30th birthday help

Hey, scarily enough my 30th is getting way too close. I want to have a celebration given that i've never had a big party for myself for anything. I don't want anything extreme and big and huge, but i want it to be special and nice and i want to wear a new dress and shoes (so excluding a backyard bbq!)
Give me suggestions, idea's, themes, etc that you have done for a big birthday celebration for yourself, or one you've been to thats been fantastic.
I'm looking at 40 - 50 guests all up (so not huge)

Thanks!!

I am throwing myself a 30th party in 3 weeks, so I'll let you know how it goes after that :)

maybe hire a hall, and have a noice dinner, with family and friends, little dance to some music :-)

I am actually a fan of the backyard barbie :-) My Mate had a Backyard 30th completly with kareoke, jellywrestling, slushy machines (for the alcohol ;-)) There was lots of food, lots of people, and even better, lots of fun. and the best part, you don't have to worry about anyone driving home (well I walked home, and the people that drank stayed)

A theme I've been thinking of is 80s Prom Night. A chance for those 'tacky' dresses/outfits to come out of the closet.

Another one I heard of recently is an OpShop party, where you must find your outfit from the OpShop.

For my party I'm thinking of going to the club and hiring one of the rooms. I'm going to get a photo-booth as well.

Given that I don't see myself getting married anytime soon I'm going to make it a big bash like a wedding reception. I have 18 months to save and organise.

Have fun organizing your party!