Birthdays mean so much more than a birthday present and cake; each one is special in its own way and there are many milestones throughout life.

The birth of your natural born, the tween years, sweet sixteen and of course the magical 18th birthday when your child is old enough for most things, but not all. Everyone must wait for the 21st birthday to get it all and feel like the world is our oyster.

21st birthday
You are no longer daddy and mommy's little girl or boy. Most look forward to this day when they will be ready to get out and spread their wings. With all of this in mind shouldn't this birthday be something really special? Why not have a birthday celebration that will be remembered for years to come? It is a time of transitioning from child to adult.

For your party planning endeavors, perhaps consider something like inviting guests to come dressed as what they wanted to be when they were children.

For example, if someone had originally wanted to be a policeman, then rent a uniform; or if they wanted to become the first dancing ballerina on the moon dress in a tutu and space helmet or something similar.

birthday celebration
Check into having a dance teacher come to the party during the first half to offer suggestions and moves to the guests before the contest.

Or for a different idea and one that will add a little excitement to the birthday bash, have the invitations advise the guests to wear exactly what they were wearing when they opened the invitation.

Naturally, if you were not wearing anything there might be a slight problem showing up in your birthday suit and even some pajama's may be a little on the risky side, just use your best judgment and everyone will enjoy a great birthday.

natural born
Why not throw a masquerade ball for a memorable 21st birthday, complete with Zorro type masks for the guys and gorgeous feathered masks for the ladies and an unmasking towards the end of the party. Or, perhaps a very formal theme is what you are looking for with ball gowns and tuxedos.

Throw in a ballroom dancing contest and you have the makings of a birthday celebration. Consider contacting a dance teacher that can come during the first half of the party to offer tips and advice on ballroom dancing before the big competition begins.