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Original poster

Cost of husband’s 40th party

416 replies

naavaaira · 22/01/2026 16:23

Posting here for traffic.
I am organising a surprise party for my husband’s 40th. He is the kind who loves being centre of attention and would love the surprise! I have never ever organised a proper event like this so have no idea of average cost and your input would be appreciated. I’m looking to cater his favourite Turkish food, inflatable night club in the garden, alcohol, cake, nibbles, and other bits all coming to around £1200 for 16 adults and 8 kids. Does that sound average or a lot?

OP posts:
JaffavsCookie · 22/01/2026 17:42

Sounds an awesome party. Whilst it is a lot of money, it is actually good value for what you are getting.
Hope he loves it

Christmasjoyis · 22/01/2026 17:41

Sounds very good - cheap. Mine is coming out at 8k but we’re having to do it at a venue

Chiaseedling · 22/01/2026 17:39

ClicketyBayey · 22/01/2026 16:29

I hope it’s not February 10th because on that day

Monday February 10th 1986 I came home from school to discover my mum had read my diary! 😮

Believe me OP you did not want to be me that evening !!!!!! The trauma!!!!!

Show quote history

😜 oh dear!
I once accidentally left my ‘holiday diary’ in my mum’s room as I was talking to my friend on the phone extension (the days where you had to be where the phone was!) about the trip and using the diary as a memory aid. It wasn’t too bad but my mum of course read it ‘it was on my bed!’ and found out the naughty things we’d got up to!

Endorewitch · 22/01/2026 17:32

Excellent value. I have never managed to host a special party for that number of people ,for that price .

silverwrath · 22/01/2026 17:29

Just youtubed inflatable nightclub. Never heard of one before. Looks fab!!! 🎉🥳

Hope hubby has a great night. 🍾🎈

Zanatdy · 22/01/2026 17:23

My eldest son’s 18th was around £1000 13yrs ago, sounds good to me.

BIWI · 22/01/2026 17:22

ClicketyBayey · 22/01/2026 16:29

I hope it’s not February 10th because on that day

Monday February 10th 1986 I came home from school to discover my mum had read my diary! 😮

Believe me OP you did not want to be me that evening !!!!!! The trauma!!!!!

Show quote history

What a bizarre response. How on earth do you think this is relevant or helpful?

GreenGodiva · 22/01/2026 17:21

Clefable · 22/01/2026 16:43

My friends and I always say that we would love to do soft play without the kids and while a bit tipsy!

Pleasure island in Liverpool had the BEST giant soft play I’ve ever seen along with a bowling alley and roller ring and zip lines etc and they used to do adult only sessions. Was brilliant and I really miss that place, it was epic.

WeAreNotOk · 22/01/2026 17:21

Just googled inflatable nightclubs and they look fab! Smoke,lights and sound system included too. Your budget sounds spot on.
I'd love to be your neighbour, even if I just nosied over the fence and got offered a cheeky drink.
You have a lucky DH. Please let it know how it all goes and post pics! Them's the rules.

Passingthrough123 · 22/01/2026 17:20

Redcandlescandal · 22/01/2026 16:50

Inflatable garden nightclub? Are you ready for your neighbours to all hate you?

This, unless you've got a big garden and you're in a detached property.

Plus, outdoor party in Feb? Guessing you can't be in UK!

Christmaseree · 22/01/2026 17:19

I think people will bring drink, even when I asked all my guests what they like and bought the spirits they preferred etc and said don’t bring anything I think everyone still arrived with a bottle of something (mainly Prosecco and Champagne).

Parsleyforme · 22/01/2026 17:18

Redcandlescandal · 22/01/2026 16:50

Inflatable garden nightclub? Are you ready for your neighbours to all hate you?

Give over, it’s only for one night. OP will probably warn the neighbours

pinkspeakers · 22/01/2026 17:18

Only you know if you can afford it. But £50 per head for a full evening of food, drink, entertainment and birthday gubbins sounds reasonable to me.

ThisDaringOchrePombear · 22/01/2026 17:15

Amonthinthecountry · 22/01/2026 16:57

That’s hilarious! I can’t believe you remember the date this happened or did you then diarise that too?!

Show quote history

We need a separate thread for this...

ldnmusic87 · 22/01/2026 17:12

Sounds good, I did one and and asked people to bring a bottle or desert instead of a gift.

GlasgowGal2014 · 22/01/2026 17:12

Clefable · 22/01/2026 16:43

My friends and I always say that we would love to do soft play without the kids and while a bit tipsy!

Adultwww.thethreedrinkers.com/magazine-content/tag/adults-only+soft+play+centre++edinburgh

PeachySmile2 · 22/01/2026 17:04

That sounds very reasonable for everything you’re having. We spent £600 on my 30th, held in our garden with a bbq and alcohol for 20-25 adults. Would have loved catering - you’re definitely making the right decision not doing the food yourself. Gets in the way of the party!

Mulledjuice · 22/01/2026 17:01

I think it sounds like great value.

Have you got a wet weather plan?

Soft drinks/mixers?

Amonthinthecountry · 22/01/2026 17:01

naavaaira · 22/01/2026 16:58

Out of 10/16 are drinking, I don’t want to skimp on alcohol so maybe will get more, will have 50 samosas as well and mums making onion bhajis. Neighbours will be fine, we’ve had garden parties previously and will inform them beforehand :)

getting mixed views on here, it’s good to see what everyone else thinks

This all sounds lovely and a I think it’s pretty reasonable money-wise. I’m sure you’ll have a tonne of fun. X

Original poster
naavaaira · 22/01/2026 16:58

Out of 10/16 are drinking, I don’t want to skimp on alcohol so maybe will get more, will have 50 samosas as well and mums making onion bhajis. Neighbours will be fine, we’ve had garden parties previously and will inform them beforehand :)

getting mixed views on here, it’s good to see what everyone else thinks

OP posts:
Amonthinthecountry · 22/01/2026 16:57

ClicketyBayey · 22/01/2026 16:29

I hope it’s not February 10th because on that day

Monday February 10th 1986 I came home from school to discover my mum had read my diary! 😮

Believe me OP you did not want to be me that evening !!!!!! The trauma!!!!!

Show quote history

That’s hilarious! I can’t believe you remember the date this happened or did you then diarise that too?!

365RubyRed · 22/01/2026 16:55

What's an inflatable nightclub? Have you invited the neighbours?

jbm16 · 22/01/2026 16:52

naavaaira · 22/01/2026 16:23

Posting here for traffic.
I am organising a surprise party for my husband’s 40th. He is the kind who loves being centre of attention and would love the surprise! I have never ever organised a proper event like this so have no idea of average cost and your input would be appreciated. I’m looking to cater his favourite Turkish food, inflatable night club in the garden, alcohol, cake, nibbles, and other bits all coming to around £1200 for 16 adults and 8 kids. Does that sound average or a lot?

That's £50 a head, so including food and drink I would think it's pretty good value.

Redcandlescandal · 22/01/2026 16:50

Inflatable garden nightclub? Are you ready for your neighbours to all hate you?

TheLemonLemur · 22/01/2026 16:49

My 40th last year cost less than half that so your budget should be plenty

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