's a creative activity that allows guests to express their love and appreciation for one another. DIY cards and friendship bracelets are popular options that can be made during the party.
Themed co*cktails
Adding themed co*cktails to the party menu can elevate the celebration. Whether it's a romantic champagne co*cktail or a non-alcoholic mocktail, providing a variety of drink options ensures that everyone can enjoy the festivities. Don't forget to incorporate Valentine's Day colors and garnishes to make the drinks visually appealing.
Party Games and Activities
Incorporating fun party games and activities keeps the guests engaged and entertained. Consider playing card games, like the "Wanna Bet Challenge Card Game," which can create laughter and friendly competition. Additionally, setting up a DIY craft station, such as making DIY cards or friendship bracelets, allows guests to unleash their creativity.
Movie Room
For guests who want a break from the party chatter or couples who want a cozy moment, setting up a movie room can be a perfect addition. Choose romantic films, dim the lights, and provide comfortable seating to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Fortune Telling
Fortune-telling activities can add an element of intrigue and fun to the party. Using tarot cards or other future-revealing tools can create interesting conversations and spark curiosity among guests.
DIY Photo Booth
Setting up a DIY photo booth provides an opportunity for guests to capture and share memorable moments. Use a spare wall as a backdrop and decorate it with glitter-foil and other festive items. Order props and balloons that match the Valentine's Day theme to enhance the photo booth experience.
Dressing on Theme
Encourage guests to dress on theme to add to the festive atmosphere. Whether it's wearing lingerie, V-Day-themed outfits, or matching pajamas, dressing up creates a sense of excitement and unity among the attendees.
Spa Day
Incorporating a "treat yourself" theme into the party can create a relaxing and indulgent experience. Set up a mini spa station with manicure/pedicure supplies, massage tools, and scented candles to provide guests with a chance to pamper themselves.
Secret Cupid Gift Exchange
A gift exchange can add an element of surprise and delight to the party. Have guests bring small tokens or gifts within an agreed-upon price limit, and then randomly assign each person a gift. This activity allows guests to show appreciation and thoughtfulness towards one another.
Baking and Decorating
A baking party can satisfy the sweet tooth and unleash creativity. Guests can bake from scratch or decorate pre-made biscuits and cupcakes. It's a delicious and enjoyable activity that everyone can participate in.
Classy Dinner Party
Hosting a classy dinner party is a more formal and intimate way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Design a cute menu, create a Valentine's Day-themed tablescape, and encourage guests to dress to impress. This type of party offers a great opportunity for memorable photos and a sophisticated dining experience.
Flower Bouquets
Making flower bouquets during the party can be a heartwarming and engaging activity. Ask guests to bring bouquets of specific types of flowers, and then combine them to create beautiful arrangements. It's a collaborative effort that results in a gorgeous outcome.
Painting Candles
Painting candles is a creative and aesthetic activity that can add a unique touch to your home decor. Provide taper candles, paint, and paintbrushes for guests to create their own artistic designs.
Appreciation Slideshows
Creating appreciation slideshows is a heartfelt way to celebrate friendship. Guests can prepare presentations highlighting their favorite memories, little-known facts, and reasons why they appreciate their friends. It's a touching activity that can evoke happy tears and strengthen bonds.
Wine Swap
A wine swap adds an element of surprise and introduces guests to new flavors. Have everyone bring their favorite bottle of wine, wrap them up, and place them on a table. Guests can then choose a random bottle to keep or enjoy during the party.
Sleepover
Extend the party into an overnight affair by hosting a sleepover. Encourage guests to wear matching pajamas for added fun and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for continued celebrations.
Platonic Love Letters
Writing platonic love letters is a sentimental and intimate activity that allows guests to express their love and appreciation for their friends. Provide cute stationery and encourage guests to write heartfelt messages to each other.
Mood Lighting
Creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere is essential for a Valentine's Day party. Invest in heart-shaped string lights or other decorative lighting options to enhance the mood and ambiance of the venue.
Heart-Shaped Fruit and Veggie Platters
Adding heart-shaped serving trays for mini bites and starters adds a festive touch to the party. It showcases attention to detail and commitment to the Valentine's Day theme.
Lovey-Dovey Playlist
Building a collaborative playlist on platforms like Spotify allows guests to contribute their favorite romantic tunes. It sets the mood and creates a personalized musical experience throughout the party.
Karaoke
Karaoke is a fun and interactive activity that can bring out everyone's inner performer. Prepare a list of popular throwback tunes and let your friends showcase their singing skills.
Scavenger Hunt
Hosting a themed scavenger hunt can be a unique twist to the Valentine's Day festivities. Create V-Day-themed riddles and offer sweet prizes for guests who successfully solve them.
Rom-Com Charades
Test your group's knowledge of romantic comedies with a game of charades. Act out scenes from popular romantic movies and let your friends guess the titles. It's a fun and engaging activity that can lead to a movie marathon if desired.
Prosecco Pong
Prosecco Pong is a stylish and bubbly twist on the classic beer pong game. Set up a table, pop open some bubbly, and challenge your friends to a friendly competition.
Party Accessories
Handing out party accessories like heart headbands and cupid wings adds a festive and playful element to the party. Encourage guests to wear them throughout the night for a memorable and Instagram-worthy experience.
Disposable Cameras
Distributing disposable cameras to your guests allows them to capture candid and memorable moments throughout the party. The variety of perspectives and artistic visions captured on film will create unique and cherished memories.
Guess Who?
Getting to know your friends better is always a good idea. Have each guest write down fun and interesting facts about themselves on pieces of paper. Draw the facts from a hat and have others guess who the facts belong to. It's a game that fosters friendship and creates laughter.
I hope this overview of the concepts used in the article helps you understand the different elements involved in planning a fun and memorable Valentine's Day party. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more information!
