Fortieth birthday - dress and decoration!

[Bigwetdog]

I'm hoping you can help me with the style of my upcoming 40th birthday party as well as ideas about what to wear!!

I've hired a function room - it's a glass conservatory type room and looks ok with some plants and nice lighting - but I'd like to do a bit more. Any ideas that aren't horribly tacky or cheesy?! No HAPPY BIRTHDAY silver banners from Clinton's cards! They'll be drinks and a buffet, music.

And I'll need a dress! It's not until end of September so might be too early to look but why not start now... Budget £200 ish? I love animal print and blacks and neutrals usually but think it could be sparkly as a big birthday?! Size 12, and I like having my arms and legs covered but could potentially do tights by September so could do something short.

TIA!

As you love animal print, what about Urban Safari theme?

Leopard, tiger, giraffe, zebra print clothing easily available for guests without being expensive. Then get a few animal masks, zoo keeper, safari hats etc as props for photos. Lots of plants/greenery for decoration sure you’d find loads of things on Amazon/EBay.

Maybe ask the bar to make up a few cocktails renamed for the theme? Monkey Martini, Safari Sunset sort of thing?

I keep coming back to this dress. Would be great in a glass walled space with lots of atmospheric lighting. Wonderfully celebratory but also potentially long lasting and versatile.

Oh I’d go for wildflowers in a kind of mad meadow kind of vibe. Unstructured. Colourful.
little clusters all over the tables.
or go monochrome and get big b&w photos of fond memories blown up and mounted on the walls.
for dresses try Rixo or never fully dressed or Sézane.
enjoy! X

Not exactly what you asked for but this is lovely.

I'd just go extra on the lights - loads of fairy lights across the ceiling will look great at night! Also like the idea of a signature cocktail, and tbh dress wise I'd go full sequin disco ball! Special birthday and all that

Well I'm team disco ball...

www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-sequin-cut-out-dress-gold-silver/p5863776?size=6

Love the wild flower thing! Thank you

Gorge dress but I'll almost certainly spill something down it! Can see this working for a Vegas wedding...

I really like it... I wonder if I want an even bigger disco ball... But tempted to buy anyway

Much less than your budget but I keep coming back to this. www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/ax-paris/pink-and-black-printed-gathered-midi-dress

No glitter, but gold.

Your size available.

I like the print but sadly I can't go sleeveless. I have horrid arms! Need at least to elbow :(