Ice cream party invitation

Looking for a party idea that’s cool and sweet at the same time? Well, you can’t go wrong with an ice cream party! Whether you’re planning a birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, or another sweet celebration, you’ll love this list of ideas that includes everything from decorations and party favors to games, food, and more. Plus, we’ll share some of our favorite ice cream party invitations so you can spread the word in style. 

1. Go Wild With Pastels

Ice cream party: Drippy Ice Cream Invitation

Design: Stacey Meacham Design, LLC (photo courtesy of Angela & Evan Photography)

Pastels are the go-to color scheme for most ice cream parties, and it’s easy to see why. These sweet, soft tones work perfectly with your ice cream party theme — whether you’re going for contemporary and cool or something more vintage.

Look for ice cream party decorations in gorgeous pastel shades. Balloon garlands, streamers, and ice cream-shaped latex balloons all work great as party decor. If you’re hosting a summer party or an outdoor event, you could even pick up some inflatables that could double as pool toys if you have one. 

2. Have Fun With Themed Table Decorations

One of the easiest ways to make your ice cream social stand out is to step up your table decorations. Look for ice cream party supplies that can carry the theme across all elements of your tablescapes and serving ware.

Style your tables with pastel stripe or polka dot tablecloths, and sprinkle confetti on top to look like ice cream sprinkles. Add a stylish centerpiece like a giant ice cream cone, cute ice cream truck, a stack of cupcakes with themed toppers, or a decoration that looks like a toppling tower of ice cream. It’s all about having fun and bringing your theme to life. 

3. Create an Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Ice cream party: Ice Cream Social Invitation

Design: Mint Parcel

To take your themed birthday party to the next level, transform your venue to look like your very own ice cream parlor. This is a super fun idea as you can make your guests feel like they’re in a real sweet shop.

Get a custom-made ice cream parlor sign, set up a DIY ice cream bar with plenty of different toppings on display, including rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, marshmallows, honeycomb, candy, and fresh berries. Make sure you’ve got sauce options too — like chocolate, caramel, strawberry, and mint. Invite your guests to create their favorite treats at your DIY ice cream sundae experience with bowls, cones, or cookies to make an ice cream sandwich. (Cue the #SundaeFunday hashtag!)

4. Wear Ice Cream Cone Party Hats

One of the most adorable parts of any kid’s birthday party is when they all sit down and put on a party hat to sing “happy birthday” to the guest of honor. Make that moment even cuter with ice cream cone party hats. 

These sweet wearable decorations are great for ice cream parties. You can pick them up from most party supplies stores, or create your own awesome version using this DIY melting ice cream cone party hat tutorial. 

5. Make an Ice Cream Party Playlist

Dancing is always a fun activity at parties, whether it’s for little kids or the young at heart. Create a themed playlist filled with “ice cream” songs. 

If you can’t find enough songs with an ice cream theme, expand the list to feature anything that mentions “cool” or “summer.” Look for upbeat party classics that’ll get your party guests in the dancing mood. Another alternative is to play the kind of songs you’d hear at a vintage ice cream parlor, like this ice cream parlor playlist. 

6. Set Up an Ice Cream Party Photo Booth

With so many birthday decorations and fun party ideas, you’ll want a way to remember all those memories. Set up an ice cream-themed party booth or area so you can snap away. 

You can create your own DIY photo area with a themed backdrop, or even an ice cream truck cutout that your guests can stand behind. Give guests plenty of fun props to use — Etsy has plenty of options.

7. Have Fun With Ice Cream Cookie Decorating

Ice cream is the highlight of this party, but it doesn’t mean you have to skip out on all the other tasty treats. Feature some of those favorite baked goods by decorating cookies, cupcakes, or donuts with your guests.

Create a space where your guests can stop by and decorate something to enjoy there and then or take home with them. Offer plenty of icing options, sprinkles, and candy so they can create their own designs. You could even award a prize for the most exciting creation.

8. Host a “Guess the Flavor” Contest

For the more adventurous guests out there, we love this ice cream party idea. Mix up your own flavors or use store-bought versions and challenge your guests to correctly identify the flavor without looking. 

Serve up some delicious classic flavors, alongside unusual varieties or even your own unexpected homemade creations. (Bacon caramel ice cream, anyone?)

As with all the DIY and food-related party games, make sure you’re super clear about any allergens — or keep them to a minimum so all your guests can have a good time. 

9. Play a Few Themed Party Games

Ice cream party: Chill Out Invitation

Design: Stellax Creative

Any great party needs some games and activities to keep your guests engaged and having fun, and an ice cream social is no exception. Put an exciting twist on classic party games by making them match your party theme. 

Look for a pinata that’s shaped like a giant ice cream cone, and fill it with ice cream flavored candy. Play “pin the sprinkles on the cone” instead of “pin the tail on the donkey,” and look for a pastel-colored ring toss or cornhole set to play in your backyard party. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you could even set up a themed obstacle course or relay race for your guests to compete in. 

10. Provide Fun Party Favor Bags 

Favor bags and boxes that match the party theme are always a hit. It’s a sweet way to thank your guests for celebrating with you and send them home with a reminder of your special day. 

Look for favor bags in beautiful pastel shades to match your party theme, then fill them with fun toys, games, and gifts. Some of our favorite favors include bottles of bubbles, school supplies in ice cream shapes (and scents), and handmade cupcakes or cookies. 

Sprinkle Joy With These Ice Cream Party Invitations

Ready to invite your loved ones to an unforgettable ice cream party? Here are some of our most-loved ice cream party invitations so you can let them know they’re in for a totally cool time. 

Banana Split Invitation

Banana Split Invitation

We love the soft, gentle texture on this illustrated banana split invitation. You can’t miss with this design for an ice cream sundae party or a get-together at your favorite ice cream parlor. 

Sweet Treat Invitation

Sweet Treat Invitation

Design: Stacey Meacham Design, llc

How cute is this sweet treat invitation? The pastel colors and script font add some playfulness to this contemporary party invite. It’s a wonderful way to invite your loved ones along to your ice cream party.

Triple Scoop Invitation

Triple Scoop Invitation

Design: Jessica Williams

For something with a little more color, this triple scoop invitation is a wonderful option. The bright colors catch your eye, and there’s enough space for a sweet photo of the party’s guest of honor. 

How Sweet It Is!

Planning an ice cream party is so much fun. You get to play with pastel tones, sweet party decorations, and plenty of delicious food. Use this guide to help you plan for your ice cream social whether it’s indoors or outdoors, for a first birthday or a 50th birthday party.

Once you’re ready with the details, select an online invitation design you love. With Greenvelope, you can choose your color options and personalize any invite. Before you know it, those excited RSVPs will be arriving in your inbox.