Your Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday at a Restaurant

Birthdays are special occasions where you and loved ones gather to commemorate another year around the sun. The best part about it is, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate a birthday. From enjoying a chill night in on your own, to going on a trip with some friends over the weekend, or going out to a fancy dinner, your birthday means it’s your rules.

Restaurants can serve as perfect venues for celebrating birthdays. You can host large groups of people perfect for milestone birthdays or have an intimate gathering of your closest friends and relatives. Some restaurants even do events packages that you can customise to fit your needs. These usually include a private room, audio and visuals, and a personalised menu for the night. 

Is your big day coming up? Here’s your guide to properly celebrate your birthday at a restaurant. 

It’s all about you

Your birthday is your day, so you have all the freedom to make the celebration anything you want it to be! If you’ve decided that you want to celebrate your birthday at a restaurant, here are a few things to consider.

Cuisine

Knowing what kind of food you want will help you narrow down which restaurant you choose. Are you feeling like fine dining? Casual Italian? Japanese fusion? Try making a list of your favourite food and see which one you would want to celebrate with.

Related article: Ten Dishes You Can Expect to Find at an Indonesian Restaurant

Budget

How much are you willing to spend on your big day? Are you going to be paying for your guests, or will payment be split between everyone? Determining your budget will also help you choose a restaurant that is well within your price range. 

Guest list

How many people do you want at your birthday? Will there be more than 10 people on the guest list or will you be keeping it small? This information will rule out any restaurant that cannot accommodate your party. 

Dietary restrictions

Knowing you and your guests’ dietary restrictions will also help narrow down potential restaurants, as not every establishment will be able to meet your needs.

Related article: Food Allergens: What to Look Out For and How to Prevent Reactions

Choosing the right restaurant to celebrate your birthday 

Based on the above considerations, you can start looking up restaurants online. Their social media page and website should tell you everything you need to know, but you can also contact the restaurant directly for any specific questions.

When choosing a restaurant, also consider:

Location

How far is the restaurant from you and your guests? Are there branches that are closer to where you are? 

Ambience

Once you’ve found somewhere that caters to your cuisine, dietary preferences, as well as budget and guest list, you may want to check out the restaurant’s ambience. If photos online aren’t enough, you can always pay a visit and see if the vibe is right for you to celebrate your birthday at that restaurant. 

Making reservations

Let’s say you’ve found the right restaurant for you. Now all that’s left to do is make the reservation.

Be clear with your date, time, and number of guests, as this will help the restaurant serve you better. Also communicate any special requests such as dietary restrictions, special seating if you’re inviting little children, any decorations you would want to use. Some restaurants also allow you to create a personalised menu for the night, so be sure that every detail is covered when you’re making the reservation.

It’s best to reserve your spot early, as popular restaurants are often booked out months in advance. Depending on the size of your party, some establishments may also require a downpayment or minimum spend. 

Inviting your guests

To make sure that everyone you want at your birthday can make it, it’s a good idea to send out an invite a few weeks in advance. Be very clear about date, time, and location details.

If you’re thinking of celebrating your birthday at a restaurant with a large group, you may want to invite guests before making the final reservation. Have guests RSVP so that you know how much food to order and how much space you will need for your party. 

Don’t forget to ask everyone if they have any dietary requirements or allergies and communicate this with the restaurant so that everything is well prepared beforehand. 

Making it yours

The night is yours to make it whatever you want it to be. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the planning, here’s a breakdown of how you can personalise a simple restaurant birthday dinner.

Activities

Do you just want a chill dinner and drinks with cake and candles at the end of the night? Alternatively, maybe you’re celebrating a milestone birthday where you want there to be a rundown of events. 

Decorations

Are you happy to just use the decorations that come with the restaurant, or would you like a little extra on your special day? Coordinate with your restaurant regarding any additional décor you may want to bring, such as backdrops, centerpieces, or place cards if you have special seating arrangements. 

Dress code

It may be better for the photos if everyone follows a certain dress code. When determining a dress code, consider not only colour but also the restaurant where you’re celebrating. You may want guests in cocktail attire at a fine dining restaurant, but smart casual elsewhere. 

Celebrating a birthday soon? Why not spend it at Merah Putih Restaurant? This Indonesian fine dining Indonesian establishment is perfect for those looking to celebrate their birthday at a restaurant. 

From intimate table settings, a delicious wine dining menu, and a range of food customisable to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, Merah Putih is your go-to spot for your next celebrations. Book a table today with these exclusive gift vouchers. 

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