13 Western Theme Party Ideas for a Darn Tootin’ Good Time

Wanted: a roaring good theme party attended by outlaws, cowgirls, and bandits. Lucky for you, we lassoed one of the best party ideas around — a western theme party! From bachelorette parties to 1st birthday parties, this theme is a great way to let your hair down and have some fun.

Saddle up and get ready for a ride through the Wild West with plenty of party planning ideas. You’ll find creative options for decor, costumes, food, party games, and invitations. It’s time to throw the ultimate western-themed party. Yeehaw!

Western Theme Party Ideas: 5 Ways to Get Started

A western theme party is a great way to celebrate life’s fun moments. The decor and aesthetic are rustic and simple, making it easy for everyone to get in on the fun. 

Plus, western-themed parties don’t just have to be about cowboys and sheriffs. After all, the West was won by farmers, so you can host more of a fall harvest-inspired bash. From classic country western cowboy celebrations to farm parties and colorful fiestas, there’s a western theme party idea for just about everyone.

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, birthday party, or another type of event, here are some great ideas to pull off a western theme party.

1. Don Your Best Cowboy Duds

Want to instantly amp up your party? Get your guests to dress up! For a western-style party, have guests attend in their best cowboy and cowgirl gear. Think cowboy hats, cowboy boots, plaid, and red bandanas. Don’t forget to add turquoise jewelry and plenty of fringe. 

2. Set the Scene

Once you’ve chosen the theme for your party, it’s time to start thinking about decorating the space. Start with scene setters like a large birthday banner or western theme pennant banner. You can also set up large wagon wheels or a rustic wood sign at the event entrance to greet guests.

Balloons, bunting, streamers, and hanging swirls are easy-to-grab decor and they make a big statement. For a Wild West party, look for balloons shaped like cowboy hats or boots. For a western-inspired children’s party, choose farm animal balloons in the shapes of cows, goats, and sheep.

Don’t forget to dress up your tables. A gingham or paisley tablecloth can instantly transform your space into a dreamy picnic spot. Alternatively, you can use burlap and lace table covers for a cozy western vibe. For easy cleanup, buy biodegradable paper plates and napkins with imagery of horses, bull horns, or cacti. For a more upscale look, add metallic tableware and turquoise-hued dishes. Add cacti or wood carvings as centerpieces to complete the look.

3. Feed the Masses

Cowboy party decorations aren’t just about centerpieces and table decorations. You can also incorporate the theme into the food and beverages. 

For an adult event, guests can pony up to the bar where you’ll offer classic saloon drinks like mint juleps and whiskey-based mules. You can also set up a DIY whiskey bar where guests can craft their own specialty cocktails. 

For food, offer country western bites. Ribs, wings, and steak are go-to BBQ favorites and you can also serve potato skins and gravy-soaked biscuits. For a Tex-Mex spin, serve queso, mini tacos, and grilled elote. When it’s time for dessert, go with classic apple pie or order a cake featuring western scenes or cupcakes with cowboy toppers.

4. Make Memories With a Photo Booth

A photo booth is always a hit, so make sure to set one up. Hang a cow print rug as the backdrop or set the photo booth against a rustic background. You can also make a wanted poster on brown craft paper to serve as the backdrop. 

Add photo booth props like sheriff badges, inflatable cacti, lassos, cowboy boot stickers, and multicolor mustaches. Think about incorporating real-life cowboy cutouts for added flair. For a little cowboy or cowgirl birthday party, add farm animals for a sweet touch. These also make great party favors that guests can take home at the end of the night.

5. Giddy Up With Games and Activities

No party is complete without entertainment. Keep guests busy with fun party games and challenges. Have a hoedown and encourage guests to get in on some lively two-step or line dancing. Play a game of horseshoes. Buy stick horses or make some out of pool noodles and have mini horse races.

Another fun activity is throwing a lasso. For adult events, conduct a lesson on lasso throwing (maybe you even hire a professional rancher), which is sure to bring on some laughter. For a young cowgirl party or cowboy party, have them lasso a stuffed animal. 

Go Wild: 8 Western Theme Party Invitations

Once you have your theme all set, it’s time to mosey on over to pick out your invitations. Greenvelope’s western invitations are well-suited for all types of events — whether you’re hosting a raucous bachelorette party or a sweet cowgirl or cowboy birthday party for your little one. 

1. Howdy Partner Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This customizable invite features illustrated horseshoes and western hues for celebrating a happy birthday or another Old West-themed event. On the back, there’s a spot for a photo and a movable sheriff’s badge to adorn the image.

2. Southwest Boho Border Invitation

Design: Paper Raven Co.

This bohemian invite is inspired by a Southwestern aesthetic. It’s perfect for a western-themed wedding or a chic cowgirl birthday party. Customize it by changing up the color palette and typography to meet the moment.

3. Desert Bat Mitzvah Invitation

Design: Pink House Press

This western invitation draws inspiration from the glowing hues of a desert sunset accented by vibrant green cacti. It’s ideal for a Tex-Mex-themed event or a western shindig.

4. Yosemite Invitation

Design: National Park Foundation

Celebrate the awe-inspiring West with this Yosemite invitation featuring the stunning granite face of El Capitan and the lush Yosemite Valley. Whether you’re planning an engagement party or a milestone birthday, this will set an elegant tone for your celebration. 

5. Barrel Aged Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

For a rustic western event, use this barrel-aged invitation. With a rustic wood background and barrel motif, it’s ideal to celebrate a cowboy theme party or a western birthday party.

6. Better in Boots Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This sweet cowgirl boot invite is just the ticket for a western-style bridal shower or birthday party. It’s available in four colorways so you can match the hue to your party theme and decor.

7. Grand Teton Invitation

Design: National Park Foundation

This rustic and nature-inspired invite celebrates another wonder of the West: Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. It features the park’s celebrities — bison — and a simple depiction of the towering mountain peaks.

8. Bach Boots Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Like these boots, this fun invite was made for walking and dancing! Featuring country western stars and cowgirl boots, it’s well-suited for bachelorette and birthday celebrations.

Yeehaw! It’s Time to Party

From western party supplies to food and entertainment, you’re ready to have a hootin’ hootenanny with these western theme party ideas. Depending on your style preferences, you can have a chic shindig or a casual kick-back with western vibes. 

For more party ideas, be sure to continue browsing our Stationers blog. You’ll find everything from party planning checklists to help with the logistics of the event to decor and game ideas to keep the fun going.