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!

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 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).

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 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 do you organize a 21st birthday party? ›

7 tips for planning your 21st Birthday Party
  1. Pick a theme for your 21st Birthday Party. ...
  2. Plan the date for your 21st Birthday Party. ...
  3. Book the venue for your 21st Birthday Party. ...
  4. Invitation lists 21st Birthday Party. ...
  5. Feed 'em. ...
  6. Decorate the room for your 21st birthday. ...
  7. Entertain them at your 21st Birthday.

What do 21 year olds do for fun? ›

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

How do I celebrate my daughters 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 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? ›

Here, the 21st birthday is typically known as the 'crown year,' because supposedly this is the year in which young adults start being treated like kings and queens.

What is special about 21st birthday? ›

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 can I do instead of a party? ›

30 things to do instead of going to a party
  • Breathe in the fresh air (that is, wearing a mask if you are within six feet of another).
  • Watch a TV show. ...
  • Eat dinner.
  • Or if it's breakfast, eat breakfast. ...
  • Learn the hand jive.
  • Tell all your friends what kind of dog you think they look like.
  • Read a book for once in your life.
19 Sept 2020

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 you throw a 21st birthday party on a budget? ›

8 Tips Plan A Great Party On A Budget
  1. Location, Location, Location. The first step is to choose a totally free location to have your party. ...
  2. Bake The Cake. ...
  3. Quick and Easy Hors-d'Oeuvres. ...
  4. Keep Your Candles. ...
  5. Rent What You Don't Have. ...
  6. Creative And Fun Party Games. ...
  7. Chill On Decorations. ...
  8. Personal And Experiential Gifts.
11 Jul 2019

How do you have a good MC at a birthday party? ›

Generally, people are in good spirits during a birthday party, but the MC will chime in as necessary to add excitement to the celebration. This may include exhibiting a lively and upbeat personality with every announcement and using well-timed humor during ceremonies.

Is a 21 year old still a child? ›

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as, "A human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.” This is ratified by 192 of 194 member countries.

Why is 21 the age of adulthood? ›

Because that's when people get to vote. Suffrage has long been tied to adulthood and the age of majority in the United States. Before the passage of the 26th Amendment in 1971, 21 was the minimum voting age in most states—and thus served as the age of adulthood in most areas of law.

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. Variations in color and shape are expected as part of the lovely nature of handcrafted items.

What should I say to my daughter on her 21st birthday? ›

21st Birthday Messages for Girls
  • If there's one person who makes me want to live for 1000 more years, it's you. Happy birthday my girl!
  • The world is a much more beautiful place with you in it. I'm really glad you were born. ...
  • Happy 21st! ...
  • Many congratulations on your 21st! ...
  • 21 looks absolutely beautiful on you.
8 Jul 2022

What do adults do for fun without alcohol? ›

Read a book. Play a board game. Try a new nonalcoholic drink. Attend an exercise class.

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

What is the symbol of the key for 21st birthday? ›

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.

What does a 21st key symbolizes? ›

So goes the old song, but why is a person's 21st birthday so special? The 'key to the door' signified the reaching of adulthood and the independence that brought with it. Of course it is not so significant these days, as the age of majority in the UK was revised down to 18 by the Family Law Reform Act of 1969.

What do you say in a 21st birthday speech? ›

For a truly unique birthday speech, consider writing a list of 21 "things" about your friend or family member. This could be related to anything; for example, you could talk about 21 funny moments in their life or 21 things you love about him or her.

What is more important 18th or 21st birthday? ›

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.

What do you say in a birthday speech? ›

Mention any special circ*mstances, like an age milestone, how many people are there, or the setting of the party. Summarize the honoree's interests, talents, achievements, or hobbies. A very brief summary of his or her life could work, too.

What is a milestone birthday? ›

(also landmark birthday) a special birthday such as your 18th, 21st, 30th, or 40th birthday: Jack was 28 in his first movie part. Now he's reaching the milestone birthday of 40. We all like to think that milestone birthdays lead to exciting turning points in our lives.

› blog ›

Now, if there's a birthday to celebrate I will put my hand up and say that my interest is very much piqued. Cake, beer, and if you're lucky a barbecue t...
A 21st birthday celebration is something that is dreamt about for years and talked about for years after. The birthday girl/guy can finally legally go into a ba...
Turning 21 is one of the most exciting birthdays in your life. It is a milestone birthday, so it's important to celebrate and make this a memorable day beca...

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 should I do for my 21st birthday without friends? ›

It is all right to sometimes celebrate your birthday alone. There are many things you can do to make this day special. Pamper yourself. Dine in a nice restaurant, watch movie, get a massage, buy yourself a gift and go for a long walk amidst nature.

Why is 21st birthday special? ›

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.

What do adults do for fun without alcohol? ›

Read a book. Play a board game. Try a new nonalcoholic drink. Attend an exercise class.

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

What do you do when you have no friends on your birthday? ›

You could:
  1. Do some volunteer work.
  2. Take yourself out to breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  3. You could sign up for a class that you've always wanted to take.
  4. Go to a movie that you want to see.
  5. Take a vacation by yourself (they aren't terrible, and when I had greater mobility, I used to do it more than I do now).

What is the symbol of the key for 21st birthday? ›

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.

What does a 21st key symbolizes? ›

So goes the old song, but why is a person's 21st birthday so special? The 'key to the door' signified the reaching of adulthood and the independence that brought with it. Of course it is not so significant these days, as the age of majority in the UK was revised down to 18 by the Family Law Reform Act of 1969.

What do you say in a 21st birthday speech? ›

For a truly unique birthday speech, consider writing a list of 21 "things" about your friend or family member. This could be related to anything; for example, you could talk about 21 funny moments in their life or 21 things you love about him or her.

What do you do when no one wishes on your birthday? ›

Talk to them one-on-one and say, “Hey, it was my birthday the other day, and I was kind of sad because NOT ONE of my friends remembered! I'm sure each one will say, “OMG! I'm SO sorry! And happy birthday!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5974

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.