10 Fun Themes for Milestone Birthdays

By Kings Norton Weddings & Events

(Because Grown-Up Parties Should Be Just as Fun as the Kiddie Ones!)

Planning a milestone birthday party and want it to be unforgettable (for all the right reasons)? Whether it’s a 30th, 40th, 50th—or any age worth celebrating in style—we’re here to prove that grown-up birthday parties can be just as fun (if not more) than those childhood bouncy-castle bashes.

At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we’ve hosted our fair share of stylish soirées and larger-than-life celebrations, and trust us—theme parties are where the magic happens. A great theme gives your event instant personality, helps tie everything together (decor, dress code, playlist), and gets guests properly excited.

So, if you’re planning a birthday party or looking for a classy party venue near you, here are 10 fabulous themes to spark your imagination…

Great Gatsby Glam

Time to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan. Think glittering gowns, feathers, jazz, and Prohibition-era cocktails (served legally, of course). A 1920s party theme oozes elegance and is ideal for big milestone birthdays where you want to go all out.

🎉 Perfect for: 30th, 40th, or 50th

📸 Photo op: Champagne tower + vintage props

Hollywood Red Carpet

Roll out the red carpet—literally. Guests arrive as movie stars, icons, or even their favourite character. Add a photo wall, velvet ropes, and a fake awards ceremony for the ultimate celeb-style bash.

🎉 Perfect for: 18th, 21st, 30th or 40th

📸 Photo op: Paparazzi backdrop and golden balloons

Festival Vibes (aka ‘Glastonbury but with Clean Toilets’)

Love live music and good vibes? Throw a mini-festival! Think bunting, fairy lights, acoustic sets, street food, and personalised wristbands. Bonus: zero mud required.

🎉 Perfect for: 21st, 30th, or 40th

📸 Photo op: Hay bales + flower crowns

Black & Gold Masquerade Ball

Elegant, mysterious, and oh-so-sophisticated. Guests dress in black and gold, with masks adding that extra wow-factor. This theme works especially well in a grand birthday venue like our historic Ballroom.

🎉 Perfect for: 40th, 50th, or 60th

📸 Photo op: Candlelit staircases + dramatic close-ups

Studio 54 Disco Fever

Channel the sparkle and sass of the '70s. Mirror balls, flared trousers, funky beats and lots of glitter—this theme brings serious party atmosphere. Bonus points for a dance-off or light-up floor!

🎉 Perfect for: 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th or any age if you love to boogie

📸 Photo op: Mirror ball background and sequin photo wall

Tropical Luau Party

If you can’t fly to paradise, bring paradise to you. Think flamingos, palm trees, leis, tiki cocktails, and beachy tunes. Super fun, super vibrant, and ideal for a summer birthday.

🎉 Perfect for: 21st, 30th, or 50th

📸 Photo op: Tiki bar, surfboard props & Hawaiian shirt gallery

Casino Royale

Classy, sharp, and ever so slightly dangerous (in a good way). Channel Bond vibes with card tables, roulette wheels, tuxedos, and martinis (shaken, obviously). You don’t need real money—just prizes for the biggest high-rollers.

🎉 Perfect for: 30th, 40th, or 60th

📸 Photo op: Poker table glam shots

Decades Party

Pick your favourite era (or invite guests to come dressed from any decade!) for a nostalgic night of throwback tunes, fashion, and food. From roaring ‘20s to noughties pop, this one never fails.

🎉 Perfect for: Any milestone—just tailor it to your birth decade!

📸 Photo op: Collage wall of “Then vs Now” photos

White Party

Simple, chic, and oh-so-Insta-friendly. Everyone wears white, and your decor follows suit—white linens, white florals, white balloons, white cake. Add metallic accents (gold or silver) for extra glam.

🎉 Perfect for: 30th, 40th, or summer birthdays

📸 Photo op: All-white photo booth with soft lighting

Murder Mystery Dinner

If you're after something unique, go for an interactive dinner party where guests become the characters. Choose a dramatic setting like our Grade II listed venue, hire a host—or DIY it—and let guests solve the crime over drinks and dinner.

🎉 Perfect for: 40th, 50th or anyone who loves Cluedo

📸 Photo op: Guests in full costume mid-investigation

Pro Tips for Planning a Themed Party

✔️ Choose a venue that fits your theme—like our grand Ballroom for elegant affairs or more relaxed spaces for festival-style fun.✔️ Keep the theme running through invitations, dress code, decor, and entertainment.✔️ Don’t overcomplicate—focus on a few statement pieces (e.g. lighting, music, photo backdrops) to bring it all to life.✔️ Want help pulling it together? Our events team at Kings Norton can help source suppliers, create a menu with our in-house chef, and handle the details so you don’t have to.

Let’s Get This Party Started 🎉

Whether you’re planning a 30th birthday bash, a fabulous 40th, or a show-stopping 60th, your milestone deserves more than a quiet dinner and some shop-bought cake. With the right theme and the perfect party venue, you can create a celebration that’ll be remembered for years.

At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we love nothing more than helping people throw unforgettable parties—complete with delicious food, stylish surroundings, and room to dance the night away. We’re based in a gorgeous Grade II-listed venue just 10 miles from Birmingham city centre, with flexible event spaces to suit any style or size of celebration.

🎈 Want to see the space for yourself?

We’d love to show you around and chat all things party planning.

Get in touch today to book your private viewing and start planning the milestone celebration of your dreams.

P.S.

Need help picking a theme or choosing entertainment? Our friendly team has loads of fun birthday party ideas up our sleeves—just ask!

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