30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (2024)

1. Black and White

If you want your 21st to be a classy and totally insta worthy affair, a black and white theme is a great way to go. This dress code is easy to abide and will ensure all your guests look their very chicest. By wearing red you can be sure that no matter what you are always the center of attention. Now that you’re nearly 21 it’s time to put away the cruisers and get yourself a co*cktail. Speak to a bartender about designing some signature drinks for your big event.

2. Latin Fiesta

Latin Fiestas are having a moment on the 21st birthday party scene and for good reason. A fiesta is a fun and colourful celebration that your friends and family will love. For your 21st Fiesta decorate your event space with as much colour as possible. Organise a variety of Latin inspired dishes bursting with exotic flavours to be served to you and your guests. It wouldn’t be a 21st birthday party without co*cktails, so stay on theme organise some co*cktails that incorporate the popular Central and South American spirit ‘mezcal’.

3. Weekend Away

Why have a birthday party when you can have a birthday weekend? Gather the gang and head to the coast for a luxurious couple of days spent relaxing on world-class beaches and evenings hanging out at the wide range of quality restaurants and bars the area has to offer. If you’ve got a big group, you may want to consider hiring out a waterfront property via Airbnb. This is surprisingly affordable with a big enough group.

4. Spit Roast

Having your 21st in your private home is a great way to ensure every element of your big night is exactly how you like it without the restrictions of a commercial venue. Just because you are hosting your party at home, doesn’t mean you can and your guest shouldn’t feast like you’re at a five star venue. Fire Cue provides catering to private events and will bring an incredible Latin style spit roast right to your door. This exotic catering choice is sure to have your friends talking long after the hangovers subside.

5. Luxurious Pool Party

If you happen to be a summer baby, a pool party is a unique way to celebrate turning 21. We’re not talking about a kids pool party in the backyard with games and your Dad on the BBQ, we’re talking a Malibu style luxury Pool Party with co*cktails, a DJ and possibly a buffet style food station with plenty of light and refreshing summer dishes.

6. Go Glamping

For those who love the outdoors, glamping or camping could be the ultimate 21st experience. Or if actually glamping is too much, stick to a glamping inspired party theme. Pick an outdoors destination and light up the space with festoon lights. Set up teepees, place rugs and throw cushions on the ground around low slung tables. Organise a live musician for the start of the night and then switch to big speakers and the ipod later on when the dancing begins. Have a BBQ going with grilled meats, burger stations and salad bars. Don’t forget the pièce de résistance; a blazing campfire.

7. Intimate Feast

There are only so many 21st birthday parties you can attend before the stock standard over crowded, booze filled events get a little old. Why not treat your best friends to an intimate dinner instead? Set up a drinks tab, fuel your guests with co*cktails and a range of share platters and laugh the night away. There’s nothing better than a good meal with great friends. Book out a table at Fire Cue and we’ll design an exquisite menu to suit your taste.

8. Space cowboys

Celebrate your 21st in style with this super fun dress up theme. In honour of an NSYNC classic, think glitter, colored cowboy hats, boots, fun outfits, mesh. Get creative with your friends and design your own outfits. Then dance the night away to groovy tunes, be sure to have a photographer or photobooth present to capture all the awesome outfits.

Your 21st birthday party is a special occasion. While you may want it to be classier than your 18th, this may be your last chance to party like a teenager before your next milestone birthday (the dreaded 30th) rolls around. To make your 21st birthday one to remember we have 21 tips to help you celebrate!

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (1)

9. Plan Your Birthday Party theme

You only turn 21 once, have fun with it! Set your 21st birthday party theme to something that’s all about you, whether you create the ultimate function club andall your friends dress up as something beginning with the first letter of your name or something/someone from the year you were born to celebrate you and your big day!

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10. Start Early: Birthday eve

One of our favourite 21st birthday party ideas: Take a practice run and host a pre-party on the eve of your 21st birthday! You’ve got all day to recover before you do it all over again for your actual 21st birthday party!

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11. Hottest 21

Dedicate your 21st birthday party to the things you love! Have a “Hottest 21” countdown of your favourite 21 songs. You’ll be guaranteed to spend the night on the dance floor showing your friends just how well you can move.

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12. 21 Drinks

Now, we’re not recommending that you do this in the space of a few hours. Start your 21st birthday off with a champagne breakfast, make your way to some lunchtime mimosas and see if you can get through 21 drinks before midnight (or before passing out, whichever comes first).

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13. Invitation Ideas

Make your 21st birthday invitations kooky enough that nobody will want to miss it. You can write a riddle that your friends will have to solve to figure out the party details or just get crafty and make them on the back of cut outs of your face.

14. Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of 21 tasks to complete before the night is up for you and your friends at your 21st birthday party. The tasks can be simple enough that they can be performed at the bar, the losers have to buy the winner a drink!

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15. Decorate Your Function Space

Once you’ve finished searching for the top function room reviews, design your function spaceyour own by hanging 21st birthday decorations everywhere. Create a photo timeline or slideshow, cover the place in balloons and lanterns to make the party truly your own.

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16. Digital birthday cards

In lieu of birthday cards, organise a responsible person (i.e mum or dad) to go around the party videoing your friends wishing you a happy 21st birthday. The messages are bound to get funnier through the night.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (8)

17. Memory jar

Have an empty box, blank paper and pens set up somewhere at your 21st birthday party and instruct all of your friends to write down a funny or nice memory they have with you, you can read out them out later in the night for some laughs and “awws”.

18. Disposable cameras

Place disposable cameras around the party so that people can snap away throughout the night and document your 21st birthday party! This is bound to have funny results that, unlike a bad iPhone selfie or snapchat story, can’t be deleted.

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19. Get Supplies

Don’t go in unprepared, make sure you stock up on 21st birthday supplies so that you’re ready for whatever the night throws at you. Tissues for those heart-warming speeches, a sick bag for the next morning and a pizza ready in the fridge for when you stumble home at the end of the night with the munchies.

20. For girls

For a truly girly girl’s 21st birthday, pamper yourself! Get your hair, makeup and nails done. Splurge on that dress you love so that you can look and feel like the party princess you are for the big night!

21. For guys

Guys can pamper themselves too, but if that’s not your idea of fun, you can have more of a “blokey” guy’s 21st birthday by doing whatever you fancy, whether it’s catching an afternoon game or sinking some pre-party beers with your mates.

22. Gifts

You’re probably going to get some pretty special gifts for your 21st birthday but if you’re worried you won’t get that special something you have your eye on, start dropping subtle hints to your friends and family leading up to the big day so that your 21st birthday presents won’t end up getting returned.

23. Games

A fun way to make your 21st birthday unique is to play some games that will not only show how much your friends all know and care about you but will also give you a walk down memory lane. Think up some games that will test your friends’ knowledge of how well they really know you.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (10)

24. Karaoke

Hire a karaoke machine and get ready to belt out all your favourite songs! Not only is karaoke lots of fun but you can totally embarrass your friends when it comes to their 21st birthday with the sneaky footage you took when it was their turn behind the mic.

25. Party X

Attach a go pro to your person or place it somewhere in the venue at your 21st birthday party or even just tell everyone to take lots of videos. You may not want to watch the footage the next day though, or ever.

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26. Birth-weekend Bender

You only turn 21 once, you may as well milk it for all it’s got! Three nights of partying means triple the fun, right?

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27. Get fancy

Demonstrate your maturity and organise classy canapés and co*cktails at the venue for your 21st birthday party so that you can look the part of being a legal adult (even if you don’t quite feel like it yet).

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28. Don’t get fancy

Totally disregard tip #19 and embrace your youth before it disappears forever! Turn those canapés into mini cheeseburgers and swap those co*cktails for beers! It’s your 21st birthday party, you can act however you want!

29. Hire An Epic Venue

A killer party calls for the perfect 21st birthday venue: somewhere that will cater to your needs for your special night, is in the perfect spot for all your guests to access and has beautiful big function rooms to fit in all your guests with plenty of room for dancing, like the Pineapple Hotel!

So now you’ve got some ideas on how to make sure your 21st birthday party goes off without a hitch and you and all your guests will all have a blast! Book a function room for the big night at the Pineapple Hotel now and talk to them about your ideas, they’ll be happy to do whatever they can to make your night special and all about you!

30. Bonus: Arrive By Helicopter

Take a scenic tourwith your best friends and capture spectacular sights of the city, then amaze your guests and arrive at your 21st birthday party by helicopter!

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (2024)

FAQs

How can I celebrate my birthday style? ›

Decide On The Style Of Festivities
  1. Go on a holiday or surprise your partner with a romantic trip.
  2. Send a bouquet of flowers to your partner's workplace.
  3. Invite some friends over for a night of board games.
  4. Treat your girlfriend to a wine tasting tour.
  5. Take your husband on a romantic picnic.

How can I make my 21st birthday special at home? ›

21st Birthday Party Ideas at Home
  1. Try an Online Cooking Class. Celebrating a milestone can be challenging with friends and family unable to gather together in person. ...
  2. Have a Virtual Wine Tasting. ...
  3. Try an Online Mixology Class. ...
  4. Try an Online Coffee Class. ...
  5. Throw a House Party. ...
  6. Throw a Themed Party.
28 Sept 2021

What can you do when your 21? ›

21 Ways to Celebrate Your 21st Birthday
  1. House Party. Gather up a bunch of your friends, and throw a (responsible) house party to celebrate your big day! ...
  2. Hotel Party. This should be for your close friends only. ...
  3. Casino. ...
  4. Clubbing. ...
  5. Bar Hopping. ...
  6. Paint Wine Glasses. ...
  7. Trip with Friends. ...
  8. 21 Selfie Challenge.

Why is 21 a special birthday? ›

In the U.S. the legal age for drinking, smoking, and entering nightclubs is 21. So the 21st birthday is a significant turning point for a young adult as they're now able to partake in more adult activities, legally.

Which dress is best for birthday? ›

The safest option to dress up for special occasions has been either a maxi dress or a gown. Hands down some of the classiest and the chicest birthday party outfits for ladies.

How do you make a party fun for adults? ›

20 Fun Things to Do at Any Party
  1. 01 of 20. Have a Themed Dance-Off. ...
  2. 02 of 20. Plan an At-Home Trivia Night. ...
  3. 03 of 20. Opt for Board Games. ...
  4. 04 of 20. Turn Your Place into a Casino. ...
  5. 05 of 20. On a Budget? ...
  6. 06 of 20. Put on a Scavenger Hunt. ...
  7. 07 of 20. Throw a Pizza or Cheeseboard Making Party. ...
  8. 08 of 20.
5 Jul 2022

What is 30 years birthday called? ›

Pearl Ivory

How can I celebrate my 30th birthday at home? ›

Pop some popcorn, play a movie trivia game, and get out the portable screen for movie night in the backyard. It's time to bring out your best dance moves! Set up some speakers and have a dance party with your BFFs. If people want to celebrate from far away, they can virtually join in the dancing fun through Zoom.

What are some good 21st birthday themes? ›

21st birthday ideas: themes, invites and gifts
  • Casino.
  • Masquerade.
  • Around the world.
  • Carnival.
  • 21 favourite things.
  • Arabian nights.
  • Metallic.
  • Black and white (wear red to really stand out)
10 Aug 2017

How can I celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday? ›

12 Spectacular 21st Birthday Ideas For Your Daughter
  1. Spa day. Source: Peerspace. ...
  2. Wine tasting birthday party. Source: Peerspace. ...
  3. You don't have to drink. Source: Peerspace. ...
  4. Parent-daughter photoshoot. Source: Peerspace. ...
  5. Vacation. Source: Peerspace. ...
  6. Take a cooking class together. ...
  7. Road trip. ...
  8. A day at the amusem*nt park.
4 Aug 2022

What can I do for my 21st birthday without drinking? ›

Here are some fun things you can do to make your 21st special, without alcohol:
  • Go for a hike. ...
  • Book a hotel pool day pass. ...
  • Go to a concert. ...
  • Picnic in the park. ...
  • Meet for coffee. ...
  • Go on a food truck crawl. ...
  • Head to the movies. ...
  • Travel.
26 Jul 2021

Are you mature at 21? ›

Under most laws, young people are recognized as adults at age 18. But emerging science about brain development suggests that most people don't reach full maturity until the age 25.

What can I do at 22? ›

22 Things to Do As a 22 Year Old
  • Write More. Much has been said about the benefits of writing. ...
  • Communicate better with friends and family. ...
  • Draw more frequently. ...
  • Make TONNES of mistakes. ...
  • Provide value to those in contact with me. ...
  • Travel and experience more. ...
  • Meet more people. ...
  • Volunteer more.
3 Jan 2016

Is 21 considered old? ›

Adulthood is commonly thought of as beginning at age 20 or 21 years. Middle age, commencing at about 40 years, is followed by old age at about 60 years.

How do you start a 21st birthday speech? ›

Thank the Key Players

It is good to start your speech by thanking all the guests for coming. Make sure that you thank the host and let everyone know that you appreciate their efforts. After all, gratitude nurtures your relationships.

Why is 21 key of the door? ›

We all know the famous ditty: 'I've got the key of the door, never been 21 before! ' But what exactly does it mean? The 21st birthday signified the start of an adult life and the independence it brings with it. Traditionally when a person became 21 he or she would leave the parental home for pastures new.

What is a 21st birthday called? ›

The 21st birthday, often called 'coming of age', once had special significance.

What should I do on my last minute birthday? ›

10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All
  • Pick A Theme, And Get Dressed Up For Dinner. ...
  • Host A Nostalgic Game Night. ...
  • Have A Cake Decorating Party. ...
  • Embark On A Dessert Crawl Around The City. ...
  • Have A Movie-Montage-Worthy Shopping Spree. ...
  • Hit Up The Bowling Alley. ...
  • Take A Swing Dancing Class.
24 Jan 2019

How should a woman dress for a party? ›

The only thing you probably have to remember is that it is not your birthday and so you don't have to steal the thunder. A crop top and skirt, ripped jeans and shirt, one piece boho dress, hot pants or skinny jeans with a leather jacket, etc. are interesting choices.

Can we wear black on birthday? ›

It is a common misconception that wearing a dark or black color on your birthday will bring you bad luck. Don't believe it and celebrate your birthday in whichever color you like. You can wear it at your birthday party, wedding, office, graduation ceremony, etc.

How do you make a party Unforgettable? ›

10 Amazing Tips To Throw An Unforgettable Party Without Any Stress
  1. Create a Guest List. ...
  2. Remember to Send Invites to the Guests. ...
  3. Decide on a theme in advance. ...
  4. Make Proper Arrangements. ...
  5. Order Your drinks in advance. ...
  6. Make a Checklist. ...
  7. Plan a budget and Follow it. ...
  8. Choose a Food Menu.
9 Jun 2022

What are 30th birthday colors? ›

Burgundy is one of the most popular colors for 30th birthday decorations/fall birthday parties decor.

Why is 30 a special birthday? ›

30th birthday is considered a milestone birthday. When you turn 30, you are believed to be more mature, more responsible, and wise enough to take all important decisions of your life. Celebrating the 30th birthday can be tough for some people because they think that they are not young any longer.

What is dirty30 birthday? ›

The Urban Dictionary defines the “dirty 30s” as the age at which single women without children realize that their biological clock is ticking and, as a consequence, may lower their standards … in order to find a mate.” Hah.

What does age 30 represent? ›

The 30th birthday heralds one's adult status with measured indulgence. In the Bible time, the age of 30 is a year of a major breakthrough when some certain individual came into limelight and begin to reign. For instance, at age 30 Joseph the 11th child of Jacob became a Prime Minister in Egypt (Gen. 41:46).

How do I celebrate my girlfriend's 30th birthday? ›

PureWow
  1. 30 Unique 30th Birthday Ideas So You Can Celebrate with the Best Party Ever. By Alexia Dellner. ...
  2. Do a Virtual Wine Tasting. ...
  3. Take a Brewery Tour. ...
  4. Host a Brunch. ...
  5. Try an Escape Room. ...
  6. Visit a Theme Park. ...
  7. Spend the Night in a Hotel with Your Best Friends. ...
  8. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke.
19 Jan 2022

How can I surprise my wife on his 30th birthday? ›

Here are a few ideas to surprise your wife, especially on her birthday, that will make her smile and love you all the more:
  1. Gift her a memory wall: ...
  2. Pamper spa session gift: ...
  3. Gift her a makeover: ...
  4. A funky haircut: ...
  5. Special birthday jewelry: ...
  6. Bake a birthday cake: ...
  7. Fun day out with friends:
28 Sept 2022

How do you celebrate your 31st birthday? ›

11 Memorable 31st Birthday Ideas To Make This Year Special
  1. Plan a long weekend getaway with your loved ones. ...
  2. Rent a unique venue on Peerspace. ...
  3. Capture moments at the tallest city building during sunset. ...
  4. No workday birthday. ...
  5. A new year, a new look. ...
  6. Celebrate your birthday in nature.
12 Feb 2022

What is the color for 21st birthday? ›

Burgundy is one of the most popular colors for 21st/12th birthday decorations/fall birthday parties decor. Perfect for the 21st birthday party decorations/birthday special day. Variations in color and shape are expected as part of the lovely nature of handcrafted items.

What year were you born to be 21? ›

What year was I born if I'm 21? As for 2021, you were born in 2000 if you've already celebrated your birthday this year.

What should I do for my boyfriends 21st? ›

Ideas for a Boyfriend's 21st Birthday
  • Give your boyfriend a gift set of 21 imported beers to mark his 21st birthday. Image Credit: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images.
  • Date night at a bar. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images.
  • Functional gifts like an mp3 player. ...
  • Fun personalized gifts.

What's your golden birthday? ›

What is a Golden Birthday? Your golden birthday is when the date of your birth coincides with your age. For example, if you were born on October 8, your golden birthday took place when you turned 8. If you were born on December 21, your golden birthday took place when you turned 21.

What can I do for my 21st birthday without drinking? ›

Here are some fun things you can do to make your 21st special, without alcohol:
  • Go for a hike. ...
  • Book a hotel pool day pass. ...
  • Go to a concert. ...
  • Picnic in the park. ...
  • Meet for coffee. ...
  • Go on a food truck crawl. ...
  • Head to the movies. ...
  • Travel.
26 Jul 2021

What should I do for my 21st boy? ›

That's why we put together this guide for insanely fun 21st birthday ideas for guys.
...
Things To Do For Your 21st Birthday
  • Go Out To The Bars. ...
  • Brewery Tour. ...
  • Go Clubbing. ...
  • Go On A Guys Trip. ...
  • Have A Theme Party. ...
  • Go To A Sports Game. ...
  • Do A Pedal Tavern. ...
  • Do A Whiskey Tasting.
14 May 2022

What is 21st birthday called? ›

The 21st birthday, often called 'coming of age', once had special significance.

What should I do for my boyfriends 21st? ›

Ideas for a Boyfriend's 21st Birthday
  • Give your boyfriend a gift set of 21 imported beers to mark his 21st birthday. Image Credit: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images.
  • Date night at a bar. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images.
  • Functional gifts like an mp3 player. ...
  • Fun personalized gifts.

What's your golden birthday? ›

What is a Golden Birthday? Your golden birthday is when the date of your birth coincides with your age. For example, if you were born on October 8, your golden birthday took place when you turned 8. If you were born on December 21, your golden birthday took place when you turned 21.

How do Christians celebrate their 21st birthday? ›

21st Birthday Party Ideas for Christians
  1. Night on the Town. You don't have to drink to have fun in the big city. ...
  2. Dance Club. Being 21 means that you will no longer have to wait until under age nights at local dance clubs. ...
  3. Casino Night. ...
  4. Steak Night.

What can I do for my birthday that doesn't involve alcohol? ›

10 Birthday Party Ideas That Don't Involve Alcohol
  • Drive on a road trip. What's the perfect way to avoid alcohol? ...
  • Host a costume party. Costumes aren't exclusive to Halloween. ...
  • Recreate a childhood party. ...
  • Volunteer at a nonprofit. ...
  • Go to an amusem*nt park. ...
  • Leave for a camping trip. ...
  • Take the day off. ...
  • Plan a food crawl.
18 Mar 2019

What do you get a guy for his 21st birthday? ›

21st Birthday Gifts for Men

Bar tools and glasses are a good fit for this birthday that gives him legal drinking status. Home goods and stylish accessories and apparel are also good choices as this is about the age most men are branching out to live on their own and starting careers.

What can I do for my introvert birthday? ›

Birthday Ideas for Introverts
  • Host A small Gathering. ...
  • Make It A movie Night. ...
  • Skip The Surprise. ...
  • Let The Introvert Help You plan. ...
  • Consider Arranging a Weekend Getaway. ...
  • Celebrate Without A Party. ...
  • Put Party Money Into A Gift. ...
  • Reconfigure The gift Table.

How do you start a 21st birthday speech? ›

Thank the Key Players

It is good to start your speech by thanking all the guests for coming. Make sure that you thank the host and let everyone know that you appreciate their efforts. After all, gratitude nurtures your relationships.

Why is 21 the key to the door? ›

We all know the famous ditty: 'I've got the key of the door, never been 21 before! ' But what exactly does it mean? The 21st birthday signified the start of an adult life and the independence it brings with it. Traditionally when a person became 21 he or she would leave the parental home for pastures new.

What it means to turn 21? ›

Turning 21 means that a person is an adult, at least in the United States. They can buy liquor, drink legally, and are socially considered to be no longer dependent on their parents. Therefore, the 21st birthday is one that many teenagers look forward to, and many celebrate throughoughly.

Why is 21 a special birthday UK? ›

Answer: 21 used to be the age when you were allowed to vote, marry without consent, and join contracts. Although the age for this is now 18, the celebration of turning 21 has never diminished.

What do you get a 21 year old man for Christmas? ›

21 Best Gifts for 21 Year Old Men
  • Finally 21 Can Coolers.
  • Laptop Backpack. ...
  • Personalized Exercise Water Bottle. ...
  • Wallet-Phone Stand. ...
  • Vintage Molnija Space. ...
  • 21st Birthday Shot Glass. ...
  • He Can Finally Drink - Drinking Gift Box.
  • 20-Can Cooler. ...
19 Sept 2022

What should I do for my boyfriends 27th birthday? ›

20 Ideas Of Things To Do For Your Boyfriend's Birthday
  • Go on a brewery tour. Yes, it's a gender-stereotypical way to kick off the list, but it's also a great way to celebrate. ...
  • Host a games night. ...
  • Enjoy a DIY movie night. ...
  • Share a bath. ...
  • Run a co*cktail night. ...
  • Cook together. ...
  • Bust out the video games. ...
  • Go to a sports bar.
2 Aug 2022

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