continued from page 1
more 80th birthday party decorations
in this section
02 welcome area
Why you need to create a welcome area
What makes a good reception area
the idea
life-size talking cutout
Have the 80th birthday boy / girl greet guests at the entrance with a life-size cutout paired with a motion-activated voice recorder to play a personal greeting in their own voice
the idea
welcome signs
Help guests find the entrance, reassure them they’re at the right place, and invite them in without having to stand at the door
the idea
photo collage sign
Entertain guests by placing a photo collage showing the 80th birthday / girl at different stages of their life on welcome desks or bars
the idea
welcome area signs
Communicate practical information regarding parking, restrooms, cloakrooms, WiFi, guests book, cards & gifts, and welcome drinks with printable signs
the idea
custom card box
Provide a box at the entrance for guests to leave cards so neither they nor the 80th birthday boy / girl has to carry them around during the event
the idea
Shoot it, share it sign
Ask guests to capture memories by snapping, sharing, and tagging photos on social media using a custom hashtag
the idea
custom hashtag sign
Remind guests to tag their photos on social media by placing a custom hashtag sign at the entrance
the idea
self-service drinks table
Set up a self-service bar at the entrance with pre-mixed or ready-to-pour drinks that guests can all help themselves to on arrival
the idea
champagne / cocktail walls
Create a big first impression by offering guests their welcome drink on arrival from a self-service ‘grab and go’ champagne / cocktail wall
ADVICE FROM A PRO
ENSURE YOUR GUESTS FEEL COMFORTABLE
MATT’S TIP
preview
welcome area activities
Below are some ice breakers, activities, and party favors that would work well in a welcome area. To see more, check out my separate page of 80th birthday party activities.
the idea
Hello My Name Is… stickers
Facilitate introductions and conversations with name tags revealing guests Special Talent, Superhero Power, or Favorite Sitcom Character
the idea
photo party hats
Create custom party hats printed with old photos of the 80th birthday boy / girl from different stages of their life
the idea
guestbook alternative: signing poster
Invite guests to write messages for the 80th birthday boy / girl on a signing poster with ‘Then & Now’ photos to be framed as a keepsake
the idea
audio guestbook
Bring your guestbook to life and capture authentic and unfiltered voice messages from friends and family to treasure forever
the idea
polaroid guestbook
Snap it, shake it, stick it, sign it! Invite guests to illustrate their guestbook entry by using an instant camera
the idea
video guestbook
Capture the love by setting up a tablet on a tripod for guests to record video messages for the 80th birthday boy / girl
the idea
fan face custom cutouts
Create photo ops by providing guests with fan faces of the 80th birthday boy / girl at different stages of their life