Cost of husband’s 40th party

[naavaaira]

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?

with samosas and onion bhajis made by her mum

How is this catering his favourite Turkish food??

Exactly! I was wondering about that too.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Wait! Did @KombuchaKaren just say toques???

🇨🇦🍁

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

I think it was tongue in cheek.

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.

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 😆)

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

Her subsequent post suggests it wasn’t!

I'd have to Google... 🤔

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.

Also included tables, chairs, plates, cutlery, glasses, etc

My partner’s 30th cost £1500 for 16 people at a nice dim sum restaurant in east London (mints), I think that’s just what it costs. If you’re worried about the cost, you could ask the attendees to contribute - I know my crowd were more than willing. In the end I picked up the food bill and the group paid the drinks

Sorry, meant mntd (my neighbours the dumplings)

Bitter much?

It sounds like a nice party OP, and if you can afford it and you, your husband and friends would enjoy it, I see no possible problem.

I mean, yes, it's a lot to spend on a celebration, but nothing compares to what many spend on their weddings, for example.

I was just wondering what your concerns are that promoted you to post? Are you worried that you may have been ripped off by caterers etc? (It really doesn't sound like you have to me). Or that your husband will feel you haven't spent enough/gone to enough effort? (That seems unlikely).

I don't mean this critically at all - I was just thinking that f you can be more specific about your concerns, that might get more specific reassurance.

But otherwise, enjoy your party - sounds great to me! X

That’s just for nibbly bits, Turkish for mains

It isn’t relevant I was trying perhaps unsuccessfully to be lighthearted. I am earlier post I have made supportive comments about the OP’s actual issue

I would take the bouncy nightclub over this any day as I'd get NOTHING done if my neighbours were in the garden rocking out at a shindig in silence
Such a wonderful sensible idea
But just so, so funny

@naavaaira picky bits plus mains is ALWAYS a winner when drink is involved. You've had a cracking price for everything there and the party sounds wonderful!
Is the inflatable nightclub shoes on or shoes off? Should there be a warning about heels going out? 😂

Nah, I recently spent a bit above that on my DD's 13 birthday.

Nothing excessive about it at all, for us.
Newsflash, different people have different budgets.

Such dramatics from you! I might have been on board if OP said she was spending 20k..

I would do something about those green eyes of yours.

OP, your party plans sound fab!!