It’s time to let out your I-am-a-singer-hear-me-roar side and have some fun with friends! Yes, we are talking KARAOKE!
The magic of karaoke is that it makes even the driest party come alive. It is one of those activities that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re belting out their favorite tunes or cheering on their friends. All that’s needed is the willingness to have a good time, the courage to let the world know that you can (NOT) sing like Mariah Carey, and maybe a little liquid courage.
So, are we ready for some head-splitting, ear-piercing, out-of-tune renditions of popular songs? Of course, we are! So, here are some tips to get you started organizing an outdoor karaoke night that will win your guests over.
- Pick a Venue
Where’s the party going to be? Karaoke works best in smaller, more intimate venues where people feel comfortable letting loose and belting it out. Of course, a large room with good acoustics is ideal, but if you’re planning on having a more low-key affair, your backyard or living room will do just fine.
If you’re planning an outdoor karaoke party, a pool or beach setting would be perfect for getting everyone in the mood to let their hair down and have some fun. But, you’ll also have to check some essentials off the list – like making sure there’s a power source for the speakers and that you won’t bother the neighbors too much with your impromptu concert.
So think of all the amenties you need, you’ll be grateful for them later. Like when the booze starts flowing, you’ll be glad you thought ahead and got that outdoor toilet rental for the guests.
- Set the Date
Now that you’ve got a venue, it’s time to set a date! Remember that karaoke nights tend to go late into the night, so you might want to consider a Friday or Saturday evening. Trust us; no one will be in the mood for a long day at work after a good karaoke night.
If you’re planning an outdoor party, check the weather forecast in advance and have a backup plan in case of rain. You don’t want your party to be a washout. If there is a special guest you don’t want to hold your karaoke night without, check their availability before you set the date.
- Create a Guest List
Who do you want to hear messing up the lyrics to their favorite songs? A karaoke party is a perfect opportunity to invite friends, family, and co-workers that you don’t get to see too often. And what better way to break the ice than by making a fool of yourself in front of them?
Be sure to send out invitations in advance so your guests have time to clear their schedules. You can go the traditional route and mail out paper invitations or get creative and make your karaoke-themed e-vites.
- Lock a Theme
Karaoke nights and boring? No way! There are many ways to make your karaoke party unique, starting with choosing a theme.
Some popular themes include:
- The 90s
- Songs from Movies
- One Hit Wonders
- Guilty Pleasures
You can also plan your outfits and decorations around the theme to get everyone in the party spirit! However, we recommend that you avoid any themes that might limit your guests’ song choices or make them self-conscious about crooning in front of everyone. After all, the point of karaoke is to let loose and have fun!
- Creating the Ambiance
What’s your purpose behind the party? Is it your best friend’s 30th, and you want everyone to go crazy and dance till they drop? Or are you trying to create a more relaxed, intimate setting for some bonding time with family members?
Once you’ve got the party’s tone set in your mind, it’ll be easier to choose the right playlist and decorations. While it’s a personal choice, we think karaoke nights are best when they’re a little bit campy and over-the-top. After all, nothing beats the cheesy disco lights and a bar set-up to get everyone in the party mood!
- Music Selection
Do you have your list loaded with all the latest pop hits? If not, it’s time to do some much-needed updating. No one wants to hear you butchering the lyrics to “Old Town Road” for the millionth time – they came to hear *their* favorite songs!
Before you build your playlist, look at your guest list and get an idea of the genre of music they like. You can also ask them to submit their song requests in advance so that you can be sure to have everyone’s favorites on hand.
Once you’ve got a good mix of songs, it’s time to start planning your setlist. We recommend beginning with some upbeat, crowd-pleasers to get everyone warmed up and in the mood to sing. You can also sprinkle in a few slower songs throughout the night for those guests who need a break from lilting their hearts out.
No matter what songs you choose, be sure to have a few backups on hand if someone requests a song you don’t have, or the party’s mood suddenly changes, and you need to switch things up.
- The Food
No party is complete without food, and a karaoke party is no exception! While you don’t need to go all out with a five-course meal, you should ensure you have enough snacks and drinks to satisfy your guests throughout the night.
For snacks, we recommend sticking to finger foods that are easy to eat without getting your hands too messy. Chips and dip, fruits and vegetables, and even some simple appetizers like mini quiches or pigs in a blanket are all great options.
As for drinks, it’s important to have a wide selection so everyone can find something they like. Be sure to have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and some mixers for those who want to make their cocktails.
Wrapping Up
So, will it be a wild night of debauchery or a more subdued evening of family bonding? No matter what kind of party you’re planning, we hope these tips have helped you get started on the path to karaoke greatness. Just remember to have fun and let the music take you away.
And, don’t forget to capture the hilariously embarrassing moments on video so you can relive the laughter for years to come!
