Teen Valentine Dance & Party Ideas 2012

Fun Plans for Holiday Valentine's Day Dances and Parties for Teens

Jan 24, 2008
Janienne Jennrich

Event themes, activity ideas, music, decorating tips, party ideas for an awesome home, high school, or homeschool St. Valentine's party or dance in February.

Valentines! Ya gotta love 'em. Paper cards, chocolate and lots of LOVE in the air! Valentine's Day is a great excuse to throw a party for teens that wanna have a bit of good, clean fun. How about a sweetheart dance? A boy - girl party? Go with what's in your heart!

Following are ideas for hosting or throwing together a super fun and successful heart-filled event for Feb. 2012.

Start with a Valentine's Day Theme for the Dance or Party

Brainstorming can help come up with a theme. What do you think of that relates to love, hearts, or Valentine's?

For instance, if "We Love Teddy Bears" is the chosen theme, then the home, ballroom or dance hall might be filled with all sorts of adorable teddy bears. Most families will have several to loan. Music might include Elvis Presley's song (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (you can find it on YouTube). Bat some ideas around with friends and have fun!

More theme possibilities include:

A theme centered around a song: Holiday ideas include "Happy Together" - 1967, performed by The Turtles, "Endless Love" - 1981, performed by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie , "(Be My) Teddy Bear" - performed by Elvis Presley, or "My Funny Valentine," performed by many different performers, including Frank Sinatra. Brainstorm other ideas based around the song name.
Holiday colors may be a theme: red and pink, red and white, or pink and purple. Want something more edgy? How about black and red?
A silly party theme could be based on everyone wearing heart-covered clothing, scarves, and jewelry.
For a smaller affair, consider hosting a Valentine Tea Party.
A small Valentine party for girlfriends could be as simple as a Valentine Craft Making Party.

Decorating Tips and Ideas for a Valentines Dance or Party

Lots and lots of red paper hearts may be put on walls, tables, or just about anywhere.
Red, pink, and white balloons covering the floor are pretty and fun to kick and toss.
Formal (maybe a bit more "romantic") or fun whimsical decorations may be used. Sticking to one or the other will pull the room together and set the tone of the event.
Strings of festive lights are available for every holiday. Heart lights are fun for Valentine’s Day. Check Target or other department and online stores for party goods décor ideas such as these.

Activities for Teen Valentine Dances and Parties

Try not to overbook the event with activities. Often, socializing, snacking, and dancing are plenty.
A card making table is a fun idea. Provide paper, scissors, glue, glitter, markers and stickers.
For a large dance, hired DJs often come up with activities related to the songs they play. Ask the disc jockey in advance, as this can be a big part of the fun for teens.
The teens involved in planning will have great ideas. Listen to their ideas or have them take over a large part of the activity and music plans.

Party and Dance Set-Up Ideas

Hire professional photographers, or decorate a rose-covered garden arch so teens can take their own pictures.
Set up plenty of seating and tables for resting and conversation.
A refreshment area with heart-shaped cookies or other Valentine theme treats, punch, and ice water are essential for hungry and thirsty teenagers. See Fast & Easy Three-Ingredient Cookies.
Also see Best Fun Party Goods and Theme Ideas.

Music and Songs Influence the Dance or Party

Pro DJs will know popular songs. Make sure to request what is appropriate for the guests. Some dances work with rap, some with oldies, and some with soft rock. Talk to the DJ about which mix will work best.
In lieu of a professional, a student DJ may be found among the teens or at a local college. Post ads in the student paper or on the Music Department bulletin boards.
A group of teens may enjoy getting together ahead of time and set up music on an MP3 player. Hooked to a sound system, the music will be on auto-pilot.
For some events, a live band may be appropriate.

Remember Safety for Teenagers

Use permission slips and/or a list with parent phone numbers in case of emergency.
Have plenty of chaperones to watch entrances, exits, restrooms, etc.
Provide a safe place for coats and valuables.

Need gift ideas? See Valentines Day Ideas for a Boyfriend.

Another related article is Valentine Craft Making Party Ideas.

For a teen birthday party, see Fun Teen Birthday Party Themes.

Find more Valentine ideas at We Love Valentines or read Last Minute Valentine Gift Ideas.

Above all, a Valentine celebration is a time for teenagers to have good, clean fun. With a little planning and a few special touches, a teen February 14th event will be magical and memorable.

Article Updated January 2012