Need inexpensive party ideas...

I'll be having a belated surprise 40th b-day party for DH. His b-day was in February, but he was very sick at the time and I wanted to wait until he got better.

The party will be in May, and will be held at my sisters house. I'd really love to have lots of people there...those who have been there during DH's life, and those who have offered so much love and support during these difficult times.

The problem is $$. Food won't be a problem, but I know alcohol adds up. Is it tacky to ask that people bring what they drink in lieu of gifts? I'll need to rent tables and chairs...any advice on where? Also, IF it rains, I'll need a tent because my sisters house wont hold too many people. Can you order a tent only incase of rain? And any ideas of affordable places?

I need decorations that I can make, I guess. Really, any ideas would be so appreciated. I really want this to be special for DH, but need it to be cheap. Am I dreaming???

TIA

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

I think that considering all you guys have been through, people will understand. What about having a potluck? In lieu of gifts, people could bring various dishes or drinks. You are celebrating your husband's strength and success. Anyone who WANTS to be there WILL!

ETA: what kind of 'theme' are you going for? What time of the day? Romantic? For the kids?

Message edited 4/6/2009 9:25:29 PM.

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

Okay, white christmas lights all over...in branches, on bushes, etc. Candles on the tables. Floating flowers. Cheap, simple, elegant. For favors, potted plants...to symbolize his life enduring! For a kids table, white craft paper, crayons and markers in a bucket. Go to the dollar store for ANYTHING!

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

For beverages, you can stick to just wine and beer to cut down on cost. Make a big batch of sangria - 5 liters of cheap wine will go really far and taste delish as sangria. Champagne punch is another great option.

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

Honestly, people will ask "What can I bring" and then you will say...a case of beer, a bottle of wine, etc...

As we are reaching a certain age I find that none of us go anywhere empty handed, DH and I will always bring a 12 pack or 2. PLUS...if they are awesome enough people to have been there for your family through this tough time, trust me they're going to want to help out with the party. KWIM?

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

When people RSVP, say you will have wine, beer, soda and mixers and they should bring any alcohol they prefer. We have had friends do that before. DH and I travel out of the country a lot (at least we used to ) so we would always stock up at the duty free shops.

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

I would do the soda and food etc... but like the PP have stated people will aske what they can bring.. and just be honest.. "can you bring a case of beer or what ever you like to drink"

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

I definitely don't think that asking people to bring whatever they'd like to drink is tacky. Maybe you can just get a few cases of beer or a keg and let everyone else bring a bottle of wine or alcohol/mixers. Or you can make jello shots, which can be relatively inexpensive and people always have fun with those!

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

I would not be offended at all, if I was a guest and was asked to bring drinks.

As for decorations, I wouldn't go crazy. Unless you really want to do the 40th theme, I think I would just skip them. no one notices them anyway. get some balloons.

Tents- I have never seen a company let you rent in case of rain. I would ask around, someone you know, or a friend of a friend must have one. If not, a few of those pop of tents would work to, and lots of people have those!

renting tables- look into all for 1 rental, but call your local firehouse too. If you have a good idea of how many people, and its not more then 50, you could probably ask family and friends to bring their outdoor tables, folding tables, and chairs. for our e-party, we avoided renting tables and chairs by doing this. one person had a pickup truck and went around and got all the tables for us, then helped by returning them the next day. Instead of gifts, your friends can HELP throw your DH a party that he SOOOO deserves!!

Good luck!

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

thank you all so much for your wonderful thoughts and ideas!!! You guys ROCK

Re: Need inexpensive party ideas...

I agree with the others - it is not tacky at all.