11 Royally Excellent Princess Party Ideas (2024)

Sometimes, little ones want (and deserve) the royal treatment for their birthday. That's when a princess birthday party becomes the perfect theme. It combines elements of make believe with sparkles and treats. What could be better?

Start with the basics —like picking a date and making a guest list. (Not sure who to invite? Here's more about toddler birthday party etiquette.) Then think about ways you can work this regal theme into your day-of celebrations. From cute favors to beautiful backdrops, there's plenty of magic to sprinkle all over your party, and this list is packed with ideas to make sure you rule the day.

Princess birthday party decorations

1. Castle photo backdrop

Short of building an actual kingdom for the day, a castle backdrop is the best way to establish the royal theme. This pastel pink cutout is incredible, but when accented with pink, white and gold balloons, it turns into something extra festive and fun. Kids (and their parents) will line up for photos.

2. Princess centerpieces

If the birthday babe is all-in on a favorite princess or movie, add a touch of Tiana or Belle or Cinderella to the party! Dayci ofCalitheMaker Shop created these beautiful 3D paper centerpieces for a Princess and the Frog-themed party and accented the table with simple strands of eucalyptus.

3. Magical color scheme

Plenty of princess parties are pink, but a more varied palette can look just as festive. This green, blue, purple and peach combo looks like it would fit right in at Disneyland. Pro tip: If you're looking for an easy way to tie a color scheme together, try a balloon arch! Just use balloons that match other aspects of your party like the plates, favors, banners and more.

Princess birthday party games

4. Dress-up station

The only thing more fun than a photo booth is a photo booth with costumes and props! Pick up some assorted royal attire from secondhand stores, costume shops or online marketplaces, and hang it on a rolling rack in the yard. Kids will have a blast trying on outfits and getting their picture snapped in their crowns, gowns and capes.

5. Blow-up bounce castle

Is there a more perfect activity for a princess party than a bounce castle? This one from Play Play Zone leans into the pink theme and features a ball pit, but any bounce castle will wow pint-sized party goers. (Birthday safety tip: Don't forget to supervise all of the castle visitors!)

6. Crafty crown making

This cool craft serves as a party activity and a party favor all in one. Have kids decorate their own crowns with construction paper and stick-on jewels. Everyone gets to keep their creation, and leave the party as a prince or princess.

Princess birthday party food

7. Crown cupcakes

How sweet are these? Simple vanilla cupcakes get a pretty princess makeover with a swirl of pink buttercream frosting and some white chocolate crowns. Adding a paper crown topper works just as well if you're planning to DIY.

8. Cookies with royal icing

Okay, so it might not technically be royal icing (made of water and confectioners' sugar), but this icing created Cinderella's dress and a pumpkin coach, so it's definitely fancy. These cookies would look regal displayed on a dessert table and make for some tasty favors.

9. Castle cake topper

With a topper this amazing, you can keep the birthday cake simple! This accessory features a cool castle, the birthday girl's name and her age on one of the turrets. (It's a fun keepsake too once you clean off the frosting residue!) If going custom isn’t an option, there are tons of less-expensive options you can order online.

Princess birthday party favors

10. Enchanted favors

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's the most creative favor of them all? This! Pink, white and blue hand mirrors are a sophisticated nod to Snow White. Here, starry tulle and thick-cut ribbon secure the mirror to little beaded purses (a dollar store find) and custom acrylic name tags sourced from Etsy.

11. Fancy favor display

Goodie bags are always fun, but they seem even more impressive when they're curated and displayed in a cool way. This "Once Upon a Treat" wall makes pink and blue gable boxes look fancy and serves as functional decor.