Guide to Planning the Perfect Birthday Party
Written By Katie Chandler and Emma Towers
Have a birthday coming up that you want to be special but have no idea what to do for it? Or maybe have some plans but have no clue what to wear or how to decorate? This guide is for you! Let’s face it, you are special and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be the center of attention on your special day. If you’re looking to celebrate your birthday in style, follow the guide below to plan the perfect party that is bound to impress.
Deciding your plans
The first step in any great party is picking the vibe! The vibe creates the direction of the event. Are you going for a close and intimate gathering with your besties or trying to create your own Met Gala with every friend you've had since middle school? Are you going classy and sophisticated or something easy that people have no excuse not to participate in?
Choosing a theme
After the vibe has been set you can solidify it with the theme. Be creative and mix and match your favorite aesthetics, you want to create a party that feels more like an extension of you rather than a party for you. Some inspo:
Elegance in the Intergalactic: Think space and sequin!
Golden gods and goddesses: Celebrating your golden birthday? Commit and be dressed like the queen you are.
You may now kiss the bottle: This is for the most extra hosts turning 21! What better way to celebrate than a fake wedding?
But themes do not have to require buzzwords and crazy concepts. You could also go for a sleek and minimalist vibe and let your personality be the real party. Pick a color scheme and work off that. This works great if a house party is not your vibe and you want to grab dinner or go out somewhere. The theme can travel so easily with you!
Creating a guest list
Depending on whether you decide to have a large night out or an intimate girls night in, you must first decide the number of people you would like to invite. Then create a list for yourself to ensure no one is forgotten. Once your list is created, send out a message to all the guests informing them of the date, time, plans, and theme. And if you really want your birthday to be extra, go as far as designing a cute invitation with all the info that matches your theme!
P.S. If you're high maintenance like me, throw an RSVP on the invitation so you can have peace of mind when it comes to who will be in attendance.
Picking out an outfit
After your theme is chosen, it’s time to pick out the outfit that is going to ensure all eyes on you! While it’s important to stick with the theme, remember it is your special day, so it’s only right that you stand out! Birthdays only happen once a year, so use this as an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try some new styles. If you’re stuck on what to wear on your birthday, try out a few of the tips below:
That dress is cute, but go with the jumpsuit! There’s nothing better than being comfortable while looking like a fashion icon all night.
Simple outfit? No problem! Spice up your outfit by adding some unique accessories: gloves, sparkly tights, a fur vest, or a statement heel.
There can never be enough sparkle on your birthday! Shine by rocking the most sparkly and sequined dress you can find!
Decorations
Once your theme and outfit are chosen, it’s time to pick out some decorations. This is where you can really show off your theme while also making your outfit and pictures pop! The easiest way to brainstorm cute ideas while also sticking to a budget is by creating a Pinterest board. After choosing what decor you want, look on sites like Amazon or Marketplace to find the best deals. If you’re lost on what to get for your party, follow the simple checklist below:
Balloons: be sure to get a variety of sizes and colors. You can even tie them into a balloon arch for pictures! Other options include large numbers and “Happy Birthday” letters to fill out the space.
Streamers: these are great for photo backdrops. Just be sure to get enough to take up a large portion of the wall, and then add some balloons or signs around them to make an even cuter photo op.
Table accessories: whether you’re having a snack or favors table, accessories like a tablecloth, cups and silverware, card games, a cake stand, and napkins make cute pictures and keep everyone entertained.
Planning the perfect photoshoot
Let’s face it, one of the best parts about celebrating any event with your friends is the pictures! The fun memories we create can be captured through a camera, so why not go that extra step to make sure those memories are Instagram worthy. One of the best ways to get fun pictures to look back on is through the use of disposable cameras, where the vintage feel captures timeless images. Pick up two or three, and let everyone pass them around throughout the night. This way, you’ll get to see the memories of everyone having a great time on your special day, and then you can share them with all your friends!
Make sure to take time to look around and appreciate the moment. It's easy to get caught up in hosting and creating the perfect night. But once it's over, all you'll have left is the memories so make some good ones!