Birthdays are special occasions to celebrate another year of life. Milestone birthdays like 30, 40, 50, etc. are particularly momentous. People often want to celebrate these big birthdays in a memorable way. Colors are a great way to theme milestone birthday parties and decor. Certain colors have come to represent different decades of life. Understanding the meaning behind birthday colors can help you choose the perfect color scheme.
Birthday Colors by Decade
Here are the typical color combinations associated with milestone birthdays:
| Birthday Age | Colors |
| 30 | Pink, white, gold |
| 40 | Red, black, white |
| 50 | Gold, silver, purple |
| 60 | Turquoise, coral, white |
| 70 | Purple, gold, blue |
| 80 | Teal, silver, white |
| 90 | Pastels, pearl, gold |
| 100 | Rainbow colors |
These colors have come to represent milestone birthdays through tradition and symbolism. Here is more on the meaning behind the colors for each decade birthday:
30th Birthday Colors
Pink, white, and gold are popular 30th birthday colors. Pink represents femininity, innocence, and new beginnings. It’s tied to the idea of entering a new chapter of adulthood. Soft pinks work well for 30th birthdays. White represents purity and new beginnings, perfect for your 30th milestone. Metallic gold adds some glamour and sophistication.
40th Birthday Colors
Bold reds and classic black and white are common 40th birthday colors. Red symbolizes vitality, confidence, and sensuality. It conveys the idea of feeling more empowered and sure of yourself at 40. Black is sophisticated and timeless. White represents clarity and new beginnings. Together, they make a vibrant, striking color scheme.
50th Birthday Colors
Gold and silver are traditional 50th birthday colors. The metallic hues symbolize prosperity and wisdom that comes with age. Purple is also popular for 50th birthdays. It represents creativity, imagination, and luxury. Deep purple or pale lavender complement silver and gold nicely.
60th Birthday Colors
Vibrant turquoise and coral shades with crisp white make fun 60th birthday color combinations. Turquoise symbolizes renewal, calmness, and health. Coral represents joy and optimism. These colors convey the positive spirit of turning 60. White keeps the palette feeling fresh and lively.
70th Birthday Colors
Royal purple and blue are classic 70th birthday colors. Purple conveys nobility, pride, and sophistication. Lighter blue tones represent wisdom, stability, and peace. Along with metallic gold accents, these hues make rich, elegant 70th birthday color schemes.
80th Birthday Colors
Teal, silver, and white are common 80th birthday colors. Teal represents healing, rejuvenation, and vitality. It’s a refreshing, relaxing color. Silver symbolizes refinement and prestige. White keeps the palette feeling clean and pure. These cool tones make beautiful 80th birthday color combinations.
90th Birthday Colors
Soft pastels, pearl, and metallic gold suit 90th birthday celebrations. Pastels like mint, peach, and lavender symbolize springtime and new life. Pearl represents longevity, prosperity, and wisdom that comes with age. Gold conveys an enduring spirit. These gentle hues make lovely 90th birthday color palettes.
100th Birthday Colors
For an extra special 100th milestone, rainbow colors are perfect. All the hues together represent life, spirit, and vibrancy. A rainbow color scheme conveys joy and the celebratory mood of reaching 100 years old!
Choosing Birthday Colors
When planning a milestone birthday celebration, keep these tips in mind for choosing colors:
- Consider the symbolic meaning of colors that match the birthday age.
- Select 2-4 complementary colors for your color palette.
- Make sure the colors suit the season of the birthday.
- Reflect the personality and preferences of the birthday person.
- Coordinate colors with the cake, decorations, invitations, etc.
Start by brainstorming a list of colors that seem fitting. Look at color combinations to find a cohesive palette. The colors should set the right mood and style for the special birthday.
Using Birthday Colors
There are endless ways to incorporate milestone birthday colors into a party or celebration:
| Party Decorations | Tablecloths, balloons, banners, flowers, candles, lanterns |
| Tableware | Plates, cups, napkins, utensils |
| Food & Drinks | Cake, candy/sweets buffet, cocktails |
| Invitations | Printed or online invitations, greeting cards |
| Party Favors | Gifts bags, personalized trinkets |
| Clothing | Birthday outfit for the guest of honor |
| Photography | Backdrops, props, filters |
For example, order a cake decorated with the milestone birthday colors. Make DIY garlands out of tissue paper. Arrange birthday flowers in the celebrant’s favorite tones. Set the mood with ambient lighting. There are so many ways to creatively incorporate that special color palette.
Color Palette Inspiration
Need some inspiration for putting together the perfect birthday color scheme? Here are sample color palettes for different milestone ages:
30th Birthday
Blush pink, gold, white
40th Birthday
Ruby red, black, metallic silver
50th Birthday
Royal purple, silver, plum
60th Birthday
Coral, aqua, sage green
70th Birthday
Navy blue, lavender, copper
80th Birthday
Seafoam, pale pink, chrome
90th Birthday
Pearl, light blue, metallic gold
100th Birthday
Rainbow colors
Look at color wheel pairings to try bolder or softer schemes. Just remember to keep the symbolic meaning of the colors in mind.
Conclusion
Milestone birthdays are the perfect occasion to use color to set the theme and tone. Traditional birthday colors carry symbolism about reaching different ages. But you can always customize the palette to fit the recipient’s personality. With decorations, food, and more, the color combinations bring vibrancy and meaning to any milestone celebration. The colors help make the birthday feel remarkable and momentous.
