This is How To Host an Epic Beach Themed Party |

Looking to add a splash of fun to your next gathering? A beach-themed party is the perfect way to bring the sun, sand, and surf to any event. It's no wonder these parties are a hit for summer events—they offer a relaxing, tropical vibe that's hard to resist. Whether you're planning an ocean party or a summer swim party, you'll find that the laid-back atmosphere and vibrant decor create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

From colorful decorations to tasty treats, a beach themed party can transform any venue into a seaside escape. Imagine your guests enjoying shark candy cups, beach brownie cups, or a beach party candy board. With a bit of creativity, you can bring the beach to your backyard, making it a fun and memorable time for everyone involved.

Planning Your Beach Themed Party

When planning a beach themed party, it's important to think about the location, date, and time. These choices can make or break your ocean party or summer swim party.

flip flop sandals, watermelon candies. beach candies on a tray

Choosing the Perfect Location

Your location sets the stage for your beach themed party. Here are some ideas to consider:

Backyard: Transform your backyard into a seaside escape. A space with enough room for games and decorations, like tiki torches or beach umbrellas, makes the backyard a popular choice.
Poolside: If you have a pool, you're halfway there! A pool brings the water element to your party. Guests can swim, splash around, and feel like they're at the beach. Shop my Walmart favorites here.
Rented Venue: No pool? No problem. Consider renting a local venue that offers a pool or a space near the beach. Some venues even provide decorations and seating options, saving you time and effort.

gorgeous malibu pool party theme with barbie font, big balloons and party floats.

A water feature or pool is essential for a beach themed party. It adds to the beachy feel and gives guests a chance to cool off and play water games. Can't access a pool? Think about adding inflatable kiddie pools or renting a water slide to bring the fun to your yard.

Setting the Date and Time

Choosing the right date and time is key to a successful beach themed party. Here are some handy tips:

Season: Summer is the best time for a beach themed party. Aim for a warm, sunny day to get the full tropical effect. Don't forget to supply sunblock.
Time of Day: Daytime parties are great because the sun adds to the beach vibe. Plan your party for late morning or early afternoon, when the sun is at its brightest.
Weekend vs. Weekday: Weekends are ideal because more people are likely to be free. A Saturday or Sunday party ensures maximum attendance.

Pro tip: Check the weather forecast when picking your date. You want plenty of sunshine, not a rainy day. If you're in a hot area, consider a late afternoon start to avoid the midday heat.

Beach Themed Party Invitations

Pool Party Must Haves that are Bright and Colorful!

Invitations set the tone for your beach themed party. Whether you choose to craft your own or go digital, you'll want to make sure they capture the seaside vibe and get your guests excited. Let's explore some fun options for both DIY and digital invitations.

DIY Invitation Ideas

Creating your own beach themed invitations can be a fun and personal touch. Using materials like sand, seashells, and ocean imagery, you can craft unique invites that reflect the theme perfectly. Here are some simple steps to get you started:

Gather Supplies: You'll need cardstock paper, glue, sand, seashells, and beach-themed stickers or stamps.
Design Your Layout: Sketch out how you want your invitation to look. Think of beach scenes like waves, palm trees, or a sandy shore.
Add Sand and Seashells: Glue sand at the bottom edge of the card to mimic a beach. Attach small seashells for added flair.
Incorporate Ocean Imagery: Use beach-themed stickers or stamps to decorate your card. Waves, starfish, and beach balls work great.
Write the Details: Clearly write the party details on the inside or backside of the card. Include the date, time, location, and any special instructions.

For an extra special touch, you can:

Include a Photo: Add a summer photo of yourself or your family to make it more personal.
Use a Creative Envelope: Decorate the envelope with beach stickers or stamps to match the invitation.

Digital Invitation Options

If you're short on time or prefer a more modern approach, digital invitations are a convenient and eco-friendly option. Several online platforms make it easy to create and send beautiful beach themed invitations. Here are some platforms you can use:

Evite: Perfect for creating customized invitations with beach graphics and sharing them online.
Paperless Post: Offers a wide range of beach themed templates that you can personalize with your own text and images.
Canva: A versatile design tool where you can create your own beach themed invitation from scratch using various templates and design elements.
Punchbowl: Known for its quality designs and user-friendly interface, it's excellent for sending invites and tracking RSVPs.

With digital invitations, you can:

Include Animated Elements: Add video or animations to make your invites more engaging.
Track RSVPs Easily: Most platforms offer RSVP tracking, making it simpler to organize your guest list.
Share Instantly: Send your invitations via email or social media for quick and easy distribution.

Decorations and Ambiance

Creating the perfect beach atmosphere for your party is all about the details. From the decorations to the music, every element should transport your guests to a tropical paradise. Let's break down how to set the perfect mood with simple yet effective ideas.

Essential Beach Themed Décor

Transform your venue into a beach haven with these essential beach-themed decorations. Each item can add a touch of the tropics to your party space:

Tiki Torches: These classic beach decorations not only provide lighting but also add a warm, tropical glow to your party. Place them around the yard or along walkways to guide guests.
Beach Balls: Scatter colorful beach balls around the area for a fun and playful touch. They can double as decorations and toys for guests to enjoy.
Surfboards: Lean a couple of old or rented surfboards against walls or fences to create an authentic beach setting. This adds a cool vibe and makes for great photo backdrops.

Creating a Beachy Tablescape

Setting up a beach-themed tablescape involves using the right centerpieces and tableware to carry the coastal theme through to your dining area.

Centerpieces: A centerpiece can tie your table’s theme together. Fill glass vases with sand and seashells or place small beach pails with mini flags on each table.
Tableware: Use themed plates, cups, and napkins featuring beach items like starfish, palm trees, and beach balls. Opt for vibrant colors like turquoise, coral, and sandy beige.
Place Settings: Add a personal touch by using name cards in the shape of seashells or mini surfboards. You could even write guests' names on small pieces of driftwood.

Lighting and Music

Lighting and music set the mood for your beach themed party. The right combination can make your guests feel like they are lounging by the shore at sunset.

String Lights: Hang string lights or fairy lights around the venue to create a magical, beachside ambiance. Drape them over trees, fences, or patio covers.
Lanterns: Place lanterns on tables or hang them from posts to add a cozy, warm glow. Battery-operated lanterns are a safe and versatile option.
Candles: Use citronella candles not only for their beachy scent but also because they help keep pesky bugs away.

To complete the atmosphere, create a playlist featuring tropical and beach-themed music. Here are some tunes to get started:

Reggae Classics: Add songs by Bob Marley and The Wailers to bring that laid-back island vibe.
Beach Boys Hits: No beach party is complete without the surf tunes of The Beach Boys.
Tropical House Tracks: Modern and upbeat, this genre mixes electronic beats with tropical sounds, perfect for a lively beach party.

Beach Themed Party Food and Drinks

Food and drinks play a huge role in making your beach themed party unforgettable. By choosing the right recipes, you can evoke the feeling of a day at the beach. From creative treats to refreshing beverages, let's explore some ideas that'll bring your menu to life.

shark candy cups with gummy sharks in a brown cup

Creative Beach Themed Recipes

When it comes to fun and unique snacks, the possibilities are endless. Create a visual feast that not only tastes great but also looks incredible. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Shark Candy Cups: Picture the excitement of enjoying a cup filled with tasty shark gummies, bright marshmallows, and lively sour strips. They look fantastic and taste even better. Quick and simple to make, Shark Candy Cups are your ideal recipe for a yummy snack.
Beach Candy Charcuterie Board: This fun dessert tray is loaded with themed candies and treats. If you're looking for a show-stopper, this is it.

beach themed party tray filled with cool candy

Beach Candy Charcuterie Cups: Beach Candy Charcuterie Cups are your answer! These cute and handy treats are a fresh take on the classic charcuterie board, neatly packed into cups for easy snacking.
Beach Brownie Cups: Beach Brownie Cups are a must-have for any beach-themed party. They're ideal for summer events and will be a favorite among kids and adults alike.

beach brownie cup with teddy bear in a gummy ring

Beach Cupcakes: Try sandy paw print cupcakes, cruise-themed cupcakes or pool cupcakes to start.

paws in the sand cupcakes on a white serving tray

Refreshing Summer Drinks

No beach themed party is complete without a selection of refreshing drinks. Tropical cocktails and mocktails can transport your guests straight to a sunny shore. Here are some drink ideas to quench everyone's thirst:

Watermelon Slushes: whip up icy slushes by using store-bought Italian ice and limeade or lemonade. Serve in a half scooped out mini watermelon.
Piña Colada: Blend pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and rum (or omit the rum for a mocktail). Serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun twist.
Mango Mojito: Mix fresh mango puree with mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. Add rum for a cocktail, or keep it virgin for a refreshing mocktail.
Blue Lagoon: Combine blue curaçao, lemonade, and vodka (or skip the vodka). This blue drink will add a splash of fun and color to your drinks table.

Consider setting up a drink station where guests can mix their own cocktails and mocktails. Provide a variety of tropical fruits, juices, and garnishes like umbrellas and fruit skewers.

adorable teddy graham beach snack set up right

Fun Snack Ideas

Snacks are vital to keeping your guests happy and satisfied. Fun beach-themed snacks can add to the overall enjoyment and atmosphere of your party. Here are a couple of snack ideas to add to your menu:

Shark Bait Snack Mix: A playful mix of popcorn, pretzels, fish-shaped crackers, and candy. This mix is easy to put together and perfect for munching.
Beach Day Graham Crackers: These graham crackers are decorated to look like sandy beaches with blue icing waves and candy beachgoers.

A well-thought-out menu of beach themed foods and drinks can elevate your ocean party, making it a hit with all your guests. Whether it's a summer swim party or a backyard bash, these treats will add that perfect seaside touch.

Beach Themed Party Games and Activities

Make your beach themed party unforgettable with exciting games and activities. Whether your guests want to dive into water games, get crafty, or snap fun photos, these ideas will keep everyone entertained.

Water Games: Ideas for Pool Games and Water Activities

Water games are a must-have for any beach themed party. Here are some fun and easy ideas to splash into:

Marco Polo: This classic pool game never gets old. One person is "It," closes their eyes, and calls out "Marco!" The others respond with "Polo" as they try to avoid being tagged.
Beach Ball Relay: Divide guests into teams. Each player swims across the pool while pushing a beach ball. The first team to finish wins.
Water Balloon Toss: Pair up guests and give each pair a water balloon. They toss it back and forth, taking a step back with each successful catch. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
Pool Volleyball: Set up a net across the pool and let teams compete in a fun game of volleyball. It's a great way to keep everyone active and engaged.

Craft Stations: Set up Stations Where Guests Can Make Beach-Themed Crafts, Like Decorating Seashells

Craft stations offer a creative break from the sun and water. Here’s how to set up fun and easy beach-themed craft stations:

Decorate Seashells: Provide paint, glitter, and markers for guests to decorate seashells. This simple activity can be a great keepsake from the party.
Sand Art: Set up bottles, colored sand, and funnels. Guests can layer different colors of sand to create beautiful designs in their bottles.
DIY Beach Bracelets: Provide beads, string, and charms like starfish or seashells. Guests can create their own beach-themed jewelry to wear home.
Message in a Bottle: Offer small bottles, sand, and mini scrolls. Guests can write a message, roll it up, and place it inside the bottle with some sand for a lovely souvenir.

DIY Photo Booth: How to Create a Photo Booth with Beach Props for Memorable Party Photos

A photo booth is a fantastic way to capture memories from your beach themed party. Here’s how to set one up:

Backdrop: Use a large blue sheet or a beach scene backdrop. You can find beach-themed backdrops online or even create one with a painted canvas.
Props: Collect beach props like sunglasses, leis, beach hats, inflatable beach balls, surfboards, and seashells. Place them in a basket for easy access.
Signs: Create or print out fun signs with phrases like "Beach Vibes," "Surf's Up," and "Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses." Attach them to sticks for easy holding.
Camera Setup: If you have a Polaroid or instant-print camera, it’s perfect for this. Otherwise, set up a smartphone on a tripod with a photo booth app that includes fun filters and effects.

Encourage guests to take fun, silly photos, and share them on social media with a designated hashtag for your party. It’s a great way to ensure everyone has a blast and goes home with cherished memories.

Party Favors and Souvenirs

When planning a beach themed party, adding thoughtful party favors and souvenirs can leave a lasting impression on your guests. These small tokens of appreciation can range from DIY creations to affordable, store-bought items that everyone will love.

DIY Party Favors

Creating your own party favors can be a fun and personal touch. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Mini Beach Buckets Filled with Treats: Purchase small beach buckets and fill them with candies, mini toys, or beach-themed trinkets like seashells or starfish. You can even add a little sand at the bottom for that authentic beach feel.
Themed Candles: Make your own beach-themed candles using simple materials like mason jars, sand, and candle wax. Add a beachy scent like coconut or sea breeze to enhance the theme. Decorate the jars with twine, small shells, and labels indicating the scent.
Seashell Necklaces: Collect seashells and thread them on simple cords or chains to create beautiful necklaces. These can be customized with beads or small charms to match the beach theme perfectly.
Message in a Bottle: Purchase a diy message in a bottle kit or fill small glass bottles with sand and a personalized message for each guest. This can be a thank you note or a fun memory from the party. Seal them with a cork and add small decorations like ribbons or labels.

Purchasing Party Favors

If DIY isn't your style or you're short on time, you can still find affordable and charming beach-themed favors. Here are some suggestions on where to buy them:

Party Supply Stores: Stores like Party City often carry a range of themed party favors, including beach items. Look for options like inflatable beach balls, sunglasses, and mini water guns.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and Etsy offer a huge variety of beach-themed favors. You can find everything from personalized beach towels to tropical-themed keychains. Etsy is particularly great for finding handmade items that add a unique touch.
Dollar Stores: Don't overlook the local Dollar Tree stores. They often have seasonal items like flip-flop-shaped notepads, beach-themed stickers, and small toys that are perfect for party favors.
Craft Stores: Stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby have sections dedicated to party supplies. You can find pre-made kits for favors, including items like sand art kits or seashell decorating sets.