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Adult Birthday Party activities, games, and entertainment

By an Award-Winning Professional Party Planner

Why you need activities, games, and things for people to do

About This Site

Welcome!
Watch video or read summary below
Matt James video title


  • Hi, I'm Matt James, a professional event planner with 25 years experience
  • I've produced events for A-list celebrities, including:

    Elton John,
    Sarah Jessica Parker,
    Stella McCartney,
    Kevin Spacey...and more!
  • I've won 30 industry awards for my events
  • And I'm the author of Become an Event Planner: Secrets for Getting Hired by Employers, Recruiters, and Event Professionals


    On this site, I'll share...

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Contents

01

Icebreaker Activities

Conversation-starters and activities to help break the ice

02

Opportunities to Contribute

Ensure guests feel included with activities that allow them to contribute and share

03

Create atmosphere

Keep the energy up and atmosphere lively with activities that encourage circulation and flow

04

Bringing Everyone Together

Create shared experiences that bring everyone together and help them bond

Adult Birthday Party ACTIVITIES

Adult Birthday Party activities


SUMMARY

  • Engagement is essential for creating atmosphere
  • Icebreakers and conversation-starters facilitate introductions; taking the pressure off the host
  • Use them to encourage different groups to interact and discover things they have in common or might not know about the birthday boy/girl
  • Activities that allow guests to contribute and share; a memory, anecdote, or photograph, makes everyone feel included
  • Activities also encourage circulation, which keeps the energy up and prevents guests clustering in corners with the people they came with
  • Keeping people moving, exploring different areas, mingling with others, and discovering new things creates a lively and fun atmosphere
  • Activities can also provide a handy distraction for guests to extract themselves from awkward conversations!
  • Always include at least one activity that brings everyone together as a group
  • A shared experience creates a bond and unites all the different groups as one; people that are all important to the birthday boy/girl
  • People love to feel connected, especially through something meaningful, so it encourages more interaction
  • Perhaps most importantly, activities prevent boredom and people leave with something to talk about, share, and remember; they feel as though they’ve had an experience.
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Why You Need Activities

Matt's Tip Watch video or read summary below
Matt James video title


When throwing a party, people often overlook the importance of providing things for guests to do.

It’s so easy to become preoccupied with the basics of party planning, such as invitations, catering, and decorations, that you don’t spare much thought for what guests will do AFTER they’ve turned up, looked at the decorations, and had a drink.

Small talk will only hold their attention for so long before they start looking at their watch (or phone!) and wondering how soon they can leave.

Engagement is essential for creating atmosphere and ensuring people have a good time.

Activities and entertainment enable flow and circulation, which keeps the energy up, and they help break the ice, encouraging mingling, and provide conversation-starters.

Perhaps most importantly, they prevent boredom and people leave with something to talk about, share, and remember; they feel as though they’ve had an experience.





01

How to Encourage Mingling

Matt's Tip Watch video or read summary below
Matt James video title


Why you need icebreakers and conversation-starters

Milestone birthdays often involve a mix of family and friends from different social circles or stages of the birthday boy/girl’s life.

This can mean people of all different age groups—some close to them and others casual acquaintances or work colleagues—that don’t necessarily know each other, all being thrown together in a room.

In situations like this, you can’t just hope they all mingle and interact. If you leave it to chance, it’s likely people will cling to their tribes and congregate in groups; family in one area, work colleagues in another, old college friends all together….and so on.

This is a sure-fire way to kill the atmosphere.

Not to mention the poor birthday boy/girl will spend all night having to constantly flit between different groups, probably moderating their conversations or behavior accordingly, which is no fun for them.

Realistically, you can’t be on hand to introduce all the guests to one other or provide prompts for things they may have in common, which is why you need to lay on a few simple icebreakers that will act as conversation starters or talking points.

Hello My Name Is Stickers

man wearing 'Hello My Name Is...' sticker on shirt breast
  • THE IDEA
  • Facilitate introductions and conversation starters with humorous name tags that reveal guests' 'Special Talent', 'Superhero Name & Power', or 'Favorite Sitcom Character'

  • THE HOW
  • Choose design (Talent, Superpower, etc) and color
  • Choose from printed stickers or digital download
  • Give out to guests as they arrive
  • Alternatively, leave on a table in the welcome area with pens and display a printable 'Please Take One' sign (see button below)
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How Well Do You Know The Host?

how well do you know the birthday boy/girl party game
  • THE IDEA
  • Leave printable quizzes about the birthday boy/girl in areas where guests congregate to provide conversation starters, encourage mingling, and entertain

  • THE HOW
  • Options include: Birthday Mad Libs,
  • How well do you know the birthday boy/girl?
  • Which would they prefer...this or that?
  • How old was the birthday boy/girl in each photograph?
  • Print off and leave on welcome desks, bars, occasional tables, or place settings to act as conversation starters
  • Display with a printable 'Please Take One' sign (see button below) or custom printed pencils (see below)
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Custom Crossword

custom crossword puzzle
  • THE IDEA
  • Leave custom crossword puzzles about the birthday boy/girl on place settings or occasional tables to help break the ice and keep guests entertained

  • THE HOW
  • Have a custom crossword puzzle created using facts about the birthday boy/girl
  • Print off as many copies as you want
  • Leave on welcome desks, bars, occasional tables, or place settings to act as conversation starters
  • Include custom printed pencils (see below) or display alongside a printable 'Please Take One' sign (see button below)
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custom crossword puzzle
custom crossword puzzle on party table place setting
person playing a crossword puzzle sat at a party table
custom golf pencils with 'your message here'


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'Table Topics' Conversation Starters

Table Topics Conversation Starters
  • THE IDEA
  • Help your elderly aunt from Iowa find something to talk about with your sister's goth rock obsessed teenage daughter using these cool conversation-starer cards

  • THE HOW
  • Leave these cards on bars, occasional tables, or place settings to act as conversation starters
  • For smaller groups, read questions out loud and listen to everyone's answers
  • Questions include: 'What would you sing at Karaoke?'
  • 'What celebrity are you embarrassed to find attractive?'
  • 'If you could have any fictional character as a friend who would you pick?'
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Table Topics Conversation Starters
Table Topics Conversation Starters
Table Topics Conversation Starters
Table Topics Conversation Starters


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DIY Cocktail Bar

DIY cocktail bar ingredients and recipe sign
  • THE IDEA
  • Take the pressure off drinks service and help break the ice by providing recipes and ingredients for guests to make their own cocktails

  • THE HOW
  • Choose a few simple cocktails to offer guests
  • Edit and print illustrated recipe cards for each cocktail (see template below)
  • Set up the necessary ingredients i.e liquor, mixers, juices, garnishes, ice, measures, glasses, stirrers, straws, etc
  • Display printed recipe cards in photo frames or acrylic sign holders
  • Add a printable 'Please help yourself' sign
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DIY citrus vodka bar
DIY margarita bar
DIY Mimosa bar
DIY cocktail bar

For printable cocktail recipe signs, bar menus, and 'Please Help Yourself' signs, click the buttons below.

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illustrated cocktail recipe sign
illustrated cocktail recipe cards
Please help yourself to drinks sign
Please help yourself to drinks sign


Disclaimer: Product links are provided for your convenience only and do not consitute an endorsement of the seller, their reliability, or the quality of their products. This post may contain affiliate links.
matt james, professional event planner
matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

MATT'S TIP

"This can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.

At the simple end, you could choose just one base liquor/wine, such as vodka/gin/champagne, with multiple variations provided by mixers, juices, and garnishes. For example, a Mimosa bar.

For something a little more exciting, I'd suggest choosing up to four different cocktails.

A lot of cocktails follow a formula of:

  • a. base spirit, e.g vodka,
  • b. flavored liqueur or secondary liquor in a smaller quantity, e.g Triple Sec,
  • c. juice, puree, or other mixer, and
  • d. garnish.

  • So if you're strategic about your menu choices you can offer four or more quite different cocktails using the same base spirit and just investing in several options of secondary liquor and mixers.

    When designing your menu, keep in mind the demographic of your guest list and make sure there are a range of flavor profiles, i.e sweet, dry, clear v brown liquor. Not everyone likes traditional sweet and fruity cocktails so give them the option to knock up something less extreme.

    I would also make sure to choose recipes that lend themselves to being stirred, not shaken, so people don't have to worry about cleaning and re-using shakers.

    Finally, to make sure your DIY bar looks professional and not like something from a college house party, think about presentation:

  • Decant juices and mixers into jars and carafes (see disposable options below)
  • Pre-chill any liquor accordingly and display in disposable ice buckets
  • Present garnishes in decorative bowls
  • Provide accessories such as tongs for garnishes, stirrers, napkins, and straws
  • Invest in premium disposable glasses, milk bottles, or mason jars to serve."


  • For disposable glasses, mason jars, milk bottles, ice buckets, carafes for mixers, stir sticks and other bar supplies, click the button below.

    Tap images to enlarge

    disposable drinks glasses
    disposable martini glass
    disposable drinks carafes for mixers
    milk bottles for cocktails


    Disclaimer: Product links are provided for your convenience only and do not consitute an endorsement of the seller, their reliability, or the quality of their products. This post may contain affiliate links.
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    Edible Drinks Markers

    drinks markers made of fruit spelling out names Peter and Zoe in a drink
    • THE IDEA
    • Let guests make their own personalized drinks markers using alphabet cookie cutters and melons

    • THE HOW
    • Lay out pre-cut 3/4 inch slices of melon
    • Provide alphabet cookie cutters and bamboo skewers
    • Invite guests to make their own personalized drinks markers by punching their names out of the melon and threading each fruit letter onto skewers
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    slices of melon on a cutting board with skewers, a knife, and alphabet cutters
    alphabet cutters on slices on melon
    names cut out of melon slices with alphabet cutters
    fruit name assembled on skewers
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "You'll need to cut the melon slices between 3/4 and 1 inch thick. Let the depth of your alphabet cookie cutters inform the thickness of your slices.

    Don't cut the fruit to far in advance or it can start looking a bit limp and brown. Brush or spray with lemon juice to prevent browning.

    You need to give the cutters a good whack with the palm of your hand to push them into the melon. If they get stuck, use the skewers to poke them out.

    Some letters, such as E, are more fragile than others so be careful not to break as you thread onto skewers.

    I'd recommend displaying a printable sign in a photo frame with instructions and the above tips for guests to follow."



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    Fun Facts Napkins

    Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl personalized napkins with photo
    • THE IDEA
    • Use on bars, buffet or dessert tables to provide conversation starters and entertain guests with Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl

    • THE HOW
    • Choose napkin design with photo or without
    • Edit text to include 5 Fun Facts guest might not know about the guest of honor
    • Change background color (optional)
    • Leave on bars, buffet/dessert/occasional tables, or pair with tray-served drinks
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    Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl personalized white napkins
    Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl personalized blue napkins
    Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl personalized white / gray napkins with photo
    Fun Facts About the Birthday Boy/Girl personalized blue napkins

    Alternatively, you can also print custom napkins showing the birthday boy/girl at different stages of their life using 1, 2 or 3 different photos (see button below). Available in a range of colors with customizable text.


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    Custom photo personalized napkins
    Then & Now custom photo personalized napkins
    Custom photo personalized napkins
    Through the Years custom photo personalized napkins


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    02

    Allow Guests to Contribute

    Matt's Tip Watch video or read summary below
    Matt James video title


    Another way to encourage people to connect is to include ways for them to contribute.

    I once read about a holiday party where the host emailed guests in advance asking them to bring two photos of happy moments from the past year, which they then used to decorate the tree.

    The party started with everyone gathered around the tree, sharing a drink, and reflecting on positive experiences that had brought them joy.

    It sounded like a lovely way to bring everyone together; allowing people to bond over something personal and meaningful, and it no doubt set the tone for the rest of the evening.

    For a milestone birthday, you could do something similar by asking guests to bring photos of memorable moment they’ve shared with the birthday boy/girl, which could then be clipped to strings to form part of the room decorations.

    Alternatively, you might ask guests to ‘Take a Walk Down Memory Lane’ by writing down a favorite memory or amusing anecdote of the birthday boy/girl, then have them read a few out as part of toast or speech later in the evening.

    People love to discover new things about someone they know—especially if it’s something unusual or unexpected—so these ideas act as entertainment. And by inviting guests to contribute and share makes everyone feel as though they are included.

    It highlights—and allows everyone to bond over—the thing you all have in common; your relationship with the birthday boy/girl.

    A Trip Down Memory Lane

    Share a memory card in a bucket alongside a Trip Down Memory Lane sign
    • THE IDEA
    • Have guests take a trip down memory lane by sharing their favorite memory of the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Choose from generic printable 'Share a Memory' cards or ones personalized with their name and photo
    • Leave a stack of cards and pens on a table at the party
    • Display alongside a framed 'Share a Memory' or 'Take a Trip Down Memory Lane' printable instructions sign
    • Have guests leave completed cards in a personalized bucket, card box, or keepsake box (see options below)
    • Have the birthday boy/girl or host read out a few during their 'thank you for coming' speech to entertain guests
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    There are lots of different options available for personalized metal buckets (including custom text decals to apply to an existing bucket). For the text, I'd probably go for something like 'Memories of Elizabeth'.

    Alternatively, you could have guests pop their completed memory cards into a personalized card box, which lends a more elegant look.

    Just remember to choose the appropriate 'Memory Lane' printable sign telling guests to drop their memories in a bucket / jar / box.


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    I think the memories shared by friends and family would make a wonderfully sentimental gift for the birthday boy/girl to re-read in the future. So, instead of just having guests pop them memory card in a bucket, consider investing in a more special personalized keepsake box, such as the ones below, so that this activity can double as a touching birthday gift that they'll be sure to treasure.


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    Reasons We Love You

    reasons we love you signing poster guestbook alternative
    • THE IDEA
    • Turn a guestbook into a meaningful keepsake by having party-goers write down all the things they love about the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Choose a template (speech bubbles, hearts etc) and have it enlarged and printed at a local copy store
    • Display at the party and ask guests to handwrite something they love about the birthday boy/girl
    • The reasons could be profound, lighthearted, or sentimental; highlighting admirable qualities, characteristics, personality traits, or even their weird little habits and obsessions
    • Have the birthday boy/girl or host read out a few during their 'thank you for coming' speech to entertain guests
    • Frame it post-event to present as a keepsake gift
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    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "If you intend to frame it after the party, choose your frame first and have it enlarged and printed to the appropriate size.

    Lay the frame flat on a table at the party, with the poster in front of the glass, to prevent guests pressing the pen through the paper when signing. Then move it behind the glass after the party to present it as a keepsake gift.

    Alternatively, have it printed onto foam board to display upright on an easel at the party.

    Avoid printing on gloss paper as this will cause the pen to smudge. Opt for a premium cardstock with a matte finish for plain design templates or semi-gloss / satin / luster if your chosen template has metallic tones.

    A fine point Sharpie or ballpoint pen works best for signing".



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    Alternatively, you could also have guests write their reasons onto small message scrolls and place in jar. Just pick up your own jar, apply a custom text decal (see pic below), and choose between regular paper scrolls or ones that can be encased in small pill-like casings secured with a metal ring (see pic below).

    Alternatively, you can pick up a set of 50 scrolls with a jar, twine, and tag (pictured below).


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    Bucket List Suggestions

    bucket list suggestions in a bucket with a sign at a party
    • THE IDEA
    • Ask guests to suggest experiences or achievements for the birthday boy/girl to have accomplished before their next milestone birthday

    • THE HOW
    • Choose style of 'Bucket List Suggestions' cards
    • Pick up a bucket (see below for personalized options)
    • Display alongside a framed printable instructions sign
    • Don't forget to provide a stack of pens so guests don't have to wait
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    • WHERE TO BUY

    OR PRESS ANY IMAGE       



    There are lots of different options available for personalized metal buckets (including custom text decals you can apply to an existing bucket). See buttons below to browse all options.

    Tap images to enlarge



    • WHERE TO BUY

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    Guest book Alternative: Signing Poster

    custom 40th birthday signing poster guestbook alternative with photos of birthday boy as adult and child surrounded by handwritten messages
    • THE IDEA
    • Invite guests to write messages for the birthday boy/girl on a signing poster to be framed as a touching keepsake of their milestone birthday

    • THE HOW
    • Choose single, double, or no photo options
    • Choose framed and shipped or instant download printable
    • Customize the text and choose colors
    • Display with a printable 'Please Sign' sign on a table at the entrance as a guest book alternative
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    You don't have to use a traditional photo for the guest book alternative. There are also options with digital watercolor portraits, caricatures, or 'The Simpsons' style cartoon caricatures, such as the ones shown below (click to shop).


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    Polaroid Guest Book

    Polaroid guest book on table next to a Polaroid camera and a sign asking guests to Snap It, Shake It, Stick It, Sign It
    • THE IDEA
    • Snap it, shake it, stick it, sign it! Invite guests to illustrate their guest book entry using an instant camera

    • THE HOW
    • Pick up an inexpensive Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera and some spare film (see below)
    • Choose a customizable birthday guest book (see below)
    • Display both—with pens—alongside a printable 'Snap it, Shake it, Stick it, Sign it!' sign on a table at the entrance
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    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "This is such a popular idea for weddings and birthdays that are now lots of different printable signs available to help automate the entire experience.

    In addition to the traditional 'Snap It, Shake It, Stick It, Sign It' instructional sign, you can also display illustrated signs showing guests how to use the camera, take the best shot, and load new film when it runs out. So you won't need to worry about supervising or missing out on photos because the film ran out."



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    Video Guest book

    man and woman raising their glasses to toast while recording a video message on a tablet on a tripod
    • THE IDEA
    • Capture the love by setting up a tablet on a tripod for guests to record video messages for the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Pick up an inexpensive tablet tripod (approx $20, see link below)
    • Buy a 128GB or 256GB micro SD memory card to insert into the tablet to ensure you have sufficient capacity to store all the video messages (see link below)
    • Set up in quiet space off your welcome area with a printable 'Video Booth Instructions' sign
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    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "Remember to set up in an area that's quiet and won't create congestion, such as curtaining off an area or re-purposing a nearby cloakroom or closet.

    Be sure to leave the tablet plugged in and charging while in use to prevent it running out of juice halfway through the party.

    Alternatively, rope in a teenage family member to invite guests to contribute as they arrive and supervise the recordings."



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    Through The Years Guestbook

    Through The Years Photo Guestbook showing birthday honoree at different stages of their life
    • THE IDEA
    • Customize a guest book with photos of the birthday boy or girl 'through the years' to create a personalized keepsake

    • THE HOW
    • Choose 3 photos of the birthday boy/girl at different stages of their life e.g as a baby, teenager, and present day
    • Have any old printed photos restored and/or transferred to digital format (see how below)
    • Combine with a more recent digital photo of them now
    • Collect together and upload to a custom cover for a traditional guestbook for party-goers to sign.
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    'Through the Years' Photo Garlands

    garlands of photos hung on wall with LED clip lights
    • THE IDEA
    • Create interactive party decorations by asking guests to bring their favorite pictures of the birthday boy/girl to make photo garlands

    • THE HOW
    • Contact friends and family ahead of the event and ask them to bring some cute, funny, or embarrassing old photos of the birthday boy/girl with them, from all different stages of their life
    • Decide how many photo clip LED string lights you'll need to decorate the room / venue and attach these to the walls in advance
    • On arrival, ask guests to add their photos to the string lights and watch the display grow over time
    • This interactive moment helps break the ice and gives guests something to do when they arrive
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    photos hung on LED photo clip string lights
    woman hanging photos to LED photo clip string lights
    photos displayed on LED photo clip string lights against a wall
    photos hung on LED photo clip string lights
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "Specify how many photos you want each guest to bring, depending on how many are coming and how big the area(s) you want to decorate are (otherwise you know aunt Pam will turn up with an entire box of photos and won't be able to choose!).

    Ask guests to write their full name in pencil on the reverse of each photo (or attach a Post It if they prefer) so that you can return them post-event.

    Consider creating these photo garlands on a number of different walls to encourage circulation, which helps keep the atmosphere up.

    You might also want use signage to give each display a name, e.g., baby photos / college years, or a theme, e.g. embarrassing moments / crimes of fashion".



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    Shoot It, Share It Signs

    Oh Snap! Share the Love hashtag sign
    • THE IDEA
    • Asks guests to capture memories by snapping, sharing, and tagging photos on social media using a custom hashtag

    • THE HOW
    • Choose from acrylic, printed, or printable designs
    • Customize the text and add your event hashtag
    • Display in a prominent position at the entrance so guests are made aware of the hashtag right from the beginning
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    • WHERE TO BUY

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    Custom Hashtag Sign

    'Your Hashtag Here' freestanding tabletop custom hashtag sign
    • THE IDEA
    • Remind guests to tag their photos on social media by placing a custom hashtag sign at the entrance

    • THE HOW
    • Choose from wood or acrylic
    • Choose color
    • Customize text
    • On receipt, clip hashtag sign into the base to assemble
    • Display in a prominent position at the entrance so guests are made aware of the hashtag right from the beginning
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    Perfectly Petersen freestanding tabletop custom hashtag sign on a wedding bar top
    Have You Met the Dardons freestanding tabletop custom hashtag sign
    tabletop custom hashtag sign lying on table next to party favors
    NFL Ready freestanding tabletop custom hashtag sign


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    03

    Activities create atmosphere

    Matt's Tip Watch video or read summary below
    Matt James video title


    On a practical level, activities also help shape the party’s atmosphere.

    One often overlooked element of party planning—that professionals play close attention to—is the importance of circulation and flow.

    Keeping people moving, so they explore different areas, mingle with other guests, and discover new things is a key ingredient in ensuring the party has a lively and fun atmosphere.

    The alternative, when the layout forces guests to remain relatively static in one area—clustered in corners and chatting only with the people they came with—makes for a low energy and often dull party.

    It’s why people often dread seated dinners; because when you sit down, the energy goes down, and you end up stuck next to the same two people for long periods.

    So, spreading a few interactive elements around the venue encourages people to circulate and explore, which keeps the energy up, and the atmosphere lively.

    Not to mention they can be a handy excuse for people to extract themselves from any awkward conversations!

    Fun Facts Balloon Chandelier

    Fun Facts photos of the birthday boy/girl hanging from helium balloons
    • THE IDEA
    • Hang photos with 'fun facts you may not know about the birthday boy/girl' from helium balloons to entertain guests

    • THE HOW
    • Collect up old photos of the birthday boy/girl from different stages of their life
    • Make a list of fun facts about them
    • Type one fact per piece of paper, trim to the same size as each photo and glue to the back of it
    • Alternatively, upload digital / scanned photos and use the predesigned template below to have 'Fun Facts' cards printed and shipped
    • Inflate helium balloons and attached one 'Fun Fact' photo to each string
    + Read More

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    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "A word of warning...a standard photograph can be surprisingly heavy (even more so if you stick printed paper to the back). It's enough to make a helium balloon sink to the floor!

    That's why I created the template below, where you can scan and upload photos, add the text, and have them printed onto smaller cards that are lighter. The template allows you to print two different 'Fun Facts' cards onto one standard postcard size (4.25" x 5.6"), which you can then cut in half, making two for the price of one.

    Just remember to the edit the text if you need to change 'birthday boy' to 'birthday girl' (or any other recipient) and tick the "Attribution: Remove Independent Creator Credit" to delete the annoying QR code the printer has added to the design.

    Old printed photos can be transferred to a digital format very inexpensively nowadays ($20-$30 for 100 photos, link below) so it's a great opportunity to preserve them for years to come.

    Similarly, old photos that are fading, discolored, or damaged can often be restored at the same time (see link below)."



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     Fantastic Finds: 

     Great Ideas I Wish I'd Thought Of... 



    Fun Facts Garland Banners

    Fun Facts garland banners wrapped around a tree at a garden party
    • THE IDEA
    • Personalize your party decorations and entertain guests with garland banners highlighting fun facts about the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Take inspiration from these charming homemade decorations from Marta Dansie's in-laws 50th wedding anniversary (see more at Marta Writes)
    • Make a list of 40 'Fun Facts' about the birthday boy/girl
    • Print one fact per sheet of paper, number it, and mount into cardstock
    • Attach to string or ribbon using wooden pegs for a simple, down to earth, rustic look
    + Read More

    Fun Facts garland banners wrapped around a tree at a garden party
    Fun Facts garland banners wrapped around a tree at a garden party

    If you don't want to make these from scratch, you can buy an editable and printable wedding seating plan card template for around $5 (see links below) and just change the text to your chosen facts.


    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "In Marta's example, pictured above, they came up with a fact inspired by each number of the 50 years being celebrated e.g. 11: trips to France, 15: grandchildren, 17: months they dated before they were engaged etc.

    Alternatively, to make it a little easier, you could just list 40 fun facts without linking each to a year. This way, you could ask friends and family to submit some facts guests might not know about the birthday boy/girl."



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    Fun Facts Filled Balloons

    Gold balloon with Pop Me written on it and Fun Facts on strips of paper
    • THE IDEA
    • Fill balloons with 'fun facts you may not know about the birthday boy/girl' and let guests to pop to reveal

    • THE HOW
    • Type the heading 'Fun Fact You May Not Know About The Birthday Boy/Girl' on one line in bold and underlined, followed by the fact on the following line.
    • Use a small font so that both lines combined are approx 3/4 inch tall
    • Duplicate format over a full page then cut into strips
    • Insert one strip into each balloon, folding if you need to
    • Inflate balloon, tie, and apply 'Pop Me' decal (see previous idea above) or handwrite in with a Sharpie
    + Read More

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    Fun Facts typed onto paper strips and inserted into neck of balloon before inflating
    bunch of blue balloons with Pop Me decals on them
    custom wording decal on white balloon
    balloons dropping from ceiling into dancefloor full of people
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "These are a fun way to add an interactive element to your party to help break the ice, encourage mingling, and keep the energy up, which in turn creates atmosphere.

    You could fill the balloons with helium, add string, and let them dangle from the ceiling for guests to pull down during the drinks reception.

    Alternatively, fill with air and scatter generously across the venue floor / dance floor for guests to walk through (and stamp on to pop!).

    Or hang a balloon drop net above the dance floor and pull to release so they all come cascading down at a certain point.

    If you're going to be blowing up a lot of balloons, consider getting an electric balloon pump (under $20 see button below) as it saves a lot of effort compared to a hand pump!"



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    A Year to Remember

    40 years ago fun facts sign on an easel at Adult Birthday Party
    • THE IDEA
    • Entertain party guests by decorating with printable signs listing fun facts and trivia about the year the birthday boy/girl was born

    • THE HOW
    • Customize a 'Year to Remember' fun facts sign with a photo of the birthday boy/girl (as a kid / baby works best)
    • Choose from printable or print and ship templates and add custom text
    • Use to decorate the entrance, welcome area, bar tops, dessert / buffet / occasional tables, or bathrooms
    + Read More

    Tap images to enlarge

    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "These signs are extremely versatile so you can duplicate them in multiple locations at your event, which, if you opt for the printable version, is a great way to maximize your décor budget.

    Guests sometimes miss little details at parties, so it's fine to give them more than one opportunity to catch something.

    I like to position fun decorations like this in the bathrooms; by the wash basins, on the backs of cubicle doors, and above urinals.

    People often forget to decorate the bathrooms so inexpensive printables like these are a fun way to surprise guests with your attention to detail."



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    Photo Collage Sign

    Celebrating 40 years photo collage sign displayed on easel on bar top
    • THE IDEA
    • Entertain guests by placing a photo collage showing the birthday boy/girl at different stages of their life at the entrance or on bars / dessert / buffet tables

    • THE HOW
    • Ask friends and family to contribute old photos of the birthday boy/girl to create a photo collage sign celebrating the birthday boy/girl's life (so far)
    • Choose from printable or print and ship templates and add custom text
    • Use to decorate the entrance, welcome area, bar tops, dessert / buffet, or occasional tables
    • You can also frame it so it doubles as a gift / keepsake
    • Alternatively, use the large 3 panel option pictured below as a dessert / buffet table backdrop
    + Read More

    Tap images to enlarge

    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "Rather than only draw upon your own collection, considering asking friends and family members to lend you some of their photos of the birthday boy/girl from significant periods of their life.

    That way you might discover some less familiar photos—perhaps even some the birthday boy/girl might have forgotten or never even seen before.

    Old printed photos can be transferred to a digital format very inexpensively nowadays ($20-$30 for 100 photos, link below) so it's a great opportunity to preserve them for years to come.

    Similarly, old photos that are fading, discolored, or damaged can often be restored at the same time (see link below)."



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    04

    Bringing Everyone Together

    Matt's Tip Watch video or read summary below
    Matt James video title


    Shared experiences create bonding

    You should always have at least one point in the evening where you bring everyone together as a group.

    A shared experience—especially one that places the birthday boy/girl at the center—is a subtle way to unite all the distinct groups present; relatives, old college friends, work colleagues etc and recognize them collectively as one group; people that are all important to the birthday boy/girl.


    Whether it’s something as simple as:

    • a welcome speech; where everyone is acknowledged and thanked for coming,
    • an entertaining toast (or even a roast!); where guests share funny stories and poignant memories,
    • or a sentimental birthday slideshow; where you celebrate their life so far in pictures (a favorite of mine as they often bring a tear to the eye!)

    …creating a moment that everyone shares helps people bond.

    I recommend doing something like this earlier in the party—once you’re sure everyone has arrived.

    People love to feel included, to be part of a group, and you’ll find there’s usually a much better sense of connection and cohesion among guests following a shared group experience.

    It encourages people to drop their guard and will help get the party off to a great start.


    A Simple Example

    I remember reading about a dinner party where the host decided to make a quick speech once everyone had arrived, to explain why she’d felt motivated to bring them all together.

    She explained that there had simply been so much stressful news in the country that particular week that she knew just seeing their faces would be reassuring.

    She told them it made her feel connected, grounded, and that she was grateful they could all just gather around the dinner table together on a blustery night.

    Her simple, honest, and touching speech prompted all her friends to burst into applause.

    People love to feel connected, especially through something authentic or meaningful, and creating a bond encourages more interaction.

    + Read More + Close

    Fan Faces

    Group of friends holding up fan faces of the birthday boy's face
    • THE IDEA
    • Surprise the guest of honor as they arrive by providing party guests with fan faces of the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Decide whether to use same image on all fan faces or split the total number of fans over several photos showing the birthday boy/girl at different stages of their life
    • Hand out to guests on arrival
    • Alternatively, leave on a table in the welcome area and display a printable 'Please Take One' sign (see button below)
    + Read More

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    Group of people at a party holding up fan faces of the birthday boy's face
    Group of people at a party holding up fan faces of the birthday girl's face
    woman holding up a fan face of her own face
    two men sitting together with one holding up a fan face of the other man's face
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "Choose a forward facing, well-lit, head only, high resolution (300dpi) photo.

    If you want to use old printed photos, have these scanned at a local printer using a flat bed scanner (not a document scanner used at office supply stores).

    Alternatively, if you want to transfer more old prints to digital format this can be done very inexpensively nowadays ($20-$30 for 100 photos, link below) and it's a great opportunity to preserve them for years to come.

    Just double check that the service-provider offers high-resolution scans. Most do as standard.

    Similarly, old photos that are fading, discolored, or damaged can often be restored at the same time (see link below)."



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    Custom Pinata

    • THE IDEA
    • Create a talking point, memorable moment, and photo-op for guests to share with a custom pinata resembling the birthday boy/girl

    • THE HOW
    • Submit a distinctive photo of the birthday boy or girl to base the pinata on
    • During the party, hang in a prominent position so guests can have their photo taken with it
    • Alternatively, use as a centerpiece for a buffet or dessert table
    • Later in the party, bring everyone together to watch the birthday boy/girl take a swing at it!
    + Read More

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    blake shelton holding a custom pinata of himself
    custom pinata of a husband and wife
    custom pinata of man in a suit
    custom pinata of a blonde woman in sunglasses and a red dress
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "These lifelike piñatas capture a person's likeness best when you pick a photo that has distinctive features i.e glasses, beard, hairstyle, facial expression / mannerism / poses etc.

    Failing that, choose a photo of them in any distinctive clothing, such as a uniform, sports kit, hat, or anything they often wear, like a suit, smart dress/jewelery, or their favorite band T shirt, that helps define their 'look'.

    Alternatively, use a photo that shows them with accessories / props that help communicate their hobbies, interests, or personality ie singing into a microphone, wearing headphones, or lifting a dumbbell."



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    Photo Slideshow

    group of friends watching a photo slideshow on projection screen in back yard social gathering
    • THE IDEA
    • Invite friends and family to contribute photos and videos of the birthday boy/girl to surprise them with an animated slideshow during the party

    • THE HOW
    • Gather up old photos and video clips of the birthday boy/girl that tell the story of their life (so far)
    • Transfer any old printed photos to digital format (link below)
    • Upload/email the photos to have them set to music, animated, and blended into one continuous presentation
    • Play the slideshow at the party, either on a loop in the background or gather everyone together to share the moment at a designated time
    + Read More


    • THE WHY?
    • Entertainment; whether a surprise reveal or continuous loop, it's an easy way to keep party guests entertained
    • Surprise; creates a sentimental moment during the party (expect the odd tear!)
    • Nostalgic; a walk down memory lane is a wonderful way to celebrate a milestone birthday
    • Thoughtful; celebrates the person's life, not their age
    • Inclusive; allows friends and family who are deceased, far away, or can't attend to still have a presence at the party
    matt james, professional event planner
    matt's tip by matt james, professional event planner

    MATT'S TIP

    "Slideshows work best when they're a surprise for the birthday boy/girl. Use them to create a focal point that brings everyone together at a certain time for a big reveal. Alternatively, have it playing on a continuous loop throughout the party to entertain guests during drinks; it can be a great ice breaker / conversation starter.

    If you own (or can borrow) a projector for playback it will give a more special 'big-screen' event feel, fill a larger space, and enable more people to see easily in a crowded room. Alternatively, you could cast from a laptop or tablet to a large TV screen."



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    THANK YOU SPEECH

    man giving a toast at a wedding party
    • THE IDEA
    • Bring guests together and read out some of their contributions to the other activities featured on this page, such as 'A Trip Down Memory Lane', 'Reasons We Love You' and 'Bucket List Suggestions'

    • THE HOW
    • Midway through the event, bring all guests together as a group
    • Acknowledge everyone and thank them for coming
    • Use it as an opportunity to read out some of their contributions to the other activities featured on this page.
    + Read More

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    Photo Booth Props

    group of women in mug shot photo booth collage
    • THE IDEA
    • Bring groups of guests together to create and share photos that capture the spirit of the event by providing them with photo booth props and signs

    • THE HOW
    • Set up a camera phone or tablet on a tripod to create a photo booth
    • Alternatively, have guests take their own photos and provide a custom event hashtag to track them post-event
    • Set up a table with various photo booth props and signs to make event photos more memorable
    + Read More

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