About Birthday Parties
Hip, hip, hooray! It’s time to celebrate. Throwing a birthday party for someone special in your life is the perfect way to show them how much they mean to you. And when you gather their nearest and dearest together at a spectacular event space to help them notch up a milestone, you can create memories they’ll cherish forever.
The great thing about birthday parties is that they come in all shapes and sizes. From laid-back brunches and a kid's birthday party to raucous all-nighters, lavish functions, and cozy and intimate get-togethers, you can find a party theme and atmosphere to suit any birthday boy or girl.
But if you’re taking on the role of party planner, there are big shoes to fill, especially for special events. Of all the key decisions you must make, few are as important as choosing the best birthday party venue. Keep reading to discover why the venue matters for a special day and how to find a birthday party space to knock the VIP’s socks off.
The Best Birthday Party Venues: Choose a Party Room
No matter whether the birthday boy or girl is turning eight or 80, the event venue you choose is crucial. Find the right party room, and elevate the occasion from super fun to the celebrations against which all others are compared. The best birthday party venues offer a perfect blend of style and substance, helping to create the ideal party atmosphere while boasting all the practical facilities you need.
- Penthouse Apartments
Something about being in a glamorous penthouse apartment at glittering events while looking down at the rest of the world gets people in the mood to party. So head to the top floor for some top-shelf fun, and if you find a penthouse apartment for a private event with its own rooftop space, even better.
- Pools and Outdoor Patios
For a truly memorable birthday celebration, take your party outside. Find a great place like a spacious outdoor patio or courtyard for birthday parties to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the occasion. And if the temperature is rising, look for a space with a sparkling pool so your guests can cool off when needed. Remember, other hosts will block such venues off quickly, so it's best to avoid long wait times and book your group early to get the best service staff for the evening. If you have any special service requirements, now would be the best time to finalize. Once you pay for the site, you have enough time to build on your idea and theme to celebrate in style.
- Bars
From basement “dive” bars to exclusive rooftop hangouts, bars offer an ambiance to suit whatever private events theme you choose. The vibe at a 21st celebration will be very different from your mom’s 60th, so compare birthday party venues carefully before choosing. This stylish speakeasy is ideal for good cocktails, great conversation, or even the next wedding.
- Restaurants
If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, business meeting, or mixed baby showers, sometimes the best approach is to treat the guest of honor to a fancy dinner at their favorite restaurant. With a private dining room, you can let the VIP enjoy delicious food, great company, and maybe a big slice of cake to finish the perfect night.
- Ballrooms
Hosting a sweet 16, quinceanera, or any kid's birthday party celebration that calls for something big? A ballroom could be just what the birthday girl or boy desires, offering all the space you need for dining, mingling, dancing, and generally having an amazing time in a perfect place. Remember to plan several actions simultaneously so you don't get overwhelmed as the host of your event.
What to Look for in Birthday Party Spaces
The birthday party venue you choose can make or break a celebration. The right space can completely transform the atmosphere of a party, turning an otherwise ho-hum event into the year's social event! With this in mind, there are a few important factors to consider when comparing the best birthday party locations. So why wait? Let’s dive into the best parties for all group sizes.
- Ambiance
Before considering other factors, ensure you have a clear picture of the occasion you want to create—is it for a kid or a team of corporate professionals? Do you need a formal and traditional atmosphere with a rich history for a family celebration, a true party atmosphere so the birthday boy or girl can let loose with their friends, or something else entirely? Ensure you find a venue with the right vibe to match all your social events.
- Location
The best birthday party space is one that’s easy for as many as possible to access. If possible, look for and block something in a central location, close to public transport, that offers private parking. If it’s easy to get to, your guests will be in the mood to party right from the get-go.
- Size and Layout
Next, think about how many people will be coming to the party, the exact number of adults and kids. But while you must have enough space for all your friends and family, you also don’t want to choose a space that is too big – this can dampen the party atmosphere where empty spaces make the dance floor look empty. Ensure you have invited enough people to fill the celebration site. Also, check whether the venue layout suits your needs—request the venue management for a dancefloor, maybe a separate one for kids—and if it’s flexible enough to tailor it to suit your event. Parents of little ones will thank you!
- Essential Features
Now it’s time to consider all the practical inclusions you must have if you’re going to throw the perfect party. For example, is there parking available? Is all the necessary furniture included? Does the space have a dancefloor or stage if required? Consider AV and tech equipment for music, speeches (a certain word incorrectly spoken can change the ambiance), and the like. The list of must-haves varies depending on the party (including a weekday or weekend vibe). A word of advice: Put together your checklist before you start comparing birthday party venues.
Birthday Party Inspiration: The Perfect Event Venue
Hunting for inspiration to help you plan a memorable birthday party for kids or adults? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Remarkable Rooftop Spaces
If you really want to raise the roof, party under the stars in an exclusive rooftop patio, bar, or retreat. Where better for an intimate birthday celebration with a handful of friends than this dreamy rooftop space with gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline?
- Grand and Majestic Ballrooms
Planning a lavish birthday celebration with children, catered service, dancing, and a whole lot of fun? Sometimes, there’s nothing better than going the whole nine yards and booking an opulent ballroom. With stylish decor, the right music, and a room full of guests, it makes for a truly magnificent occasion, whether for weddings or engagements. You can take several actions to ensure you host a most memorable event.
- Sizzling Pool Parties
Summer birthday party venues don’t get any better than on, in, or around the pool. With glimmering water and a spacious outdoor courtyard, you have all the key ingredients to help make a big splash.
Plan to host the birthday party of the year with all your celebrated visitors, loved ones, and more. Book the venue in advance for the best deals, offers, and discounts and to ensure the venue is exactly what you’re looking for.
Written by: Pamela Avila
7 things you need to know about throwing a milestone birthday party
Celebrating another trip around the sun should always be a memorable occasion. But as the years pass, people tend to treat their birthday like any other day. When it comes to milestone birthdays, though, there's no excuse not to dream a little bigger and be surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.
Milestone birthdays are what you make them. There's no right or wrong way to celebrate, and no celebration is too small. Milestone birthdays typically include when you turn 1, 15 or 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, and so on. They also vary by culture. Countries like Mexico celebrate when someone turns 3 years old—it's called "presentación de tres años" or "presentation of three years." Turning 15 in many Latin American countries is also an important year marked with a "quinceañera." The first, 10th, 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays are special in China. Turning 60, in particular, is considered a milestone. At that point, the celebrant has completed the full 60-year cycle based on Chinese astrology (comprised of 12 signs, each with five natural elements) and embarking on a new one.
Wherever you may find yourself, and however you choose to celebrate, one thing's for sure—milestone birthdays are a special occasion and mark a shift to the next stage of your life. According to a 2022 YouGov poll that surveyed 1,000 Americans asking them how they felt about their birthdays and how they spent them, half of the respondents spent time with their family almost every year. Four in 10 had a special meal. One out of 5 threw a party or get-together. And 1 in 10 celebrated with a trip.
Milestone birthdays can come with pressure and planning (and money), but it doesn't have to be a hassle. Giggster compiled seven pointers for throwing the most memorable birthday celebration, using tips and tricks from around the web.
Set an intention
Before sending out invites, set an intention for your special day. According to the YouGov poll, nearly every year, 54% of people spend their birthdays thanking God for being alive, and 38% spend their day reflecting on life. When asked how they usually feel on their birthday, 48% said they feel happy, while 24% said they feel excited. Those feelings can influence and translate into your big celebration.
If you're turning 21, you'll likely be reflecting on stepping into adulthood. If you're facing your 30th birthday, you may be mourning the loss of your roaring 20s behind, but looking forward to a new decade. Let those feelings guide the type of celebration you plan.
Once you set your intention, you can let that influence your theme. If you're leaving behind a tumultuous 20s, perhaps celebrating your 30th will be a more lowkey celebration to welcome a new era. Movies can provide a little inspiration. For example, turning 30 can mean celebrating it a la "13 Going on 30," or a 40th birthday party can look like a blast from the past and partying as if it were the '80s all over again.
Ultimately, your intention and theme will be your north star, helping you put some guardrails in place.
Make a budget and cross off the big items first
It all begins with a budget. Amanda Hudes, a creative event and wedding planner, shared with AARP that once you figure out how much you're comfortable with spending—you should start with the big-ticket items and work your way down to the smaller lower-priority items.
If you're thinking of organizing something more intimate with a close group of friends (think 6-12 people), perhaps you'll have more money to spend on things like food, travel, or party favors. But if you're looking to throw a lavish party that calls for booking a venue—then it would be wise to spend less on more to accommodate the bigger guest list.
Ultimately, remember how much you want to spend on invitations, food (including a cake or dessert), party favors, a DJ, or outsourcing any extra help if you're considering throwing a big soiree.
Get a feel for your VIP guests
Everyone leads busy lives, whether they're parents, work, or have other personal engagements—it will be nearly impossible to choose a date and location that will work for everyone. To simplify that process, identify the guests that matter the most to you and use their input to help shape your event specifics.
This smaller list of guests can help in two ways. First, it will help set the dates. Narrow your birthday celebration to two or three dates that work for you. Then, before sending out your invitation, send important guests date options to choose from, and based on your responses, figure out an ideal date. Second, if you're stuck for ideas, perhaps floating two or three preliminary celebration ideas with these VIP guests can help you narrow your choices.
Get personal, creative, and detailed with the invitation
You've got your date and location. Now it's time to send invitations. Send them out as soon as you know what you're going to do, when you're going to do it, and who you will do it with. Don't sleep on sending out those invitations—remember, it's a joyous occasion, and you want to give your guests plenty of time to plan.
Send out any type of invite you prefer, whether an e-invite or a physical one sent in the mail. Be as detailed as possible in your invitation. If you're traveling to a different city, state, or country for your milestone birthday, remind guests to buy their flight, pack their passports, and ensure they have the necessary identification and paperwork.
If you plan to be outdoors at the beach or the woods, remind your guests of the proper dress code or additional items to pack. For example, do they need to pack sunscreen? Do they need to pack extra shoes or a change of clothes? If you're going camping, will they need to provide their own tent or sleeping bag? Get your FAQs down pat. And most importantly, make sure you highlight the date and time in big, bold letters!
Buy it or (even better) DIY it: food, music, and decor
If you're throwing a party, it's time to figure out what type of food you'll serve, what music you'll play, and what vibe you'll go for when it comes to decor. Often, a DIY approach can add that personal touch that makes celebrations memorable.
When it comes to food, if you're throwing a party with dozens of people—you may get the most bang for your buck for a caterer who can whip up tacos for a couple of hours, or you could order finger foods like sandwiches, sliders, mini wraps and so on to keep the atmosphere casual.
According to Roaming Hunger, the caterer you hire will depend on the type of event you're throwing. For small events (10-40 people), drop-off catering may cost an average of $12-20 per person; buffet-style catering will cost you $25-50 per person on average; food struck catering or mobile catering will be about $20-40 per person; and private chefs or custom catering will be on the pricier end at about $120 or more per person.
For those with guests who are more skilled in the kitchen, consider a potluck and ask your guests to bring an entree, side, or dessert. Even better, their dish can have a theme based on the party, or it can be something that reminds them of you. These dishes could then double as conversation starters.
Hiring a DJ might be your best bet if you book a venue or throw a backyard shindig, but it may also use a significant portion of your budget. According to The Knot, the average cost of a DJ starts at $1,500. If you're trying to save money, investing in a loud party speaker, whether purchasing one online or renting it out, might be a good option.
The decor is where you can get creative. Buy flowers in bulk, for example, and make your floral arrangements, or hit up a thrift store and scour for unique vases or glasses to use at your birthday celebration. If you want to make even more memories, invite your guests to help you create birthday decorations, such as photo booth backdrops or balloon arches.
Appoint your personal paparazzi
Save yourself money on a professional photographer (which can cost an average of $100 to $250 per hour, according to Fash) or a videographer (which could cost $75 to $350 per hour or $700 to $2,000+ per day)—and let your friends capture the best, unguarded moments of the day.
Provide Polaroid cameras, extra packs of film, or disposable cameras people can use to snap photos throughout the celebration. Or, set up a shared folder where everyone can drop in their cellphone photos at the end of the party. Be sure to let your guests know ahead of time where to upload their pictures or contribute their snapped shots. Looking through their photos at the end of the party will surely give you a new perspective on your big day for years to come.
