“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”– Mark Twain.
Birthday parties are a good time to celebrate life, friends, and family. It is also the only time to have fun opening gifts. In addition, they are a great way to commemorate another year of growing older and wiser. All birthdays are special, but your 35th birthday marks a major milestone in your life.
Celebrating your 35th birthday gives you an amazing opportunity to prioritize your relationships and create stronger bonds. When you celebrate your 35th birthday, you are not only celebrating the length of your life but how much you have grown over the years. We have you covered with some unique 35th birthday party ideas to plan the perfect party!
Unique 35th Birthday Party Ideas
Birthday parties are great when you’re the one being celebrated. These amazing 35th birthday party ideas will help you plan a party that suits your style.
1. Retro party
A retro-themed party can be a unique way to celebrate your 35th birthday. Go all out and encourage your guests to wear retro outfits to make this party more fun and crazier. Retro parties are all about nostalgic music and dance. Hence, focus on creating an environment that reflects your favorite moments from the chosen decade, including creating a stellar playlist of memorable songs from the ’80s and ’90s. You can gather your guests around you in a circle and do a hook step with each one of them.
2. Black and white party
Black-and-white theme parties are often associated with elegance. This sophisticated theme calls for a dress code for your guests. Encourage your guests by sending black and white party invitations, arranging black and white balloons, etc. Also, set up a photo booth where your guests can pose for black and white photos with you to create and record a new memory on your birthday.
3. Wine tasting party
Wine only gets better with time, as do people. This party theme provides the perfect opportunity to uncork a fancy bottle of wine and unwind with your friends and family. A well-executed wine-tasting party will channel the sophistication and serenity of a trip to a winery. Your guests will feel relaxed as if they are spending the day at a scenic valley. Get custom wine glasses that your guests can take home to add a sentimental yet unique touch.
4. Parisian birthday party
A Paris-themed party is the next best thing to a vacation in Paris!
Make your guests feel like they are in Paris and the Eiffel Tower is only a step away. To do this, incorporate images of the Eiffel Tower in your décor, use an Eiffel Tower centerpiece, and serve traditional French foods.
5. Birthday neon
Celebrate your birthday with a dynamic neon party. Transform the venue with glowing decorations, neon lights, and energetic beats. Create an electronic dance music playlist or invite a DJ to keep the energy high. You can also set up a dance floor with fog machines and colorful lasers for an immersive experience. You can add face paint and glow accessories for a vibrant touch.
6. Fun pajama party
Put your guests in their comfort zone by throwing a fun pajama party. If you want to host an informal party, this could be the right way to pull it off. Let your guests come in their favorite pajamas. Set up a snack bar with customized drinkware and enjoy late-night movies on a screen and projector. Click lots of photos of the fun party and store them in a memory scrapbook.
7. Masquerade party
A masquerade party is a perfect idea to entertain a larger number of people. Ask your guests to come in their best attire, donning a pretty mask. Groove to some good music and serve delicious snacks. A chocolate fondue will be a nice touch to the theme.
8. Disco party
If you are looking for a fun birthday party idea, try a disco-themed party. Let your guests come in their favorite disco attire. Play some classic disco hits (think MJ or Bees Gees), decorate the venue with colorful lights, and let the fun begin. A disco ball hanging from the ceiling of the dancing area would be a perfect addition. Serve drinks and finger food for light snacking.
9. Outdoor rustic party
All you need for a rustic outdoor party is a backyard and loads of snacks, including finger chips, crackers, pita chips, and cheese or hummus. Also, arrange wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages and decorate your venue with string lights, flowers, and wooden seats. You could also lay out some blankets on the grass where your guests could chill while listening to some music.
10. Scavenger hunt party
Scavenger hunts are fun for adults too! Host a scavenger hunt party for your guests and make them explore the area, searching for what’s on the list. To add a twist, turn the game into a photo challenge. Ask your guests to take pictures in different locations with the list of items. The team with the maximum and most creative photos gets a prize.
11. Movie night party
Plan a movie night either inside the house or outdoors with a projector and screen. Pick out your favorite movie and arrange for theater-style snacks like popcorn, chips, and nachos with some refreshing drinks. Arrange comfy seats for the guests, including cushions and blankets. You could even set up a sundae bar.
12. Pizza party
Take a walk down the memory lane by indulging in pizza just the way you did in your teens.
A pizza party is a fabulous option for a casual and interactive birthday party. It only takes a gingham tablecloth, parm shakers, and a few extra accents to transform your home into a full-blown pizzeria. Your guests won’t be able to contain their excitement when they see the delicious creations on the table. You can also involve the guests with activities like making pizza party hats or making their own mini pizzas.
13. Painting party
Unleash your artistic side with a painting party birthday bash. Bring out the acrylics, watercolors, paintbrushes, and canvases. Let your creativity flow freely and create beautiful masterpieces together. It’s a fun way to spend your birthday while exploring your painting talents.
14. Costume party
Celebrate your birthday with a fun and exciting costume party. You can pick a theme, such as decades or movies, and invite guests to dress as per the party’s theme. Decorate your space to suit the theme, and keep the vibe light with easy and fun games and low-key costume competitions. This party idea is a lighthearted way to enjoy your birthday with family and close friends with a dress-up twist.
15. Bonfire
Ignite a cozy and warm atmosphere with a bonfire birthday party. You can enjoy making s’mores, toasting marshmallows, and sharing stories under the stars. Introduce some comfy seating, such as blankets, pillows, or cushions. Maintain a chill vibe with acoustic music and casual conversations. It’s a simple and cozy way to celebrate your special day, surrounded by good company and the warmth of the fire.
16. Beach party
Head over to the beach to celebrate your birthday by the beach with a relaxed gathering. Set up a comfortable space with beach chairs and towels. You can enjoy games such as frisbee and volleyball with your friends. Have a simple picnic with refreshing drinks and easy snacks. As the sun goes down, you can gather around a small bonfire for marshmallow roasting.
17. Karaoke party
Set up a karaoke machine with your favorite songs and a simple stage area. You can invite guests to sing along and enjoy each other’s performances. To maintain a casual vibe, you can serve drinks and easy snacks. This creative idea, with loads of music and laughter, will make your birthday memorable.
18. Champagne party
Celebrate in style with a champagne-themed birthday party. Create a soft ambiance with dimmed lighting, bubbly decor, and gold accents. You can serve a selection of sparkling wines and champagnes paired with appetizers. This is a chic way of celebrating another year under the sun, sharing toasts and good times with loved ones.
19. Destination party
Choose a place you love and gather your loved ones for a memorable getaway. It could be a city, beach, or mountain. Explore new places, plan fun activities, and enjoy local cuisine together. This is a fun way to make memories in a favorite spot with those who matter the most.
20. Murder mystery party
Host an exciting murder mystery birthday party. You can pick a theme and assign character roles to the guests. Throw in costumes and create a fitting atmosphere with decorations. Have guests solve clues that lead to dramatic mystery revelations. It’s a fantastic way to infuse your birthday party with excitement and suspense.
21. Coachella-themed party
Bohemian touches like fairy lights and tapestries can make your birthday exciting and memorable. You can invite guests to dress in festive attire, including flower crowns, denim, and fringe. Try playing indie and pop music and incorporate casual street food options to create a classic vibe. You can also introduce a temporary tattoo station for some added flair.
22. Yoga-themed party
Host a calming party in an open and cozy indoor space with lots of natural light and decorate the space with indoor plants, candles, aromatherapy mist, and fairy lights. You may play soothing music to set the mood and set up a quiet area with cushions, blankets, and eye masks for post-yoga meditation. Hire a yoga instructor who can help you with guided meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle stretching. You may also set up a juice bar with various healthy finger foods.
35th Birthday Party Ideas For Him
If you’re not feeling up to a party, a virtual meet-up with your friends and family might be a great idea. An anonymous blogger by the username Gr8er Good Games shares how he celebrated his 35th birthday during lockdown. He says, “I’ve never liked having birthday parties, because the concept of having a bunch of people making a big deal out of me when my mom did all the work doesn’t make sense to me. Traditionally, I’d either do nothing for my birthday, have a small gathering, or plan a group volunteering activity with friends. But this year, for my 35th birthday, I hosted a virtual community festival while on lockdown with 17 events from 10 am to 4 am. And it was AMAZING! Seriously, the best birthday ever!”
He explains why he felt like hosting a virtual meet, “35 feels like a big birthday, it’s the difference between checking the 25–34 and 35–44 boxes. It’s also a super strange time in the world, with quarantining… I think it’s the perfect time to do something big, amazing and community-focused, all in the spirit of generosity and all about bringing people together for learning, for fun, and for connecting.”
He remarks, “Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever had an 18-hour period where I felt more loved, happy, excited, cared for, and in community (i).”
However, if you are looking forward to a fun time surrounded by your loved ones, here are some ideas.
23. BBQ party
The best part of a BBQ party is the delicious food. BBQ birthday parties can be classic or trendy – either way, they are always a hit. This is a perfect option for someone who doesn’t want to make a big deal out of their party but still wants to celebrate. Click loads of pictures and save it in your birthday memory book.
24. Casino party
Casino-themed parties are lots of fun and can be more versatile than you might think
. Recreate that classic casino atmosphere and bring everyone together for an evening of games to celebrate a special moment or raise money for a good cause. Get this theme going with cocktails, casino games, and a casino-inspired color palette.
25. Cricket party
If you are a cricket enthusiast, there is no better way to celebrate than with a cricket-themed party. Guests can come dressed as batters or bowlers. For party favors, you could give custom cricket bats or balls with the number 35 on them. You could also order a cake that resembles a cricket field.
26. Ballpark party
This party idea is perfect for baseball lovers. Ask your guests to come in baseball hats and the jerseys of their favorite team. Decorate the venue with banners, posters, balloons, and pennants. To recreate the ballpark ambiance, serve typical stadium food such as hot dogs and burgers. Click loads of pictures of the party and store them in your birthday memory album.
27. Game night party
You can host a spirited game night to celebrate your birthday. Gather friends for a relaxed evening of card games, board games, and trivia. You can also play fun and exciting video games. Begin with setting up a cozy space with simple snacks and comfy seating. This is a fun way to keep the inner child inside you happy and share laughter with friends.
28. Escape room party
Host an exciting escape room birthday party and invite friends to solve challenges and puzzles in themed rooms. Make teams to decode clues and unlock secrets within a time limit. You can later celebrate with laughter and birthday dinner ideas to create an enjoyable and memorable experience.
29. Hot springs party
Hosting a party at a hot springs pool is a great option if you are looking for a relaxing way to celebrate your 35th birthday. Book or rent out a private hot springs pool to spend quality time with your friends. Arrange some pool-side drinks and light snacks as well.
35th Birthday Party Ideas For Her
30. Garden brunch party
If you want a daytime party, opt for a garden brunch party. Utilize your backyard to have brunch and set up a mimosa bar. For the decor, set up floral arrangements around the venue and add a lot of greenery. For the tables, have floral centerpieces, floating flowers, and colorful ice buckets. Keep a memory box at the entrance where each guest can write a good memory they share with you and put it in the box for you to read later in the party.
31. Classic cooking party
Pull out the big guns and surprise your guests by throwing an unforgettable classic cooking party. Invite your guests to celebrate your birthday by preparing classic recipes together. This is a great idea to cook and feast together. You could send the menu along with the party invitation to get your guests excited.
32. Rosé all-day party
Just as the name suggests, think of roses and decorate every space of your birthday venue with roses. Try a rose arch instead of a balloon arch to welcome the guests. Make the party interesting by including rose cupcakes, rosé wine, and rose centerpieces on all the tables. Also, add napkins or plates with rose petals on them. For birthday invitations, select a card with rose designs.
33. All that glitters party
Bling it up with a party where all things sparkle. Add glitter everywhere, including the tables, curtains, dance floor, and photo booth. Decorate the wine bottles and cups with stones and glitters. You could even add edible glitter to the cakes. Place a big photo frame in the venue where you can pose with all your guests and call it a memory frame.
34. Spa party
Who doesn’t like a good spa day! Surprise your guests by setting up a spa corner at the birthday venue and let them indulge with sheet masks, massage trains, manicures, and pedicures. Let everyone relax and pamper themselves while watching a movie. Serve easy-to-grab snacks and refreshing drinks.
35. Slumber party
Host an exciting slumber birthday party for an unforgettable night. Deck out your terrace with pillows, cozy blankets, and fairy lights. You can set up a snack station with s’mores, popcorn, and hot chocolate for midnight treats. It’s the perfect way to celebrate under the stars and create lasting memories.
36. Tea party
Set up pretty teacups and flowers for enjoying a charming birthday tea party. You can serve a selection of teas and delicate snacks like pastries and sandwiches. This brilliant way to celebrate your birthday can help create everlasting memories while chatting over tea and treats.
37. Ice cream party
Chill out with an ice-cream-themed birthday party. Set up an ice cream station with various toppings, flavors, and sauces. You can also have a DIY craft station where guests can create their own cones or dream sundaes. You can decorate the party space with colorful balloons and banners, following a pastel color scheme. It’s a fantastic way of celebrating your birthday by indulging in sweet treats.
38. Jewelry-making party
Create jewelry with your friends and family for an extraordinary birthday party idea. You can set up a crafting station with charms, beads, and strings. Guests can get creative and easily create their accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets.
39. Great Gatsby party
Transport your birthday celebration to the 1920s with a Great Gatsby-themed party. You can encourage guests to dress in period-inspired attire and decorate your party space with vintage touches. Incorporate classic cocktails and jazz music to create a fun party vibe. This is a stylish way to celebrate your birthday with your loved ones.
40. Fashion show party
Celebrate your birthday in style by creating a runway space with a nice backdrop and lights. Ask your guests to dress up in unique outfits and accessories. You can play upbeat music to set a vibe. With laughter and style, this fashion-forward celebration allows everyone to shine on the runway and unleash their inner fashionista.
41. Birthday ball
Transform the venue into a fairy tale setting with regal chandeliers, decor, and luxurious drapes. Invite your guests to dress up in formal attire and ask the band to play classic tunes. You can introduce multicourse meals and drinks and have a grand birthday celebration. You can also set up a photo booth with glamorous props to create everlasting memories.
42. Spanish fiesta
Host a Spanish birthday fiesta by decorating your space with colorful papel picado banners, vibrant flowers, and sombreros. You can set the tone with Spanish music and enjoy salsa dancing with your friends. For an added fun touch, you can introduce a DIY sangria station to make your birthday more flavorful.
Tips For Planning A 35th Birthday Party
Here are a few ways to make the day memorable.
- Choose a theme that reflects the celebrant’s personality. You may go for an outdoorsy party theme for someone who is an extrovert and a relaxing theme for an introvert.
- Set a budget and choose the location and decor to fit it and the theme. From lighting, table settings, centerpieces, and photobooth to DJ and music, make sure they fit your budget and theme.
- Make a guest list and prepare an invitation that fits the theme of the party.
- Plan a menu that everyone will love. Make sure there’s something for everyone.
- Send guests home with a goodie bag to remember the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What venue would be ideal for a 35th birthday party?
Choosing the ideal venue for a 35th birthday party depends on personal preferences, budget, and guest count. Possible options include renting a private room at a restaurant, a rooftop or terrace, an event space, a beach or poolside venue, or hosting the party at a private residence.
2. How can food and drink be incorporated into the party in a fun and unique way?
Incorporating food and drink into a party can be done in a fun and unique way. Interactive food stations, themed food and drink offerings, food and drink pairings, edible centerpieces, food and drink games, and food and drink crafts are some ideas one can consider.
3. Are there any fun activities or games that would be appropriate for a 35th birthday party?
Some fun activities and games include karaoke, murder mystery parties, board games, escape rooms, trivia nights, video game tournaments, DIY cocktail stations, and dance parties.
4. What kind of music or entertainment would be appropriate for a 35th birthday party?
Choosing appropriate music and entertainment for a 35th birthday party depends on one’s personal preferences. Popular ideas include live music or a DJ, karaoke, photo booths, games, and themed entertainment that fits the party’s theme.
5. Are there any sentimental or nostalgic touches that could be added to the celebration?
You may include displaying old photos, playing favorite songs, serving special foods, incorporating sentimental items into the decor, and sharing memories with guests. These elements help create a more meaningful and memorable celebration.
Whether you plan to throw a house party or an outdoor party, these joyous and whimsical 35th birthday party ideas could help you plan the best party and celebrate the milestone with your close ones. As you cross the 35th year mark, you may have begun your own family and could be doing well in your professional life. Hence, a 35th birthday is a special occasion and a reason to celebrate your achievements and all good things. So, why wait? Don your party hat and start planning party games for adults to have a blast with your loved ones.
Infographic: Unique 35th Birthday Party Ideas
Birthdays are supposed to be celebrated with all pomp and excitement, be it your 15th or your 35th. To help you make your birthday memorable and enjoy the day to its fullest, we have listed a few interesting ideas and themes in the following infographic. Read on and pick the one(s) you like the most.
Key Pointers
- Turning 35 is a significant milestone highlighting personal growth and the value of relationships, making it a perfect occasion to celebrate with loved ones.
- Unique themes like retro, masquerade, or Parisian can enhance the experience and encourage guest participation.
- More relaxed options like pajama parties or bonfires create enjoyable, intimate settings.
- Celebrating at locations like the beach or hot springs offers a memorable backdrop.
- Choose entertaining options like live music, DJs, karaoke, or themed games to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.
Illustration: Creative 35th Birthday Party Ideas For Him And Her
In this fun video check out our top 10 popular party theme ideas to make your event a success. From classic to unique, we are sure to have what you are looking for.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. How I coordinated the best birthday ever during quarantine (and tips for you to host your own virtual community festival);
https://medium.com/@Gr8er_Good_Games/how-i-coordinated-the-best-birthday-ever-during-quarantine-and-tips-for-you-to-host-your-own-fc21129294b0
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