Sometimes the best parties are the smallest ones. Intimate birthday parties allow you to celebrate with the people who matter most — close friends and family. We’ve searched high and low to bring you 24 of our favorite small birthday party ideas.
From gorgeous balloon installations and picturesque tablescapes to delectable cuisine and artistic birthday cakes, there’s plenty of exciting ways to distinguish your milestone celebration. Read on to discover photo-worthy details, curated themes, and so much more.
Guests left the everyday world behind as they entered this tropical disco 40th-birthday party. See how the colorful florals and creative lighting continued inside with metallic streamers, glittering disco balls, and mirrored charger plates.
This small backyard birthday party got its glow on with a vibrant neon theme. Click to see how every element — from LED table runners to glow-in-the-dark flair bartending — tied the celebration together.
This intimate 60th-birthday party featured artisan cocktails, a nine-course tasting menu, and elegant tenting with suspended gold lighting.
This colorful and sparkly backdrop begs to be photographed. Of course, it’s impossible to pick a favorite element from this modern and ultra-glam birthday party. Click to see everything from silver-mirrored tablescapes and geometric light mapping to a gem-cut dance floor and floating birthday cake. We dare you to find a favorite.
The celebrant couldn’t look more beautiful in her stunning attire that perfectly complemented the party décor. Click to see even more beautiful details such as open-tented seating, pool-side chandeliers, and delectable bites.
Maryland City, MD
We love inspired signage, especially in unexpected places. This creative dessert station has us feeling all the love. We particularly adore the throne-style seating that turns dessert time into a special photo op. Click to see even more inspired photos.
photos courtesy of & planner: Honey & Lavender Events | floral: Black Calla Events | venue: Private Residence | dessert table, chair & backdrop: Yes! Event Decor and More | dessert: Passion Bakery Cafe | balloons: Luxy Balloons
COVID-19 has event professionals rethinking the details — and that includes birthday cakes. We love how this striking candle centerpiece tripled as a seating chart, menu, and birthday candles — with cake served separately.
This intimate birthday party has us falling in love. Lavish roses, luxe velvet seating, and endless crimson balloons set the scene for a night of romance (and style).
Rochester, MI
This intimate birthday party was fit for royalty, indeed. A few of our favorite details include painted mirrors, custom napkins, champagne with floating rose petals, and sophisticated martinis.
This elegant 70th-birthday party has us craving ice-chilled cocktails with the most creative cubes that proudly declare our years around the sun. Make sure to see how this weekend-long bash wowed with lavish ceiling décor, creatively-passed apps, and multiple entertainment acts.
This gorgeous intimate birthday party — situated on a picturesque rooftop — boasted dramatic views of Manhattan, lavish orchid installations, and delicious cuisine.
This floral-forward intimate birthday party dazzled guests from start to finish. Not only did celebrants enjoy their own individual birthday cakes, they also experienced gorgeous tabletop blooms, twinkling lights, and edible flower ice cubes.
This New York venue was transformed into a vibrant New Orleans Garden District mansion — complete with plenty of photo ops, a stunning balloon installation, and a show-stopping brass band.
Paris, France
This Miami birthday girl had her wishes come true in the city of Paris with an intimate birthday party set at Musée Jacquemart-André. Click to see how the lavish tablescapes brought the museum’s artwork to life — and make sure to stay for the ice sculpture and full truffle menu.
Marfa, TX
Set against the dramatic Chihuahuan Desert, this small birthday party wowed with live music, a sleek caravan photo op, and smoked cuisine. We especially love how dinner took place on striped picnic blankets — complete with candlelight and floral arrangements.
We love how this birthday girl celebrated with her very own custom cocktail. Make sure to check out how the pink color scheme carried over to everything from the luxe lounge area to the inspiring photo op.
South Beach, FL
This small birthday bash kept guests satiated with delicious bites and seamless tray service. Make sure to also check out the delectable spread for even more catering inspiration.
Think beyond the birthday cake with a celebration that caters to your palate from start to finish — with a visit with the chef. We love how this intimate birthday party featured appetizers of miniature street tacos on a bed of lime — followed by custom cocktails, a delectable dinner, and sumptuous dessert.
This intimate birthday party, situated in a stylish sake cave, wowed with its simple (yet tasteful) décor — and award-winning Japanese cuisine.
What’s even better than a lavish tablescapes laden with bright pink blooms? How about matching appetizers and birthday cake? Click to see how florals stole the show at this glamorous birthday dinner. Hint: There’s even a floral archway.
This mini bus takes lounge seating to the next level with its uniquely-themed design. We also love how it doubles as the perfect photo op. Make sure to also see how a sandcastle birthday cake and clever signage contributed to the beachy vibes.
We love how open shelving turns this bar area into a window to the world. Click to see how the waterfront lawn transformed into a candlelit wonderland after sunset. Even the DJ station took part in the illumination.
Artfully-arranged cuisine mirrors the stunning composition of floral arrangements by leaf and stem. Other gorgeous elements from this intimate birthday dinner include suspended globed candlelight and overhanging purple orchids.
A custom-made Louis Vuitton purse cake, red-rose centerpieces, and personalized champagne bottles made this intimate birthday party a chic and memorable affair.
People Also Ask…
How Do I Start Planning a Birthday Party?
With PartySlate, planning a birthday party has never been easier (especially when you leave it to a professional event planner). Use PartySlate to find available venues near you, local vendors, and the best in small birthdy party ideas and inspiration.
Click on the following links to find easy-to-use resources for your birthday party needs. Big or small, it’s time to celebrate with your loved ones — and keep the birthday wishes coming true.
- Find a Venue Near Me
- Find Local Vendors
- Birthday Party Resource Guide
- See Real Birthday Parties
- Real Top Articles on Birthday Inspiration
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APOTHEOSIS EVENTS
From broadway opening nights to social events, this team creates celebrations that wow with elegance and whimsy. photographer: Apotheosis Events