30th birthday presents, planning, decorations & more for beginning an exciting new chapter in life
Turning 30 is a once in a lifetime milestone. It marks the transition from one’s wild twenties into a new chapter of life full of new experiences and challenges. If you have the task of planning this milestone birthday for someone, you will be faced with the choice of whether it should be a wild party night, a chic celebration or a cosy get-together. We'll show you how to plan the perfect 30th birthday party with creative decorations, delicious food and 30th birthday gift ideas that come from the heart.
Planning the perfect 30th birthday: step-by-step
A 30th birthday is a particularly meaningful day. This special anniversary deserves a party that the person celebrating, and all their guests will remember for years to come! Whether you are planning a chic garden party or a cosy get-together, we’ll give you practical tips to help you plan a 30th birthday.
1. Schedule & invitations for your 30th birthday: when, how and who?
Planning ahead of time is crucial to ensure as many guests as possible can attend:
Let your guests know as early as possible so that everyone can make it. A short message is all that is needed, such as ‘I’m celebrating my 30th birthday, save the date!’.
Send out official invitation 4 weeks before the party. With all the information such as date, time, address, directions and possibly overnight accommodation.
Let guests know what the theme or dress code is. Theme parties, such as ‘The Golden Twenties’, ‘Black & White Party’ or simply chic in pastels, ensure a great ambience and coherent design concept.
2. Budget & location for your 30th birthday party: somewhere to suit you & your guests
Set yourself a realistic budget early on so that everything runs smoothly:
Choice of location: consider how many guests are coming and whether you want to celebrate indoors or outdoors. A suitable location could be at home, a garden, a basement, a club or a hired events' location.
Food & drink: Would you like to prepare the food yourself or get catering? Alternatively, you could organise a bring-along party where everyone contributes something to the buffet, saving you money and time. In this case, you should let all the guests know well in advance.
Drinks: if you're organising the party yourself, it's worth buying drinks on consignment. Think about classics such as sparkling wine, beer and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Decorations & equipment: you will need tablecloths, glasses, lighting, music, and possibly outdoor seating. Use rental services for tables, chairs, decorations and more if you don't have everything yourself.
Book all other services early. Plan and book all other activities and services, such as a DJ, a surprise cake at midnight or any kind of show, as early as possible.
3. Highlights for your 30th birthday
Here are a few little extras you can surprise the celebrant with:
A photo box with accessories for fun group photos
A Polaroid guest book: everyone can take an instant photo of themselves & write their congratulations or a memory on it.
Countdown: a little message each day for the 30 days running up to the actual birthdate.
A playlist with songs from your youth: nostalgia & party atmosphere guaranteed!
Celebrating in a club is perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate their 30th birthday in a laid-back atmosphere without the stress of decorating and catering. Book the location early (at least 6 weeks in advance) and book a VIP table or a lounge so that you have a private area to catch your breath.
30th birthday decorations
Whether you’re planning a big party or a small gathering, the right decorations will make all the difference and will give your 30th birthday party a very special look. Let the theme you have chosen be your inspiration or use the celebrant’s taste as a guide.
Pick a colour scheme for the 30th birthday decorations: think about which colours would suit the party or choose the celebrant’s favourite colour and combine it with silver or gold. This combination is modern and sophisticated without being too formal, which is perfect for a 30th birthday. Use the colour scheme consistently with napkins, candles, balloons, garlands or even in the dress code.
Go for elegant table decorations: an understated table runner, loosely draped and decorated with flowers or confetti, is a great basis. In combination with gold cutlery, fabric napkins and plates in the colour of your choice, the party table will be the centrepiece of your celebration, ideal for dinner parties and buffets.
Tip: Use real flowers or eucalyptus sprigs. They look elegant and naturally beautiful.Think about bold highlights: heaps of balloons with the number 30 or a great photo backdrop are classics par excellence. Combine them with golden streamers, balloons, confetti or fairy lights to create a jovial party atmosphere.
Candy & cupcake bar: a candy bar with beautifully arranged cupcakes, lollipops, macarons and marshmallow skewers on tiered stands is not only a visual highlight, but also a culinary one for all guests.
30th birthday present ideas for heartfelt & creative gifts
A 30th birthday is a very special day and your gift should reflect this. Instead of buying something off the shelf, consider gifting something personal, sentimental or creative. Whether you prefer buying something, making memories together or crafting something yourself, the best 30th birthday gifts are the ones that show you've put thought into them.
Money as a gift for a 30th birthday: creative greeting card “Handle with care”
Money gifts for a 30th birthday don't just have to be hidden in a boring card. This greeting card, made to look like a care label, is both funny and creative. This is a particularly cute gift for fashionistas with the front of the card showing the phrase ‘Handle with care’ and a 30°C washing symbol. You can stick the desired amount of money behind the care label to keep in safe.
How to make a money gift for a 30th birthday
To make this 30th birthday money gift yourself, you can either design the card on your computer or draw it by hand. It's best to use thicker paper so that the card is sturdy and looks great.
Use a crafting knife or a pair of scissors to cut out the number 30 neatly. Leave small strips at the top and bottom of the zero so that the inner circle doesn't get lost.
Place the money on the back so that it can be seen from the front. When you are satisfied, you can carefully attach the money to the back with adhesive tape.
Now cut out a rectangle of white paper that covers the money generously. Apply glue only to the left, right and bottom edges and cover the money. This way, the celebrant can tear open the cover from the top and take out the money.
Finally, write a few kind words and congratulations on the card, and your 30th birthday money gift is ready to go.
30th birthday present: a number 30 made of chocolate with little surprises
This 30th birthday gift idea will be a highlight for chocolate fans and a highlight on any gift table. Peeking out from between the golden chocolates, you can place little surprises such as a voucher, a folded banknote or a written wish. A mug to match the occasion will complement this gift perfectly.
How to make this gift for a 30th birthday
Draw a large 30 on sturdy cardboard and cut it out. Paint the cardboard with yellow paint or stick yellow craft card over it.
Arrange the chocolates or other sweets of your choice and stick them in place with a hot glue gun.
Use long wooden skewers and stick them on the back of the digits to stabilise them.
Cut the adhesive putty to size and stick it into the cup. Now you can stick the bottom of the skewers onto the putty.
Fold banknotes, write kind messages and get other decorations such as vouchers, bows and flowers to round off the 30th birthday present.
More personal 30th birthday present ideas
Give the gift of a shared experience: concert tickets, cooking or a film evening together, excursions, a spa day or a trip to the city
Personalised memories: a photo book, a framed collage with pictures from the last 30 years or “30 reasons why we love you”
Environmentally friendly gifts for a 30th birthday: a tree sponsorship, a sponsorship for an animal or a DIY herb garden
Vouchers: for favourite shops, the cinema, a restaurant or a massage
Stylish everyday items: high-quality fashion accessories, bags or jewellery
Your 30th birthday party style: all you need for the perfect outfit
A milestone birthday is the perfect time to make a fashion statement:
If you're celebrating in style, you can also choose to go a little more glamorous with your outfit! A sparkling midi dress paired with statement earrings makes a lasting impression without looking overdressed. For men, a shirt, smart trousers and sneakers provide a stylish balance between a casual look and party-wear.
If you're having a cosy party at home with friends, go for a cool, casual look. A pair of relaxed-fit trousers, a top with cut-outs or a simple dress are the right choice here. Men can opt for chinos and a button-down shirt.
Conclusion: 30 is the new 20 – only better!
By the time you turn 30, you may have established a solid basis but might still be looking for new adventures and challenges. To celebrate this milestone in style, this birthday deserves a special party that suits the celebrant. Something creative, planned with care and with that little something extra is fitting for this milestone birthday. With the right dose of planning and attention to detail, your 30th birthday will be an unforgettable experience. Then all that's left to do is turn on the music, switch on the fairy lights and celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in style!
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order
Cover photo: New Africa – stock.adobe.com
1st image in text: Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
All other images in text: C&A