30th Birthday Invitations: Wording Ideas and Design Inspiration

Whether you’re turning the big 3-0 or you’re planning a surprise party for a friend, picking out 30th birthday invitations is likely at the top of your to-do list. After all, you can’t throw the party of the decade if no one knows about it! 

But a great 30th birthday invitation is more than just a pretty design. You’ll have to choose crafty wording, match the invite to a theme if you’ve chosen one, and figure out what vital information to include. 

Fortunately, we’ve made it easy with this handy guide. Read on to find wording ideas and discover inspiring designs to kick off the next decade. You’ll find different styles and tips for personalization to suit a variety of 30th birthday celebrations.

What to Include in Your 30th Birthday Invitations

When it comes to 30th birthday invitations, you can choose from printed invites or digital invitations. Going the printed route allows you to create a personalized invite in your own handwriting, but they take more time and effort to send. On the other hand, digital lets you easily customize and update your invites with just a few clicks, making them ideal for celebrations like milestone birthdays with large guest lists.

Online invites are better for the planet since you won’t have to waste gas going to the post office or print on paper. Plus, they offer a higher degree of customization, from uploading images of the birthday honoree to changing the color scheme to match your party theme. You can instantly send out updates if the event changes and provide quick reminders as the big day draws closer.

When you’re sending invitations for an event — whether it’s a 30th birthday or another milestone like a 40th birthday, 50th birthday, or 60th birthday — there’s key information you need to include. 

Make sure your birthday invitations have:

• The date and time of the event
• The venue name and address
• The birthday honoree’s name
• RSVP details
• Gift requests
• Dress code or attire information

You may also want to let guests know if you’re planning a themed party so they can plan to attend in style. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you can also include tips on what to bring (like a dish to share if it’s a potluck party).

You’ll want to send out your invite two to six weeks in advance. The more formal the event, the earlier you should send your invites. It’s also a good idea to send invitations to out-of-state guests a little sooner so they have more time to secure accommodations and make travel arrangements.

30th Birthday Party Invitation Wording Ideas  

Not sure what to say in your 30th birthday invitation? Start by thinking about the type of event you’re hosting. If you’re planning a fancy dinner party, you’ll want to use more formal language and address guests using proper titles (like Mr., Mrs., or Dr.). For more casual celebrations, you can use laid-back wording and puns in your invitation.

Here are some wording ideas to consider:

• Look who’s turning 30! Abigail has finally entered the best decade yet, and we want to celebrate her in style. We’ll be hosting an afternoon tea party on Sunday, January 5th at 3 p.m. Please wear your best Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfit. 
• Shh… It’s a surprise! Darius is turning 30, and we’ve rented out his favorite brewery for the big day. Don’t say a word, just show up at SoCo Brewery on Tuesday, June 6th at 7 p.m., and be ready to shout “Happy Birthday” as soon as he steps inside.
• Cecilia is celebrating her 30th birthday! We’re honoring her with a cocktail reception followed by a dinner party at Chez Landry. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. on September 24th and requires formal attire.
• Guess who’s celebrating their dirty thirty? Thomas is turning the big 3-0, so we’re marking the occasion with some good old-fashioned fun: camping in the woods. Join us on Saturday, July 27th at 4 p.m., and don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag, tent, and camp snacks.
• We invite you to join us in celebrating Christian’s thirtieth birthday on Friday, the thirtieth of May at four o’clock in the afternoon. The event will be held at Pebbles Country Club, and we kindly request that you wear formal attire.
• Cheers to 30 years! In honor of Patrice’s birthday on November 12th, we’re hosting a sitcom-inspired celebration. Come dressed as your favorite character from Cheers, and get ready to play a casual game of baseball.

6 Inspiring 30th Birthday Invitation Designs

Ready to start crafting your birthday invites? First, you need to pick out an invitation design that matches your 30th birthday party idea and theme. At Greenvelope, you’ll find dozens of birthday party invites for all styles — whether you want something fancy that’s dripping in gold foil or a casual design that’s colorful and artsy. Each one is easily customizable and you can even upload your own design to create a DIY invitation you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are a few of our favorite 30th birthday invitations for inspiration.

1. 30th Circlet Invitation

Design: Jessica Williams

This elegant invite features a moody watercolor background and gold foil-rimmed circle announcing someone’s special 30th birthday. Choose from several color palettes — including black and gold, pink and gold, and turquoise and gold — to match your party theme.

2. Let’s Pop the Bubbly Invitation

Design: Bonjour Berry

Raise a glass to the birthday honoree with this bubbly invitation. It features a sophisticated black and gold envelope liner and a fizzy bottle of champagne for the festivities. Add your event details, and send it off to guests with just a few clicks. It’s ideal for a birthday brunch or as a surprise 30th birthday invitation.

3. Thirty & Thriving Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Know a birthday girl or guy who’s ready to thrive in their next chapter? This flirty 30th birthday invite features colorful confetti, a festive font, and a suite of complementing colors that are sure to catch your reader’s eye. Customize the invitation card by choosing from five artist-curated color palettes or dream up your very own using the handy color wheel.

4. Disco Dance Party Invitation

Design: Owl & Toad

Want a bday invite that’s exploding with retro design? This vintage invite has it all, from a shimmering disco ball to a vibrant color palette and retro font. It features a supported backside so you can include all of the event details in this gorgeous 30th birthday invitation template.

5. So Happy I’m Thirty Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

This punny 30th birthday invite has it all — four-letter words, just the right amount of nostalgia, and tons of excitement for what lies ahead. Use it as a surprise birthday party invitation for a special 30-year-old or to ask guests to attend your themed celebration.

6. Iridescent Confetti Balloon Invitation

Design: Laura Bolter Design

For an upscale celebration, consider this glimmering invite featuring an iridescent gold balloon. Available in three hues including black, rose gold, and gold, it’s the perfect way to celebrate a 30th birthday in style. The design is also suitable for other celebrations, such as a bridal shower or baby shower invitation.

Celebrate Your 30th Birthday in Style

With these 30th birthday invitations and wording ideas, you’re sure to craft a design that’s eye-catching and has guests hitting yes on their RSVP. Whether you need a formal design for an evening soiree or a casual invite for a laid-back gathering, you’ll find what you need in our collection of adult birthday invitations.

Need more ideas for pulling off the perfect 30th birthday party? Our Stationers blog is a go-to resource for all of your party-planning needs. From birthday party theme ideas to decor tips and activities, you’ll find what you need to plan a memorable celebration for every milestone.