Turning 40: How to Plan an Unforgettable Celebration

Reaching the big 4-0 is a major milestone. While some see it as marking the start of middle age, it can also be seen as entering a decade of newfound confidence, success, and fun. Planning a bash to celebrate turning 40 is the perfect way to get excited about the years ahead. The following tips will allow you to make it a party you and your guests will never forget!

• Set the Guest List

Consider who matters most as you enter your fifth decade of life. The guest list should include your closest friends and family members – the people you want to share this moment with. Give yourself permission to keep it intimate if you prefer, since 40 is about quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.

• Send Creative Invitations

In this digital age, emailed Evites won’t cut it for monumental birthdays. Go beyond basic paper invites as well by getting creative to set the tone. Send out 40-themed invitations like a faux blacklight party flyer, theater tickets to “The Big 4-0 Show,” or a personalized caricature drawing of the guest of honor. This shows guests from the start that this party is going to be special and fun.

• Choose a Meaningful Venue

Consider places that hold sentimental value as you select the party venue. Host it at the restaurant or place that holds special memories for you and your guests, for example, a room at a favorite restaurant from your early 20s. When possible, add personal touches through décor that tells your story, like photo collages from past decade birthdays.

• Serve Nostalgic Cocktails and Foods

40th birthday idea

The sustenance you serve should take guests on a tasty trip down memory lane. Signature cocktails can be modeled after popular trends through the decades, like Cosmopolitans from the ‘90s. Make foods that were staples during different stages of your life, whether PB&Js from childhood, pizza from college days, or slider bars.

• Play a “Then and Now” Playlist

Music has a way of unlocking memories tied to the times songs were popular. Create a soundtrack for the party that features songs from across decades of your life that hold meaning. Be sure to include jams from your youth you can belt out lyrics to — as well as today’s hits that will get the party dancing. Share the playlist so guests can reminisce over their own connections to the tunes.

• Plan Nostalgic Activities

  
  
  
  

In addition to eating, drinking, and being merry, give guests even more ways to celebrate through activities that ignite fond memories. Set up stations to play classic games like Twister, arcade favorites like PacMan, or party standards like karaoke. To really time travel, break out items from past decades — think 80s style accessories for dress up, 90s video games to challenge each other in, or 70s dance moves to show off.

• Reminisce Over a Photo Montage Video

Images truly speak a thousand words when it comes to markings major life chapters. Gather photos of the guest of honor spanning decades and edit them into a heartwarming slideshow or video set to music. Play it on a screen during the party for a personal retrospective others will love reminiscing over, laughing at silly old haircuts and fashion over.

The decades pass quickly, so pulling out all stops for monumental birthdays is a must. By personalizing the event through thoughtful details that trigger nostalgia, you’re sure to have an unforgettable 40th bash.

A 40th Should be a Celebration to Remember

A 40th birthday bash should transcend a mere party,  and become a milestone event that celebrates the past, honors the present, and toasts the future. This approach promises an unforgettable celebration, setting the stage for a decade of confidence, achievement, and unbridled joy.