30th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

Written by

Updated 07/26/21

30th anniversary — The Spruce / Margot Cavin

We may be getting older, but we're still romantic souls, and a 30th wedding anniversary is a big deal. So if you're looking for ideas for that 30th wedding anniversary celebration, look no further. Here are half a dozen great ideas for 30th wedding anniversary parties: from a classic pearl celebration to a 1980s bash and honeymoon-inspired parties.

01 of 08

A Pearl-Themed 30th Anniversary Party

Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Traditionally, 30th anniversaries are celebrated with pearls, so why not use pearls to inspire an anniversary party at home? It's easy to go elegant with a pearl theme, with opalescent or sea blue linens, seafood, and, of course, oysters. But you can opt for a chic, more casual tone as well.
02 of 08

30th Wedding Anniversary Party: A Greek Feast

coldsnowstorm / Getty Images

A second honeymoon is a lovely way to celebrate a wedding anniversary, especially when it's a big one, like the 30th. But if you want to celebrate with friends and family, whisking everyone off to Greece, Tuscany, or Hawaii is going to be more than a tad pricey. So why not use that honeymoon destination as inspiration for an anniversary party at home? This Greek feast includes wonderful small plates fare, a little sirtaki music, and plenty of fun.
03 of 08

'80s-Style Party

lisegagne / Getty Images

Celebrate with an anniversary party that recalls your dating heyday, back in the 1980s. The light-hearted, retro fun of a 1980s theme party evokes those days when hair was big, fashions garish, and the music incredible—and you were falling in love. So moonwalk with your sweetie, groove to Madonna, and remember that girls—and boys—just want to have fun.
04 of 08

An Italian Anniversary Celebration

INimages / Twenty20

Ah, bella Italia ... those days spent in Venice, Tuscany, or Capri were divine on your honeymoon. Now they'll inspire this 30th-anniversary celebration. If you are feeling creative, why not cook up a few dishes for your special event? Then get out the Chianti, gelato, and romantic music and have a wonderful time.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05 of 08

Luau

Jupiterimages / Getty Images

Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, coconut bras, and fabulous fruity cocktails. Is there anything more fun than a Hawaiian-style luau? Celebrate your anniversary in tropical style with outdoor torches, leis, and ukulele tunes. Then bring on the hula lessons.
06 of 08

A Las Vegas-Style Anniversary Celebration

Hispanolistic / Getty Images

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Well, not if you met there, married there, or honeymooned in that dazzling desert city. Then that glorious love affair came home too. So celebrate your big 30th anniversary with a Las Vegas-style anniversary party at home. You can hire blackjack dealers, create a rat-pack soundtrack, make some martinis, and you're ready to go!
07 of 08

The DIY Party Photo Booth

BaLATran / Getty Images

Remember photo booths? You climbed in, the camera flashed a few times, and voila, an old-school photo strip emerged with four funny images. Well, those retro booths are making a big comeback. They're popping up at weddings, grad night parties, proms, and other bashes, where they not only snap pictures, they provide hours of amusement. And you can rent one because they're perfect for 30th wedding anniversary parties too.
08 of 08

Photo and Video Celebration

Ondrooo / Getty Images

Both entertaining and nostalgic, creating a photo history of your marriage is a fun and memorable way to share your lives with friends and family. Hang images around the room of the two of you from your earliest days of dating through your most recent vacation or family event. Create a video of your lives, including family members and friends who will delight in seeing themselves included in your special memories. Make the party about the two of you—after 30 years, you deserve it!