Surprise Birthday Party for 200~?!
Surprise Birthday Party for 200~?
My wife turns 50 this year and I am planning a surprise party. I was shocked to discover that even after narrowing the list, we are still looking at inviting nearly 200 people. I have a very small budget. Any ideas on how to keep the costs down but still have a great time?
Answers:
Make the party theme something simple like "Now and Then: A Tale of (wife's name)'s Life"
Decorations-That theme makes decorating a breeze-simply dig out old photos of your wife with family and friends, during special occasions, etc and make collages (on posterboard to hang on walls, or using inexpensive frames for table decorations, or even having a collage of photos laminated and used as place mats for everyone). You might also set up areas with items that are significant to your wife through the years-for example-one grouping could include childhood photos, a game she enjoyed when young, etc. Another grouping could be focused around your wedding day with a photo of her as the bride, perhaps a napkin or other memorabilia saved from the wedding, etc.
These displays take the place of expensive floral arrangements and table decor, and are much more memorable and fun for everyone to view.
Food- With 200 people, the most cost-effective method would be finger foods and one focal item (probably the cake). If you want to serve drinks-that could get expensive-maybe a beautiful punch bowl with a tasty spiked punch is the way to go...
Fingerfoods-My suggestion is to check out foodnetwork.com for some simple recipes that don't use many ingredients. Then a day or two before the party, request the services of your wife's closest friends (and your kids if you have any) and spend the day preparing the foods yourself. You can create beautiful serving trays of fruit kabobs, veggies with a gourmet dip, simple bite-sized sandwhiches, etc.
Order the cake so that you don't have to worry about that...
Best of luck and remember-it's the thought that counts! As long as you keep honoring your wife the focal point of your event, you can't go wrong!
Yes, do what I had for my Birthday party. A Fish and chip supper or chicken and chips in a basket meal.
find a good caterer, and buy loads of lquor. dont worry about the decorations much
hors doevres and cake!
Congrats to your wife. I just turned 50 two weeks ago. My family also had a surpirse party for me. There was also a large crowd there. My daughter, husband and best friend did all the food and they served hor de ourves like cocktail wieners in sauce, rotel and velveeta dip with chips, spinach dip with bread, meatballs, small sandwiches and of course cake. It was reallt great and everyone there enjoyed it and the food didn't seem to be a budget buster.
Look at kraftfoods.com - they have a ton of recipes for appetizers with very few ingredients. Go with small sandwiches, fruits & veggies for as many people as your having. Make the cake the centerpiece. If your going to serve alcohol go to your local liquor store and inquire about discounts they offer (I have Specs here in Texas and they offer a discount both when you pay with cash & when you buy a case of anything) so that will help - Also don't be shy about asking very close friends/family to make or bring something. I'm sure they will be more than happy to. Have a great time!!!
have it at a park or any other cheaper location. for decorations have huge pictures of your wife growing up and her life timeline. another good idea would be have a platter or tablecloth guest can sign, with their memories of your wife or a funny story.
another idea is ask her friends or daughter to help you to have the womens input could be helpful
Ask your closest friends and relatives to bring a plate this will make it a lot easier for you.
I would make finger food there are platters at woolies you can get also dips, biscuits,chips,cheese,meats and salami's,sausage rolls, fish fingers chopped to bite size pieces.
Take a walk around you nearest supermarket get their advice.
The best of luck hope you have a lovely and successful party.