If you’re thinking about throwing a 2010s themed party, you’re already on the right track. The 2010s were loud, colourful, emotional, and packed with music that still fills dancefloors today. As a UK DJ with over 25 years of experience behind the decks, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful this decade is when it comes to creating unforgettable parties. From chart-topping pop and EDM anthems to hip hop crossovers and festival-style energy, a 2010s party is guaranteed to connect generations and keep the dancefloor buzzing all night.
Planning a successful 2010s themed party isn’t about throwing on a playlist and hoping for the best. It’s about atmosphere, nostalgia, flow, and knowing how to bring the era to life in a way that feels exciting rather than dated. Below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a high-energy, crowd-pleasing 2010s party that people will still be talking about long after the last song fades out.
Why a 2010s Themed Party Works So Well
The 2010s decade is one of the most versatile party themes you can choose. It works brilliantly for birthdays, corporate events, student parties, weddings, school proms, and private celebrations. The music is instantly recognisable, highly danceable, and emotionally charged. People don’t just hear these songs, they feel them.
From the early 2010s rise of EDM and club anthems to the later years dominated by streaming culture, viral hits and genre-blending tracks, the decade offers endless flexibility. A well-planned 2010s themed party allows guests to relive nights out, festivals, house parties and big life moments, all through music and shared memories.
Choosing the Right Venue for a 2010s Party
Your venue sets the tone for the entire night. A 2010s themed party thrives in spaces that allow sound, lighting and movement to shine. Whether you’re hosting in a function room, marquee, club-style venue or even a large private home, make sure there’s enough space for dancing and lighting effects.
High ceilings and darker rooms work particularly well, as they allow LED lighting, uplighting and effects to transform the space into a club or festival-inspired environment. Power access for DJ equipment and lighting is also essential. A professional DJ will always check this in advance, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the night.
2010s Themed Decorations and Visual Style
The 2010s aesthetic is bold, digital and expressive. Think neon colours, metallic finishes, LED accents and social-media-inspired visuals. You don’t need to overdo it, but a few strong visual elements can instantly transport guests back to the decade.
Popular decoration ideas include LED light strips, glow sticks, neon signs with phrases like “Turn Up” or “Good Vibes”, metallic balloons, and simple backdrops that work well for photos. Photo moments were huge in the 2010s, so creating an Instagram-worthy corner with props or a custom hashtag adds an extra layer of fun and engagement.
Dress Code Ideas for a 2010s Party
A themed party really comes alive when guests get involved, and a 2010s dress code is easy for most people. Encourage festival fashion, streetwear, snapbacks, skinny jeans, oversized hoodies, statement trainers, bold prints and glamorous pop-star looks.
You’ll see everything from EDM rave-inspired outfits to hip hop and pop culture icons of the era. The beauty of the 2010s is that it embraced individuality, so there’s no right or wrong look. The more expressive your guests feel, the better the atmosphere on the dancefloor.
Planning the Music for a 2010s Themed Party
Music is the heartbeat of any 2010s themed party. This decade produced an incredible volume of chart-topping hits that still dominate playlists, clubs and radio today. The key is not just what songs you play, but how they’re mixed and presented.
A great 2010s party soundtrack flows across pop, dance, EDM, hip hop, R&B and commercial chart music. The early part of the decade was dominated by big room dance anthems and club bangers, while later years leaned into more melodic, emotional and viral tracks. A skilled DJ understands how to balance these styles, reading the room and keeping energy levels high without overwhelming the crowd.
10 Most Popular Songs from the 2010s Era
To give you a flavour of what works exceptionally well on the dancefloor, here are ten iconic 2010s tracks that consistently get strong reactions when I play them at events across the UK.
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
Avicii – Levels
Rihanna – We Found Love
Drake – One Dance
Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone
LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)
The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
David Guetta feat. Sia – Titanium
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
These tracks cross age groups, cultures and musical tastes, making them perfect anchors for a 2010s themed party playlist.
Why a Playlist Alone Isn’t Enough
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a 2010s themed party is relying solely on a playlist. While playlists are fine for background music, they can’t read a room, adjust energy levels or handle transitions between genres.
A professional DJ doesn’t just play songs, they create moments. They know when to drop a massive chorus, when to switch tempo, when to bring in a throwback, and when to keep things rolling. This is especially important with 2010s music, where drops, build-ups and crowd interaction play a huge role in the experience.
Lighting and Sound for Maximum Impact
The 2010s party sound was big, clean and powerful. Quality sound systems ensure the bass hits properly without distortion and vocals remain clear. Lighting is equally important. Moving lights, strobes, colour washes and subtle effects can completely transform a venue.
As a DJ with decades of experience, I’ve seen how professional-grade sound and lighting elevate an event from average to exceptional. When the lighting reacts to the music and the sound fills the room evenly, guests stay engaged and energised all night.
Creating the Perfect Party Flow
A successful 2010s themed party isn’t just about the peak moments, it’s about the journey. Starting with feel-good, recognisable tracks helps guests settle in and build confidence on the dancefloor. As the night progresses, energy increases, leading to big singalongs, hands-in-the-air moments and unforgettable drops.
Toward the end of the night, the right closing tracks leave guests on a high, ensuring your event finishes strong and memorable. This kind of flow comes from experience, intuition and genuine passion for music.
Why Booking a Specialist DJ Makes All the Difference
A specialist DJ understands the decade, the culture and the crowd. They know which 2010s tracks work best for different age groups, how to mix seamlessly between styles, and how to adapt in real time. They bring professional equipment, backup systems, and the confidence that comes from hundreds of successful events.
As someone who has spent over 25 years DJing across the UK, I can honestly say that themed parties work best when the DJ lives and breathes the music. A 2010s themed party deserves someone who knows the era inside out and can deliver it with energy, polish and personality.
Make Your 2010s Themed Party One to Remember
If you want your 2010s themed party to stand out, don’t leave the music to chance. Booking a specialist DJ ensures your event flows smoothly, sounds incredible and keeps guests dancing from start to finish.
If you’re ready to take the next step and want to explore professional DJ hire options, I invite you to make an enquiry through the booking page at https://www.djsondemand.co.uk/dj-hire-prices/. A well-planned party deserves a DJ who knows how to bring the decade back to life properly, and I’d be delighted to help you create a 2010s themed party your guests will never forget.