DEBUTS have become such an important part of a girls coming of age because not only does it celebrate the moment we become adults, it also is a chance for us to show people our individuality, and the image we want to project. The parties you give, be it big or intimate, shows a lot about who you are, and how you think the world looks at you.
Everyone wants to have a party that rocks or at least remembered. So do you want your debut to be really memorable? Make it unconventional! Debuts don’t have to be always as formal as your Juniors-Seniors Prom. Besides, you’re also celebrating your 18th birthday party, so why don’t you make it into something you will truly enjoy? Here are just some of the coolest ideas to consider in place of your usual formal cotillions, candles and roses.
Foam/Bubble Parties
If you and your friends love to dance, foam creates that wild and exciting atmosphere for a great bash. Tip: Too expensive? No worries. Create your own bubbles. If your parents and guests aren’t too conservative, you can still keep that program of yours. You can still dance with the 18 men in your life through the foam and in place of the candles for your 18 girlfriends you can do something like 18 Bubbles where they blow a bubble after wishing you good luck.
Costume Party
A talked-about party is not always about the host. If you want yours to be memorable, make it interactive by making your guests part of the show too! Get your friends to talk about your party weeks before the event itself. Ask your friends to come in costumes and be surprised at how fun it is to see everyone dress up as characters and celebrities. Tip: Make it worth your guests’ while, let your friends know that awards (gift certificates from spas and salons, or tickets to a concert if you feel generous)will be given to those who sport the best costume. This way your friends are challenged to look for the most unique costume, therefore making your party more interesting!
80’s Party
Blast from the past and ask everyone to be in 80’s attire. 80’s clothing trends are now in style so though your theme is not new, you’d be on top of a trend. Tip: Hire a great band that specializes in 80’s music. Get ready to boogie on down!
Grammy Awards Night
Get everyone to wear formal and make your friends feel like celebrities by having people stand as paparazzis as people enter. Design your location into a formal theatre. Give out fun awards (best “friend”, best male dancer, etc) Tip: Want to create the best cinematic atmosphere? There are theaters that allow you to rent out one of its cinemas just for parties and events like these.
Casino Party
What a great way to celebrate your adulthood than to play something only adults supposedly are allowed to play. Set up poker tables and prepare fake casino chips allotted for each guest for them to play with. Tips: you can give out finger foods and “cocktail” drinks (juices and softdrinks in wine glasses:) to add to the atmosphere. Put up redemption centers for those who want to “cash-in” their chips.
Pool party / Beach party / Luau
Have fun with the summer sun and enjoy a relaxing party at the pool or beach. Hold beach games and serve barbequed food and refreshing fruit shakes. You can even opt to ask people to come in Hawaian outfits. Tips: Set up your stereo with some relaxing tunes everyone can either relax, dance or sing to. Music creates the atmosphere here so make sure your guests are enjoying it.
Kiddie Party
Are you the fun and playful type? Hold a birthday party at Mcdonalds or Jollibee and bring out the child in everyone. Hold childish parlor games like palayok, pabitin and trip to Jerusalem games. Bring out great childhood memories with mascots like Ronald Mcdonald or even Jollibee himself. Tips: To add to the atmoshphere, hire magicians, clowns and balloon twisters. Rent out “dirty” ice cream trolleys, cotton candy machines and give it out to guests for FREE! People will surely love your party. If your friends are fun and cooperative enough, you can even ask them to come in kiddie clothes. In place of your program you can do something like 18 Ice Cream Toasts or 18 Balloons where balloons are popped after your friends address their little speeches for you.
Virtual Reality Party
Wouldn’t it be nice to step into an alternate dimension for your party? Transform your party venue into a vibrant digital realm, with neon lights and holographic decorations creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Rent VR headsets for the event or ask guests to bring their own if they have them. As guests don their VR headsets, they are transported to magical landscapes and futuristic realms, where they can embark on thrilling adventures or engage in friendly multiplayer competitions. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and teenage zest, this VR-themed party promises an unforgettable journey beyond the ordinary, where the virtual and the real mix to provide you and your guests an amazing experience.
Silent Disco
Throw a silent disco party where everyone wears headphones, and the music is transmitted through them. It creates a unique and amusing experience for both participants and onlookers.
Rollerskates Party
Get ready to roll into a world of fun.. literally. With this roller skates soiree, the venue is transformed into a retro roller rink, with disco balls casting shimmering lights across the floor. Neon-colored streamers and funky decorations add a touch of ’80s flair. As guests arrive, they’re handed colorful roller skates. Play upbeat music that sets the perfect rhythm for your guests to spin and dance to, allowing them to show off their best moves. A designated area for beginners ensures everyone can join in the fun while maintaining safety. The celebration is a nostalgic blend of retro charm and teenage energy, promising an unforgettable night on wheels for you and your guests to experience.
Do you have a brilliant idea? Drop us a note at party@mydebutideas.com
Photo Credit: © Plush Studios/Blend Images/Corbis
Hello. I’m planning for a Casino like theme just like what you suggested here.
Actually, I love the Korean culture but the gown I’ll be wearing which is combination of light pink and light blue doesn’t match the Korean theme. Now, I thought that casino theme would be an okay concept since my favorite K-pop group has a fanclub name Black Jack and another fanclub is named VIP. Will this casino theme complement my dress? I already have a dress so I can’t change it.
But if casino theme and Korean theme wouldn’t complement my dress, what would be a great theme suggestion that would complement a indoor garden venue (Ibarra’s garden) and would also complement my light pink and light blue gown.
What would be the decorations needed?
How bout the color for the tables and chairs?
What would be a good souvenier?
My gown would be pink and blue in light colors.
What would you suggest that the guests will be wearing that would complement in the theme? I think black and red would be too striking, don’t you think?
Is it okay that I would ditch the 18 candles and roses and just have 18 wishes for the girls and shots for the boys?
But I like 18 roses but I don’t like dancing to waltz, what would be a good alternative to waltz? Something fun and modern.
Thank you for your help. I will be waiting for your reply.
My debut will be up for next month, May 23.
Please help us. 😀
Hi!..I’ll be celebrating my 18th birthday this coming August 3, and i want to plan as early as i can to avoid cramming things up when the event is fast approaching. And i am asking if you could help me think of a unique theme for my party. if in in case you needed a short description about my personality so that you would have an idea that suits me best; i am just a simple girl, bubbly and fun-loving person. i am looking forward for your suggestions. Thank you and God bless always..:)
Hello debut ideas 😀 thanks for the tips and all. 😀 I was just wondering how can I have a willie wonka and the chocolate factory-ish theme 😀 I’ve already thought of having the golden ticket as my invitation 😀 with maybe a real chocolate 😀 thanks and more power
Hi DistresseDebutant,
A casino theme would not work because casino theme’s colors are usually black, green, red, white, so your dress will totally not blend in with this theme. I’m afraid a Korean theme would not be possible if you already have a gown. In order to pull off an authentic Korean theme, you will need to wear a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress). You can however have a modern Korean K-pop theme and showcase your love of Korean culture. The K-pop theme I think is not a strict theme because what you aim is to really express your love of Korean pop culture so in this sense, you are free to do whatever decorations you wish. You just need to have key elements like putting some K-pop posters probably around your venue. You could also burn CDs of your favorite korean modern songs and have that as a party favor. Since you already have light blue and light pink as the color for your gown, choose a color and use that for your decorations. You can probably have light blue tablecloth and light pink table runners, light pink table napkins. Choose one for your main color and have the other color be an accent.
For your 18s, you can choose modern Kpop songs to which your 18 roses can dance to. That would totally be cool. If you don’t want to dance at all, you can have games instead. Ask your 18s to come up the stage and have an impromptu game. We have some games in our Games page that you may want to consider. Happy Birthday!
hi Debut Ideas! 🙂
Im having my debut on October and i’m planning it to be whimsical-themed. Can u suggest appropriate favors and words that could replace the usual 18s? Im having 18 wishes, 18 candles and 18 roses. Hoping to have your reply soon. Thank you very much. 🙂
hi i’m a bit confused about the theme i’m trying to pull off for my debut. i’m thinking “white beach” cause the venue is going to be at a pool side resort by the beach. i wanted to ask for tips to make the program go with my theme. i was thinking of using paper boats to decorate the tables or the pool. i’m not so sure about it though. hope you could help me!
hi! my 18th birthday is getting closer and closer yet I can’t think of a good theme for my party.I want it to be on a garden or something like open field yet I don’t have ideas on where is the cheaper garden or open field to celebrate it. Can you suggest a theme and place for me to celebrate it. I am located at Pasay and my budget is just around 60k with a visitors of around 200-230..I will wait for your response.. Thank you!
Ps: i’m into music and i’m a fan of ne-yo, an rnb artist. I also like to have a hint of around the world theme. What is ur suggestion?? Overall, it would be a fairytale-hollywood/grammy-concert liked-around the world theme debut. What will i do, i like those themes?!?!? Lastly, i want my party imspired by the movie, ever after: a cinderella story. Pls help me!
Hi Jhoan,
There are themes that you can combine with other themes. Unfortunately, the themes you want cannot be mixed with each other. You’d be all over the place if you do a fairytale / grammy number! You can choose only one theme, which will dominate your event.
But I still have an idea for you! Perhaps you can dress up like Drew Barrymore in Ever After at the same time have a red carpet. It’s as if your guests are attending a movie premiere of YOUR life! You can get away with this one because “Ever After” is a movie. You can dress up like a fairy-cinderella like Drew, while your guests can get dressed up to the nines like their favorite Hollywood superstars! 🙂
Hope my idea helps!
Hi Rielle,
You’re almost there! I think paper boats are cool, you can make them in various colors and scatter them around (in the pool, on tables, everywhere!) That would be very colorful.
For your program, you can use 18 floating candles and 18 boats! For your 18 floating candles, each of your 18 friends will place a floating candle on the pool and as it floats towards you. After placing the floating candle on the pool, they give their speech. You can also do this with your 18 boats.
You can include a game also towards the end of your party where guests get a prize, which is indicated in one of the paper boats scattered on the pool. Of course for this one, your guests will need to be in their swimming outfits! Just note in your invitation that they need to have their swimwear ready during your party.
Hope this helps!
hi. i am celebrating my debut this coming december. and as of now, we are starting to plan for my debut. until now, we havent decided about my motif. i really want color pink or just touch of pink with other color onto it. can you please suggest a color for my motif. and also for the decorations. also, i havent decided for the theme. i want it to be a classy and elegant. i want to be princess-like party. i also want to have a unique invitations and souvenirs. but i still dont have ideas for it. hoping for your reply. thank you.
Hello! I’m having my debut on July, I want to have some vintage effect on my party but I also want it to be in retro, will a vintage glam be a nice theme? tips please! thanks!
Hello, I plan on having a debut at the end of July this year and my theme is a color motif of Peacock colors (turquoise, blues, and golds?). I want to know your insight on how I can make the invites, creative entrance ideas, decorating ideas, ways to keep guests entertained, and any other insight of yours would be appreciated! 🙂 Please and thank you.
Hi Jovanna,
What lovely and lively colors you have. I’m sure it your party will be super fun. We’re sorry that we were not able to reply to your queries as soon as possible. Anyway, since your motiff is peacock colors, what I can suggest that you do is buy some peacock feathers in Divisoria. You may be able to get a cheaper price if you buy in bulk. You can use it to decorate your invites. Construct an invite such that when one opens it, feathers or cut out paper will spread like when a peacock spreads its tail to reveal very interesting colors. You can also paste a single peacock feather in your envelope like the pictures below.
Source: tastefullyentertaining.blogspot.com
Table centerpieces like the ones above can really create a colorful and vibrant ambiance.
Take a look at the picture below for a simpler table centerpiece.
Source: weddingbells.ca
Or instead of vases for your table centerpieces, you can have feathered hats, bags, used as table centerpieces and have a Sex in the City type of theme where glamour is the order of the night.
Hope this helps Jovanna and happy birthday.
Hi Sara,
When you say vintage, does this mean the Hollywood glam sort of thing? Retro is more of the 70s flower power right? well, they would be a different thing altogether. so im not sure if you can combine them. Here is an article on Hollywood glam that might give you inspiration. Old Hollywood.
As for the retro thing, think of Austin Powers retro with the big hair and colorful outfits and you can’t go wrong.
Source: http://www.emmagem.com
Hope this helps and happy birthday Sara.
Hi Esther,
Themes are often chosen by debutantes based on what their personality. You tell me that you are a fun loving girl so I was thinking of a Rave theme for your birthday. A rave theme is a simple but fun party to have. Rave parties are informal so you don’t need to have a full program. You also don’t need to wear a gown, just a cute standout cocktail dress will do. Also in a rave theme, you will have more time to mingle with your friends and just really have fun. Here is an article that you might want to read. Rave theme debut party. Hope this helps and happy birthday.
Hi Nicole23,
When I’m thinking of whimsical, it reminds me of fairies “tinkerbell” in particular with her fanciful ways. You can use 18 fireflies for 18 candles and 18 pixie dusts for 18 wishes. Whimsical is something that is playful and comical and funny in a good way so try having 18 jokes, 18 laughs and 18 fond memories as well where your 18s will share a story about you in a humiliating circumstance or their fondest memories of you. For 18 roses, you may try having a different flower. For instance, for me, daisies particularly yellow daisies have a very vibrant hue which exudes life, energy and happiness. Hope this helps.
Hi Tryxzy,
You might want to go into some venues in our Venues page to look for the venue that you are looking for but I’m thinking that 60k would not be enough for a garden venue with 200 to 230 people. You should be able to budget your money wisely. Be able to subdivided your money to important things for your party. You can use our budget calculator so that you’ll know if you are exceeding your alloted budget. You can hold it in your own house or ask a friend who has a garden to do it at theirs so you can save your money for other things like your gown, invites and food. You can do some DIY like your invites and decorations to cut some more costs. Hope this helps.
hi debut ideas! it’s nicole again. how about my invites? do you have any ideas how to have unique ones for my theme and also the wordings? games as well and my entrance. im already exhausted from thinking about things whimsical. please help me.
hello debut ideas! my debut will be on march 2011. my mom and my aunt are starting to prepare things 🙂 i would just like to ask if you can give some other theme and program ideas for my debut?
We celebrated my daughter’s six birthday at Fairies and Dragons and it was an absolute success! The girls were completely fascinated with the place and the activities. My daughter wants to do her next birthday there too!!
HELLO…i will be having my debut on december 20,2010..i dont know what will be my theme..we decided to celebrate it at great eastern hotel..i want a unique theme..i want other term for 18 candles,roses,gifts,wine,etc..can you help me?? iwant some kind of a beauty queen party.something like that..beauty queen with spongebob designs…hahah..i dont know..can you help me plss……it’s needed ASAP..i hope you could help me..thanks.
i also want a yellow motif…can you help me plssss…….maybe there would be artist that would come..help me,in invitations,programs…i will wait for your response.
Hi Kristel,
Sorry for not replying sooner. A touch of pink on a debut is really a girl thing. Pink is usually the universal color for debutantes. You can spice it up by combining it with lavender, purple or magenta. For decorations, hang drapes with the lighter shade of pink with the other color as accents. Place baby pink table cloth with purple table runners. For invitations, you can have a scrolled invite since your theme is a princess theme. Scrolled invites pictures. For souvenirs, it depends on what you like. choosing your party favor. You can give away tiara shaped chocolates, princess cellphone trinkets, chocolates placed in cute boxes of your color motif, etc. Hope this helps.
Hello debut ideas,
I’m celebrating my 18th birthday this December 17 and i still can’t think of any theme. Well, since I’m living outside the Philippines, I want my foreign friends to enjoy and remember my debut because they didn’t celebrate their birthday the way we do. I’m actually kind of rock chic and I saw your ideas about “the party that rocks” however I don’t really want it to be really really rock-ish. I want my debut to be mix with clubbing as well? And also, for my grand entrance I want to wear a ball gown. So this is why I can’t really think of a right theme.
So I hope you really really can help with dilemma.
xoxo,
Hannah