19 “13 Going On 30” Party Ideas To Celebrate The Movie

Are you a huge fan of the movie “13 Going on 30?” We don’t blame you; it’s a brilliant rom-com with plenty of nostalgia to enjoy. It’s also a wonderful theme to use for an upcoming birthday! So how about a few of Peerspace’s favorite “13 Going on 30” party ideas to inspire you?

1. Celebrate nostalgia with 80s outfits

The main character’s nostalgia for the 80s is a major part of this movie. And why not? The 1980s was a dramatic decade where fashion was concerned! Bring some of it back with retro touches like shoulder pads, glitter makeup, or a power suit. You should check out some of Peerspace’s 80s party outfit ideas to get you started!

2. Book a “Poise” magazine office as a party venue

Jenna spends a lot of time in her “Poise” magazine office. What could be better as a “13 Going on 30” party idea than choosing a venue that looks the part? But what if you don’t have easy access to an office venue for this party theme? Then let Peerspace help! We have hundreds of venues near you for special events of all kinds. You can rent an office or meeting room like this one in Manhattan, NY, that provides the perfect backdrop for a “13 Going on 30” party once you set out some magazines and stationery! 

3. Hang some decorative “13 Going on 30” banners

Set the tone from the beginning with a few glittering banners for “13 Going on 30!” Like with any themed party, you want to immerse your guests in it from the moment they set foot in the venue. Cutouts with character faces plus references to the 80s and Y2K are easy to find on Etsy.

Speaking of, these super fun Y2K party ideas can further inspire your themed party. Check them out!

4. Decorate the venue with pink and purple balloons

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Pink and purple are two of Jenna’s favorite colors and show up throughout the movie. So think about how to incorporate them while decorating the space. Balloons are easy to find and can be hung in a balloon arch greeting guests as they enter the venue.

5. Wear the rainbow-striped Jenna Rink dress

The rainbow striped dress Jenna Rink wore in “13 Going on 13” has become a fashion sensation as it’s instantly recognizable. It encompasses everything about her character and is the perfect outfit for a party using this theme!

6. Set up a photo booth

Like any retro party, you’ll want to remember our outfits with fondness through photography. Instead of relying on cell phone selfies, how about setting up a photo station? You can even set out a few props like 80s-style neon-rimmed glasses or hair clips for your friends to wear before each photo. A Polaroid camera is better than digital here because they’ll get a cute instant print to take home and hang on the fridge or framed on a desk.

7. Welcome your birthday with “13 Going on 30” cake toppers

Feel like you’re still flirty and thriving? Let everyone know with some of these “13 Going on 30” cake toppers! Rose gold is a chic color for adult parties, especially with the sparkling glitter providing a festive look to your cake. Cake toppers are a fun way to decorate even a plain birthday cake, adding a touch of elegance without needing to be a master baker yourself.

8. Serve Razzles on the snack table

First it’s candy and then it’s gum! Razzles were everywhere in “13 Going on 30” and you can still buy them on Amazon today. Sweet, sour, and tropical flavors…Which to choose? We recommend stocking the snack table with all three! It’s Jenna’s favorite candy and it should be yours as well. “What color is my tongue?” “Is it razzle red?”

9. Put yourself on a Poise Magazine cover

As the editor-in-chief of Poise Magazine, the publication was super important to Jenna. So how about adding yourself to the cover of Poise Magazine using a few customizable templates like these from Etsy? You’ll be letting everyone know you’ve reached a new milestone at 30 and have everyone wondering what the new decade has in store for you, like a true celebrity! 

10. Send themed invitations to your guests

Like any themed party, a “13 Going on 30” event should have invitations to match the occasion! These days you can have custom-made invitations created that let everyone know what kind of party it’s going to be. These from Etsy are customizable before you print them out while others include a digital copy you can text to all of your besties in advance of the mailed copy.

11. Hang disco balls everywhere

Is it really an 80s-themed event if there are no disco balls anywhere? You’ve got to have a giant disco ball hanging from the ceiling…And maybe some disco ball garlands strewn about the space. Oh, and don’t forget about mini disco balls set inside a vase centerpiece or stuck to drink cups…You get the idea!

If you want to maximize the disco feel then why not rent a venue with the right look? It’s something we at Peerspace already have and are eager to share with you. One of our favorites is this cocktail lounge in Los Angeles, CA, with disco balls and other retro-chic touches for an unforgettable “13 Going on 30” party!

12. Arrange cupcakes into a “30” shape

Spell out the new decade of your life through sweet treats! It’s a simple little “30 Going on 30” party idea that puts a smile on everyone’s face the moment they open the box. Use frosting colors like pink and purple – or your own favorite colors if you want more of a personalized touch!

13. Place napkins with your birth year on tables

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Vintage elements should be everywhere at a “13 Going on 30” party. One way to bring back memories of a bygone era is to place napkins with the birthday girl or boy’s birth year on them. It works especially well when you have 1980s or 90s themed decor, clothing, and music playing in the background!

14. Hire a professional photographer

Any event is made that much more glamorous with a professional photographer snapping away in the background! For one, you are no longer in charge of documenting the day with your own camera or cell phone. A pro event photographer will take much better pictures than you and leave you free to enjoy the party with your guests. They’ll also leave you with lots of photos you can print at any size and share with your friends. 

Show your photographer these beautiful 30th birthday photoshoot ideas to ensure they create the most stunning portraits.

15. Serve dirty thirty martinis

Themed drinks like the dirty thirty martini are some of our favorite “13 Going on 30” party ideas. While you could easily make signature drinks for each character, this is an easy recipe that brings the movie to life for your guests. The classic dirty martini has just three ingredients, olive garnish not included! 

16. Test everyone’s movie knowledge with “13 Going on 30” trivia

Trivia games are always fun to include when hosting a themed birthday party. See how many people remember the finer points of “13 Going on 30” with some handpicked trivia questions. Do you want to make the game more general? Stick with cards featuring 1980s or Y2K trivia instead!

17. Dance to 1980s songs

Make sure your music playlist is “up to date” with retro classics from the 1980s. If your party venue has a dance floor, then put on your rainbow Jenna dress and show everyone how it’s done! A party venue like a dance studio, ballroom, or hardscaped garden is the best place to cut a rug with your friends.

18. Serve Razzle-themed cocktails

Not feeling the dirty thirty martini? You can stick to the sweet fruity flavors of razzles instead with raspberry mojitos! The vibrant red color is more pleasing to the eye and the taste has a sugary kick that feels like a truly youthful cocktail. 

19. Give out 80s candy party favors

Say “thank you” to everyone who came with a little bag of retro sweets! Pack each party favor bag with Razzles, Pop Rocks, Bubble Tape, and Ring Pops. Many candies still popular today like Twizzlers were also 80s hits. But check out this list for some really fun candy choices that most of us haven’t seen in decades!

“13 Going On 30” party ideas: conclusion

“13 Going on 30” party ideas bring the best of the 1980s and Y2K together into one awesome party theme. No wonder it’s so much fun planning this kind of event. We hope Peerspace has helped give you some inspiration for a future 30th birthday! Besides party ideas we also have party venues near you that come with all kinds of amenities; so have a look while you’re visiting us.

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