10 Unforgettable 30th Birthday Party Ideas

Your 30th birthday is fast approaching, and it’s time to get serious about the celebrations with these amazing 30th birthday party ideas. We’ve scoured the internet to bring to you an eclectic mix of party ideas for the big day!

You might have mixed feelings about this milestone birthday! But no matter how you’re feeling about the day we’ve got several exciting 30th birthday party ideas for you! Whether you’re throwing a big bash or you just want to spend a fun evening with your family and friends, keep scrolling to learn more.

1. 80s Theme

People who are turning 30 these days were, by definition, born in the 80s, and presumably spent at least part of their childhood growing up in that wonderful neon decade. So what better way to celebrate a 30th birthday then with an 80s themed party?

This 30th birthday theme is perfect for someone who has maintained a collection of 80s memorabilia from their own childhoods, although it would also be possible to recreate an entire collection by scouring op shops and keeping an eye on eBay. Think VHS tapes of unforgettable 80s movies, typical 80s candy, plus stereotypical 80s tech like brick sized mobile phones, cassette tapes, 3 1/2 inch floppy disks, joysticks, Walkmans, and greyscale Nintendo Gameboys.

2. Dirty 30

You know what rhymes really well with 30? Dirty. While researching this article we were surprised to find that Dirty 30 parties are becoming more and more popular. Of course, there are two ways of interpreting the word ‘dirty’; you could go with the soil connotation and make cupcakes with gummy worms or lolly snakes, and edible dirt deserts. Or you could go with a debauchery type theme, but we’ll leave that to your imagination.

3. Travel Party

If you’ve spent most of your 20s jet setting around the globe and are looking forward to even more travel in your 30s, these ultra cute suitcase themed party favours will be the perfect accompaniment to your 30th birthday party.

4. Balloon Chandelier

Who doesn’t love balloons? This 30th birthday party idea is super cute, and will make for some beautiful mementos, too! We would wager that at least a dozen evenings in your youth were spent sucking helium with your friends and giggling uncontrollably.

This DIY balloon chandelier idea is a fantastic way of displaying photos from your past in the ultimate helium balloon chandelier. Click here for the tutorial from Wedding Chicks.

5. DIY Photo Collage

If you’re happy to stick your hardcopy photos directly on the wall, consider displaying them by spelling out the number 30. This is an effective 30th birthday party decoration idea. And, from a distance, its very eye catching! Pouring over your old photos will give your guests something to do and an opportunity to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

6. Professional Photo Collage

For an infinitely more professional photo collage without the price tag (and if you’re not that keen on sticking your original hardcopy photos directly on your wall) order a professional themed photo collage from Canvas Factory. Simply upload your photos and we’ll take care of the rest, guaranteeing you the perfect wall decoration for your 30th birthday party.

7. Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga! The name itself even sounds like fun. A DIY giant Jenga game is easy and inexpensive to make, and is sure to be a hit at your party. Everyone can get involved, from young to old, and it’s sure to get plenty of laughs.

8. Grumpy Old Men

Some people breeze through the transition from 20 to 30 effortlessly. For other people, it’s the start of back pain, complaining about the youth of today, and taking several attempts to get up out of a comfortable chair.

A ‘Grumpy Old Men’ party theme is a bit of fun, really, and can go down incredibly well if everyone is on board and willing to stay in character. Get everyone to dress up with outfits, walking canes and all. Then, organise some fun activities and don’t forget to take plenty of photos!

9. Retro Games Party

If you ask someone their favourite retro game, you’ll probably hear Twister, Monopoly, and the classic favourite, Scrabble. A Twister-style game can be easily created for an outdoor party by spray-painting different coloured circles directly on the grass. Create your own spinner, or use a spinner from an old original Twister game, and you’ve got an outdoor party game to keep guests happy for hours.

10. Classic Pink and Gold Theme

We’ll round out this list of 30th birthday party ideas with something a little more stylish and elegant. This pink and gold themed 30th birthday party is the epitome of style and class. Create this look with as much metallic gold as you can find, combined with tea light candles and sparkling wine. You could also set up black poster board with gold metallic permanent markers for people to write their birthday wishes.

Ready to celebrate? Hopefully one of these 30th party ideas will be exactly what you’ve been looking for. And once the big event is over and you’re well and truly in your 30s, click here to upload your favourite photos from the big event. We can turn them into stunning canvas wall art for your home. Or, it could make a fabulous 30th birthday gift.