Forget about over the hill parties, those have become cliché. Fifty is no longer what it used to be; it's time to celebrate and have a good time. A person has spent 50 years on this earth and when they reach that birthday milestone there is cause for a celebration. Some cultures believe that reaching age 50 is an age that deserves special, respectful attention.
So if you’re looking for fun ideas for your best friend, sister or something elegant for mom give some thought to any or all of the following ideas to show just how wonderful this milestone really is. We’ve also included worksheets to help you stay organize and keep track of everything! Let’s get started.
Planning the Party
Since you are celebrating 50 years, invite one friend for each year. Be sure you plan to have the party in a space that’s big enough to fit all of those guests. If it’s an outside party, there may be enough room, but be prepared for a change in the weather.
If it’s going to be an inside party, and your home can’t fit that many guests, you can hire a catering hall to host the event, rent a room at a local restaurant, book a room at your golf club, or see if your church has a room you can rent.
The Ultimate 40-Step Birthday Party Checklist
There is an important birthday coming up, and you want to throw a party. Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, this checklist will help you keep track of all the things you need to do to plan a memorable birthday celebration.
You will have to start planning three or four weeks in advance, especially if you are sending invitations by mail. Otherwise, two to three weeks are enough to notify your guests and plan properly. Plan for more time if the birthday falls on or around a major holiday, as people tend to book these days quickly.
Since the biggest part of the party preparation work involves food and cooking, the biggest days will be those closer to the date. If you decide to order a cake, go to your bakery at least a week before the date, otherwise they might not be able to fill your order.
We hope that this checklist will help you plan the perfect birthday party, and don't forget to have fun, even if you are planning somebody else's birthday party!
3-4 weeks in advance
- Guest List
Write down your guest list.
- Budget
Create your spending plan. Be realistic, but leave flexibility for last-minute problems or ideas.
- Theme
If you want to have a theme birthday, choose it now. It'll impact the decorations, invitations and the cake.
- Rental
If you need to rent anything that you don't own, go to your party store and make the reservations now.
- Food
Write down a tentative menu, and include beverages.
- Shopping list
From the menu, write a grocery shopping list for the weeks to come. You can buy any non-perishables at this point.
- Activities
Choose the games and activities for the guests.
- Invitations
Write down and send your invitations. Mailing invitations is very formal; nowadays an email is often sufficient. You can even use Facebook and other social networks to manage your guest list, but don't neglect those who are not on these websites.
- Entertainment
Look up local entertainers if you plan on hiring one for a few hours. Internet business databases are good for reviews of such services. Book one that has a good reputation.
2-3 weeks in advance
- Favors
If you plan on giving party favors, order or put them together now. You can involve your children in this activity by turning it into a crafts afternoon.
- Games
If any of the games require buying boards and items, go to the toy store.
- Balloons
If you want balloons to your party, go to your party supplies store and place your order.
- Get Help
If you need assistance with the decoration and the cooking, ask some of your guests to help. Many will be more than happy to participate.
- Inventory
Make an inventory of the party supplies you do own and put them together at the same place. Make of list of anything missing and buy what you need.
- Rental
Confirm your reservation with the rental store.
1 week in advance
- Cleaning
Do the heavy cleaning: floors, windows, carpets, upholstery.
- Cake
Go to your bakery and order the cake. If you are making it yourself, bake it and freeze it, without frosting.
- Flowers
Go to your florist and order the flowers.
- Timeline
Make a schedule for the activities. Be prepared to be flexible as some games might be more popular than others.
- Guest list
Call or email anyone who has not responded to your invitation yet.
2 days in advance
- Batteries
Buy or recharge the batteries for the photo and video cameras. Make sure you have extras.
- Cleaning
Dust your tables and counters, and remove clutter from the party area.
- Fridge
Make space in your fridge for all the food you will cook or receive from your guests.
- Entertainment
Call your entertainer and confirm time and price.
- Music
If having music, build your playlist or choose the CDs.
1 day in advance
- Food
Defrost anything frozen in the fridge. It will keep until the next day. Don't forget the cake.
- Cleaning
Clean your bathroom and anywhere else your guests will go if you haven't already.
- Emergencies
Buy emergency supplies like bandages and peroxide. You never know when a scratch needs disinfecting.
- Decoration
Decorate the area where the party will be held.
- Games
Take out the games and put them in a corner of the party area.
- Favors
Gather the party favors and set them in the party area.
- Cooking
Prepare anything that will keep in the fridge overnight.
Day of the party
- Pick up orders
Pick up your cake, flower and balloon orders if they are not delivered.
- Cake
Put the frosting and decorations on the cake, and keep it in the fridge.
- Decoration
Decorate any other space not yet done.
- Games and activities
Set the games up, ready for playing.
- Service
Gather your plates, utensils and glasses.
- Photo/video
Take our your cameras and have them ready to use.
- Cooking
Prepare any food that needs to be fresh such as salads, veggie platters, etc.
- Supplies
Confirm that you have enough bathroom supplies for the amount of guests. Make sure you have extra, just in case.
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