How do i organise a 50th birthday party on a very tight budget?

Question

I am beginning to think about organising a surprise (possibly) 50th party for my partner in a couple of months time but have very little budget to work with and so don't reallly know where to begin. I would like to invite lots of people and hold it at our house but i don't know how to cater and entertain for so many on such a tight budget?!!? Any ideas getting desperate!!!

Answer 1

You could always ask the guests to make it a covered dish party.

Or make it dessert party, serve coffee and sweets only.

Or make it a desert island party and ask each guest to bring the one dish or food item they can't live without.

Or as an act of desperation hirer a mugger to wait outside your party that night and split the take with him (this should at least subsidize the cost). Okay maybe you shouldn't do that.

Answer 2

The best and easies way is "Pot Luck" where all your guess bring a dish... You tell them what dishes like "Sally, you bring a Salad type, Bob you bring Cheese & crackers"  I think you get the point... They will love it and you save a buck or two..

Answer 3

Well, if you're on that tight of a budget, then the cheapest option would be to make your own food (buying the food would cost much more)...Ask each one of your friends to make their own dish or dessert for the party.  You can easily find some cheap decorations at a wal-mart or Tesco store.  Also, if they are drinkers, consider making a type of punch to cut down on your liquor expenses!  Lastly, for a good way to buy some time, be creative and put together a slide show of some photos that you can present during the party for your partner.  (Just put the pictures together on the computer, add some music for sentimental effect, and your set to go!)

With a large party, people tend to become occupied with just talking to one another and snacking in the process...don't worry too much about entertaining them.

Answer 4

why dont yall just go out. if you reallly want it the party have people bring dishes and booze.

Answer 5

We did this for my parents and just asked people to bring a few bucks instead of gifts.  People were happy to oblige.

Answer 6

Ask everyone to bring their own xyz, therefor you only have to buy the food and a few bottles of wine.  It's not always easy to ask but people generally expect to bring their own booze to parties.  You should make your own snacks which'll work out cheaper than hiring a caterer.  You could also make a punch, this goes a long way.  If you want more than just snacks, you should make a dish like paella or biryani as this can go far if you make one massive pot.

Answer 7

Have the party in a park. Have the guests bring their favorite kind of food or tell your friends to help you make some food. Buy the decorations at the dollar store.

Answer 8

Hi.  First, I disagree with those saying guests should bring food (or, even worse, money!).  This is not appropriate.

You don't say what your budget is, but chicken is always a safe bet.  If you have freezer space, a couple weeks before the event start looking through sales.  For example, Walmart sells a huge bag of chicken parts for about 6 or 7 dollars but you might find it even cheaper.  There's a lot of easy chicken recipes on the net - just google for ones that say "easy" or less than 5 ingredients.

Most people like cheap-o rice and it always goes well with chicken.  And then, at that time of year, veggies will be in full swing.  You can mix together a bunch of tomatoes, onions and zuchini sauteed in oil with a few spices - it'll be nummy.  

For the cake, start a new question here and ask for clever ideas on how to jazz up basic cake mixes.  You'll get a ton of responses!

Then you just ask your guests to bring gag gifts.  It'll be fun watching your partner open them and it's time consuming.  But do try to keep it a surprise - that always adds to the fun!

And for decorations, you don't need much.  Go to a dollar store and get a few balloons, etc.  If he has a favorite sports team, that could be your theme and colors!

Answer 9

1. dont waste money on decorations, streamers and hanging letters are for kids parties and usually look tacky.

2. vistaprint.com has really cheap preprinted invitations and run sales too.  

3. on the invite put a line that says: Join us with one of your favorite dishes for a fabulous feast in honor of.....

4.  If it is in your budget provide wine and beer for the event. You dont want people drinking liquor anyway if they need to drive home.  There are weddings that only have beer andwine so its totally appropriate.

GOOD LUCK!! HAVE FUN!!!

5.  the only other thing you will need is plasticware, solo cups, plates and napkins.

Answer 10

-ask the guests to bring some food or drinks when they com

-make your own decorations

-make your own food

-print game ideas off the internet

-play charades etc

-buy things such as ASDA smart price, TESCO value etc.- the only difference between that and an expensive brand is the packet