When it comes to exciting life milestones, there are few quite as revered as a 21st birthday. For those in college, this means nights of hitting up the bars with friends and making memories to last a lifetime. All too often, however, these celebrations can quickly go south. Follow these tips for planning a 21st birthday party to make sure it’s a bash people will talk about for years to come.
Tailor the party to the birthday person
When it comes to the ideal night out, each person has a different expectation. Whether you’re planning this party for yourself or your friend, it’s important to tailor it to the birthday person. 21st birthday bashes often bring up thoughts of rollicking parties that involve tons of clubbing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If something more lowkey is their scene, there’s nothing wrong with camping out at a local bar and enjoying the calm ambiance.
Invite people well in advance
Oftentimes, when you’re in college, you don’t think about having to send out party invites in advance. For an event as large as a 21st birthday party, however, you want to make sure all the necessary people are available to come and celebrate. Send out a quick Facebook invite at least a month in advance so that people can clear their schedules. If anyone has a test or paper due around that date, you want to make sure they have ample time to prepare.
Plan which bars you’ll hit up before you hit the road
While a typical college night may consist of wandering from bar to bar, for your 21st birthday, you’re going to want to have more structure than that. Plan in advance which bars are a must-see and create a route around that. It’s easy for pandemonium to take over once you get out. As such, if you have a plan in your head, the celebrant will get to experience the bars they’ve been most excited to visit.
Decide on a designated driver in advance
Though it’s sure to be a fun-filled night, safety should always be your first priority. That’s why it’s necessary to decide on a designated driver or ride-share service in advance. Never drive while under the influence, and never let any of the partygoers do so either. If you or a friend were to receive a DUI, it will surely ruin the memory of this life milestone. By planning this out in advance, you can make sure everyone stays safe and has a great time.
