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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:
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.

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:32

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:28

The 'PP' was me.

But since you've been posting on this thread for FIVE HOURS and not helping the OP one little bit, I expect it's fried your brain and that's why you're getting confused.

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

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:29

Mumtobabyhavoc · 22/01/2026 23:26

No one is picking on you.

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Well it sure feels like it!

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:28

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:25

I posted on the thread. I' m getting attacked on all sides for my opinion.
I am defending my opinion. I am not making it OP's problem
The pp was saying she has been out for a meal and questioning why im still on MN. So I responded with the reason why. And now you are attacking me for answering her.
What is your problem?Why don't you pick on someone else for heaven's sake?

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The 'PP' was me.

But since you've been posting on this thread for FIVE HOURS and not helping the OP one little bit, I expect it's fried your brain and that's why you're getting confused.

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 22/01/2026 23:28

Mumtobabyhavoc · 22/01/2026 23:25

Now that you've said you are at home after an operation... are you on any medication, by chance? ie painkillers?

Seriously, hope you are ok.

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AAHHH! Now, that would make sense. Hopefully, she’s currently heavily medicated and will come back to this thread and be horrified.

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:28

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 22/01/2026 23:25

Not just their opinion.

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It's ok I understand the dynamics of rhe thread.

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:27

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:25

I posted on the thread. I' m getting attacked on all sides for my opinion.
I am defending my opinion. I am not making it OP's problem
The pp was saying she has been out for a meal and questioning why im still on MN. So I responded with the reason why. And now you are attacking me for answering her.
What is your problem?Why don't you pick on someone else for heaven's sake?

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

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

Mumtobabyhavoc · 22/01/2026 23:26

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:25

I posted on the thread. I' m getting attacked on all sides for my opinion.
I am defending my opinion. I am not making it OP's problem
The pp was saying she has been out for a meal and questioning why im still on MN. So I responded with the reason why. And now you are attacking me for answering her.
What is your problem?Why don't you pick on someone else for heaven's sake?

Show quote history

No one is picking on you.

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 22/01/2026 23:25

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

In your opinion.

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Not just their opinion.

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:25

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:20

So why are you trying to make it the OP's problem?

She's not responsible for your operation is she?

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I posted on the thread. I' m getting attacked on all sides for my opinion.
I am defending my opinion. I am not making it OP's problem
The pp was saying she has been out for a meal and questioning why im still on MN. So I responded with the reason why. And now you are attacking me for answering her.
What is your problem?Why don't you pick on someone else for heaven's sake?

Mumtobabyhavoc · 22/01/2026 23:25

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

In your opinion.

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Now that you've said you are at home after an operation... are you on any medication, by chance? ie painkillers?

Seriously, hope you are ok.

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 23:20

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

I'm sat at home recovering from an operation atm so yes it is.

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So why are you trying to make it the OP's problem?

She's not responsible for your operation is she?

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:20

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

In your opinion.

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God you really can't let it go can you? You cannot just leave it. Even when multiple posters are saying it and not a single one has backed you up you're still going.

@naavaaira please get beer!!!

jbm16 · 22/01/2026 23:18

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 22:46

At the risk of getting shot down in flames again I expect the assumption is that those who have a larger income and resources have the self confidence that usually accompanies wealth and money. And therefore don't need the validation of others to tell them they are doing the right thing.

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How many generalisations in one sentence??

It clearly wasn't for validation, OP was questioning it wad reasonable cost for the items included, which she should be able to do without being called ostentatious, materialistic, privileged and entitled to name but a few...

You haven't been bullied, you made a nasty comment, were called out for it, and have since decided to double down.

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:03

You're embarrassing yourself

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In your opinion.

Silverfoxette · 22/01/2026 23:18

I spent around that on dh’s 50th, dinner in a nice restaurant

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:18

HavingABitOfAMare · 22/01/2026 22:53

Christ on an actual bike.

I've just been out for a meal, came home and caught up and you're still banging on?! 🤦‍♀️

Is your life really this bad?

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I'm sat at home recovering from an operation atm so yes it is.

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 23:16

Furlane · 22/01/2026 22:57

A kebab with your friends and family in your own garden is ostentatious?!!

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No it's not ostentatious.

However there are generally 2 themes on MN regarding birthday's:
The sad fact that some OP's don't get their birthday's recognised at all by those who are supposed to love them.
Or. The OP's who expect multiple holidays and gifts for their birthdays and who are outraged when they dont get what they think they are entitled to.
So I was making reference to the second attitude to birthday's, not to OP.

Arran2024 · 22/01/2026 23:12

naavaaira · 22/01/2026 20:58

A powerful Bluetooth speaker is included (will probably get comments about neighbours now). I will make up a playlist and can have requests

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My neighbours recently had a big party - and a silent disco!

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:12

Remember booze keeps. We have a Christmas party every year and always over buy alcohol but assuming you aren't tee total (or you don't entertain at all) it will get used so it can't hurt to have it.

PickledElectricity · 22/01/2026 23:09

naavaaira · 22/01/2026 20:51

White wine, Gin, JD, vodka. I actually have no idea how much the guys will drink. Is a special occasion so I will probably get more than I anticipated

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Please for the love of god, get a selection of beer. People will be drinking all night and will be trashed on spirits and wine. Beer is the kinder choice 🤣

The budget sounds brill. Have you got him a birthday present?

ForTheForseeable · 22/01/2026 23:03

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 22:46

At the risk of getting shot down in flames again I expect the assumption is that those who have a larger income and resources have the self confidence that usually accompanies wealth and money. And therefore don't need the validation of others to tell them they are doing the right thing.

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You're embarrassing yourself

Chocolateisntheonlyconfectionary · 22/01/2026 23:00

That's a bargain and im a tight bastard.

Furlane · 22/01/2026 22:57

Placetobreathe · 22/01/2026 20:13

How do you know what i can afford?

It's a question of values as far as i'm concerned.

Money and ostentation is not important compared to real things like love, caring and affection.

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A kebab with your friends and family in your own garden is ostentatious?!!

Shedeboodinia · 22/01/2026 22:57

This thread is crazy over a birthday budget 😂
1200 on a birthday party is really not much in the scheme of things. I understand thinking an outlandish million that some celebs have spent might be crazy, but to them it isnt.
1200 with an inflatable nightclub in your garden is hardly flaunting your wealth. And in anycase 1200 is well within reach of the majority of the population if they save for it. OP might have been putting away money for this party for the last ten years. Or sold a family heirloom to pay for it.
Nothing about her post screams insanely rich and flaunting it.

Also, we had an inflatable nightclub for a work do once and it was brilliant. The put an inflatable pub next to the inflatable nightclub in a field and we had a great time and all stayed in caravans around the field. Amazing night. So all those looking up inflatable nightclubs, look for inflatable pubs too, you will be amazed!!