Date: 25th July 2025

Posted by: Daniel Lay Team

30th Birthday Decoration Ideas for Him and Her

Turning 30 is a benchmark of adulthood – it’s the age where one puts a memorable end to a carefree youth and marks the beginning of a responsible yet empowering chapter. Whether you want a surprise party, a glamorous dinner, or an intimate outdoor gathering, get inspired by the 30th birthday decoration ideas we’ve put together.

Here are the top birthday decoration ideas for him and her, blending charm, elegance, and entertainment. Choose the right décor for your party and mark a truly memorable 30th birthday.

The Hollywood Glamour Theme

One of the best ways to make birthday decoration ideas convenient for you is to decide on a theme. Centring your party around a theme enables you to easily work out the kind of décor to decorate the venue with.

A popular theme for 30th birthday parties is a Hollywood-themed or red-carpet affair. This timeless combo works wonderfully for both men and women, exuding class and celebration. Think a red carpet on the entrance, starlit drapes, gold-accented table runners, giant Oscars star arches, Oscars statue centrepieces, and Hollywood-themed gobo light projections.

Oscars Themed Table Centrepiece Hire

For her, consider incorporating hues of rose gold or blush to soften the look. However, for him, emphasise a touch of masculinity by adding vintage-inspired tableware or black mobile bars. The glamorous Hollywood theme also calls for furniture that exudes luxury. This is best accentuated by adding classy trestle tables and Chiavari chairs.

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

An Elegant Garden Party Brunch

Nothing beats the aesthetics of a daytime celebration like a garden party brunch setup. Picture rustic wooden tables adorned with pastel linens, seasonal floral arrangements, and Chiavari or wooden chairs. Additionally, elevate the sophistication of a garden party with mismatching China for the cutlery and a bar serving chilled elderflower and gin.

Other décor elements perfect to set the tone for a relaxing yet visually appealing gathering include plinths placed around the corners of the venue with flower vases atop, flower archways for a picturesque entrance, and themed walkways. Consider hanging festoon lights on tree branches, above the dining area, along fences and hedges, and overhead canopies. This theme works great for 30th birthday parties, particularly with a boho-chic dress code and nature-inspired décor.

garden party gazebo

However, if you’re planning a party for him, there are other décor elements you can consider adding. These typically include wooden barrels as cocktail stations, crates stacked with drinks, and neutral-toned linen napkins.

Add in some acoustic or jazz music to keep the mood joyful and cosy.

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

A Travel-Themed Décor for an Adventurous Soul

We’ve all got pals who adore travel and even have a bucket list full of destinations they look forward to visiting. If your birthday star is one of your friends, hosting a travel-themed décor party is a unique yet meaningful way to celebrate their journey and aspirations. To get started on the décor, think authentic backdrops, props, and tables customised for each destination the birthday person has visited so far.

For cutlery, consider getting vintage teacups and saucers for tea time and around-the-world silhouette boards placed around the venue to elevate the theme. You can also decorate the space with a luggage trolley and world map backdrops.

For table centrepieces, add helium balloon centrepieces to enhance the feel of a celebration and blend height, whimsy, and visual storytelling to your tablescape.

hot air balloon decoration

However, for her, ensure pastel tones with floral prints inspired by Paris or the Amalfi Coast to add a dreamy and feminine touch.For him, incorporate a broader travel imagery through using rustic furniture reminiscent of old explorer journals or compass motifs.

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

UV/Retro Glow Party Theme

Combine the vibrant energy of a glow party with the nostalgic flair of a retro one. This theme is ideal for anyone who adores eye-catching visuals and a lively atmosphere to dance the night away. This theme is easy to incorporate and can even be held within the vicinity of your house with the right décor material.

Place a giant 3-0 light-up number right at the venue entrance or garden gates to welcome the guests with an instant wow factor.

Moreover, opt for a low-light atmosphere and add in LED lighting with a smoke machine if you want to go all out. Add in pink and gold sequin backdrops, bold-coloured entryway carpets, LED furniture, and ice buckets to set the scene.

For her, think neon pinks, greens, and purples with shimmery balloons, glowing floral garlands, and disco accents. However, for him, bold graphic patterns with retro arcade props and glowing wall art exude a fun and edgy vibe.

Additionally, considering adding a dance floor with moving head lighting to switch on for everyone who’s in the mood to dance, to set the tone for a high-energy celebration.

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

Movie Night Under the Stars

If the birthday star prefers a laid-back celebration that offers an opportunity to relax and unwind with their friends and family, consider hosting a movie night in the backyard or a private outdoor setting. Set up a projector screen, speakers, bean bags, and hang festoon lights overhead to create a cosy and magical outdoor cinema-like atmosphere.

Outdoor movie night in Effingham Surrey.

You can also add other personalised touches before or after the movie night, such as short clips or pre-recorded messages by friends and family to celebrate the birthday star.

For her, lean towards rom-coms with pastel colours and soft lighting. But for him, action-backed blockbusters or childhood favourites could be a hit!

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

Selfie Photo Booths with Memory Walls

A 30th birthday offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the memories of all stages of one’s life. Set up a memory wall showcasing photos from childhood to adulthood. Combine this with a selfie photobooth decorated with a backdrop and themed props for guests to create fun memories during the event.

photo booth for hire

For her, go for floral walls with pastel hues for a gorgeous ambiance. For him, go for black backdrops with photo strings and monochrome tones. These props not only serve as décor but also double as entertainment.

What to Rent from Daniel Lay Event Services to Pull Off the Look:

Conclusion – Celebrate Your 30s in Style with Our 30th Birthday Decoration Ideas!

The 30th birthday is a milestone moment that offers an opportunity for your loved one to celebrate who they’ve become, irrespective of the challenges of their youth. Whether you’re hosting a lavish party or an intimate gathering with loved ones, the right decorations will set the tone and create a memorable celebration. After all, it’s not every day a loved one turns 30. So, it’s only fair for the celebration to be every bit as special as the person who’s going to be blowing out the candles.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What are good 30th birthday themes?

The most appropriate 30th birthday themes usually depend on the birthday person and what they expect out of a celebration. If the birthday star is in the mood for a bold or themed celebration, consider a UV/retro-themed celebration or a Hollywood-themed glamorous party. However, for those who prefer to lie back and have a relaxing day with their loved ones, a garden party or movie night is usually the best option.

What colour scheme for a 30th birthday?

For her, think elegant and playful palettes such as rose gold, ivory, lavender, silver, or coral and gold. However, for him, think stylish and bold, such as navy, gold and white, charcoal grey, silver, black, and royal blue colours, which are usually the most popular.

What are some common birthday decorations?

Balloon arches, backdrops, festoon lights, floral garlands, customised centrepieces, and a photo booth adorned with props are the most popular birthday decoration ideas.