So, your 30th is coming up! It’s time to bake a cake, plan a party, and send out your invites (all while having a mini existential crisis about the passing of time…). But seriously, there’s no need to panic, as turning 30 definitely isn’t something to dread. If anything, your 30th just gives you the perfect excuse to get all your favourite people together and have a brilliant time.
Whether you’re picturing a chilled gathering with a few mates or an all-out party to mark the milestone, we’ve pulled together a guide filled with 30th party ideas to inspire you!
Celebrating someone else’s 30th instead? Our range of 30th birthday cards is bursting with brilliant designs:
How to plan a 30th birthday party
If it’s been a while since you’ve planned a party for yourself, you’re probably wondering where to even begin. Here’s a simple checklist you can use to get started:
Decide on the kind of celebration you want
From a massive party to a weekend away, take some time to think about the type of celebration you’d actually like. There’s no rule that says turning 30 has to involve something huge either, so don’t feel pressured by expectations. Maybe a small dinner party at home might be more your vibe?
Set a budget
Before you start booking huge venues and buying a hundred disco balls, it’s a good idea to decide on how much you’re comfortable spending. Go big if you like (it’s a milestone birthday, after all) or stick to a smaller budget with homemade décor and food.
Choose a date
Next, pick a date to throw your party and book your venue if you need one. While your actual birthday is an obvious choice, you don’t have to feel tied to it. If your 30th lands midweek, the weekend before or after can be ideal.
Send out your invites
Once you’ve got all the basics locked in, it’s time to invite some guests. Remember to give them plenty of notice, and if you’re stuck on what to say, we’ve got you covered with these birthday invitation messages!
Add the finishing touches
It’s finally time for the fun bit. Plan your food and drink options, create a playlist, and start buying your decorations. When it comes to 30th birthday décor ideas, these always work well:
- Colourful balloon arches
- Personalised banners
- Photo walls filled with memories
Fun ideas for a 30th birthday party
And with all that out of the way, it’s time to run through our pick of the best 30th birthday party ideas!
1. Throw a themed party
First on our list of 30th birthday party ideas we have the option of a themed celebration. One of our favourites has to be the ‘Death to My Twenties’ theme, with black balloons, gothic flowers, and a huge ‘RIP 20s’ banner. We also love the idea of a celestial ‘30th trip around the sun’ theme. Choose midnight blue décor, hang star banners, and create tarot card menus to tie everything together.
Here are a few more ideas to get you thinking:
- 90s nostalgia
- Dress as your younger self
- Roaring 30s with gold décor and formal attire
2. Murder mystery night
If you and your friends love true crime podcasts and solving puzzles, a murder mystery party is a no-brainer. You can buy ready-made murder mystery kits or even book an organised experience if you’d prefer someone else to handle all the planning.
We’ve got a full guide on how to host a murder mystery party which is packed with tips, so make sure to dive in.
3. Summer garden party
Summer birthdays basically plan themselves. Just dig out the BBQ, put a few pizzas in the oven, string some fairy lights around the garden, and invite a bunch of friends and family over. Plan some games and make a playlist to keep everyone entertained, and you’ll have yourself a chilled but super fun party.
4. Sing your heart out at karaoke
Whether everyone takes it seriously or spends the evening screaming ABBA way too loudly, karaoke is one of those things that’s way more fun than people expect. You can combine it with drinks and dinner to make a full evening out of it too!
5. Bottomless brunch
A day filled with endless prosecco and pancakes? Sounds like a pretty good way to welcome thirty if you ask us. Bottomless brunch is also ideal if late nights are a thing of the past, as you can still be in bed by 10pm. Perfect.
6. Cosy movie and games night
If you’re looking for a more chilled option, why not combine a games night with your favourite nostalgic films for the ultimate 30th at home? Make a grazing board, order pizzas, and invite your closest mates around to celebrate with you. If you’re looking for on-theme film options, 13 Going on 30 is a classic.
7. Treat yourself to a spa day
A spa day with friends or family is great if you’re looking for something relaxing. Enjoy a massage and relax by the pool, then round up your day with a delicious afternoon tea featuring scones, mini cakes, and lots of prosecco.
8. Escape room or adventure activity
If sitting still isn’t really your thing, an escape room or adventure activity will give you something to talk about long after your birthday’s over. From climbing walls to zip lines and themed escape rooms (we’re thinking horror, fantasy, or mystery), there are a bunch of activities you can book.
9. Cocktail masterclass
If you’re looking for something a little different from your typical night out, a cocktail masterclass is perfect. You’ll usually get to mix, shake, and taste several drinks throughout the night, plus there will be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos!
10. Birthday getaway
Love a week-long birthday celebration? This might be the one for you. Whether it’s a cosy countryside cottage with friends you’ve known forever, or a European city break with your whole family, a memorable trip is a guaranteed way to make your 30th feel special.
Give your thirties a proper welcome
Well, there you have it, a bunch of different ideas for your 30th birthday party! Book a trip, have a massive party, or celebrate your birthday solo. Anything goes when it comes to welcoming the next decade.
And if you’re looking for more birthday-themed inspo, why not head on over to the thortful blog? There you’ll find plenty more ideas for what to do on your birthday, including shopping sprees, hikes, and even skydiving if you’re brave enough. We’ve come up with some adult party bag ideas too so you can give your guests a little token to say thanks.
