i’m matt james

professional event producer

  • 27 years event-planning experience
  • Winner of 30 industry awards
  • Clients include:
  • Elton John,
  • Stella McCartney,
  • Sarah Jessica Parker,
  • Kevin Spacey……and more

welcome

Matt James professional event planner
CONTENTS

ON THIS PAGE

01 MAKE IT SPECIAL

Thoughtful ideas that celebrate the person, not their age, focus on the feel-good, and make a 18th birthday special

18 Reasons We Love You photo poster for a 18th birthday
18 years of memories personalized photo book for a 18th birthday
'18 Memories for 18 Years' Share a Memory postcards for a 18th birthday
Custom '18 Reasons We Love You' 18th birthday photo book with friends and family holding signs

02 MAKE IT personal

How to add creative twists and personal touches to create talking points and memorable moments

custom face photo 18th birthday garland banner showing a man 'through the years'
two teenage boys standing next to custom pinatas of themselves
'celebrating 18 years' 18th birthday party dessert table tapestry backdrop with photos showing the guest of honor 'through the years'
custom photo personalized Happy Birthday m&m's for a 18th birthday party

03 18th birthday party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your 18th birthday party decorations in a few key areas

number 18 balloon mosaic 18th birthday party decorations
girl standing next to happy 18th birthday stephanie spelled out in a yard card in front of house
'cheers to 18 years' 18th birthday custom photo banner showing photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
18th birthday photo collage in the shape of the numbers 18 on a party dessert table

04 18th birthday party activities

How to break the ice, provide conversation-starters, encourage mingling, and create atmosphere

18th birthday guestbook alternative signing poster with photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
Interactive DIY vodka bar with mixers and fruit set up at an event as an activity for guests
How well do you know the birthday boy printable party game
retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting party guests to record a message

05 18th birthday party food

Why food stations geared towards small bites, tasting plates, and DIY options are better than buffets

Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers arranged in rows on a modern 18th birthday party buffet table / food station
18th birthday party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
18th birthday party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically
18th birthday party food ideas: individual portion charcuterie cups

06 dessert tables

How a dessert table can lend visual spectacle, save time, and maximize budget for a 18th birthday party

pastel pink and white colored paper circle garland party backdrop behind a dessert table for a birthday party
individual layered party desserts served in disposable shooter glasses
personalized custom caricature cookie of a man for a 18th birthday party
mauve sequin shimmer party backdrop behind a dessert table

07 18th birthday party drinks

Get that professionally-catered look and give traditional drinks a creative twist

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for 18th birthday party drinks
18th birthday party drinks ideas: boxwood hedge party drinks bar wall with shelves of self-service drinks for guests to help themselves to
custom photo edible wafer party drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail
custom photo 'Fun Facts about the Birthday boy' 18th birthday party napkins

08 18th birthday party invitations

Why invitations needs to excite, inspire, and give guests something to look forward to

18th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday boy 'through the years'
animated digital video 18th birthday party invitations displayed on mobile phone screen
balloon custom printed with 18th birthday party invitation details
custom vinyl record party invitation for a 18th birthday party

09 18th birthday gifts

Avoid uninspiring and clichéd gifts in favor of something that’s unique, meaningful, or a treat

woman standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of herself
custom personalized comic book for a 18th birthday gift
custom bobblehead of a young woman alongside her photo for an 18th birthday gift
personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a 18th birthday gift

10 18th birthday party ideas for men

18th birthday party themes, decorations, and ideas aimed at men

'the man, the myth, the legend' custom name 18th birthday party backdrop decorations behind a dessert table
18th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with bottles of beer in ice buckets
Group of friends in a Hot Air Balloon ride for a birthday activity
18th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with a cheese board
ADVICE FROM A PRO

18th BIRTHDAY party tips

  • 18th birthdays are significant, so you need to make an effort!
  • Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with 18
  • Instead, make everything as personal as possible
  • Celebrate the person, not their age
  • Avoid lame jokes and clichés about ‘adulting’ or ‘finally legal’.
  • Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated as they turn 18
  • Celebrate their life; their background, accomplishments, and all the things that have made them who they are today
  • Celebrate who they are; admirable qualities, characteristics everyone loves, and even their weird habits and obsessions that drive people crazy!
  • Celebrate your relationship with them; take a walk down memory lane, share memories, funny stories, embarrassing photos, amusing anecdotes, fun facts guests may not know, and indulge in a little sentimentality
  • Focus on things that are meaningful, because that’s what they’ll remember
  • If you’re planning your own 18th birthday bash, you should still take the same approach. Make everything as personal as possible so that it’s a reflection of you; your tastes, your interests, and your sense of humor—with plenty of embarrassing old photos and fun facts
  • I’ll teach you how to design your 18th birthday party like a pro; creating ‘beats’ or ‘moments’ that run throughout the event so guests continue to discover new things as the party unfolds
  • Think of the guest’s journey in terms of different touch points; arrivals, bar, room décor, food, entertainment etc.