Daughters kissing their mother on the cheek while holding number 60 balloons
Turning 60 is a significant milestone. It represents 60 years of laughter, wisdom, and cherished moments with loved ones that will forever hold a special place in your heart. It marks the beginning of a new decade in your life, where you can look forward to embracing new hobbies, enjoying retirement, exploring foreign lands, and creating memories with your grandkids or furry friends. Your 60th birthday party should reflect the unique story of your life.
Whether you're planning your own celebration or seeking ideas to commemorate your loved one's 60th birthday, we have you covered. In this article, we'll share a range of 60th birthday party ideas, including themes, activities, and stunning invitation options.
How To Plan a 60th Birthday Party
Man smiling at his wife while holding a bouquet of flowers
Planning a 60th birthday party can be as simple as gathering a few close friends and family for a virtual hangout or as extravagant as a grand ballroom gala. It all depends on how you envision celebrating this special occasion.
For simple gatherings, start by deciding on the level of formality and the number of guests you'd like to invite. Simple gatherings require less upfront effort, while larger events may involve working with party planners or event venues. If you're hosting a sizable celebration, begin the planning process 3 to 4 months in advance. For more relaxed and laid-back parties, you can start planning anywhere from a week to a month ahead.
To simplify the party planning process, break it down into smaller steps. Here's a quick rundown of how to plan a 60th birthday party, from selecting a theme to decorating the space.
Pick a Theme
Themed parties not only add excitement but also make planning easier. Once you've chosen a theme, you can create a cohesive event with matching decorations, invitations, and party favors. Consider the following 60th birthday party ideas and themes to celebrate this milestone:
Black and White Party
Celebrate your 60th birthday with an elegant black and white theme. This sophisticated choice makes for a sleek and easy-to-manage dress code. You can host a small virtual event where guests are encouraged to dress in black and white for your Zoom call, or opt for an upscale in-person gathering at a ballroom.
Casino Night
Another exciting 60th birthday party idea is a casino night. Dress up and have a roaring good time playing poker or roulette with your loved ones. You can adapt this for socially distanced events by hosting online casino games or plan a real-life casino birthday trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
Decade Party
Feel nostalgic and celebrate an era that holds special meaning to you. Put on your flare jeans and a groovy flower top for a '70s disco night, or rock high-top sneakers, splatter paint, and metallic attire for a lively '90s theme party. For a touch of luxury, consider a Roaring '20s or Great Gatsby theme.
Diamond Jubilee
Make your celebration a royal affair with a diamond jubilee, inspired by the royal family. Originally used to mark 60th anniversaries, Queen Victoria hosted a diamond jubilee to celebrate her 60th birthday. This theme is all about glitz and glamour, with shimmering diamonds, metallic attire, and sparkling glasses of champagne.
Set the Scene
Once you've chosen a theme, consider how to decorate your event space to create a memorable ambiance. Whether it's your living room for a virtual gathering or a rented event space, think about what guests will see when they arrive, where they'll eat if you're serving a meal, and where they can mingle.
Incorporate themed decor into these spaces to enhance your 60th birthday celebration. For a casino night, set up card tables adorned with poker chips and dim, moody lighting. A black and white party could include neutral-hued ostrich feathers mixed with the two-tone decor, while a diamond jubilee calls for a glittering entrance adorned with a birthday banner or sign.
For a Roaring '20s theme, create a glamorous atmosphere with Art Deco-inspired decor and glimmering rose gold accents. Don't skimp on decorations – balloons, confetti, pom-poms, streamers, centerpieces, photo booths, games, and personalized party favors all contribute to a vibrant atmosphere. You can find party supplies and printable templates online from sites like Etsy and Amazon.
Have Fun With Party Activities
Friends and family smiling while holding sparklers
To entertain your guests during the celebration, plan some in-person or virtual party games and activities. Tailor these activities to match your theme – for example, show off your best dance moves from the '20s for a Great Gatsby theme or play card games for a casino party.
Trivia games based on the birthday honoree's birth year or decade can also be enjoyable. Ask questions or share fun facts about popular singers or movies from that era, and offer prizes for the most correct answers.
In addition to games, create a special moment to honor the guest of honor. Play a slideshow of photos showcasing some of their best moments over the years. You can also have the birthday honoree or loved ones deliver a heartfelt speech to mark this momentous occasion.
Indulge in Delicious Treats
When planning a 60th birthday party, decide whether you want to serve appetizers or a full meal. Remember that the complexity of the event and your preferences will determine whether you prepare the food yourself, order from a favorite restaurant, or work with a professional caterer.
No birthday celebration is complete without sweet treats. Whether it's an elaborate birthday cake, a dessert table spread, or a tower of mini cupcakes, ensure there's something for everyone. Consider adding funny cake toppers, such as "over the hill" designs, or use cardstock cutouts that match the party theme.
Make It Virtual
Woman lighting number 60 candles
If you need to throw a 60th birthday celebration but can't gather everyone due to social distancing rules or distance, you can adapt these ideas for a virtual event.
Order special treats and have them delivered to friends and family attending the virtual party. Many major cities offer food delivery options through companies like Instacart and UberEats. Alternatively, ask guests to order their own food and drinks and share a toast together during the virtual party. A virtual happy hour can be a fun way to celebrate turning 60!
For decor, prepare decorations or party favors for all guests and mail them a few weeks before the virtual birthday party. Alternatively, share printable decor options from sites like Chicfetti and have guests print their own decorations. Trivia games and slideshows can be easily done on video call platforms like Zoom and Skype.
60th Birthday Party Ideas: Invitations That Wow
Woman smiling behind her cake while surrounded by her family
Once you've organized everything for the celebration, it's time to invite your guests. At Greenvelope, you'll find a fantastic variety of online birthday party invitations. Choose from themed options that perfectly suit Roaring 20s parties or classic styles that capture the essence of a 60th birthday celebration. Here are a few of our favorite 60th birthday party invitations to get you started:
Golden 60 Invitation
This milestone birthday invitation boasts an elegant yet fun design that's perfect for marking this special occasion. The gold foil accents make it ideal for Great Gatsby and Diamond Jubilee themes, as well as sophisticated 60th birthday celebrations.
Aged to Perfection Invitation
Celebrate 60 years of wisdom and experience with this playful birthday invite. The design is perfect for a speakeasy party, casino night, or even a backyard BBQ to mark the big 6-0.
Milestone Balloon Invitation
This delightful invitation captures the spirit of celebration with its fun and fancy gold foil and polka dot balloons. Customize the invitation by choosing different fonts and colors to match your 60th birthday party theme.
Brushed Edges Invitation
This delicate yet festive invitation features a soft, shimmering border that adds a touch of sophistication. It's perfectly suited for an understated yet stylish 60th birthday party. The scrawling typography adds a fun and whimsical vibe that will get guests excited about the big bash.
Celebrate Each Milestone With Greenvelope
Woman lighting number 60 candles
Celebrate your favorite 60-year-old with these fun party ideas. These 60th birthday party ideas can also be adapted to celebrate other milestone years, such as a 40th, 50th, or even 90th birthday.
Whether your celebration is in-person or virtual, make timeless memories as you honor this significant birthday. Once you have your plans in place, send out digital invitations from Greenvelope. Customize each design and easily send them to your guests in just a few minutes. Plus, you can track RSVPs and send updates with a click of a mouse. Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate – no matter how you choose to do it.
