Who says dinosaurs are just for kids? A dinosaur-themed party for adults can be brilliant fun, whether it is a milestone birthday for a lifelong palaeontology fan, an ironic theme everyone can enjoy, or simply an excuse to have a T-Rex cake and a roaring good time. Done well, an adult dinosaur party balances the fun of the theme with proper grown-up food, drink and atmosphere. Here is our guide to planning one.
For an adult party the guest list is entirely your own, from an intimate dinner with close friends to a big house party or a hired venue full of people. Think about the kind of night you want first, as that shapes the numbers, then send a save-the-date early if it is a milestone birthday so people can plan around it.
Adults have the full range of options:
Adult parties run to their own schedule, an evening party often starts around 7 or 8pm and runs late, while a themed dinner or day out sets its own timings. For a hired venue, work to the booking hours and plan food and drink around them. Agree the practicalities like transport and taxis in advance if drinks are involved.
Invitations for an adult party can be as fun as you like, and a well-designed dinosaur invitation sets the tone nicely, whether you send physical cards or a digital invite. Make sure guests know:
Here are a few of our favourite dinosaur invitations that work brilliantly for an adult party
An adult dinosaur party can go all-out on decorations, played straight or with a knowing wink:
Here are a few of our favourite dinosaur decorations for an adult party
Adult dinosaur parties are more about atmosphere than organised games, but a few fun touches can get people going:
Here are a few of our favourite dinosaur party pieces for adults
Grown-up food and drink is where an adult party shines. Options range from a sit-down themed dinner, to a buffet or grazing table, to a barbecue or hog roast for a bigger crowd. Themed touches like fossil biscuits, a T-Rex cake or dinosaur-named cocktails add fun without dominating. Cater properly for dietary requirements, and if drinks are flowing, make sure there are soft options and plans for getting home.
Adults do not need party bags, but a small themed favour can be a nice touch at a milestone party, a personalised dinosaur keepsake, a novelty item, or a slice of cake to take home. It is entirely optional, and most guests will simply remember a great night.
Absolutely. A dinosaur theme works brilliantly for adults, whether played straight for a lifelong fan or with an ironic wink everyone can enjoy, balanced with proper grown-up food, drink and atmosphere.
Focus on atmosphere over organised games: a themed dinner or buffet, a good bar with dinosaur-named cocktails, an optional fancy-dress code, a photo booth, and a light-hearted quiz all work well.
Grown-up food: a themed sit-down dinner, a buffet or grazing table, or a barbecue or hog roast for a crowd, with fun touches like fossil biscuits or a T-Rex cake. Cater for dietary needs and offer soft drinks too.
The inflatable T-Rex costume is the classic choice and always gets laughs, but any dinosaur fancy dress works well as an optional dress code for an adult party.
Keep the theme knowing and let the food, drink, lighting and music do the heavy lifting. Statement decorations, an impressive cake and themed cocktails feel fun and adult rather than childish.
