I'm a huge fan of celebrating Valentine's Day with my friends. Planning a Galentine's party feels like the perfect excuse to dress up (or down), sip something cute, spoil each other a little, and make February feel way more fun.

Below I'm sharing exactly how I like to plan a Galentine's party - from choosing the vibe and aesthetic to food, drinks, activities, outfits, and even sample timelines. Feel free to steal ideas and make it your own.

Over the years I've done everything from cozy pajama movie nights to full-on brunch spreads with desserts, balloons, and cocktails. The best part is that it works with any friend group size and doesn't need to be expensive to feel special.

Make the Guest List

Before anything else, decide who you want to invite. Think about which friends would love the idea, who gets along well, and what mix of personalities makes the night fun. Galentine's works best when the group feels relaxed and comfortable, so keep the vibe easy and drama-free.

Once you have your list, send out invites however you communicate with your group-group text, Instagram DM, a cute digital invite, or even a small Facebook event. Just make sure everyone knows the date, time, and vibe.

party ideas for the best galentines day that are easy fun and cute

Pick Your Galentines Party Vibe

The first thing I decide is the overall vibe. This makes everything else easier (decor, food, drinks, invites, outfits).

Some of my favorite ideas:

Brunch + Mimosas: heart-shaped waffles, pastries, eggs, dessert boards, and strawberry mimosas.
Movie Night Cozy: pajamas, blankets, popcorn, chocolate-covered strawberries, and rom-coms.
Wine + Charcuterie: cheese board, rosé, dessert board, candles, and a little bit of "bougie but easy."
DIY Spa Night: face masks, cozy robes, lemon water, satin headbands, and sheet masks.
Bake + Decorate: cupcakes, cookies, or chocolate-covered treats with pink frosting and sprinkles.
Girls Night Out + Dessert In: dinner or cocktails out, then come home for dessert and gift exchanges.

2. Choose your Aesthetic and Colors

The aesthetic sets the tone for decor, photos, and invites. Popular Galentine's looks for 2026 include:

✔ Classic Pink + Red
✔ Soft Neutral + Gold
✔ Coquette / Bows + Ribbons
✔ Barbiecore Pink
✔ Disco Ball Girlies
✔ Romantic Garden Valentine (florals + candlelight)

Suggested color combos:

blush + red
baby pink + cream + gold
hot pink + cherry red
neutrals + metallics

3. SET UP THE DECOR

You don't need to go overboard. A few key touches make everything feel intentional! I included a list of ideas but you really just need a few ideas to make your place shine.

I first went around the house looking for anything colored pink, red, or white and arranged those items with the props. I was amazed at how many decorations I suddenly had before spending money on decor!!

You can set a budget for yourself and write down the absolute needs or just keep track of everything you want to make/buy. As for decorating, I suggest going to the dollar store for inspiration and to keep costs low but still find perfect decor.

✔ balloons (garlands or singles)
✔ tassel garlands
✔ satin ribbons + bows
✔ heart-shaped plates or napkins
✔ candle clusters - see what you have at home
✔ florals (spray roses are budget friendly)
✔ fairy lights or string lights - shop your house
✔ disco balls (small or large)
✔ photo spot/backdrop
✔ dessert table or drink station

Budget-friendly places to shop:

Target
Walmart
Dollar Tree - we always start here first! They have super cute discount decorations before each holiday.
Amazon
TJ Maxx / HomeGoods
Etsy for special touches

4. FOOD & DRINKS FOR GALENTINE'S

Any good party has some signature dishes or a few fun items for guests to snack on! Choose at least three dishes to make or buy that are easy, cheap, cute, and fitting to the theme. I love going to Trader Joes for premade Valentines treats and charcuterie ingredients.

You can ask guests to help bring food to keep costs down and have a variety to enjoy.

Savory Ideas

charcuterie board (pink accents encouraged), or salami roses
mini heart-shaped pizzas
sliders or sandwiches
brunch casseroles or quiche
caprese skewers
heart-shaped pasta with sauce
grazing boards

Sweet + Dessert Ideas

chocolate-covered strawberries - my personal fave!
cupcake decorating
cookie decorating
dessert board
macarons
dipped pretzels
fondue (chocolate or cheese)

Drinks

You can do both cocktails + mocktails so everyone feels included.

Cocktail Ideas:

rosé spritz
pink lemonade margaritas
strawberry mimosas
cherry martinis
champagne with edible glitter

Mocktail Ideas:

raspberry lemonade
strawberry basil spritz
sparkling rosé mocktail
whipped lemonade
strawberry Italian soda

5. ACTIVITIES FOR GALENTINE'S

Activities make the night feel memorable and produce great photo moments.

Cute ideas:
✔ cupcake or cookie decorating
✔ make friendship bracelets
✔ DIY cards
✔ photo booth wall
✔ karaoke
✔ Polaroid swap
✔ vision boards
✔ gift exchange (Favorite Things or $10 limit)
✔ rom-com movie lineup
✔ charades or card games

6. WHAT TO WEAR

You can match the vibe to the theme:

pajamas + fuzzy socks (movie night)
cute dresses + tights (brunch)
coquette bows + creams (soft aesthetic)
matching lounge sets
pink or red outfits
glam with sparkles or metallics

7. PARTY FAVORS (OPTIONAL)

Not necessary, but cute if you're hosting. This year I did disposible champagne flutes with 3 dollar store beauty items plus treats. They ended up being $5 each.

mini candles
lip masks
satin bows or hair clips
mini champagne or sparkling juice bottles
chocolates
friendship bracelets
sheet masks
polaroid photo take-home

8. SAMPLE PARTY TIMELINES

These are extremely helpful for planning (and highly Pinterest savable).

Brunch Timeline (3 hours)

11:00 Guests arrive
11:10 Mimosas + apps
11:30 Brunch food
12:15 Photo spot + activities
12:45 Dessert
1:00 Gift exchange or games

Movie Night Timeline (4 hours)

6:00 Guests arrive
6:15 Snacks + drinks set up
6:45 Movie 1
8:30 Dessert + photos
9:00 Movie 2 or games

Wine & Charcuterie Timeline (Evening)

7:00 Guests arrive
7:10 Grazing board + sips
7:45 Activities or Polaroid swap
8:30 Dessert board
9:00 Karaoke + cozy time

9. BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS

Hosting doesn't have to be expensive. A few ways to save:

✔ Have everyone bring a dish or drink
✔ Shop Dollar Tree for balloons + disposables
✔ Reuse vases + candles
✔ Bake cupcakes instead of buying
✔ Use blankets + pillows for seating instead of chairs
✔ Skip favors if unnecessary
✔ Focus on 1-2 "wow moments" (ex: dessert board + photo wall)

10. PREP AHEAD CHECKLIST

1-2 days before:
□ Choose menu + activities
□ Order groceries + drinks
□ Pick outfits + accessories
□ Set up decor station
□ Prep desserts or cookie dough
□ Chill drinks

Day of:
□ Set up food + drink stations
□ Arrange tablescape or coffee table
□ Create photo spot
□ Add florals + candles
□ Put out games + supplies
□ Queue playlist + movies

More Valentine's Day Posts

How to Throw a Galentine's Party!

There is no better time to gather all your besties together, look cute and celebrate the gal pals than hosting a Galentine's party!!! From decorations to pouring champagne, we have the BEST, fun, and affordable Galentine's day party ideas for you! You're on your way to being the hostess with the mostess!

Materials

red, pink, or white tinsel
drink glasses
drink sticks
beaded necklaces
confetti
balloons
backdrop
fun props
paper tassel
Galentine's sign
flowers
party game or gift
table runner/cover
food
cute dishes for food to go on
napkins
alcohol for cocktails
juice/soda/wine

Instructions

Make guest list
Send out guest invites
Plan and brainstorm decoration ideas
Plan the menu- what to go shopping for
Go shopping
Decorate for party
Experiment with food/drinks
Set everything up the day of or before

red, pink, or white tinsel
drink glasses
drink sticks
beaded necklaces
confetti
balloons
backdrop
fun props
paper tassel
Galentine's sign
flowers
party game or gift
table runner/cover
food
cute dishes for food to go on
napkins
alcohol for cocktails
juice/soda/wine

How to Throw a Galentine's Party!

Make the Guest List

Pick Your Galentines Party Vibe

2. Choose your Aesthetic and Colors

3. SET UP THE DECOR