Planning the perfect party can feel like a never-ending maze of decisions. But, if you’ve ever wondered how to throw a Coco themed birthday party, you’re in the right place. From the venue to the menu, we’ve got you covered with all the essentials.
1. Choose a Suitable Date and Venue
First things first, it’s time to select a date and venue. To make sure your party is a hit, consider these factors:
- Timing: The best time to throw a Coco themed birthday party is during the afternoon or early evening. This aligns well with the movie’s Day of the Dead theme and creates an enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets.
- Venue: When it comes to choosing a venue, opt for a location that can comfortably accommodate your guests and can be easily transformed with decorations. You could transform your backyard, rent a community hall, or even select a park.
- Weather: If you’re planning an outdoor party, always have a Plan B for unexpected weather changes. An indoor venue or a sturdy marquee can save the day in case of rain.
- Date: Choose a date that gives you ample time to plan and allows for maximum attendance. Weekends usually work best for most people.
Remember, a Coco themed birthday party is all about creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere. So, choose a date and venue that allows you to bring the magic of the movie to life.
2. Send out Coco-Themed Invitations
Once you’ve nailed down the date and venue, it’s time to spread the word with some captivating Coco-themed invitations. After all, your invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of the party, so make it count!
To create invitations that match the Coco theme, think vibrant colors, marigold flowers, and Mexican folk art. You can either create your own handmade invites or order custom-made ones online. Here are a few ideas:
- Handmade Invites: Get your hands on some colorful cardstock, glitter, and stickers. Draw inspiration from the movie’s iconic guitar or the beautiful marigold bridge. Include all the necessary details—date, time, venue—and add a festive touch with a memorable Coco quote.
- Custom-Made Invites: There are several websites and stores that offer custom Coco-themed invitations. Just input your party details, and they’ll take care of the rest.
- Digital Invites: If you’re more into tech, digital invites could be your go-to. There are numerous platforms, like Evite or Paperless Post, that offer customizable Coco-themed digital invites.
Whichever method you choose, remember to send out the invitations at least three weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and sort out their schedules.
3. Plan a Coco-Themed Menu
With the invitations in the mail, let’s move onto the fun part — crafting a Coco-inspired menu! The movie takes place in Mexico, so it’s only fitting to have a menu that reflects the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Start off with some crowd-pleasing appetizers like mini tacos or quesadillas. They’re easy to make and serve, and perfectly suit the theme.
For the main course, consider serving enchiladas, tamales, or chiles rellenos. Remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a DIY taco bar could be a hit! Just lay out the ingredients and let your guests assemble their own tacos.
Don’t forget about the drinks! A traditional Mexican hot chocolate could be a warm and sweet addition. For the adults, you might consider adding a margarita station.
And for dessert? Well, we’ll cover that in the next section, but here’s a hint: it’s going to be a showstopper.
Putting together a Coco-themed menu is a fun and delicious step in mastering how to throw a Coco themed birthday party. Your guests will be delighted by the authentic flavors and the attention to detail.
4. Decorate with Coco-Themed Decorations
Now that you’ve got your Coco-themed menu sorted, let’s set the stage with some vibrant and festive decorations. The vivid and lively aesthetics of Coco provide endless inspiration for decor that will transport your guests straight to the Land of the Dead.
Start by setting the tone with brightly colored paper banners, also known as papel picado, strung up across your venue. These intricate, traditional Mexican cut-outs are sure to add an authentic feel to your Coco-themed birthday party.
Next, consider setting up an ofrenda, or Day of the Dead altar, a central element in the movie. Decorate it with photos, candles, marigold flowers, and favorite foods of the birthday kid.
For the tables, use a colorful tablecloth and consider placing a few sugar skull centerpieces. You could even scatter some guitar-shaped confetti for an added touch of Coco magic.
Don’t forget about the balloons! Opt for a mix of vibrant, multicolored balloons and some Coco character foil balloons.
And finally, lighting. Drape some warm, fairy string lights around the party area to replicate the ethereal glow of the movie’s Land of the Dead.
By following these decoration tips, you’re one step closer to mastering how to throw a Coco themed birthday party that will be remembered for years to come.
5. Organize Coco-Themed Games and Activities
With the decor set to stun, it’s time to move on to the fun part—Coco-themed games and activities that will keep your party-goers entertained. Remember, the goal is to keep the energy high and the fun flowing, just like in the festive world of Coco.
Kick things off with a Coco-themed scavenger hunt. Hide mini guitar cutouts or skeleton figurines around your venue and let the little detectives find them. The one who collects the most can win a special prize!
Or how about a “Pin the Guitar on Miguel” game? It’s a fun twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, and it’s sure to be a hit.
For the creative souls, set up a sugar skull decorating station. Provide plain sugar skulls, edible markers, and other decorative bits. It’s not just a fun activity; it also gives your party goers a unique favor to take home.
Fan of musical chairs? Turn it into a game of “Musical Marigolds”. Just replace chairs with pictures of marigold flowers and play tracks from the Coco soundtrack during the game.
And don’t forget about storytelling. Gather the kids around for a storytelling session about Miguel’s adventure. It’s a great way to wind down the energy before cake-cutting time.
Organizing Coco-themed games and activities like these guarantee that your guests will be engaged and entertained. And that’s another box ticked off your list on how to throw a Coco themed birthday party that is as lively and engaging as the movie itself.
6. Arrange for Coco-Themed Party Favors
Party favors are like delightful little exclamation marks at the end of your Coco-themed birthday party. They’re not just keepsakes, but also a way to thank your guests for joining in on the fun. So, how can we make these favors as memorable as the rest of the party?
For starters, consider Coco-themed mini guitars. They’re a nod to Miguel’s love for music and a great memento for your guests. Plus, they can double up as props for your photo booth during the party. Talk about a win-win!
Next up, sugar skull keychains or magnets. They’re cute, colorful, and perfectly on theme. Plus, they’re useful, which means they’re less likely to end up tucked away in a drawer and forgotten.
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness, mini jars of hot chocolate mix are a great idea. You could even attach a tag with Abuelita’s hot chocolate recipe for that extra Coco touch.
And don’t forget about those beautiful sugar skulls your guests decorated during the party. They can take them home as a unique, personalized favor.
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with Coco-themed stickers or temporary tattoos. They’re a big hit with the kids and a light-hearted way to keep the party spirit alive even after the event.
7. Plan a Coco-Themed Cake and Desserts
Now, what’s a birthday party without a cake? And when you’re learning how to throw a Coco themed birthday party, the cake is one of the highlights. Just think about it: a beautifully decorated Coco-inspired cake, the centerpiece of your dessert table—sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Begin with the focus point, the cake. You could go for a tiered cake with vibrant frosting depicting scenes from Coco, or perhaps a simple round cake with an edible image of Miguel and his guitar would suit your style better. Either way, make sure to include elements like sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and guitars that resonate with the theme.
Next, consider Coco-inspired cupcakes. These are a great addition because they’re easy to serve and can be decorated in a multitude of ways. You can use frosting in bright colors, edible flowers, or even miniature sugar skull toppers to tie them into the theme.
And let’s not forget about Mexican-inspired desserts. Churros, Tres Leches cake, or even Abuelita’s hot chocolate to warm everyone up. Not only are these delicious, but they also add authenticity to your Coco-themed party.
Add in some colorful candy and sugar skulls for the little ones, and you’ve got yourself a dessert table that not only tastes fantastic but also looks the part.
So there you have it. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can whip up a Coco-themed cake and desserts that are sure to be a hit. You’re one step closer to becoming an expert on how to throw a Coco themed birthday party.
8. Set up a Coco-Themed Photo Booth
Now onto the fun part! What better way to capture the vibrancy of your Coco-themed party than with a personalized photo booth? It’s not just about how to throw a Coco themed birthday party—it’s also about creating memories that last a lifetime.
Start with a colorful backdrop. Think bright, bold colors, marigold flowers, and strings of papel picado (Mexican cut paper banners). Don’t forget to include a life-sized cardboard cutout of Miguel and his guitar for that extra ‘wow’ factor.
Next, let’s talk about props. Guitars, sombreros, sugar skulls, and even mustaches make for fun and theme-appropriate photo accessories. And how about a customized frame with the birthday child’s name on it?
If you’re looking to add a touch of magic, consider setting up some fairy lights or lanterns around the booth. They’ll not only provide soft lighting for the pictures but also create a whimsical atmosphere.
Remember, a photo booth isn’t just a fun activity—it’s also a keepsake. The photos taken will serve as a wonderful memento for your guests, reminding them of the fantastic time they had at your Coco-themed celebration.
So, grab your props, strike a pose, and say “Coco!” After all, part of knowing how to throw a Coco themed birthday party is making sure everyone has a blast—and what’s more fun than a themed photo booth?
9. Arrange for Coco-Themed Music and Entertainment
The heart of any Coco-themed party is, without doubt, the music. It’s time to let the vibrant tunes of Coco fill the air and provide the perfect soundtrack for your celebration.
Start with a playlist that includes all the fantastic songs from the film. “Remember Me,” “Un Poco Loco,” and “The World Es Mi Familia” are just a few tracks that will instantly transport your guests to the charming world of Coco.
But why stop at recorded music? If you’re looking to truly capture the spirit of the film, consider hiring a live mariachi band. The energetic tunes and lively performances will undoubtedly add a dash of authenticity to your party, making it a standout event.
Aside from music, there’s also a world of Coco-themed entertainment options to explore. A face painting station where guests can get their faces painted like the colorful characters in the movie is sure to be a hit. Or how about a fun DIY activity like decorating their own sugar skulls?
And remember the photo booth from earlier? That’s another engaging activity that also doubles as entertainment.
In the end, whether it’s through music, games, or creative activities, the goal is to ensure your guests are having a fantastic time. Because the true essence of learning how to throw a Coco themed birthday party lies in creating an atmosphere full of fun, laughter, and most importantly, memorable moments.
10. Wrap up with Thank You Notes
Now that you’ve successfully thrown a Coco-themed birthday extravaganza, let’s not forget the icing on the cake: the thank you notes. These little tokens of appreciation aren’t just about good manners, they’re the final note in the symphony of how to throw a Coco themed birthday party.
You can get creative with these too! Think about designing thank you cards that mirror the theme of the party. A card with a simple “Gracias” against a backdrop of marigolds or a sugar skull would be a charming touch.
In your thank you note, express your gratitude for their presence and for any gifts received. You can add a personal touch by mentioning something specific about what they brought or did at the party that made it even more special.
And if you snapped some great photos at the Coco-themed photo booth, include a print in each thank you card as a little memento from the party.
Sending out these thank you notes will not only show your guests that you appreciate them, it will also wrap up your Coco-themed birthday party on a high note. Your guests will remember not just the party, but also the warm, thoughtful gesture that followed.
In the end, learning how to throw a Coco themed birthday party isn’t just about the planning and the party itself—it’s also about the memories you create before, during, and after the party. So, go ahead and throw a fantastic fiesta that’s truly unforgettable!