Wicked is set to be the blockbuster of 2025. Rave reviews, moviegoers overcome with emotion and widespread Oscar nomination calls for stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Wicked fever is most certainly upon us. And in TLC’s hometown of Manchester, the original musical is also on stage in December. What better time then, to explore how to plan a Wicked-themed party or celebration? A magical way to honour the beloved musical while immersing your guests in the enchanting world of Oz.
A wonderfully Wicked birthday, a pre-show celebration, or a spectacular homage to Elphaba and Glinda, here’s how to throw a Wicked-themed party to remember.
OUR WICKED CREDENTIALS
At TLC we are no strangers to this enchanting party theme – in fact, there’s a chapter in our CEO Liz Taylor’s book dedicated to a Wizard of Oz and Wicked-themed party we organised some time ago. With an A-list Oscar-worthy cast itself to rival the film. It was for entrepreneur and multi-millionaire (billionaire) John Caldwell, whose daughter, a huge Wicked fan, was turning twenty-one at the time.
The party had Diana Ross performing, production values to rival Disney and an element of surprise that meant Diana wasn’t the only thing everyone was talking about the next morning.
In her book, Liz writes:
“I did want some sort of animated witch that would speak and move – it’s head nodding. So that is what I built down a 30-metre walkway. At the end of the welcome drinks, the clock strikes midnight. The wall drops revealing The Yellow Brick Road. The tinman emerges – ahead a three-foot high red glitter shoe supports dining tables as the scarecrow is suspended above against a backdrop of green and black.”
The scene is well and truly set.
CASTING THE FIRST SPELL…
Setting the scene is a crucial part of any party – and film or stage show! A TLC event welcome is like no other. We believe it’s the beginning of a journey. The opening chapter to the story of the party beyond. So, we take time to make a WOW entrance. As Liz shared from her book, the Wicked-themed 21st party had an element of surprise as guests arrived. A way to set the party off on a high.
Not everyone can construct an animatronic witch or a wall that drops at the stroke of midnight, but a yellow brick road is well within reach of the home party planner. A magical winding party entrance. Have actors roam around your entryway to welcome guests. What about a surprise live performance of one of the hit songs as guests enjoy a welcome drink? At the very least a photo opportunity on your way into the space, an Emerald City backdrop, or life-size cut-outs of characters from the show.
WILD AND WICKED DÉCOR
When thinking about how to plan a Wicked-themed party, bold, iconic décor will be key. Transform your party space into the vibrant, mystical world of Wicked. Green is a go-to, enhanced with black and a touch of ruby sparkle – a mystical emerald underworld.
Incorporate the signature green of Elphaba with contrasting pinks for Glinda, paired with black and silver for added drama.
Our wicked party had a huge witch on a broomstick suspended at the front of the room. You could quite easily replicate it. Or add cute, miniature versions to your table décor.
We also incorporated tangled branches sprayed in our colour scheme with a hint of sparkle to allude to a dark, mystical world of Wicked. An easy win! And a place to hang other Wicked-themed tokens. Witches’ hats, tiaras, ruby slippers, and magic wands. Flying monkey figurines and feathered decorations for a nod to the musical’s iconic elements. Create Emerald City vibes. Use green fairy lights, glittery table runners, and faux gemstones to give your party an Emerald City glow.
In contrast, how about a Good Witch’s Garden – a sanctuary of beautiful blooms with relaxing spaces to sit and chill?
Lighting is your friend when creating contrast for the dark and dramatic. Bright green uplighters versus bright, light, and alluring.
SPELLBINDING CATERING
Looking at how to plan a Wicked-themed party means being a culinary creative. Tie your menu to the theme by honouring the names and iconic moments of the film, with an enchanting presentation.
Create two very different tasting tables. One Elphaba, and one Glinda. One green and black, one pink and shimmering. One good, one evil. But which witch is which?
Cupcakes with green frosting and glittery sprinkles. Create Wicked Witch’s Brew or Elphaba’s Elixir- green shimmering cocktails complete with dry ice effects and edible glitter.
For Glinda – create beautiful dishes adorned with edible flowers. Cupcakes with pink frosting or a towering princess cake filled with sparkle and shine. Glinda’s tonic is a prosecco bar with a range of flavours and adornments – glittering liquid gold and prosecco bubbles that burst with flavour.
THE LAST ACT….
At a TLC party, we always send guests home with something to remember us. At this party, however – we need magical favours. Miniature spellbooks or journals. Emerald-green candles or soaps. Green candies or bath salts in tiny witches potion bottles.
So now that you know how to plan a Wicked-themed party, are you ready to bring Oz to life? As Elphaba would say, “It’s time to trust my instincts and close my eyes… and leap!”
Wicked comes to the Palace Theatre Manchester on the 3rd December: https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/manchester/
Share our ideas on how to plan a Wicked-themed party, and check out this fairground inspired party!