A 21st birthday is probably the most important birthday in a person’s life. It is a turning point when you officially become an adult, leaving those awkward teen years behind and embracing a new independence and freedom as a twenty-something.

This definitely deserves to be celebrated in style! A 21st birthday party should reflect this new mature approach to life; however, it still needs to be full of fun and zest for life. Although at 21-years-old you are no longer a child, it doesn’t mean you should forgo the birthday balloons and cake!

Birthday parties are an excuse to really have some fun and be a bit silly so a 21st birthday party does not need to be a serious, formal affair with a sit-down meal and a black-tie dress code. The music should be pumping; the drink should be flowing and the smiles should be evident.

VENUE

If you are planning an event then one of the first things you will need to consider is where you will host the occasion. Whether you are organizing a Christmas banquet, a conference, a birthday party, a wedding reception or a training day, there is no hiding the fact that the venue of the event is absolutely crucial to its success. Nevertheless, finding the perfect venue is a lot easier said than done. It is likely that you will come across a lot of obstacles along the way. You’d be extremely lucky to fall in love with the very first venue you discover. Therefore it is highly recommendable that you seek the aid of an online venue finder in order to help you find the perfect location for your event. This will take a huge weight off your shoulders and will allow you to sort out the venue, and the rest of the occasion, without feeling so stressed.

An online venue finder is a great tool because it allows you to search through all of the available venues in the comfort of your own home. Thus diminishing the vast amount of time and effort you would otherwise have to spend. All you have to do is switch on your laptop and browse the different venues; you don’t even need to get dressed! Furthermore, through using an online venue finder you can narrow down your search based on your requirements, such as, location, size, budget and facilities. This means that you eliminate the chance of spending time considering a certain venue only to find out that it does not cater to all of your needs. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect venue only to then discover it does not fall into your budget or it does not have a certain facility which you require. The benefits of using an online venue finder are there for all to see; less stress, less hassle, more convenience and a quicker search process.

MUSIC

You don’t need to hire a DJ to create a show-stopping playlist for a 21st birthday party. Most 21-year-olds have iPods which will include all their favourite hits so sometimes a DJ is an unnecessary expense. Make sure the playlist has some of the latest top 40 chart hits which all your guests will know, mixed with some old school classics. Tunes such as the Spice Girls, S Club 7 and Backstreet Boys would have been childhood favourites of the twenty-something’s attending the party. These old tunes will get even the most dance-shy guest in the party mood and really raise some laughs. You can also include cheesy pop tunes which have ‘dances’ to go with the music. Think the YMCA, the Macarena and Saturday Night. These sorts of old time favourites mean that guests of all ages will be up for a good boogie on the dance floor, while creating fun memories in the process.

DECORATIONS

A significant birthday deserves unique decorations to match. Make sure the decorations really celebrate the fact the birthday boy/girl is turning 21-an exciting new chapter in their life. Hang banners that say “21st Birthday” and birthday balloons with the number 21 on them. Scatter confetti in rainbowed 21s over tables. If this seems too over the top for you then just hang some birthday balloons. You can hang them outside your front door or use them to decorate the venue inside. Balloons help add a splash of colour and fun to any party venue. You can even include birthday balloons in party games which can be enjoyed of people of all ages. One idea is to stand in two teams in lines and pass the balloon between each player’s legs; whichever team gets to the last person first is the winner!

FOOD

Most 21-year-olds are more concerned with the cocktails and beer on offer rather than the spread of food. A sit down meal is not necessary. Save time and money on food by offering some finger foods like crisps, sausage rolls and samosas on a table which guests can come and go to as they please keeping it casual and relaxed. Of course, don’t forget about alcohol. Beer keg rental is a good option and you may want to create a special cocktail just for the event.

The most important aspect of a 21st Birthday Party is for guests to socialise, have fun and celebrate the hosts new age. It does not have to be fancy in any shape or form. It should be a grown up affair while still maintaining a young and carefree vibe. Use what is available to you already. Plug your iPod into some speakers, use birthday balloons as a giggle inducing game and lay out some cocktail sausages on a table for your guests. Now you are ready to party!