Birthday Party Ideas for Adults in London, Ontario

Past a certain age, a birthday party stops being about the cake and starts being about getting everyone in one place. The hard part is picking a format that suits the person and the guest list, then finding who in London actually does it.

Here are six approaches, from low-key to a full milestone celebration, and the local businesses listed on Eventlli that can help with each.

1. Make it an activity

A group activity takes care of the awkward first hour. Nobody has to make small talk when there's something to do.

Footpool London rents out its snookball and bumper car arena for private parties. It works especially well for mixed groups where not everyone knows each other, and for the friend who'd rather do something than sit through a dinner.

Tip: book the activity for the first part of the party, then move to food and drinks, either nearby or at home.

2. Rent a room and make it yours

If you picture a specific look, like a theme, a colour scheme or a balloon wall, a blank space gives you the most control.

The Blank Room holds up to 140 guests, rents from $115 per hour and includes tables, chairs, a bar and a kitchenette. You can bring your own caterer and décor. Remember to book extra hours for setup and cleanup, not just the party itself.

3. Go big for a milestone

For a 30th, 40th or 50th with a long guest list, a venue with built-in food, drinks and entertainment saves you from coordinating six separate vendors.

100 Kellogg Lane has event spaces for 35 to 1,000 guests, with dining and drinks on site and a Hard Rock Hotel for guests travelling in. For a sit-down dinner party in a traditional banquet hall, Brookside Banquet Centre has four halls and hosts up to 400.

4. Hire a DJ and turn it into a night out

Music is what turns a dinner into a party. London DJs listed on Eventlli include:

• DJ Joze, an award-nominated London DJ and event curator who plays weddings, corporate events and clubs. He's a good fit if the birthday person would rather be in a club than a banquet hall.
• L.O.V.E. Wedding Music, offering DJ, MC and live music for private events, with listed pricing from $1,200.

5. Let a décor team transform the space

If you're having the party at home, in a rented room or in a restaurant's private space, décor is what makes it feel like an occasion.

• S&T Elite Events handles birthdays with custom décor, backdrops, centrepieces, florals and rentals. You can see their collection in person at their Wharncliffe Road South showroom. Listed pricing starts from $400.
• Plan To Remember Events does planning, day-of coordination and balloon installations, starting from $500.

6. Feed people something memorable

Food is what guests remember, and it's the easiest place to reflect who the party is for.

• Culinary Catering Services, a three-time London Wedding Industry award winner, builds custom menus and offers full bar service, from $60.
• Snack Rite caters authentic West African and Nigerian food and small chops for events across Southwestern Ontario, including London.

A keepsake for the big birthdays

For milestone birthdays, an audio guest book gets you something more personal than a signed card. Phone Keepsakes lets guests leave voice messages by calling a number or scanning a QR code on their own phone, with no equipment to rent or return. It starts from $35.

How far ahead to book

For a Saturday party, contact venues and DJs at least a month out, and earlier in December, when holiday parties compete for the same dates. Décor and catering teams usually need your final guest count about a week or two before the event, so confirm RSVPs early.

Browse everything available for birthdays in London, or compare vendors side by side before you enquire.

Ready to start planning?