Throwing a steampunk party can be a lot of fun. Although it will take a little time to set up an authentic steampunk party initially, this post will help you narrow down some ideas on how to make your party successful.
Steampunk Party Invites
When creating your steampunk invites, make sure to use the genre’s iconography. You should also design them according to your theme and how extravagant you intend your party to be.
For instance, you could create vintage typewriter invitations that appear as though they were printed on paper from the 1800s. Make sure the text is written formally and use Victorian-style language when possible.
You should also include the following information on the invitation:
Date and Location
Make sure to include the event’s date, time, and location of your steampunk party. If there are multiple events taking place during one day, include all dates/times as well as locations.
Theme and Description
Briefly describe what will happen at this event, including any planned special activities or entertainment.
Dress Code
What is a steampunk party if not for a chance to dress in costume? Make sure to include a dress code theme, whether minor or extravagant.
RSVP
Include your name and contact info so people can get back to you if they have questions. You should also ask them to RSVP to the party by a certain time so that you can plan the party accordingly.
Steampunk Party Themes
The first thing you need to do when deciding the theme of your party is to decide what you want to do with your guests. Once you have chosen an overall plan, you can narrow down the details based on your chosen niche (such as an air adventure or an exploration into the deep sea).
Here is a list of ideas for different parties based on the Steampunk world.
Costume Ball
Have your guests dress up in costume and dance until midnight. Have fun playing games and enjoying food and drinks while dressed up. You could add elements similar to the genre, such as the “Alice in Wonderland” theme.
Masquerade Ball
Wear something fancy and invite your guests to come ready to mingle with others who look like they stepped out of a steampunk novel. There might even be prizes given away for those who show up looking especially good.
A twist on this could be to dress up as characters from steampunk novels or even the people who wrote them (H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, etc.).
Tea Time & Conversation
Enjoy tea together over cookies and cake. Talk about anything under the airship. You can also create small party games with a steampunk theme.
Art Creation
Gather art and crafting supplies and invite your friends to create steampunk-inspired designs. Have friendly judging afterward to compare each others’ pieces.
Movie Night
Choose one of the best steampunk movies to watch together. Share popcorn and soda as you allow the story to unfold.
Book Club
Have your guests read one of your favorite steampunk novels before the party so that you can all discuss it together. Decorate the location with elements from the book.
Steampunk Party Decorations
Once you have chosen a theme and have made your invitations, you will need to turn your attention to decorating the location for the party. While you will need to adjust the following ideas for your specific theme, we hope these will get you started:
Victorian-Style Paper Flowers
Create Victorian flowers are made entirely out of paper. You can find tutorials on YouTube. They are very easy to make. Just fold the petals accordion style and glue them together.
Vintage Postcards
Look at second-hand shops or antique stores for vintage postcards or images from the Victorian days. You can often find them for a very good deal. Use them to decorate tables or place them on the mantle to help set the party’s tone.
You can also go to the library and use microfilm to look at old newspapers from your area. Look for Victorian-style ads or interesting articles from the time period that seem to fit within the steampunk genre. Print them out and display them for guests to enjoy.Victorian Candy Boxes
Find Victorian-style candy boxes or jars and fill them with sweets and candies. Guests can help themselves to whatever they choose.
Letterpress Cards
Use handmade stationery featuring beautiful calligraphy to set out place cards for each guest. Not only will they know where to sit, but they will have a personalized souvenir to take home.
Victorian Dollhouse Furniture
Create unique scenes using dollhouse furniture as centerpieces for each table. You could even name the tables based on the room the furniture and accessories represented.
Mechanical Clock
If you can find a Victorian-style mechanical clock (or even an old grandfather’s clock), place it somewhere where all your guests can see it and enjoy it. Remind people that the party is about stopping time and enjoying each other’s company.
General Steampunk Decor
Many items have been created that are directly related to the steampunk genre. If you have spare goggles, a drawer full of cogs, steampunk lamps, or anything else related to steampunk, your party is your chance to display them.
Steampunk Party Food
Food is one of the most important aspects of a party. Not only can you serve authentic Victorian food (if you can stand the taste), but you can also create some deserts with a steampunk theme. Here are a few ideas:
Steampunk Cake Topper
Find a cake topper that would look great sitting atop a layer cake or cupcakes. Use piping or frosted cookies to represent gears and other mechanical parts.
Steampunk Cupcake Decorations
For a more elegant touch, decorate cupcakes with edible lace. You can either order pre-made lace or make it yourself. There are many tutorials available online.
Steampunk Cookies
Bake up some sugar cookie dough and pipe decorations onto the tops. You can find unique cookie cutters for the occasion, whether cogs, top hats, or more. These cookies can add a lot of flair to the overall party and be a good talking piece.