10 of the best and funest 21st birthday theme ideas for you! (2024)

You’re 21st is a huge milestone where you say so long to your childhood and hello to adolescence. It’s a time for you to shine and for your family to feel pride in all you have achieved in your life so far.

For most, it is an occasion that warrants plenty of planning – especially if you’re trying to outdo your friends during the 21st birthday season. Whether you’re the first in your group of friends to hit this momentous milestone, or the last, we understand that your special day needs to be one that is remembered. That’s why at Ocean Groove Cruises, we’ve out together a list of 10 fantastic 21st birthday themes to get you thinking. Afterall, we do specialise in 21st Birthday Cruises in Auckland so we certainly know a thing or two about planning them!

10 of the best and funest 21st birthday theme ideas for you! (1)

PRETTY IN PINK

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and we think the one above speaks for itself. Think rose gold, pinks, florals, and fawns.

This theme is great for creating the ultimate pink paradise.

BLACK TIE FORMAL

Celebrating your 21st birthday in Auckland is the perfect opportunity to show off the fancy side of things with a black-tie shindig. Women get the opportunity to throw on a stunning gown, while the men can show off their inner 007 with black suits and ties.

GREAT GATSBY

Think black and gold, cigars, art deco, feathers, and tiaras. Put it all together and you have yourself a fantastic looking Gatsby inspired bash. This theme has gained a lot of interest since Leonardo brought the iconic novel to life in the 2013 movie. The roaring 20’s as they were known offered plenty of jazz, dancing, and campaign. What else would you want for your 21st?

ALL WHITE PARTY

A theme that is seemingly increasing in popularity, is the American derived all white party. With the clue being in the name, this theme involves party goers dressing only in all or almost all white clothing. The exception, on occasion, being that the party celebrant wears an alternative colour. Think a bride-to-be wearing all pink, while her maids of honour wear white. Or a Bachelor wearing all black as his fellow bucks wear only white. The idea being that they are the ones being celebrated and so need to stand out.

Especially popular in the summertime, all white parties don’t only focus on clothing. Think white balloons, white flowers, white decorations, and even white party food. Think beautifully decorated white chocolate cupcakes, crisp meringue kisses, white bread finger sandwiches, and plenty of marshmallows. The possibilities and endless when you put your mind to it.

10 of the best and funest 21st birthday theme ideas for you! (2)

LETTER PARTY

It’s your birthday so why not make it even more about you by choosing a letter theme. Not sure what it is? Let us explain. A letter theme party is based on the first letter of your name. For instance, an ‘A’ theme for Amy’s birthday or an ‘R’ theme for Robyn. Next, you ask your guests to dress up as anything (a world of endless possibilities) beginning with that letter. Sounds fun right?

For an ‘A’ theme imagine Angles, Avocado’s, Astronauts, Alice in wonderland. This theme is only limited by the imagination of your guests. So, give them a challenge and let’s have some fun!

FESTIVAL FUN

It’s been done many times before, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.

Pick your favourite festival: Coachella, Rhythm & Vines, Home Grown or Big Day Out or combine elements of a few. Insert some neon, music, glow sticks, fanny packs, gum boots and the free spirit nature of festivals and your 21st birthday will be an experience like no other.

CASINO

Imagine the glitz and glam of the Las Vegas strip with the excitement and laughter of the casino. All with no risk of losing any money. Sounds like fun, right? Well, that is exactly what a corporate casino theme can offer. Whether you want black tie, 20s Gatsby or a wild western evening, a casino theme offers a fantastic evening of gambling – with play money of course. For some, they choose to create their own games, but others opt to select a casino hire companies, that can offer blackjack tables, Roulette, Baccarat,Poker, and much more.

PIRATES

It’s no surprise, that we have hosted a pirate themed party or two. After all, Ocean Groove Cruises are Auckland’s leading party boat provider and who could imagine a better location for a pirate themed party than onboard a private charter boat?

Inspired by the likes of eccentric pirate “Captain” Jack Sparrow and loveable Long John Silver, the pirate party theme offers adventure, fun and excitement. From eye patches and swords to bandana’s and corsets, the costume possibilities are both endless and easy to find. In addition, sites likepinterestare great for finding party food idea’s like pirate ship hot dogs and cannon chocolate balls.

MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY

If you have an affinity for the weird and wacky, then treat your guests to a mystical, mind-blowing Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatters Tea Party.Think quirky co*cktails and canapes served in dishes and cups of all sizes and colours. At Ocean Groove Cruises, our seating area is ideal for a sit down tea party before you move to the upper deck for an evening of dancing!

MASQUERADE BALL

A mysterious Masquerade party is an other great option for celebrating a milestone as large as a 21st birthday. Each of your guests will attend while wearing a mask – adding a little fantasy to the evening.

So if you’re looking to celebrate your 21st birthday in Auckland in style, look no further than Ocean Groove Cruises. Get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange a free charter viewing or to dicuss your ideas!

10 of the best and funest 21st birthday theme ideas for you! (2024)

FAQs

What makes a 21st birthday special? ›

It symbolises the transition to adulthood, a time of personal growth, newfound responsibilities, and legal rights. The celebration of this milestone is essential, as it not only marks accomplishments but also fosters connections and creates cherished memories.

How do you throw the best 21st? ›

The best way to celebrate your 21st birthday is the one that fits best with what you like and enjoy. So whatever you choose to do, if you like it, then it's the perfect choice. If you like to party all night long, consider a bar-crawl or nightclub-hopping, or throwing a themed-event or costume party.

Is there a color 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.

Why is 21st birthday special for girls? ›

The 21st birthday is an special because this is the time when you are officially become an adult and capable to do the things independently.

How do I choose a good theme? ›

Before you choose your theme you should have a clear idea of the goal of your event, who is attending and what you want your guests to 'take-away' from the occasion. Adding structure by asking these kind of questions will help you formulate a theme that your attendees will LOVE.

Is 21 a 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 does a 21st key symbolizes? ›

Celebrating a 21st birthday with the traditional key honors the birthday person's arrival at adulthood and independence. Reaching twenty one is an occasion to be celebrated. And the key symbolizes their maturity and the joy of arriving at the next stage of life.

What is the key on your 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.

How much should you spend on a 21st birthday party? ›

Consider your budget

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 much money do you give for your 21st birthday? ›

A general guideline would be $20-50 for acquaintances, $50-100 for friends, and more for close family members. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the gift is thoughtful and given with love and generosity.

What is the best color for 21st birthday? ›

Gold, silver and black are classic colors for a 21st birthday party. But if you want to be a bit different and still keep a classy vibe, then pink and yellow work great too.

What is 21st key birthday? ›

The concept of giving the (21st) “Key to the door” - the freedom to come and go without parental supervision - started taking the shape from 1930. Decorated keys were given as presents, and were featured on cards and the birthday cake.

Is 21st birthday 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.

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