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 30th birthday special

30 Reasons We Love You photo poster for a special 30th birthday idea
30 years of memories personalized photo book for a 30th birthday
Cheers to 30 Years share a memory memory postcards with instructions card
Custom '30 Reasons We Love You' 30th 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 30th birthday garland banner decorations showing a man 'through the years'
man standing next to a custom pinata of himself for his 30th birthday
'celebrating 30 years' 30th 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 30th birthday party

03 30th birthday party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your 30th birthday party decorations in a few key areas

happy birthday Natalie spelled out in a 30th birthday yard card in front of house
30th birthday photo collage in the shape of the numbers 30 on a party dessert table
'cheers to 30 years' 30th birthday custom photo banner showing photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
number 30 balloon mosaic 30th birthday party decorations

04 30th birthday party activities

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

yellow retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting party guests to record a message
30th birthday guestbook alternative signing poster with photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
How well do you know the 30th birthday girl printable party game
DIY vodka bar with mixers and fruit set up at a 30th birthday party

05 30th 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 30th birthday party buffet table / food station
30th birthday party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
30th birthday party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically
30th 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 30th birthday party

blue ombre effect paper circles garland backdrop behind a 30th birthday party dessert table
green sequin shimmer party backdrop behind a dessert table
man next to a personalized custom caricature cookie of himself for his 30th birthday
individual layered party desserts served in disposable shooter glasses

07 30th birthday party drinks

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

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for 30th birthday party drinks
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 30th birthday boy floating on cocktails
custom photo 'Fun Facts about the Birthday boy' 30th birthday party napkins

08 30th birthday party invitations

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

30th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday boy 'through the years'
balloon custom printed with 30th birthday party invitation details
animated digital video 30th birthday party invitations displayed on mobile phone screen
transparent acrylic wedding or party invitation

09 30th birthday gifts

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

man standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of himself
custom personalized comic book for a 30th birthday gift
custom bobblehead of a man alongside his photo for an 30th birthday gift
personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a 30th birthday gift

10 30th birthday party ideas for men

30th birthday party themes, decorations, and ideas aimed at men

'the man, the myth, the legend' custom name 30th birthday party backdrop decorations behind a dessert table
30th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with bottles of beer in ice buckets
The Silver Fox 30th birthday party plates
30th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with a cheese board
ADVICE FROM A PRO

30th BIRTHDAY party tips

  • 30th birthdays are significant, so you need to make an effort!
  • Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with 30
  • Instead, make everything as personal as possible
  • Celebrate the person, not their age
  • Avoid lame jokes and clichés like ‘old as dirt’, ‘over the hill, and ‘30 rocks’
  • Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated as they turn 30
  • 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 30th 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 30th 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.
  • Then, add a creative twist, person touch, or talking point to each
  • Don’t forget to include activities; things for guests to do that will break the ice, encourage mingling, provide conversation-starters, and create a fun atmosphere that includes everyone.
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MATT’S TIP

Matt James professional event planner
in this section

01 Make it special

celebrate the person, not their age

  • Limit the gag gifts and decorations and focus on thoughtful, feel-good ideas.
  • Make them feel loved, appreciated, and good about themselves.

AVOID CLICHÉS

  • Don’t make the common mistake of theming everything around turning 30.