Party Celebrations Brainstorm

Sare

Hi

I'm hoping all you clever MSE's can help me with a party I am hoping to arrange for 8th June 2013 (my Birthday)

We as a family will be celebrating

Our eldest sons 30th
Our 30th wedding anniversary
and OH's 50th birthday

Currently we are looking at approx 150 people

I'm also thinking about OH and I renewing our vows on the morning of the celebration something we have been toying with for awhile and seems the obvious thing to do as all the family will be there.

We have a hall already which will cost us nothing as its where OH works but thats as far as I have got. I'd like a hog roast but they seem to be quite expensive.

Any ideas for structure of the day, money saving hints or advise welcome.

Thanks
Sare

floss2

We had a 40th (mine) / 18th (DS1) / 16th (DS2) party in 2004, it was absolutely fab!

Re guests, we took the maximum number allowed, then deducted all the "family" guests like parents, my aunts & uncles, my siblings, the boys father & wife plus his parents, family friends & my then BF. Then we split the balance of guests between each of us, so we had our own friends there too.

The venue was an old 2 storey school, restored to be the parish centre for our church, with downstairs & upstairs toilets, full kitchen, separate room for buffet, and chairs & tables. DS2 was in a band at the time so there was live & DJ music (Dj's were the kids & thier mates) in the upstairs hall and quiet chatting area in the downstairs classroom.

We had caterers to do the buffet (only because BF offered to pay) and everyone brought their own drinks - we provided things like ice & lemon and mixers.

The worst bit was clearing up at the end (future BiL brandishing a hoover!) and the funniest was putting all our bin bags of empties outside next to the convent that night, and picking up an extra bag of empties in the morning to do the tip run!! :eek:

purpleivy

Most importantly remember that you mustn't get so caught up in over expensive, overlavish arrangements. It's the sense of occasion that matters. People will probably most remember the joy of having been with family and friends to share this great celebration.

I used to do everything myself, but these days I'm much better. I know in advance who is likely to offer some help, so when they ask I have something for them to do. It might be that someone you know is good at flowers and can decorate your hall for you with lovely table arrangements and a central one. Maybe someone is good at celebration cakes. You get my drift!

You're doing well by getting started with plans early.

One more piece of advice.....choose some puds that don't need chilling, much easier than having a lot of creamy stuff that needs to fight with the meaty/fishy stuff for freezer space!

Sare

Thankyou ladies Thats already given me a couple of ideas my son use to be in a band it would be a great reason for them to reform for one night I have a friend who will do the flowers for me and my SIL and Niece are great at cupcakes so that could take care of the puds

xxxxxx

purpleivy

You could have a colour theme through your decorations and follow it on to the celebration cupcakes too.