12 Things Americans Consider Normal for a Birthday That Brits Would Call a Bit Much

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When it comes to birthday parties, Americans and Brits definitely have different ways of celebrating. In the States, birthday bashes often come with all the bells and whistles—think massive decorations and extravagant themes. Let’s take a stroll through some birthday traditions that are common in the U.S. but might have a Brit saying, “Isn’t that a bit much?”.

1. An enormous balloon arch

Balloon arches have become a staple at many American birthday parties. These giant, colorful structures can often be found framing the entrance to a party or as a vibrant backdrop for photos. They’re great for setting the mood and making everyone feel like they’re walking into a real celebration. While it’s definitely a showstopper, some folks from the UK might find the sheer size and scale of these balloon constructions a bit over the top for a simple birthday bash.

2. Professionally designed invitations

Forget a quick text or a simple e-vite; some Americans go all out with professionally designed invitations. These invites often feature custom graphics, high-quality prints, and intricate details that set the tone for the upcoming party. While these can be beautiful and set the party apart, this level of detail in just the invitation might be seen as excessive by some Brits, who often opt for more straightforward invitation methods.

3. A personalised birthday backdrop

Personalized backdrops are another party feature that’s hit big in the U.S. Whether it’s a themed backdrop for a child’s party or a chic, monogrammed setting for adult birthdays, these backdrops create perfect photo ops. It’s about making the birthday person feel special and providing guests with memorable photos. However, the idea of investing in a custom backdrop might seem unnecessarily fancy for a birthday to some Brits.

4. Hiring an entertainer for a child’s party

Clowns, magicians, or puppeteers—hiring an entertainer is a popular choice for children’s birthday parties in the U.S. It’s all about keeping the kids engaged and entertained throughout the event. While it’s common in America to have a professional entertainer, in the UK, the entertainment might often be managed by the parents themselves, making this another example of cultural differences in birthday celebrations.

5. Renting a large venue

When a backyard or living room won’t do, renting out a large venue for a birthday party is not uncommon in the U.S. From banquet halls to lavish event spaces, these venues offer plenty of room for decorations, activities, and guests. This might come off as quite extravagant to a Brit, where parties are usually held at home or in a local pub or community hall.

6. Ordering a professionally decorated themed cake

Americans love a good themed cake, elaborately designed to fit the party’s theme. These cakes are often works of art, crafted by professional bakers with intricate decorations that can be tailored to the interests of the birthday person. While visually impressive and often a party highlight, the expense and effort might seem a bit much for some Brits who might prefer a simpler cake.

7. Giving guests elaborate party favours

In the U.S., party favours are another way to leave a lasting impression on guests. These aren’t just little goodie bags; American party favours can be quite elaborate and sometimes personalized. They’re a way to thank guests for coming and to give them something special to remember the day by. For Brits, the concept of giving such elaborate favours at a birthday party could seem overly generous.

8. Creating a full dessert table

A full table dedicated to desserts? Yes, please! In America, dessert tables are a popular trend at big birthday bashes. Laden with various sweet treats from cakes and cookies to pies and pastries, these tables are meant to wow guests and satisfy all sorts of sweet tooths. It’s a paradise for dessert lovers but might be viewed as a bit indulgent by some Brits who might stick to just cake and perhaps some biscuits.

9. Hiring a photographer for milestone birthdays

Milestone birthdays in the U.S., like turning 21, 30, 50, or even 100, often come with the additional hire of a professional photographer. The idea is to capture all the special moments of the big day so that they can be cherished forever. While it’s a lovely way to commemorate an important birthday, the idea of hiring a photographer might seem a bit overboard for some Brits who might prefer snapping a few casual photos themselves.

10. Coordinating decorations down to the plates and napkins

Attention to detail is key in many American birthday parties, which often feature decorations that match right down to the plates and napkins. This level of coordination can create a visually stunning setting and enhance the party theme. However, this meticulous attention to every aspect of party decor might seem excessive to a Brit, whose party setups might be less coordinated and more casual.

11. Giving a party its own theme months in advance

Planning a themed party several months in advance is not unusual in the U.S. This allows for detailed preparations and helps ensure that everything fits perfectly with the chosen theme. It’s part of making the birthday feel like a big event. This forward planning and theme setting might be a bit over-the-top for Brits who are used to more laid-back, less themed gatherings.

12. Spending enough on one afternoon to make a British parent suggest “cake at home” instead

Finally, it’s not uncommon for Americans to spend a significant amount of money on a single birthday party. From venue rentals and professional entertainment to lavish decorations and custom cakes, the costs can quickly add up. This scale of spending might be shocking to some Brits, who are more accustomed to more modest, home-based birthday celebrations.