30th Birthday Party Ideas That’ll Have You Toasting a New Decade
by Amanda Greenberg, Marketing Coordinator
The movie “13 Going on 30” summed up the all that’s good about the milestone with their tagline: “30, flirty, and thriving.” Turning a decade older is something to be celebrated — with an intimate dinner party, sophisticated luncheon, or lavish, dance-all-night bash. Whatever you choose, we’ve got 30th birthday ideas that’ll have you toasting the years past and the exciting ones still to come.
Elegance meets rustic charm at this intimate 30th birthday brunch. Triunfo Creek Vineyards provided the perfect setting for the “Love You a Brunch” meal in their French-style country farmhouse, where Dolphin Event Services’ simple, classic wood chairs matched the venue’s low wood ceiling beams and minimally-distressed panelled flooring. Beautiful red and white flowers, and modest touches of greenery were supplied by Wisteria Lane, while Dish Wish completed the tablescape with pops of red in the place settings, a clean white runner, and sophisticated gold cups and silverware. Modern Art Catering flawlessly integrated their food into the event design — we especially love the heart-tip bow and arrow toothpicks they used to embellish their “Love Bite” finger food. Brian Leahy Photography captured every last detail, down to the tiny “XO” red clothesline pins that were clipped to the mini berries and cream parfaits. The event was rounded out with a bubbles bar, a sophisticated omelet bar, and beautiful signage directing guests from Calligraphy Katrina.
Marcy Blum Associates took winter wonderland theming to a new level with this extravagant 30th birthday bash. Guests were transported into an icy oasis as they stepped into the prestigious Mandarin Oriental’s Mandarin Ballroom. Captured in Fred Marcus Studio’s gorgeous photography are white floors mimicking snowy pathways, surrounded by frosted evergreen trees, dark blue accent lighting and icicle ridden lamp posts. The ballroom’s crystal chandeliers helped set the frosty mood, along with a mini skate rink (with live performances from skaters!) and a fully ice-sculpted center bar. Aramat Events décor further wowed with crisp white floral centerpieces, accentuated by chilling winter greens, pine cones and sparkling silver table numbers. We love the glittery escort cards that double as ornaments — a minor detail with a lasting impact. Clear chairs, glass tables, and penguin ice sculptures added to the icy vibe of this stunning event. To round out the night, Element Music got all guests to the frozen lake-inspired dance floor during their energetic performance.
This Beverly Hills soirée celebrated 30 in style with chic décor in a beautiful backyard setting. The buffet-style luncheon captivated guests with dreamy white draping that housed Classic Party Rentals’ bright bleached chairs and Resource One Inc.’s crisp white, floor-length table linens. We appreciate how the all-white scene makes Empty Vase’s red, pink and orange florals pop throughout the manicured yard. Sonia Sharma Events infused color with bold red and hot pink napkins and by festooning a white chandelier with festive pink ribbon. To top off the design, the birthday guest of honor’s silver chair stood out with a customized initial created from florals and jewels.
At Last Events Chicago mixed business with pleasure at their joint milestone birthday party and business launch masquerade ball. The “Phantom of the Opera” themed event was fittingly hosted at the unique and historic Mayne Stage. The Mayne Stage Theater space was accentuated with rose colored draping and hints of red lighting to set the mood for the theatrical black-tie affair. At Last created a mystified setting through black, gold, and red 19th-century décor. Lean midnight-black iron lanterns sat on each side of the main stage, topped with wax-dripping candles and an eerie mask at their focal points. Fleur de Lis Florist romanticized the event with red roses and scattered petals. Tabletops consisting of black linens, sparkly gold runners, dark bead embellishments, and metallic masks further enhanced the theme. We love how the gold, antique-style chandeliers subtly framed the stage. Kate Basil Photography photographed delighted guests wearing intricately detailed masks and enjoying decadent cuisine from Jewell Events Catering.
The Underground hosted an all-out Roman themed birthday party that incorporated grape leaf garlands with fixtures inspired by ancient Italian architecture, plenty of plush white feathers, and staff in classic toga costumes. The venue’s entrance set the extravagant tone with tall white columns wrapped in lush greenery, while lavish seating areas in the lounge were accentuated with red draping and ancient gold goblets. Planner Nicole Salerno worked with The Underground’s special events team to design. We’re swooning over the gladiator ice sculpture that doubled as an extravagant ice luge. “A Roman Affair” was sprawled on The Underground’s 40-foot-high LED wall as the space’s lighting alternated between shades of warm purples and royal blues.
Confero planned an iconic confetti ball at Workplay to honor his milestone 30th birthday. When an event planner produces his own bash, you know it’s going to be good — and this one didn’t disappoint. The party included amazing DJ Coco dancers and entertainment, modern décor, and of course, lots of confetti in glowing shades of green, blue and purple. AG Lighting filled the room with blazing pink light that accentuated the lavish center bar fixture, featuring fun bartenders in hot pink wigs. I Do Linens dressed simple high-top tables in floor length white linens, which Mo Davis Photography shot glowing under intense black lights and glistening disco balls. White chunky upholstered seating mixed with futuristic, cut-out back chairs were arranged in stylish areas for mingling. Guests were offered luminous lime green shot glasses on glossy black disc plates encircled by brilliant neon pink LED lights. Meanwhile, Kathy G. and Company seamlessly incorporated their catering into the modern party by serving menu items on hot pink, cutting-edge geometric shaped plates. We’re obsessed with the party’s fittingly colorful desserts, including fun Trix treats and playful mini Pop-Tarts, which rounded out the event atop a mirrored, light-reflecting table.
A special milestone birthday deserves a glamorous celebration, and Encore | Leslie Kaplan Event Designs delivered at this intimate dinner party with the perfect combination of sophisticated, elegant, and romantic décor. The event consisted of bold reds, delicate pinks, glam golds, and pops of forest green, which tastefully complemented The London West Hollywood’s simple, stately Boxwood dining room. Jodee Debes Photography captured the beautifully-structured tablescape, which paired gorgeous florals with vividly-hued fruits, alongside dramatic candelabras. The place settings featured alternating red and pink roses, polished gold silverware, and a decorative ribbon-tied menu. We love the petite, ballet-pink gift boxes that contained two exquisite macaroons — an adorable and appreciated parting gift for guests. The grass flower bed shaped into a “30” reminded guests of the reason for the celebration and they toasted champagne (from bottles that perfectly matched the color scheme) in honor of the birthday girl.
Finding a chic venue space in the middle of the suburbs can be tough, but the Petergof Banquet Hall was perfect for this beautiful celebration. The ballroom’s darkly-accented walls featuring a row of large symmetrical mirrors were outfitted in dark purple and white draping. Warm violet uplighting transformed the room, along with magenta flowers housed in luminous purple vases. Various tables were graced with naturally emerging white-coated branches, which dangled candles off of their sharp stems for an enchanting feel. Other tables featured sleek, translucent candle holders to balance out the room. Guests took advantage of a flashy LED dance floor that lit up the space after the elegant family-style dinner. We love how the cake coordinated with the décor and served as a focal point for the decadent dessert bar.
This delightful 30th birthday was thrown at The Ruby Street’s boutique-style indoor-outdoor event space. The star of the intimate dinner party was the exquisite food provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering – Los Angeles. Guest enjoyed elevated mini grilled cheese sandwiches and creamy tomato soup to start. Champagne was flowing throughout the night and the event’s signature orange drink with a fresh orange slice draped over a sleek glass rim was a crowd favorite. The birthday décor let the delicious cuisine do the talking with a basic white table runner from Luxe Linen, rustic earth-toned plates and a simple floral centerpiece from White Hazen. For a breath of LA evening air, guests could wander onto the venue’s lovely outdoor patio, which is modestly adorned with charming string lights and is enclosed by manicured green shrubbery.
This incredible Great Gatsby-inspired event put a modern twist on the 1920s theme. Morton’s The Steakhouse in Rochester, New York was fully rented out for the birthday bash, which featured flashy décor, dazzling tablescapes and, of course, decadent desserts. Kaleidoscope Events utilized sparkling sequin wall drapings and table linens in brilliant shades of black and gold. An epic balloon ceiling was accented by pops of bold color in a sea of white. Metallic chairs, elegant striped runners, well-placed red uplighting, and sophisticated ivory florals enhanced the space with the perfect combination of 1920s glamour and 21st century design. Chrisom B Photography captured detailed images of the exquisite dessert bar, which featured cupcakes adorned with 1920s-style feathered headbands, tuxedos, and more. We appreciate how the chocolate covered strawberry tower successfully mimicked the red and white floral arrangements that bordered the display, and love how large block letters spelling out the guest of honor’s name served as an innovative and awe-inspiring table base.
Jerry Rose Floral & Event Design wowed with their bold, multicolored floral arrangements and vibrantly-hued décor at this lively 30th birthday party. We love how the NoMad Hotel’s intimate event space radiated natural light, highlighting pillows and table linens rich in shades of blue, green and purple. A flashy balloon ceiling matched the event’s ribbon strung wall accent, and eye-catching metallic gold furniture added a luxe vibe. Guests sang “Happy Birthday” then enjoyed a lovely three-tiered cake, as captured by Husar Photography.
Although this charming backyard soirée was in honor of a 32nd birthday, we found it too good not to include. East Coast natives will appreciate this classic, elevated, lobster boil, which intertwined touches of nautical décor with all of your basic lobster-picking necessities. Shellfish cracking mallets, petite hot sauce bottles, mini tin waste bins and a cute instructional placemat were placed at each guest’s seat. Kate & Company creatively transformed a typically messy experience into a trendy affair with a fun, newspaper-covered table, mini lemons that doubled as place cards, and “Clean your Claws” hand wipes. Mike Cassimatis Photography’s inviting images showcase the event’s many highlights, including a cute trailer turned bar, eclectic furniture arrangements, and cool chalkboard signage. Guests sipped on the event’s countless moscow mules, among other refreshing beverages, with clever “Never get caught up the river without a cocktail” coasters. We love the globe-style string lights that brought a dash of enchantment to the celebration.
PartySlate is the place where leading event professionals share their work with the world. Find new ideas by viewing and saving hundreds of thousands of beautiful event photos from weddings to birthday parties, corporate events to galas. Easily connect with the best local event professionals and find stunning venues. Sign up now »
Featured event professionals and venues receive additional links within articles. Learn about membership plans »