About Houston
Houston is a large and vibrant city located in the southeastern part of Texas and is one of the country’s most populous cities, with an estimated population of 2.3 million people. The city sits close to the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its diverse cultural makeup along with its warm and humid climate. Houston is also home to many notable attractions, including NASA's Johnson Space Center, The Houston Zoo, the Museum District, Houston's Theater District, and countless restaurants and nightlife venues that offer something for everyone.
Hosting 18th birthday parties in Houston can be a great experience due to its vibrant culture, variety of attractions, and lively nightlife scene. Whether you are looking for a quiet gathering at a local restaurant or bar or an exciting night out at one of Houston's dance clubs or comedy clubs, there are plenty of options available when it comes to celebrating this major life milestone.
18th Birthday Party Options in Houston
- Caterers
Food is essential for any birthday party and there are plenty of experienced caterers in Houston that can create customized menus tailored specifically to each guest’s needs and preferences. Whether serving classic dishes or more inspired cuisine options, caterers understand how to make sure each dish is cooked correctly while also keeping each item flavorful and delicious at the same time. Furthermore, they can provide convenient delivery or setup services so that food items arrive fresh at just the right moment for your party.
- Photographer
Turning 18 is a major milestone in a person’s life and is a symbol of one’s journey into adulthood. Therefore, it’s only right that this important moment is immortalized and hiring a photographer is one of the best ways to do so. There are multiple professional photographers in the Houston area that can offer coverage of an 18th birthday party; these experts have the eye and expertise to capture the best moments and highlights of the event.
- Bakery
It goes without saying that a birthday party should feature a cake that matches the celebrant’s personality. In Houston, there are numerous bakeries that can whip up the perfect birthday cake to suit one’s preference and budget. You can buy a pre-made cake or request for a custom cake that reflects your personal taste; you can often choose the flavor, color, design and other details to create the perfect sweet treat.
18th Birthday Party Vendors in Houston
- A Fare Extraordinaire
A Fare Extraordinaire is a Houston-based catering company with almost four decades of experience in the industry. Founded in 1985, this company is run by a team of perfectionists, creatives, and flexible minds that strive to make genuine connections with their clients and vendors. Their level of commitment to providing exceptional service shows in their attention to detail. With Rachael Volz at the helm since 2004, they have expanded both their services and a home base from a tiny kitchen to a bustling office and then to a 4-acre property with a 1942 munitions factory — acting as designers, contractors, cleaners, and marketers for the space.
- Rob Greer Photography
Rob Greer Photography offers comprehensive photography services, making them the perfect choice for any person or business. They specialize in corporate headshots and event photography as well as more traditional options like wedding, portrait, and product photographs. Working with them promises excellent images and results beyond what you’d expect — all while remaining affordable. Moreover, they show punctuality and enthusiasm when they work, so you can count on a pleasant and helpful experience to accompany the exceptional results.
- AshleyCakes
AshleyCakes Houston is in the business of treating their customers to delicious, homemade baked goods. They are passionate about creating tasty cakes and cupcakes with unique details that make every bite as enjoyable as the last. Whether it is a custom cake for a special occasion or a selection of cupcakes to commemorate an achievement, AshleyCakes takes pride in making treats that you won't forget even after the event is done.
Pros and Cons of 18th Birthday Parties in Houston
Hosting an 18th birthday party in Houston can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved. However, there are some important pros and cons to consider before planning the party:
Advantages
- Plenty of options: Houston is full of great venues and activities for all budgets that will make for a memorable 18th birthday party.
- Wide range of services: Numerous suppliers and businesses in Houston offer affordable prices and quality service for any type of event.
- Central location: Houston’s central location makes it a great city to host an 18th birthday party as it is easily accessible from most areas within Texas.
Disadvantages
- Time-consuming: Arranging an 18th birthday celebration involves booking dates with venues, organizing catering, ordering decor, and allocating funds for entertainment. This process can take up a considerable amount of time.
- Expensive: Houston is relatively more expensive compared to other areas nearby, which means you need to put up a higher budget for your 18th birthday party.
- Crowded venues: With such a large population in Houston, it can be difficult to find the right venue that is not too crowded or noisy.
Tips on How to Organize 18th Birthday Parties in Houston
If you want to plan a memorable 18th birthday celebration in Houston, you should consider following these helpful tips:
- Research the venue: When planning an 18th birthday party, it is important to research potential venues. Consider the size of the space, catering options, accessibility for guests, and proximity to public transport.
- Establish a budget: Establishing a budget early on is essential to ensure that all elements of the party can be covered without resorting to cutting corners. Take into account costs such as decorations, food and drinks, entertainment, and any other incidentals such as transportation or gifts.
- Set a date: It is important to set a date for the party in advance so that everyone can plan ahead and make sure they are free or have enough time to book off work or school. Be flexible with dates in case some family members may not be able to attend on the day you initially planned.
- Invitations: Invitations should be sent out at least four weeks before the event for all guests to be able to arrange their schedule if necessary. Make sure invitations include all necessary details such as date, time, location, and RSVP information.
- Entertainment: Think about what type of entertainment would best suit your guest list; live music, DJs, or karaoke could be great options depending on preference. Other activities can also help keep guests entertained including lawn games or photo booths — these can also make great keepsakes from the event.
Famous Locations in Houston
- The Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel is a spectacular sight to behold, renowned for its awe-inspiring paintings by Mark Rothko and its ability to provide peace and tranquility. Conceived in 1971, this unique chapel sadly opened without Rothko present as he passed away shortly before its completion. But thankfully his inspiring art and image have carried on with the chapel hosting many historic figures such as South African President Nelson Mandela and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, earning it a place of international significance. With the chapel standing as an active beacon of social justice, it remains well worth visiting.
- The Aurora Picture Show
Experiencing moving image art has never been more accessible — just ask the people of Houston, Texas. For over 10 years, the Aurora Picture Show has been improving the movie-going experience in the area. Originally founded in 2009 and housed in a 1924 former church building, this innovative organization recently relocated to a new home near the Menil Collection. Boasting their film series throughout Houston including venues like Discovery Green and the Contemporary Arts Museum, Aurora Picture Show is a one-of-a-kind destination for locals and visitors alike.
- Synchronicity of Color
Spanning 90 feet in height and colorfully paving the sky, 'Synchronicity of Color' is by far, the most appreciated and widely recognized artwork to date. Installed at Discovery Green in 2008 with funding from a private/public partnership led by Houston Art Alliance and Page Southerland Page & Hargreaves Associates, the piece provides an engaging upbeat visual element for visitors who annually flock to the 20-acre park. Dissecting between architecture, art, and functional form, it's easy to see why this iconic design has become a beacon of inspiration for many budding creatives and art appreciators alike.