Plan a Glow Party for Teens: What You Need to Set Up the Room

Do you want to throw your teenager an interesting birthday party this year? If so, you may want to consider planning a glow party. Glow events typically take place in a dark room and involve the party participants wearing glow-in-the-dark items. With that said, here’s a quick rundown on some of the supplies needed to pull off such an event:

Blackout Room Paper

Just like the name suggests, blackout room paper is used to significantly darken rooms. It is typically sold in large rolls through theatrical shops and specialty retailers. The amount of blackout room paper needed will depend on the dimensions of your party room.

In order to install the blackout paper in your home, you’ll need Sticky Tack, a pair of scissors, a pencil and a tape measure. The Sticky Tack tends to sell for $3 a package. Once you have all of your supplies in one place, simply measure and cut enough blackout paper to completely cover the walls of your party room. Then affix the blackout paper to the walls with the Sticky Tack.

Blackout Curtains

You’ll also want to think about using blackout curtains to help keep any natural light from streaming in through your party room’s windows. There are several ways to accomplish that. First, you could cover the windows with blackout room paper. Second, you could sew blackout fabric to the backs of your regular curtains. Third, you could cover the room’s window panes with black hardboard.

Blackout fabric and black hardboard are often available for purchase through major craft retailers. You can also sometimes buy the materials through hospitality and film industry suppliers. Prices for the items will vary based on the quantity needed. In most instances, the blackout paper and black hardboard are the cheapest of the three options.

Glow-in-the-Dark Duct Tape

In my experience, Glow-in-the-Dark Duct Tape is also needed. It will help keep the party guests safe. The tape should be used to create exit and entrance guidelines on your party room’s floor and walls. You’ll also want to use the tape to help warn party guests of potential problem areas and secure any loose carpeting. Glow-in-the-Dark Duct Tape is often sold through home improvement stores, department stores and hardware stores for $6 to $10 a roll.

Black Lights

Black lights should also be on your list of party essentials. The black lights are needed to help your glow-in-the-dark items shine. Of course they also provide much needed light to your darkened party room. You can typically buy black lighting items through specialty stores and theatrical shops. The amount and type of black lights that you’ll need will largely depend on the size of your party room as well as your personal preferences.

Basic options include black light roping, black light florescent tubes and black light bulbs. Personally, I like using rope lighting and light bulbs because they do not require the installation of special fixtures. I’d also recommend using enough black lighting to allow your guests to be able to move about the room safely.

Glow-in-the-Dark Extras

Other items that you’ll want to consider investing in for your teen’s glow party are glow-in-the-dark decorations, glow-in-the-dark tableware and glow-in-the-dark party favors. Each of the extras may generally be purchased through specialty shops for modest fees. Glow-in-the-dark decorations to contemplate using are balloons, confetti, bubbles and paint.

Source: Personal Experience

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