A Wild West theme party is the ideal theme party for anyone who secretly has a cowboy or cowgirl in them. This is how you create the right atmosphere!
High on horseback or striding wide-legged to a pistol duel – the classic cowboy is an icon of male heroism. But for a long time now it has also been the cowgirls who no longer get the blues, but save the day as heroines.
It’s not just a fact of life in the series Westworld that adults also like to slip into this role. Perhaps you, dear reader, also secretly harbour the desire to ride off into the sunset with a wide-brimmed hat on your head. Then take the opportunity at the next available occasion (e.g. your birthday) and call out the Wild West theme party!
Find out how to create the right atmosphere here.
7 Ideas for the Best Wild West Theme Party
1. Location
We may not have Monument Valley or the Rocky Mountains in Germany, but if you’re celebrating in the warmer half of the year, you should definitely move your Wild west theme party outside.
A suitable, atmospheric location that has something of a farm or even a real ranch is ideal. If possible, surrounded by wide fields. If you live in the country, chances are you’ll find a barn or farm that you can rent as a party location.
But even if it turns out to be a party in a suburban garden, having your Wild west theme party outside has several advantages. Firstly, no one will trample on your carpet with their cowboy boots, secondly, you can barbecue, thirdly, you can organise Western games much better outside (see point 7).
If the season, the weather or other circumstances are against it, it’s best to set up your indoor location like a classic saloon.
2. Deco for the Wild West Theme Party
And that brings us to the question of the right decoration for your Wild west theme party. Can there be any doubt? It’s obvious what belongs to a real Wild West theme party:
- Saloon doors
- Buffalo skull
- Cacti
- Horseshoes
- Black and white photos of cowboys
- Self-made “Wanted” posters
- Posters of famous western movies
- Posters of typical Western landscapes like Monument Valley
Wild West Decoration at amazon*:
3. Costumes for Women
Ladies first! Women have an advantage at a Wild West theme party, because they have the largest choice of costumes. Either they present themselves as a cowgirl and gunslinger, as a classic western beauty in a frilly dress or as an Indian. The rule is: leather fringes, leather boots and hot pants always look good and the saloon lady should not be without feathers in her curly hair.
(But beware of the risk of discussion: in the meantime, some people consider it “cultural appropriation” to dress up as Native Americans. Well, I personally think that’s rubbish and Japanese should still be allowed to wear Bavarian costumes, Ghanaians kimonos or German Indian costumes. Just so you know).
4. Costumes for Men
For men, one costume is an absolute cult classic: the classic western protagonist, the cowboy. But there is also a range of other Western types: from the smooth beau to the bearded rogue in black. And yes: the male Native American would also be an option. After all, Winnetou is somehow part of our culture. Or you could slip into the role of Lucky Luke – or surprise the guests with a horse costume.
There is also a wide range of accessories to choose from: Moustache, moustache, three-day beard, cigar and monocle, pipe in the corner of the mouth, red patterned triangular scarf around the neck and the absolute classic on the head: the cowboy hat! Then there are cowboy boots with spurs, holster with revolver and for the really cool ones – the straw to chew on at the corner of the mouth must not be missing.
5. Food and Drinks
If you’re celebrating outside, you should definitely fire up the barbecue! Because a real Wild West menu naturally includes juicy beef steaks from the grill. If you can also light a campfire and lay out some blankets to lie on – perfect!
More ideas for suitable dishes for your Wild West theme party:
- Assorted steaks
- BBQ ribs
- Chilli con carne
- Bean salad
- Goulash
- Westernburger
- Farmerpotatoes
- Fiery hot sauce
- Bread on the stick for the campfire
- Corn on the cob for the barbecue
- Fiery stuffed peppers for the barbecue
- Jacket potatoes for the campfire
Suitable drinks for a western party:
- Mexican (cocktail)
- Tequila
- American whiskey
- Dubious home-made schnapps (just peel off the label and write “Schnaps” on it in scrawly handwriting) 🙂
- Beer
Of course, you should also make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade, cola or just water.
6. Music for a Wild West Theme Party
As they say in the movie Blues Brothers, “We got both kinds of music here. Country and Western!”
But seriously: there is really good country music, such as by Johnny Cash. And also the one or other western soundtrack is great to play at the Wild West theme party.
Music tips:
- Lindsay Stirling – Roundable Rival
- The Shadows – Apache
- Tammy Wynette
- Johnny Cash
- Kris Kristofferson
- Dolly Parton
- Play Me the Song of Death – Soundtrack
- Two Glorious Scoundrels – Soundtrack
- My Name is Nobody – Soundtrack
- All the Western soundtracks by Ennio Morricone, actually 🙂
- Lucky Luke Soundtrack
Keine Produkte gefunden.
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Nevertheless, you should also have “normal” party music on hand as a counterbalance, so that you are free to choose music according to the mood of the guests.
7. Games
You can create a real Wild West atmosphere at your Wild West theme party by including some special games as a special attraction in the programme. As already mentioned, most of the western games can be played outside. I promise you, many of these games are still played at fairs in the US today and are a lot of fun for adults to play!
Some suggestions:
- Horseshoe pitching
- Lasso throwing
- Archery
- Rifle throwing
- Western quiz
- Country karaoke
Yihaaa! Your Wild est theme party can start! At Greatime, you’ll find even more ideas on the ultimate theme parties list.
Discover even more home party ideas! On the leisure ideas portal you can find lots of tips for celebrating together and inspiration for gifts as well as ideas for activities with friends, family and your partner.
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Image source Cover photo: Happy Trails: Y’all Come Back by mario at CC BY 2.0
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