| Base the event on the character and personality of | | | | If you choose to have guests of all ages, you may not |
| the honored guest. You should know the birthday | | | | want to serve alcohol. You might also consider a "bring |
| person pretty well if you are doing the planning. Some | | | | your own bottle" style party (BYOB). Make it clear |
| people may love a laugh and won't care if fun is | | | | whether you want children to attend in your invitations. |
| poked at them. Others may prefer their birthday to be | | | | More often than not, a 50th birthday party is for adults |
| on the serious side. | | | | only, but it should suit the best interest of the main |
| It is rather standard to have a theme for the 50th year | | | | guest. |
| of a person's life that is related to the time when they | | | | Instead of having the guests bring normal presents, let |
| were young. Usually this is their teen years, when they | | | | them give something that represents a memory of |
| came of age. If you are of the same approximate age | | | | importance to the honoree. This can be either valued |
| of the birthday person, you probably have a good idea | | | | or nonsensical, depending on the wishes of the gift |
| of the music, dress, and entertaining activities of the | | | | giver. For instance, if the birthday is for a man, he might |
| era. If you are younger than the honoree, get | | | | get a model toy of an automobile he wanted when he |
| information from someone who is of that age group to | | | | was sixteen. For a woman this could be a music |
| aid in your planning. | | | | album of her favorite musician of the time. |
| If a meal is to be provided at the party, you should be | | | | Another idea is to have a pajama party. Depending on |
| sure of what the honored person likes. Do not make | | | | the number of guests, you may need to obtain the use |
| the meal a formal affair, but lean more toward finger | | | | of a large open facility. Everyone would wear sleeping |
| food or reasonably simple entrees. The party should | | | | attire and bring either blow-up mattresses or sleeping |
| focus on the birthday more than the food. | | | | bags. Tell stories and play games that were popular |
| One idea is to host a costume party. The guests | | | | 35 to 40 years ago. Reminisce about the old days. |
| dress as famous and influential people of the time 30 | | | | Leave the decision of actually spending the night |
| to 35 years ago. This could include political, musical, and | | | | together up to each couple or individual. |
| religious personalities. Encourage people to wear | | | | 50th birthday party planning should be fun for all, and |
| masks of the celebrity they are pretending to be. Have | | | | have a touch of nostalgia included, too. |
| music and dancing that corresponds to the day. | | | | |