Who needs a Valentine when you’ve got your ride-or-die girl gang? This Galentine’s Day, we’re talking pink aesthetics, delish snacks and enough heart-shaped decor to make Leslie Knope proud. Pull up your group chat—here’s how to host a party that’s equal parts adorable and iconic.
Snag the cutest decor
Sure, you can start with the classics—pink-and-red everything, heart-shaped balloons, sparkly streamers, a metallic fringe backdrop—but don’t be afraid to spruce it up. Think layered textures (paper doilies, velvet ribbons, faux florals), themed plates and cups and even a signature “photo corner” decked out with twinkle lights.
And don’t sleep on your walls: A DIY collage moment is basically mandatory for any bestie bash. Mix printed pics of your girls, magazine clippings (we volunteer as tribute!) and cute V-Day quotes. Pro tip: Pick one aesthetic (retro candy hearts, pink-glitter glam, cozy-craft-core) and carry it through your color palette and props so the whole celebration feels cohesive.
Host a photoshoot
A photo booth is a must for all those IG-worthy party pics, so make it a moment. Go bold with a sparkly pink sequin wall, a fringe-tastic tassel curtain or even a DIY setup using a crisp white sheet draped with fairy lights. Then level it up with on-theme accessories: rhinestone heart face gems, balloon letters, oversized conversation-heart props and the cutest V-Day sunnies or headbands.
XOXO Balloon, $5, Amazon. Heart face rhinestones, $10, Amazon. Headbands and glasses, $15, Amazon.
Bake themed desserts
What’s a Galentine’s bash without something sweet? Whip up (or pick up!) a spread of adorable V-Day goodies—think chocolate-dipped strawberries, heart-shaped sugar cookies decked out in pink icing or fudgy brownies dusted with sprinkles. Want something even more extra? Build a candy charcuterie board where every bestie brings her fave treat. Pile on gummy hearts, strawberry marshmallows, chocolate truffles, conversation hearts—basically anything cute and colorful enough to make Cupid proud. The only rule: the sweeter, the better.
Watch a rom-com
There’s nothing like watching rom-coms with your besties on Valentine’s Day. Grab some pillows, blankets and fairy lights and settle in for a cozy movie marathon. Stuck on what to stream? We recommend any of these classic crush faves:
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
The Kissing Booth (2018)
The Notebook (2004)
Sidelined 2: Intercepted (2025)
Play games
Want to spice things up at your party? Play some fun games with your besties like ‘Who’s Most Likely To’ or Galentine’s-themed trivia.
Who’s Most Likely To:
…cry during a sappy movie?
…have the cutest Valentine’s Day outfit?
…accidentally spill a secret?
…survive the longest on a deserted island?
…become a social media influencer?
Galentine’s Trivia:
Q: What day is Galentine’s Day typically celebrated?
A) February 13 ✅
B) February 12
C) February 11
Q: What 2018 TV movie tells the story of a teenage girl whose sister mails her secret love letters to every boy she has ever had a crush on?
A) The Kissing Booth
B) To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before ✅
C) Kissing Is The Easy Part
Q: How many heart candies come in a box of Sweethearts?
A) 36 ✅
B) 24
C) 30
Q: What Spiderman movie did Tom Holland and Zendaya first meet?
A) Spiderman: No Way Home
B) Spiderman: Far From Home
C) Spiderman: Homecoming ✅
Need a soundtrack to jam out to? We found a V-Day playlist just for you and your besties! 🩷
Tag us @girlslifemag on Instagram to show off your Galentine’s Day bash!
Looking for more Valentine’s Day articles? We got you girl:
🥰 The Cutest Gifts To Bring To Your Galentine’s Day Party This Weekend
🥰 5 Ways To Show Your BFF Some Love This Galentine’s Day (And Every Day)
🥰 What To Watch This Valentine’s Day No Matter Your Relationship Status
Image credits: @michellechung_, @revolutionvbacademy, @goodies.sweets_treats, @stylebybrimarie, @festivalteen
