For many of us, Valentine's Day usually means chocolate, dinner reservations, or flowers. But what if this year, you want to do something different? Believe it or not, February 14 is one of the most popular nights for adult parties in North America and Europe, and coordinated couples costumes are having a major moment right now.
Quick Valentine's Day Fun Facts
First, some trivia you can bring up at your next party:
- Valentine's Day is actually the second most popular holiday for costume parties, right after Halloween. Many local bars, friend group mixers, and charity events host costume contests every February.
- Some historians believe modern Valentine's Day has partial roots in ancient Roman seasonal festivals, which means historical themes are actually a surprisingly on-theme choice for the holiday.
- Data from costume retailers shows that funny, ironic, and creative couples costumes consistently win party contests far more often than generic romantic outfits. Guests remember humor and creativity!
Easy Valentine's Party Ideas to Try
You do not need a big budget to throw a great Valentine's gathering. Here are popular low-fuss ideas:
- Couples Game Night: Host a board game night, trivia contest, or poker night with other couples
- Theme Potluck: Ask every guest to bring a dish that reminds them of their partner
- Retro Dance Party: Pick a decade and build your music and dress code around it
- Costume Party: This is our favorite option. Coordinated couples costumes create instant photo ops, inside jokes, and memories that will last long after the night is over.
If you are going the costume route, you do not need to spend time DIYing an outfit last minute. Below are fun, ready-to-wear couple's costume options perfect for any type of Valentine's event, with something for every vibe.
Our Top Couples Costume Picks for Your Valentine's Party
Pharaoh and Cleopatra
This is one of the most iconic power couples of all time, and makes for a dramatic, polished option. Long before our modern Valentine's traditions, ancient civilizations had their own celebrations of love, partnership, and legacy.
This costume set comes with everything you need to sell the look: authentic-looking gold accessories, hieroglyph detailing, and flowing fabrics perfect for photos. This is a great choice if you want a costume that feels fun without being too silly, and works for almost any type of party.
Priest and Nun
If you and your partner are the funny pair in your friend group that loves ironic humor, this is the costume set for you. Humorous and ironic costumes are some of the most popular choices for adult parties because they are guaranteed to get laughs the second you walk through the door.
Beyond the jokes, this is also a great conversation starter, and is comfortable enough to wear all night long.
Spoon and Fork
Sometimes the best couples costumes are the simplest ideas. Spoon and fork is a classic silly couple's costume for a reason: it is an instantly recognizable pair that quite literally works better together.
This is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward option. It is easy to wear, great for photos, and works as a lighthearted joke about you and your partner being the perfect pair.
8 Ball and Pool Table
For the couple that loves spending weekend nights at the pool hall, or hosting game nights from home, this novelty costume set was made for you.
This is a unique choice that tells people something about your shared hobbies the second they see you. The wearable design is simple to put on, and is guaranteed to stand out in any group photo. If you want a costume that is far more memorable than generic Valentine's outfits, this is a great choice.
Prison Inmates
Orange prisoner costumes have been a party favorite for years, made even more popular by hit movies and television shows. The set pictured is also perfect for fans looking to put together an easy Harley Quinn themed couple look.
This is a fun, playful, slightly edgy choice that works perfectly for bar crawls, casual friend parties, or any event where you want to keep things light and rebellious.
70s Hippie Couple
If you are planning a retro dance party, or just love vintage fashion, this 70s hippie couple costume is an excellent option.
Bell bottoms, psychedelic prints, and headbands are all instantly recognizable, and this vibe works perfectly for Valentine's day. 70s themed parties are an increasingly popular choice for February 14, because the laid-back, groovy mood balances fun and romance perfectly.
Extra Pro Tips for Party Success
- To take any of these costumes to the next level, add small cheap props to match your theme.
- If you are entering a costume contest, remember: humor and commitment to the bit will almost always beat expensive outfits.
- The best couple costumes work because both people are having fun with it.
This Valentine's day, you do not have to stick to the same old traditions. Whether you are hosting a party, attending an event with friends, or just want to make your date night a little more memorable, a fun couples costume is an easy way to make the night feel special. All of the sets we shared above take the stress out of costume planning, so you can focus on what actually matters: having fun with the people you love.