Any basic or off the wall theme will do. Who doesn’t love getting dressed up in something that isn’t the usual? Isn’t Halloween at the top of every college kid’s favorite holidays list? And if you had the choice to go to a costume tournament or a non-costume tournament, would it even be a question? So, take advantage of the opportunity and theme your next party. Some of my favorites are formal wear, toga (cus it’s a classic), Jersey Shore, the 90’s, and really anything that allows you to wear the things you would never wear in public but deep down really want to.
9. The pineapple effect
I would first like to thank my Scorned teammates for teaching me about this one. The Pineapple Effect is a simple addition to any party that can really make an impressive change. All you have to do, is get a random object (could be a pineapple, covered in glitter, with a mustache on it…for an example) and make it the center of the party. The more random the object, the better. Pass the object around, take pictures with it, dance with it, dance on it, throw it in the air, make it your partner in party games, and in general just pay way too much attention to the random object. If people disrespect the object, become upset and hold grudges against them for it. I know this sounds weird, and let’s be honest, it really is. However, when pictures from that night come up, you will always remember, because it was the night you partied with a glittery pineapple with a mustache…and ate it at the end of the night.
8. Chanting
If your team is anything like Woman Scorned or ISUC, you probably have field chants for your team or even individuals on the team. Chanting these at parties not only builds up the morale of your team and the party, but it also provides you with an opportunity to yell at the top of your lungs. Come on, how often, other than at tournaments, do you get to just release all of your stress by screaming random chants? Embrace it.
In addition, chanting can really get things accomplished. My club team, RevoLOUtion, swears to a very sacred rule- Chanting Always Works. If someone is having trouble working up the courage to complete a task or tell a story, chant their name. If you chant long and loud enough, it will always work (we have never been proven wrong, don’t be the first).
7. Prepare a challenge
This is one of my personal favorites. Plus, who doesn’t love a challenge? Before the night gets going, create a scenario or challenge among your teammates. I’m not going to give you suggestions on this one, but be creative. The more unrealistic, the better.
6. Groooooveshark
Have you heard of it? It is amazing. Pull out a computer, hook up the boom box, and let people pick songs on Grooveshark as they choose. Everyone has their favorite party song. Please don’t deprive your guests of that joy. Usually all you have to do is start the play list, the rest will be taken care of by the crowd. Plus, then you can save it to your account and relive the music from that party any time you wish.
5. Mix it up
Invite your mens’ team. Coed mingling is fun, and it builds a relationship between programs, both on and off the field. This one is a given, right?
4. Build the hype
There are a lot of situations where hype gets throw around for the wrong reasons, but partying is not one of them. When you decide to throw a party, build up its hype and make people believe they will have the time of their lives. The dedicated will show up and the hype will make people bring their A-game. If you believe in the party, the party will come.
3. Microphone
Recently, Scorned invested in a brand new baby boom box named Boomy. She came with a microphone. This turned out to be a lot of fun at parties…probably not for everyone, but definitely for me. Who doesn’t love it when I rock a little bit of Alanis Morsette? (Rhetorical question…)
2. Be Safe
I know that sounds motherly, but seriously, nothing kills a party faster than when stuff gets serious. Plan on crashing, walking, or cabbing (except if you live in Ames and it takes 45 min to get one of the two cabs in this town). Be a no drama llama- leave the crying, fighting, and other destructive things out on pasture. There just isn’t room for them in the barn.
1. Relive the Night
One of my favorite parts of a good party night, is the next morning. There is bound to be a story or two that you didn’t get to witness the night before. Relive the memories and figure out just what happened on the other side of the boom box. Find out why people chant “Kaira’s a mermaid” so you don’t feel left out when they do it again (I still don’t know). Put the pineapple pieces back together, clean up the glitter, and look through the pictures of everyone . Great times don’t just get experienced once, but are relived every time you joke around and reminisce.
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Whether inside or out, night or day, wet or dry, weekday or weekend, getting together as a team to just have fun is a vital part of any successful team. Don’t underestimate the fun parts of life.
Please party responsibly.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller
*Makaria's a mermaid.
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