Under the Sea Theme: Checklist

Invitations & Communication

  • Printed or digital Under the Sea invitations (mermaid, pirate, ocean animals)
  • RSVP contact info
  • Address/map to venue
  • Allergy/dietary notes (if needed)
  • Reminder message 1–2 days before the party

Decorations

  • Underwater scene backdrop or wall decals
  • Blue/teal streamers or fabric (for water effect)
  • Hanging jellyfish lanterns or balloon clusters
  • Netting with shells and starfish
  • Bubble machine or clear balloon clusters (as bubbles)
  • Themed signage (e.g., “Treasure Cove,” “Mermaid Lagoon”)
  • Centerpieces (fishbowls, sea creatures, treasure chests)
  • Table covers (blue, aqua, sand, or themed prints)
  • Ceiling or floor decals (starfish, footprints, coral)
  • Yard/entrance decorations (inflatable sea creatures, welcome sign)

Serving Essentials (Themed or Coordinated Colors)

  • Plates (dinner and dessert, Under the Sea design or solid blues/purples)
  • Napkins (shells, fish, or mermaid/pirate themed)
  • Cups (with straws—bonus for ones with sea creature toppers)
  • Forks, spoons, knives (blue, white, or themed)
  • Serving trays or bowls (shell or treasure chest-shaped if possible)
  • Pitchers/dispensers for drinks
  • Cake knife and server
  • Cooler or ice buckets for drinks/snacks

Food & Cake Supplies

  • Cupcake or cake display (mermaid tails, ocean creatures, etc.)
  • Food signs/labels with themed names (e.g., “Sea Star Sandwiches”)
  • Sea-themed toothpicks or toppers
  • Ice packs or chiller trays (if outdoors)

Party Activities & Game Materials

  • Games (printed rules or signs for each station)
  • Game props (fish for fishing game, treasure hunt clues, etc.)
  • Prizes (small toys, stickers, bracelets, stamps)
  • Craft supplies (beads, string, coloring pages, glue sticks)
  • Music setup (speaker, playlist, backup battery or charger)
  • Table for crafts or activity stations
  • Wet wipes and paper towels nearby for messes

Favors & Party Bags

  • Party favor bags (sea creature or treasure chest design)
  • Mini toys (bubbles, sea-themed stamps, mini plushies)
  • Treats (gummy fish, chocolate coins, goldfish snacks)
  • Wearables (stickers, shell necklaces, pirate eye patches)
  • Thank-you tags or stickers (“Thanks for diving in!”)

Optional Themed Accessories

  • Dress-up bin (pirate hats, mermaid crowns, goggles)
  • Photo booth backdrop and props
  • Costume accessories for guests or hired talent
  • Face painting or tattoo station supplies
  • Hand sanitizer and tissues

Photo & Memory Supplies

  • Instant camera or photographer
  • Photo booth area
  • Props (fish frames, seaweed scarves, treasure chest)
  • Guest sign-in or wish book
  • Folder or digital drive for photo sharing after the party

Clean-Up & Safety

  • Extra trash bags
  • Recycling bin
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First aid kit (band-aids, ice pack, etc.)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray (if outside)

 

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