There’s a buzz in the air right now, especially in the TLC HQ hometown of Manchester. Nostalgia mixed with expectation; the most highly anticipated reunion (perhaps ever) is happening in the coming weeks. And Manchester is ready to party! Yes, the Gallagher brothers are back for the Oasis reunion tour, and with them, they’ve brought the spirit of the ’90s soaring back into the spotlight. Those of us who remember the swagger, the style, and the soundtrack of the Britpop era from the first time around will agree there’s no better excuse to throw the ultimate tribute party, which is where our ideas for a 1990s-inspired party come in.
IDEAS FOR A 1990’S-INSPIRED PARTY
Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Nirvana, Kate Moss, The Spice Girls, Take That, low waisted jeans, chokers, ballet pumps, bucket hats, parkers and boob tubes. The Big Breakfast, The Word – pre-smart phone and digital TV – it was an era known for its edginess and connection, when Cool Britannia reigned supreme.
So, are you ready to Roll With It and capture the energy of the nineties? Tonight, we’re going to party like it’s 1999 (sorry, wrong era), but here’s how to plan a nineties party worthy of the Gallaghers, with your own signature twist.
SETTING THE SCENE: GRIT MEETS GLAM
The nineties were about the collision of grunge and gritty bands with glitz and glamour – it was the era of the supermodel, remember! So, we’re taking that upmarket, edgy theme to our nineties retro party. When selecting a nineties-themed party venue, you need to channel the attitude. Exposed brickwork, leather sofas, vintage lighting, and pops of Britpop culture, but upscaled. Polished concrete floors, a few chandeliers, or expensive touches. Bring in a moody colour palette but keep it cool and retro and add some bling to lift the gloom.
Create a Wonderwall with pops of Britpop culture. Union Jacks are a key motif, and what about some retro posters for good measure? Remember Athena? A girl in a tennis outfit or a hot guy holding a baby were two memorable scenes from back in the day. Can you think of any others? Add ambient lighting, vinyl record centrepieces and bold typographic signage featuring iconic lyrics – After All, You’re my Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger or You and I are Gonna Live Forever.
Project images onto the walls in a moving tribute and add in key pictures from the 90s – Geri Halliwell in her Union Jack dress, Kate Moss, Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ do, the cover of Definitely Maybe, the list goes on.
Venue ideas:
- A converted warehouse or studio with industrial touches
- A private rooftop in Manchester with chic styling
- A luxury marquee with retro interiors and low-slung lounges
A COOL CURATED SOUNDTRACK: BRITPOP AND BEYOND
No ’90s tribute is complete without the soundtrack of the era. Oasis may be the headline act, but the supporting acts should be just as iconic.
Create custom playlists or have guests submit nineties favourites ahead of time for a bespoke playlist. Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Suede, The Verve – why not hire a live Britpop tribute band to cover? Remember, it’s not all about indie, The Spice Girls, All Saints, and boy bands like Take That and Boyzone were massive at the time too.
What about some ’90s R&B for dance breaks? There was a huge club scene in the nineties as well, so don’t forget some old-school dance music – Faithless, Fatboy Slim, and The Prodigy for late-night rave energy. Include a vinyl DJ set for that authentic touch.
ELEVATED ALCOPOPS AND COOL CLASSICS
The nineties were famed as the alcopop era, with Hooch, Blue WKD, Smirnoff Ice, and Mad Dog 2020, not something we’re keen to bring back in their original, sugar-packed forms. Time for a glow up. Create crafted cocktails that nod to the nineties while serving up a sip of sophistication. Can your mixologists recreate that neon alcopop glow without the sickly taste profile? Lay down the challenge.
For the kids and non-drinkers, how about a “Sunny D” mocktail, but without the additives and E-numbers!
Other ideas for a 1990s-inspired party include “Champagne Supernovas” cocktails with sparkling wine, elderflower and edible glitter. Or what about a retro shot bar with nineties classics like the B52, baby Guinness or Aftershock reimagined with artisan liqueurs.
Decorate your bar area with nineties memorabilia – remember dancing coke cans and sunflowers?
90S-INSPIRED FOOD
Throw it back but make it gourmet. Some ideas could include mini fish and chip cones with sea salt and malt vinegar aioli. Luxury “pot noodles” with Asian broth and wagyu beef. Upscale sausage rolls and party rings with creative plating.
Late-night munchies? A stylish nod to the 24-hour garage, think posh crisps, pick ‘n’ mix stations and artisan bacon butties on silver trays.
MOMENTS OF ’90S MAGIC
What makes a luxury event unforgettable is the storytelling and the immersive detail. For your nineties bash, consider making it iconic with these ideas for a 1990s-inspired party.
A “Backstage Pass” photobooth styled like a 1990s dressing room, complete with props for guests to pose with. Have an interview room, a big bed like Paula Yates had on the Big Breakfast, rigged up like a TV studio. What about Noel or Liam lookalikes and paparazzi to wander the crowds in a meet and greet with added attitude!
Create a retro gaming area featuring arcade games and classics. Think Tetris on the Game Boy or Street Fighter II on the Super Nintendo, on the big screen. Host a Mario Kart tournament throughout the evening, with a winner crowned at the end.
Music inspired this gathering. Consider adding a lyric wall art for guests to sign or pose with, or a Vinyl record song-request wall. You could have a lounge screening of the Spice Girls in concert or an Oasis documentary on loop. And of course, get your guests involved with a karaoke corner for late-night Oasis sing-alongs. Wonderwall, anyone?
Ask guests to dress the part with a dress code that says, ‘Cool Britannia with Class.’ Think Britpop meets catwalk with a mix of leather, denim, slip dresses, tracksuits paired with heels, and ballet pumps with wide-leg, low-slung jeans. Offer a styling station featuring glitter makeup, chokers, badges, and vintage shades for guests to experiment with and channel their inner ’90s chic!
CHANNELLING THAT 90S FEELING
A 90s-inspired party isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about recapturing a moment in time.
So, whether you’re throwing a private birthday, a brand activation, or a styled corporate party, use the Oasis reunion buzz as your starting point and build an event that’s nostalgic, unapologetic, and full of joy.
Looking for some ’90s snacking inspo? Check out this Delicious article as a throwback to the real thing.
Iconic 90s moments were abundant – here is BBC’s round up of everything they loved from the era.