Birthday parties aren't just for kids. Even though you're all grown up, there's still no better time than your birthday to kick off your heels, crank up the music, and let the good times roll—no matter how many candles are on your cake. So if you're looking for adult birthday party ideas and inspiration, keep reading for tips on planning a party worthy of whatever milestone you're celebrating.
The best birthday parties are the ones that offer something a little out of the ordinary. And while the party theme, entertainment, and catering all help set the tone, the key to a memorable birthday party is choosing the right space. Check out these potential birthday party venues.
House with a Pool
Picture yourself lounging by the pool on a hot summer's afternoon. The sun is beating down, but you're chilling in the shade of a chic poolside cabana, a cocktail in one hand and a canape in the other. You've queued up a playlist of your favorite tunes, you're chatting with your friends, and a few of your more energetic guests are splashing in the pool. You'd be hard pressed to find a better way to celebrate a summer birthday party than to hire an exclusive private house with a luxurious pool area.
Coffee House
Get together in a coffee house with your closest friends and family to create a chilled birthday vibe. You can treat your taste buds to a warm mug of your favorite hot drink, and you'll need to pair it with indulgent cakes or pastries too. You can expect a cozy atmosphere and good conversation in this type of setting.
Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars offer an intimate party space, allowing you to feel the wind in your hair and gaze out over the lights of the city. And whether you celebrate with craft beers or cocktails, a glass of bubbles or a warming mug of cocoa, you and your friends will create lasting memories.
Club
For something a little more adventurous, crank the volume to 11 and hit the dance floor in a nightclub space. Hire a DJ to spin tunes and a bartender to pour shots, then let the rhythm take you wherever it wants to go.
What are you looking for in a birthday party venue? Think about the sort of experience you want your guests to enjoy and what a venue needs to provide to make your vision a reality. Some key venue features to consider include:
Easy Access
The best adult birthday parties give you and your friends a chance to let their hair down and have some fun. And if they're going to do that, you'll need to find a party space that is easily accessible from public transport. If your guests will be driving to and from the event, you'll also want to look for a venue in a central location with convenient parking.
Dance Floor
When the DJ drops the needle or the band takes to the stage, it's time to hit the floor. If you want to bust a move at your party, compare birthday party venues with space for a dance floor. You'll also want to consider the quality of the venue's sound system and if it has a DJ booth or room for a band to set up.
Bar Service
Adult birthday parties usually require adult beverages, so look for a venue that offers a bar and an in-house bar service. Check out what's on tap as well as what's in the fridge, and whether more exotic options like cocktails or high-end whiskies are available.
Food and Catering
Does the venue provide its own catering, or will you need to bring in an external catering service? If you'll be using your own caterers, search for birthday party venues with a suitable kitchen space for on-site food prep.
You're the guest of honor. What do you see as the ultimate birthday celebration? Use this for inspiration to transform your party venue into the sort of space that will put an instant smile on everyone's face.
If we start with lighting, a club-style dance party calls for you to dim the lights and use light shows to complement the music. But if you're hosting an outdoor celebration like a garden party, you can make the most of natural light during the daytime but add subtle mood lighting to create an intimate atmosphere as night falls.
You can also channel your creativity when choosing a party theme. Maybe you want to go super casual and encourage your guests to turn up in their pajamas for a chilled night of food, drinks, and maybe a movie. On the flipside, you may want, as the guest of honor, a glamorous celebration with a black-tie affair. You could even tap into some retro nostalgia with a 'flashback to the '80s theme'—it's entirely up to you.
You can also splash out on some rental equipment for the big celebration. Browse the inventory of local party rental companies and you might be surprised by the eclectic range of birthday party equipment available for hire. Arcade games, photo booths, movie screens, snow cone machines, and adult bounce houses are just some of the choices.
There really are so many options for creating an event that is truly unique, so put your thinking cap on and get creative.
There's a lot to consider when planning adult birthday parties, even if you only have a small guest list. Be sure to keep the following tasks in mind when getting everything organized.
Choose a Theme
The first step is to decide on a birthday party theme. This could be something as simple as choosing casual or formal, or it could mean choosing something as specific as '80s retro or Star Wars.
Book a Venue
The best birthday party venues are always in high demand, so don't wait until the last minute. Compare a host of suitable venues and when you find the right one, make a booking ASAP.
Make the Guest List
Who's coming to your birthday party? Make a list of who you want to invite and send the invitations out (or at least a reminder to save the date) several weeks in advance.
Book Entertainment
Whether you need to book a DJ, hire a band, organize some party games, or even hire an MC, don't forget to organize the evening's entertainment straight away.
Decide on Food and Drink
Compare local catering companies to find the perfect birthday party menu. Don't forget about drinks either—will you need to hire a bartender or stock up on liquor to ensure the perfect cocktail party?
Hire Extra Equipment
Party rental companies let you hire tables, chairs, decorations, linens, centerpieces, catering equipment, and so much more. Search for a company that offers everything you need and place your order.
Looking for adult birthday party ideas your guests will love? Here are a few options to get you started.
Costume Party
Who doesn't love getting dressed up for a big night out? The best part about a costume party is that your theme could be just about anything. Invite your guest to come as a 1930s Hollywood star, a Disney character, their favorite sportsperson, or even whatever they wanted to be as a kid when they grew up. The possibilities are endless.
Outdoor Retro Movie Night
A big screen, comfy bean bags on the grass, the stars above, and a big tub of popcorn in your lap. Press play on your favorite old-school movies and you're all set for the perfect retro movie night.
Backyard Pool Party
When the weather heats up, a backyard pool party offers a fun and relaxing way to celebrate another year. You could simply enjoy relaxing by the pool, get wet and play old-school pool games like Marco Polo, or maybe reach for your favorite board games and host an outdoor game night.
Birthday Brunch
Enjoy delicious cuisine and a relaxed vibe with a yummy birthday brunch. With gourmet food, mimosas, and an intimate atmosphere to catch up with your nearest and dearest, you're sure to have a wonderful time.
Beer Pairing
Host a beer pairing dinner in a private dining room. Not only will you get to enjoy fine food and some delicious brews, but a private room gives you and the guests the luxury of a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Adult birthday parties can be whatever you want them to be. It all depends on how the guest of honor wants to celebrate.
Some people think the only way to party is to think big. That means an extravagant celebration is on the menu—a vibrant family feast or a more glamorous black-tie event. You can expect a long guest list and high-class entertainment at this sort of celebration.
For others, less is definitely more. If you prefer to keep things low-key, you'll generally want an intimate atmosphere and a smaller guest list.
But as long as the birthday girl or boy goes home happy, everyone else will, too.
A great venue doesn't necessarily mean a great birthday party, but it certainly helps. Compare adult birthday party locations on Giggster today to find the best party space for your needs. Whether it's a stylish semi private area or an expansive mansion, the planning process falls into place once the venue is booked!