30th Birthday Party Ideas

The best 30^th birthday party ideas come from searching your heart, rather than the Web. Start by thinking about the guest of honor and the things that define this person, and you'll be well on the way to marking this milestone with a memorable party.

Getting Older?
Even though people are living longer, healthier lives, 30^th birthdays are still hard for many people. No one wants to grow older, and some people simply don't want to be reminded of the event. Don't throw a surprise 30^th birthday party for someone who doesn't like surprises, and don't throw a party for someone who doesn't like being the center of attention. 

Thirty and Flirty
If the guest of honor is single, a very fun birthday party can be built around a girls' night out at a dance club, bar hopping or at a wine-tasting party. If the party is to be held at a bar, buy glow-in-the-dark necklaces for the entire crew, order margaritas and dance like there is to tomorrow. Buy the guest of honor a sexy t-shirt that reads "Thirty and Flirty," and either make a cake or order one from the bakery that is shaped like a margarita glass with a picture of the guest of honor sitting on the rim.

If it's a wine-tasting party, dress in togas and rent passage on a tour bus for you and about 10 of your best friends. The birthday gift can be provided by pitching in for a yearlong wine delivery, one bottle a month, for the birthday guy or gal. End the party at a hotel room or cottage with a cheese and wine party, complete with a cake shaped like a wine bottle as well as a bottle of vino with the guest of honor's picture on the label.

Quiet Celebrations
Not everyone wants to light up the town on their birthday. Some birthday guys and gals would rather do what they love best: stay home with family and friends or enjoy a quiet dinner. Since this day is for the person who is having the birthday, put on a party that is best suited to the guest of honor. Save your plans for the party of the year for someone a little more gregarious.

• Visit an old haunt, such as a tavern or dance club, with the old gang. Bring a birthday cake and glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Play some songs from the high school or college years, invite the school mascot and dance the night away using the moves that used to dominate the dance floor. 
• Bring back childhood memories by serving cake similar to that from another birthday, such as a clown cake or a Barbie doll cake. Play some favorite games from childhood, such as Twister and Spin the Bottle.
• Throw a dress-up party. Pirate themes and rodeo clowns are always fun. Decide on a theme and dress accordingly. When deciding on a theme, it's best to go with something that is part of the birthday guy or gal's life. For instance, if he is into rodeos, then rodeo clowns would be perfect. For authenticity, hold the party in a barn or paddock with real cattle on hand. Send invitations out well in advance and clearly note that guests are expected to be dressed according to the theme. Purchase a few accent pieces to carry the theme throughout the party, as well. 

As birthdays go, the 30^th is either very calm or completely over the top. If you're hosting a calm party, you needn't worry about alcohol being an issue or the party getting out of hand. If everyone's in a mood to celebrate to excess, make sure you have a handle on the drinks and the driving. If you're holding a dress up party, the host or hostess should have several masks or accessories on hand for guests who forget to dress the part.