DH's 50th Birthday

[PartyPlanner24]

Planning on booking a BIG party for DH's 50th birthday later this year been ages since we've had a family party, so I'm quite excited.

Not sure if it will be a surprise or not yet, depends on if I think I'll be able to pull it off.

But I'm in the initial list-writing stage and just wondering if anyone can think of anything I've missed? Or any other tips would be great

I've got...

Venue
Guest List
Invitations
Food/Catering
Cake
Decorations

Any sort of activity at the party? Some people like those photo booths, or mini casino, or tabletop games?

Gift situation - if I was invited to a 50th party I'd be bringing a gift unless the invitation said no to. Fine either way but a good idea to consider it in advance.

Photographer? A big do is a great opportunity to capture family and friends together.

Will you/anyone else need accommodation? Pre-book for yourself, include a list of options for others to book. Same also with local taxis.

If anyone is travelling quite a distance, staying overnight, think about organising something small for the next day too? When I had a big party and people stayed in various places around, I offered a bacon butty and coffee the next day so they all dropped in at various times throughout the next morning - was nice to have an extra chat before they left for home.

@HoHoHoliday some excellent suggestions for me to consider, thank you!

DJ?

I agree with something for any guests who are travelling, either dinner the night before or lunch the next day, or both.

I would personally counsel against making it a surprise; it will be so much more stressful for you and it doesn’t give him the chance to enjoy looking forward to it.