Page 7 | Cost of husband’s 40th party

naavaaira · 2026-01-22T16:23:19+00:00

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?

NC2026 · 23/01/2026 00:29

Sounds good value to me. We had a celebration 2 years ago with 120 guests, live band and disco catered hot food plus nibbles, 3 cakes, posh portaloos, heaters, marquee, dance floor, venue (grounds) hire, photo booth, all table/room decs, bar, etc. Cost around £10-12K. Went from 5pm to midnight.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:17

KombuchaKaren · 23/01/2026 00:16

What’s the British word for it? Bobble hats?

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I'd have to Google... 🤔

Ilovemychocolate · 23/01/2026 00:16

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:14

I think it was tongue in cheek.

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Her subsequent post suggests it wasn’t!

KombuchaKaren · 23/01/2026 00:16

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:10

Wait! Did @KombuchaKaren just say toques???

🇨🇦🍁

What’s the British word for it? Bobble hats?

Ilovemychocolate · 23/01/2026 00:15

OP I spent £3k on my 50th, I had fire eaters, stilt walkers, Photo Booth, even a photographer!
Held it at a gorgeous venue and had the time of my life!
Good on you for organising what is sure to be a fabulous party (can I come 😆)

KombuchaKaren · 23/01/2026 00:14

It’s not the sort of thing you’d do if you had a bit of money to spend on a 40th birthday bash. I’m in support of all those who say it’s not privileged or entitled. The OP is NOT entitled or privileged in any form.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:14

Ilovemychocolate · 23/01/2026 00:11

Wow!!
You really are a peach aren’t you?!

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I think it was tongue in cheek.

Ilovemychocolate · 23/01/2026 00:11

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:42

LOL at all the peeps who think that the OP is entitled, privileged and comes from money for having a backyard inflatable disco party with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum with all the neighbours peering out the windows to watch them pulling their middle-aged dance moves. If the OP had some real dosh, she wouldn’t be having a backyard, budget 40th birthday party in the middle of Feb for her hubbie; it’d be at a nicer venue with nicer food.

Wow!!
You really are a peach aren’t you?!

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:10

Wait! Did @KombuchaKaren just say toques???

🇨🇦🍁

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:09

KombuchaKaren · 23/01/2026 00:01

It’s going to be freezing the next couple of weeks (there might even be snow depending where you are). Are all those guests supposed to be pulling their groovy dance moves in the cold bundled up to the nines in toques and scarves? I don’t think there’s any heating in that inflatable disco thing. It doesn’t sound very entitled and privileged to me. How absurd to think so.

Yes. There is both heating and air conditioning depending on the weather according to my research.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/01/2026 00:07

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:33

Actually I think placetibreathe has been helpful.

I was going to throw my five a year old a party for her birthday but thanks to her I've now realised it's because I'm so entitled and im using it as a decoy because I don't actually love her. I'm really grateful for this realisation. maybe OP and PP will see the light too, in time.

If you were to throw that party what would your budget be? 🤔

Blondeshavemorefun · 23/01/2026 00:02

Dear God. Hours ago @ClaraKMumsnet said to play nicely and still you are going on @Placetobreathe

all apart from you have said it sounds a lovely Birthday party

parties can cost. Esp when feeding and watering (booze) the guests an obv the inflatable adds to the cost

but it’s obv in @naavaaira budget or she wouldn’t be doing it

fwiw when I did my 40th ‘cough’ years ago I prob spent £800+ on venue - food - dj - cake - decorations etc

for what op gets sounds a bargain

KombuchaKaren · 23/01/2026 00:01

It’s going to be freezing the next couple of weeks (there might even be snow depending where you are). Are all those guests supposed to be pulling their groovy dance moves in the cold bundled up to the nines in toques and scarves? I don’t think there’s any heating in that inflatable disco thing. It doesn’t sound very entitled and privileged to me. How absurd to think so.

Okiedokie123 · 22/01/2026 23:58

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!!!!!

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Umm ok. Not fun for you. But if it is on 10th February how would that be an issue for the op? How is your experience relevant?

£1200 for 16 adults and 8 kids sounds like a great deal to me @naavaaira. Hoping your dh loves it and everyone has a great time.

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:50

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:44

with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum

How is this catering his favourite Turkish food??

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Exactly! I was wondering about that too.

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:44

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:42

LOL at all the peeps who think that the OP is entitled, privileged and comes from money for having a backyard inflatable disco party with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum with all the neighbours peering out the windows to watch them pulling their middle-aged dance moves. If the OP had some real dosh, she wouldn’t be having a backyard, budget 40th birthday party in the middle of Feb for her hubbie; it’d be at a nicer venue with nicer food.

with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum

How is this catering his favourite Turkish food??

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:43

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:42

LOL at all the peeps who think that the OP is entitled, privileged and comes from money for having a backyard inflatable disco party with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum with all the neighbours peering out the windows to watch them pulling their middle-aged dance moves. If the OP had some real dosh, she wouldn’t be having a backyard, budget 40th birthday party in the middle of Feb for her hubbie; it’d be at a nicer venue with nicer food.

God someone really has left the gate open at the dick farm tonight haven't they?

user1473878824 · 22/01/2026 23:43

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:42

LOL at all the peeps who think that the OP is entitled, privileged and comes from money for having a backyard inflatable disco party with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum with all the neighbours peering out the windows to watch them pulling their middle-aged dance moves. If the OP had some real dosh, she wouldn’t be having a backyard, budget 40th birthday party in the middle of Feb for her hubbie; it’d be at a nicer venue with nicer food.

I don’t think this is the supportive message you think it is….!

KombuchaKaren · 22/01/2026 23:42

LOL at all the peeps who think that the OP is entitled, privileged and comes from money for having a backyard inflatable disco party with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum with all the neighbours peering out the windows to watch them pulling their middle-aged dance moves. If the OP had some real dosh, she wouldn’t be having a backyard, budget 40th birthday party in the middle of Feb for her hubbie; it’d be at a nicer venue with nicer food.

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:37

I'm not allowed to use the T word and I know I've also engaged but we really need to stop talking with the professional nonsense merchant here.

@naavaaira sorry for any off railing of your thread. I hope you have a great time xx

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:37

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:32

I.am sure the OP.is perfectly capable of organising a birthday party by herself.

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Oh so you know her?

That's ok then.

'I'm sure a complete stranger who has started a thread for advice, doesn't actually need any advice so I'll just hang around and take her thread off on a complete tangent'.

Is that what you thought?

Why would you do this?

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:35

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:33

Actually I think placetibreathe has been helpful.

I was going to throw my five a year old a party for her birthday but thanks to her I've now realised it's because I'm so entitled and im using it as a decoy because I don't actually love her. I'm really grateful for this realisation. maybe OP and PP will see the light too, in time.

What is wrong with throwing a party for your 5 year old?
Sounds a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 22/01/2026 23:35

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:29

Well it sure feels like it!

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You really are playing the victim. You threw the first stone.

Blondeshavemorefun · 22/01/2026 23:33

Looks a great set up. Enjoy and update thread when had party

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:33

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:27

You must be high on meds. It's the only explanation

I'm now googling inflatable nightclubs... Pandora's box...

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I'm not high on meds.
I'm not on any meds
What's your excuse?