How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party

July 1, 2022 Comment

We all know the saying, “life begins at 40”, so why not celebrate in style by planning a lit 40th birthday party. The big 4-0 remains one of the most popular birthday celebrations. It is considered the midpoint and a major turning point in life. It’s the perfect special occasion to gather friends and family for an epic party that everyone will remember. Here’s how to plan a lit 40th birthday party.

Also Read: 10 Creative Balloon Decoration Ideas for your Next Party

 

Set a Budget

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexel

Before planning your 40th birthday party, review your finances. Your budget will guide all of the decisions that you’ll make from choosing a venue to how many people you can invite. Even if your budget is small, you can still throw an inexpensive party that’s a lot of fun. You can track your spending either by writing it all down, or electronically by creating an excel document. Be sure to leave room for special birthday party details, like a custom cake or balloon arch entrance.

Set Your 40th Birthday Party Date

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexel

Coming up with a date for a 40-year-old’s party is a little different than setting a time for a kids’ party. In order to choose the best date, use the following guide; cross check other important events and dates, consider seasonality and out-of-town guests, choose to have your party on a weekend. Friday or Saturday may be the best day to host an evening party. If you’re throwing an afternoon party, consider Sunday afternoons. Avoid weekdays. 

Draft a Guest List

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Once you’ve got your budget figured out, it’s time to start drafting your guest list. The number of guests you can invite to your party will be mostly decided by your budget, so don’t skip that step. It’s also dependent on the size of your venue. Get a list of guests that you definitely need to be there, and invite a few VIPs. It won’t hurt to invite a few special honorees to help bring some warmth and meaning to the event. It could be an elementary teacher or the celebrant’s very first boss.

Hire an Event Planner

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by Leah T. Williams Events and Wedding Planner

An event planner will take all the stress and anxiety of party planning away. Event planners have vendor networks and will be able to recommend not only the best spaces for your party but the best décor team, floral team and photographers.

Choose a Theme 

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by NIPYATA! on Unsplash

Theme and décor for a 40th birthday party can range from a simple cocktail party with no decorations to a fully themed party. When choosing a theme for your 40th, an idea is to go with a theme that matches the decade in which the 40-year-old was in his/her prime. An example is a 1980s-themed party. An “over the hill” theme party is also quite popular. When customising designs to your theme, consider the entrance, tabletops, dance floor, etc

Related: Popular Wedding Themes for Afro Caribbean Brides.

Choose a Venue

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick

Once you know the size of your guest list and budget, you can start thinking about booking  your venue. If you want to keep the cost low, keep the party small and intimate. There’s no harm in hosting your 40th birthday party at home or in your back yard. And if you have the benefit of a nice weather, consider throwing an outdoor barbecue. If you’ve got a large guest list and more to spend, it’s worth hiring a venue. But make sure you book early. When choosing a wedding venue, consider; the overall cost, location, size, catering and license. Your venue should allow for the type of party you’ve chosen plus offer any extras you are envisioning — from aesthetic to the dance floor or catering options. Here are some of the most beautiful event venues in the UK.

Document the Moments

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexel.

You’ll want to remember this time with friends and family. Consider hiring an event photographer to help take photos and videos that can be put into a photo album and video. This will cut down on blurry or dark photos that are sure to make up the majority of social media moments. Photographers get booked fast, so book early

Plan Your Menu

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party.

 

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by fu zhichao on Pexel

Since most 40th birthday parties are adult-only events, it’s especially important to get the food and drink menu right. Your budget, theme, and guest list will determine your menu. If your venue doesn’t have in-house catering options, you’ll need to find a caterer. Sweeten the party by creating a full dessert spread. You should have a 40th birthday cake designed. Along with cake, plan to have party platters, appetizers, or canapés. If you’re planning a dinner party, plan several courses such as appetizers, salad or soup, main course, and dessert, as well as beverages for each course. For drinks, hire a professional bartender. Signature cocktails are a must. There should be alcoholic and alcoholic drinks available.  Some of the celebrant’s favourite dishes and drinks should be included to personalise the menu.

Hire Special Entertainment

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party.

Your 40th birthday party entertainment options are endless. Hire performers to spice up your party like singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats, or live artists. Engage guest with fun and games like a photobooth and a casino. Think about including an MC to ensure that your celebration runs smoothly.

40th Birthday Party Favours

How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party
How to Plan a Lit 40th Birthday Party. Photo by Pixabay

Offering party favours reminds your guests of their good time. It’s the perfect way to show your friends and family your appreciation. Shop for birthday party favors and decorations, such as fancy chocolates, napkins, plates, cups, party hats, streamers or a shot glass with the event name and date printed on it. Hand them over in a gift bag.

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