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 cocktail. 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 cocktails, so stay on theme organise some cocktails 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 cocktails, 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 cocktails 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!

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (2)

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!

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (3)

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.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (4)

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).

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (5)

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!

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (6)

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.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (7)

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.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (9)

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.

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (11)

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?

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (12)

27. Get fancy

Demonstrate your maturity and organise classy canapés and cocktails 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).

30 Of The Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas For Your Celebration - Style Events (13)

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 cocktails 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 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.

What is the purpose of a 21st birthday party? ›

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. Given Australia has inherited much from American culture, it's no surprise we've adopted this as well.

What can you do at 21 years old? ›

21 Things You Need To Do While You're 21
  • Buy yourself a drink you've never had. ...
  • Visit a place you've never been. ...
  • Update your wardrobe. ...
  • Show appreciation towards your parents/guardians. ...
  • Write a letter to yourself in ten years. ...
  • Invest your money. ...
  • Get in touch with a long lost friend from high school.
18 Dec 2014

How do you end a 21st speech? ›

You finish your toast by holding up your glass, saying something like 'Here's to the birthday boy/girl' and inviting everyone in attendance to drink to their honour. This absolutely, most importantly, includes the guest of honour.

How do you end a birthday speech? ›

conclusion - You may want to end with a toast. You can sum up the speech, thank everyone again and congratulate the guest of honor, or toast to the honoree's health.

What makes a good birthday speech? ›

Leave on a High Note

Remember, your speech is meant to honor and celebrate someone on a momentous occasion. Don't ramble or get muddled with complex topics. Keep the general tone light and celebratory. Be sure to tell the person a happy birthday and thank the person who invited you to speak.

What are 21st birthday traditions? ›

21 Drinks. One of the most popular, and most dangerous, of American 21st birthday rituals is the concept of 21 drinks. The basic premise is that the newly minted 21 year old consume 21 drinks over the course of the evening.

What do you write in a 21st key? ›

Funny Things To Write In A 21st Birthday Card
  1. Enjoy turning 21 today - it's all downhill from now on!
  2. By 21, Jane Austen had written Pride and Prejudice. ...
  3. By 21, Steve Jobs had founded Apple. ...
  4. You're 21! ...
  5. 21 years of being a muppet.
  6. 21 looks good on you.
  7. Look out world, here you come!
  8. 21 today!
19 Nov 2021

What is 21st birthday called? ›

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

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 amusement park.
4 Aug 2022

What time should a 21st birthday start? ›

Usually, starting between 8-9pm is ideal. It'll give you time to serve food, enjoy some entertainment and get on the dance floor without it getting too late in the night. And if you're not done dancing when the party draws to a close, you can always continue your birthday celebrations at a bar or club.

How do you celebrate your 21st birthday with your family? ›

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

How I celebrate my birthday essay in English? ›

My birthday is the most special day in my life. I love my birthday since my parents give me gifts on that day. I cut a cake and have a party with all my friends. This year I got a bicycle for my birthday, and it is the best gift I have received so far!

How do you throw a great party? ›

9 Ways To Throw A Successful Party
  1. Create an Enticing Invitation. Your invitations must make an impact! ...
  2. Invite an Interesting Group of Guests. ...
  3. Use Festive Décor. ...
  4. Lighting is Super Important. ...
  5. Create a Lively Playlist. ...
  6. Incorporate Thoughtful Details. ...
  7. Offer Mouthwatering Food. ...
  8. Serve a Mix of Cocktails.
1 Jun 2021

Can a 21 year old be with a 16 year old? ›

There aren't any laws around being in a non-sexual relationship where one person is under 18 and the other over. Once you turn 16 it's not illegal for someone to have sex with you no matter how old they are.

Are you mature at 21? ›

But emerging science about brain development suggests that most people don't reach full maturity until the age 25.

Is a 21 year old considered a teenager? ›

A teenager, or teen, is someone who is between 13 and 19 years old. They are called teenagers because their age number ends with the suffix "teen". The word "teenager" is often associated with adolescence. Most neurologists consider the brain still developing into the persons early or mid-20s.

How do you begin a speech? ›

Here are seven effective methods to open a speech or presentation:
  1. Quote. Opening with a relevant quote can help set the tone for the rest of your speech. ...
  2. “What If” Scenario. Immediately drawing your audience into your speech works wonders. ...
  3. “Imagine” Scenario. ...
  4. Question. ...
  5. Silence. ...
  6. Statistic. ...
  7. Powerful Statement/Phrase.
7 Apr 2015

How do you write a party speech? ›

Here's my favorite way to organize an entertaining speech:
  1. Open with an anecdote. ...
  2. Explain the point of the anecdote. ...
  3. Beef up your theme with additional anecdotes. ...
  4. Conclude by restating your central point.
  5. Finish with a great anecdote to ensure a memorable ending.

How would you describe a birthday party? ›

We welcomed her with the birthday song and hugs from everyone. We all had an amazing time at the party. Everybody socialized, we played party games, danced and had a lot of fun throughout the evening. The best part was the fact that everyone was happy with the celebration and there were smiles all around me.

How can I be thankful for birthday wishes? ›

Thank you so much for all the thoughtful words and amazing messages you have given me on my birthday. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends. You really made my day great. Happy day indeed!

How do you write a speech? ›

To structure your speech and make it easy for your audience to understand your point, split it into three sections: Introduction, main body, and conclusion. In each section you're trying to achieve a different aim: In the Introduction, your aim is to tell your audience who you are and what you're talking about.

How do you say my birthday in English? ›

Speaking dates

My birthday is on the 7th of January.” or “My birthday is on January the 7th.”

What to say in a birthday thank you speech? ›

I thank you all for making this day special with all these lovely gifts. My birthday is certainly is a very special day in my life. What makes it really special is the presence of all the guests who are here to show me just how much they love me. Once again, I would like you to know just how thankful I am.

How do you toast a birthday speech? ›

Social Etiquette : How to Give a Birthday Toast - YouTube

What is the best quotes for birthday? ›

Short & Sweet Happy Birthday Messages
  • Hope all your birthday wishes come true.
  • You bring light and love into my life. ...
  • Forget the past; look forward to the future, for the best things are yet to come.
  • Life is a journey. ...
  • Happy birthday! ...
  • You have to get older, but you don't have to grow up.
  • Happy moments.
30 Nov 2021

What is a bigger birthday 18 or 21? ›

The 18th birthday is more important because it marks the beginning of adulthood. Another thing is the 21st birthday is important because in some countries it marks the beginning of the legal drinking age.

Why do men debut at 21? ›

The celebration of debut in the Philippines has much to do with Spanish influence. It is of note however that 21 is considered the age of independence in several countries. It is possible that this might be the reason for the designating male debut at 21 years.

What does a 21st key symbolizes? ›

Key pendants are customarily given as a present on the 21st birthday. This tradition dates from the times when at twenty-one, you were considered old enough to be a key-holder to your family's home, and thus hold a symbolical 'senior' position in the family.

How do you wish someone a 21st birthday? ›

Here are some 21st birthday messages that communicate heartfelt wishes.
  1. Happy 21st Birthday! ...
  2. Hope your birthday is twenty-onederful!
  3. May your 21st birthday be as fun and amazing as you are.
  4. Congratulations on 21 years of awesomeness… and counting.
  5. Congratulations on reaching another one of life's big milestones.

What does it mean to be 21 years old? ›

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.

What are the most important birthdays? ›

Milestone birthdays are those special landmark ages which are deserving of a little more attention than a simple card and cake.
...
What are the milestone birthdays?
  • 30th birthday.
  • 40th birthday.
  • 50th birthday.
  • 60th birthday.
  • 70th birthday.
  • 80th birthday.
  • 90th birthday.
  • 100th birthday.
22 Jul 2020

What year makes me 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. Otherwise, you were born in 1999.

Is 30 a big birthday? ›

By age 30, it is believed that one has overcome the restlessness, inhibitions of the 20's. Perceptions and outlook on issues acquire a certain level of definiteness. Thirty is an age when people are unofficially old. People no longer feel young at thirty, so, they may get motivated to live life to the fullest.

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

Fun Ways to Celebrate your 21st Birthday without Alcohol
  • Let your inner child loose. ...
  • Write your hopes and dreams. ...
  • Paintball is a great activity that will allow you to be competitive with friends and strangers.
  • Go to a different hotel each day for a week. ...
  • Spike some adrenaline. ...
  • Splurge. ...
  • Host a theme party.

How much should I spend on my 21st birthday? ›

According to the venue booking team at VenueNow, the average 'low' budget for a 21st birthday is around $1,000 or $2,000. That might sound high, but don't fret – more often than not, you won't have to pay that amount upfront. In fact, you'll probably just have to pay a small deposit.

How do high school students celebrate birthdays? ›

7 Ideas for Student Birthdays in the Classroom
  1. Birthday Crowns. Start the day off with a smile by greeting the birthday child with a special birthday crown or hat. ...
  2. Birthday Balloons & Desk Decorations. ...
  3. Birthday Tickets. ...
  4. Great Things About You. ...
  5. Video Greetings. ...
  6. Birthday Bags. ...
  7. Birthday Sing-Along.

How do 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 amusement park.
4 Aug 2022

How do you celebrate your 21st birthday with your family? ›

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 I do for my 21st birthday without alcohol? ›

Non-Alcoholic 21st Birthday Gift Ideas
  • A personalized star map. This gift idea is so unique and personal! ...
  • A birthday candle. Consider customizing a candle label! ...
  • Color themed gift baskets. ...
  • A teeth whitening kit! ...
  • A self-care kit. ...
  • Rent a party bus. ...
  • Have a baking/cooking competition. ...
  • Source: Pixabay.
3 May 2022

What is 21st birthday called? ›

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

What is the Colour 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.

How do high school students celebrate birthdays? ›

7 Ideas for Student Birthdays in the Classroom
  1. Birthday Crowns. Start the day off with a smile by greeting the birthday child with a special birthday crown or hat. ...
  2. Birthday Balloons & Desk Decorations. ...
  3. Birthday Tickets. ...
  4. Great Things About You. ...
  5. Video Greetings. ...
  6. Birthday Bags. ...
  7. Birthday Sing-Along.

What can I do for my birthday at home? ›

Birthday Ideas at Home Conclusion
  • Host a Zoom Party.
  • Throw a Netflix Party.
  • Make a Video Montage.
  • Send a Birthday Hamper.
  • Have a Video Game Night.
  • Board Game Night.
  • DIY Spa Day.
  • At Home Bar Crawl.
5 Jul 2021

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 to do for someone's birthday who doesn't drink? ›

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 amusement park. ...
  • Leave for a camping trip. ...
  • Take the day off. ...
  • Plan a food crawl.
18 Mar 2019

What can you do with your friends without drinking? ›

29 Fun Things to do Without Alcohol
  1. Get out into nature. Go camping. ...
  2. Take in some culture. Take a night tour of a museum or art gallery. ...
  3. Enjoy some sport. Watch a sporting event – there's always something on in Australia! ...
  4. Party at home. Host a themed movie night. ...
  5. Get your game on! ...
  6. Expand your horizons.
19 May 2020

What are 21st birthday traditions? ›

21 Drinks. One of the most popular, and most dangerous, of American 21st birthday rituals is the concept of 21 drinks. The basic premise is that the newly minted 21 year old consume 21 drinks over the course of the evening.

What are the most important birthdays? ›

Milestone birthdays are those special landmark ages which are deserving of a little more attention than a simple card and cake.
...
What are the milestone birthdays?
  • 30th birthday.
  • 40th birthday.
  • 50th birthday.
  • 60th birthday.
  • 70th birthday.
  • 80th birthday.
  • 90th birthday.
  • 100th birthday.
22 Jul 2020

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