28 Best 50th Birthday Party Ideas Along With Themes & Decors

1. Organize A Birthday Barbecue

Your 50-year-old loved one will surely love the unique spin to the usual BBQ party. It is an age where they are still able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. So, make sure you stick to tradition and have guests bring over their favorite dishes to share. Sip on some wine or beer while indulging in laid-back and relaxing conversations about everything under the sun. Arrange for essentials like grilling oven, tools (tongs, spatula, skewers), charcoal, and aluminum foil. Make sure to carry adequate serving bowls, plates, cups, and napkins. Decorate the place with aesthetic outdoor lights and set up relaxed chairs to lift the mood. You can even arrange a soft ball tournament or games of horseshoes or croquet to keep things interesting!

2. Make It A Costume Party

Everyone loves costumes and the idea of dressing up, so why not incorporate it into the 50th birthday party celebrations? Let everyone put on goofy, funny clothes that would suit their personality. Rest assured, all guests won’t stop talking about how fun the day was and appreciate your efforts to make the party cheerful. Create an area with props and lights for the guests to take funny photos. Additionally, arrange prizes for the best costumes. As for food, organize theme-based snacks like teddy bear cupcakes and elf lollipops. Salute the guest of honor for wearing clothing representing their history, military service, football player in college, or golfer, depending on what they choose to wear!

3. Host A Cruise Party With Friends

Invite everyone to join you on a cruise around the coast of your city. This unique experience will bring all your friends together and make them appreciate how far they have come in life with you. You can even theme the cruise around a certain decade or milestone of your life.

4. Throw A Retro ‘70s Party

How about a little nostalgic trip down memory lane? A ‘70s-themed birthday party is something all your guests will be able to enjoy as they step into some retro gear, sing along to classic ‘70s tunes, and revel in the disco vibes!

5. Have A Karaoke Party

Just rent a karaoke machine and let your guests sing their hearts out! A karaoke birthday party is a budget-friendly idea that ensures you don’t compromise having a good time too. So, grab that microphone and get ready for endless entertainment!

6. Have A Sophisticated Tea Party

If you are looking for something that exudes sophisticated glamor, then a tea party is ideal for you. So set the table with some fine china, a lace table cloth, swan-shaped napkins, and some Earl Grey tea with delectable desserts like crème brulée and macarons.

7. Hold A Wine Tasting Get-Together

You can plan the party at a local winery or set up a wine-tasting station in your backyard. Ensure to offer a good range of wines along and put out a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, and meat cuts that will perfectly complement the luxurious beverage.

8. Organize A Stand-Up Comedy Night

Wish to fill your loved one’s birthday party with pure laughter and sheer entertainment? Hire a stand-up comedian to have everyone rolling on the floor! A comedy show will guarantee that your guests have a good time and go back home with a smile on their faces.

9. Outdoor Garden Party

Begin with twinkling fairy lights strung between the trees or along fences to create a magical ambiance as the day melts into evening. Add a touch of ethereal glow in the form of lanterns or candles in decorative holders placed all over the area strategically.

Balloon or floral arrangements can be used to decorate the tables, chairs, and stage area. To make the seating areas comfortable add loungers with lush cushions and throw blankets. Add photo displays between the trees that share the celebrant’s journey over five decades. Live acoustic music or a well chosen playlist can make the evening even more elegant. This outdoor garden party setting can be an ideal choice for this kind of important milestone.

These are some in-season ideas for celebrating someone’s 50th birthday. These dazzling events create an unforgettable experience. Let’s move on to explore some universally loved birthday celebration ideas. Keep scrolling. 

10. Make It A Surprise Party

For this idea to work properly, the 50-year-old should not know that you are throwing an extravagant party for them. Even on the birthday, make it seem like an ordinary day, but have everything ready to surprise them when they least expect it.

Quick Tip

Ensure that the timing of the surprise is convenient for them. Find out about their plans, if any, beforehand so that you can come up with a surprise they would thoroughly enjoy.

11. Make The Decorations Unique

It might not be enough to go to a party store and buy the regular decoration items. You may not always find what you are looking for at a party store. You can purchase decorations like colorful balloons, ‘Happy Birthday’ banners, and ribbons and add your own designs to style them. You can also include quirky and memorable decorations, such as a golden cake, neon signals, or golden tissue papers scattered across the floor, to set the unique tone for the birthday celebrations.

12. Tell Stories About Their Life

This birthday party idea will be a huge success as it helps your loved one walk down memory lane and reminisce about the good moments. Using twine and clothespins, add the story of their life with the help of photos and hang them around the room. Include photos of friends who will be attending the party. This unique activity lets them focus on the good parts of life and celebrate those memories through anecdotes told by their loved ones.

13. Invite Their Favorite People

This unique party idea is sweet and straightforward but speaks volumes about how much the person means to everyone. The 50-year-old will surely enjoy getting in touch with old friends and new ones and hearing the ‘happy birthday’ chorus in many familiar voices.

14. Give Personalized Birthday Gifts

Ditch run-of-the-mill birthday gifts like a watch or a household item. Instead, do your research and find unique presents that reflect your bond with them. It might take longer, but think of how touching they will be when they open your present and read your thoughtful message to them. Pack the gifts with firm wrapping paper and decorate them with ribbons and gift tags. 

15. Play Engaging And Interactive Games

Board games and ping pong don’t belong at a 50th birthday party. Host unique party games that both kids and adults can play. Charades, casino-style game tables, a birthday pinata, or something as simple as a karaoke competition can lighten up the party instantly.

16. Make It A Day-Long Celebration

The whole point of this special day is to bring together friends and family. Day-long celebrations will ensure that guests can arrive at their convenience and get enough time to enjoy the 50th birthday celebrations.

Quick Tip

Plan for the food and drinks accordingly. They are the most important part of a gathering and must be abundant if the revelry lasts the entire day.

17. End The Night With Fancy Fireworks

There is no better way to conclude a unique 50th birthday party than with vibrant fireworks. The massive display of fireworks will leave a long-lasting impression on everyone, especially the birthday boy or girl. Be sure to check with homeowners associations and the community fire departments. Fire bans have been heavy for the last few years. You can consider using “Cold Sparklers”, which are non-fire elements that are cool to the touch and look just like fireworks. You can hire a professional for this. Also, an amazing Drone display in the sky will be a perfect idea.

18. Go On A Hike

Traditional indoor parties can get boring sometimes, so invite your friends and loved ones to a hike. Carry essentials like enough water, extra hats and sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, first-aid kit, and flashlights for a smooth hiking experience. Enjoy the fantastic view of the sunset and have dinner at a cabin or by the fire. Then, raise a toast to the 50-year-old as you reach the end of the trail. 

A blogger shared her special 50th birthday experience on her blog and how she spent her time well at Hump Mountain. She states, “I love running—trail running especially, and adventure trail running even more (i).” She also mentions how she is a big nature person so there could have been no better way to celebrate her birthday than to plan a fun hike.

19. Attend An Art Class

You may try specialized lessons in the art of flower arrangement, glass blowing, jewelry creation, and so on. What can be a better way to commemorate someone’s birthday than a day of artistic creativity, where you end up with unique souvenirs.

20. Organize A Campfire Night

Imagine gathering under a starry sky, surrounded by the warmth of a campfire, toasting some marshmallows, and sharing fun stories with your loved ones. We don’t think it can get any better than this! So whether you wish to set up in your backyard or search for a good campsite, this birthday party idea is one you can surely add to your list.

21. Host A Fun Picnic

A picnic birthday party can be your go-to idea if nothing else seems to be your cup of tea. It is fun, uncomplicated, and offers much-needed relaxation in the bed of nature. So, grab a pretty little checkered blanket, bring out some tasty snacks, and raise a toast with some champagne.

22. Enjoy A Puppy Yoga Session

If your loved one is a dog lover and has got an intimate group of friends that can’t get enough of cute little puppies, book a puppy yoga session for them and make their special day ten times more enjoyable. With adorable canine companions all around you, you are bound to have a great time.

23. Go Out For Brunch

Why hold off brunch plans only for a date when you can get together with old friends and celebrate your big day? The warmth of the afternoon sun, the light breeze, an array of scrumptious dishes, and endless rounds of mimosas are guaranteed to make anyone feel happy and satisfied.

24. Organize A Fondue Party

For the ones who are into cozy celebrations that are simple yet entertaining, this fondue birthday party idea would be ideal. After all, there is nothing better than a bubbling pot of creamy cheese that absolutely melts in your mouth and the delicious breads and meats that make it more mouth-watering!

25. Hold An Outdoor Movie Night

You can set up a projector and screen the movie in your backyard or plan the party at a local park to enjoy a movie night under the stars. Whisk up some scrumptious food too that will go perfectly well with the outdoor movie theme, like margarita pizza, buffalo chicken wings, cheesy nachos, chocolate chip cookies, and caramel popcorn. Also, don’t forget to whip up a signature cocktail to go along with the overall vibe.

26. Plan A Relaxing Spa Day

What better way to commemorate your 50th birthday than pampering yourself (and your friends) with some relaxing massages, soothing facials, and luxurious spa treatments? Let this special day be an escape to some tranquil moments and pure rejuvenation.

27. Plan A Pleasant Staycation

If you don’t wish to throw a grand party and would rather keep things a little more intimate, there is nothing better than a relaxing staycation. You can explore a nearby destination and simply revel in a cozy environment while relishing your special day.

28. Dance The Night Away

Time to set a vibrant atmosphere and get your dancing shoes on as you celebrate your loved one’s 50th birthday! Whether you wish to plan a private party in a club or set up the scene in your own home, let the DJ mix some sick beats and get your guests ready for non-stop dancing.

You can also create a unique vibe with different themes and special 50th-birthday decoration ideas for your loved one. Choose from the list in the next section or decide on something that resonates with the birthday person.

Continue reading to unwrap some fabulous themes and decor options for this memorable birthday!

Themes And Decor For 50th Birthday Party

1. Casino-Themed Birthday Party

Who would not want to feel like they are in Vegas on their special day? Complete the casino-themed party with your favorite casino games and relevant 50th-birthday decorations.

2. ‘50s Rockstar Party

Throw a unique 50th birthday party that takes everyone back to the most iconic decade of rock and roll. Once you bring out the music from the ‘50s, don’t be surprised to find everyone putting the dance floor on fire.

3. Red And Gold Party

The colors blend well together and make the whole room feel exotic, especially if you decorate with sparkling, glittery wall art and tablecloths.

4. Bring Your Own Party

Ask the guests to bring their own decorations in a particular hue and theme. They can also get music, clothing, booze, games, and so on. This way, you would not have to spend much time or effort on the big day’s preparations.

5. Photo Booth

When it comes to the grand celebration of someone’s 50th birthday party, a photo booth is an excellent place to start. Make numerous accessories and a distinctive setup for your guests to get Instagram-worthy clicks. Selfie sticks are an easy way to take the group photos to include everyone. You can have a few available for the photobooth.

6. Black-Tie Theme

Take things to the next level by inviting your loved ones to dress up to their nines. Formal evening attire can add glam to any setting, whether a private room or your living room transformed into a ballroom.

7. Sports-Themed Party

Is your loved one a huge fan of a particular sport? Why not honor them with a unique sports-themed party where guests wear their favorite team’s jersey and are ready to cheer? This idea may turn into a yearly tradition where you can enjoy a screening of some iconic matches.

8. Childhood Games Theme

Have fun by bringing back your old childhood games, such as Twister, Jenga, Bingo, and Connect Four. Trump cards will definitely bring out the kid in all of you.

Quick Tip

Do not forget to come up with the perfect playlist for whatever theme you choose. Relevant music will keep the vibe of the theme going.

A 50th birthday party is a milestone celebration that should be memorable. Consider the following factors to ensure a remarkable event. Read on.

Key Factors To Consider When Planning A 50th Birthday Party

Here is a detailed checklist of the things to keep in mind when organizing a 50th birthday party. 

• Budget: Determine the total amount you are willing to spend for the birthday party. Allocate funds for food, decor, entertainment, gifts, and venue.
• Guest List: Decide whether you want an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. Prepare a guest list based on that and start sending invitations. 
• Venue: Choose a venue based on certain factors like accessibility, capacity, and parking facility. You may choose among top venues like banquets, restaurants, or outdoor gardens. If you want an intimate celebration, consider arranging it in your home. 
• Theme: Embrace the joy of selecting a theme that resonates with the celebrant’s personality. Whether it’s a retro, casual, black-tie, or sports-oriented theme, let your creativity flow and decorate the space accordingly. Ensure that you keep a uniform color scheme for a visually appealing celebration. 
• Foods: Arrange for a customized birthday cake that is large enough to serve all guests. If you want the birthday cake to be exclusive to the birthday person, consider offering small cupcakes to the guests. Plan an inclusive menu that consists of the birthday person’s favorite items. You may arrange for a beverage station to serve unique mocktails and signature cocktails. 
• Entertainment: Book a live band to perform at the birthday party, or create a playlist comprising the birthday person’s favorite songs and play them. You may also arrange certain games. 
• Photography: Hire a professional photographer to take nice photos of the celebration. You can also set up a photo booth where guests can click and get instant photographs. 
• Return Gifts: Show your appreciation to the guests by arranging for unique party favors or personalized return gifts. These small tokens of appreciation will make the event memorable and the guests feel valued.

Moving on, let’s examine the common challenges of planning a 50th birthday party. Continue reading to learn how to navigate the issues with proper planning. 

Key Hurdles & Solutions For Planning A 50th Birthday Party

Planning a 50th birthday party is not an easy task. Many obstacles may arise in different aspects of the planning and execution process. However, you can arrange a memorable birthday party with a proper understanding of the budget, the birthday person’s preferences, and the guests’ needs. Below, we have discussed the common challenges and strategies to overcome them. Scroll down. 

1. Budget Constraints: A party involves a lot of expenses such as venue, catering, decoration, and entertainment. The total cost may feel too out of your budget. 

• Set a clear budget and spend money on only the primary things. Think of ways you can cut down on the cost. For example, cook the food at home if it’s a small gathering. You may also opt for DIY decorations to make the event feel more personal and meaningful. 

2. Managing RSVP: Managing guest lists and tracking RSVPs can feel hectic and confusing. 

• Switch to digital invitations and create a group chat with all the invitees. This will help streamline the communication and track who will be attending the celebration. This efficient method can bring a sense of relief, reducing the stress of managing guest lists and RSVPs.

3. Different Food Preferences: Crafting a menu that appeals to the guests’ taste buds and complies with their dietary restrictions is tricky. 

• Offer a mix of different food items- provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to everyone’s needs. Arrange for a buffet setup, as it allows guests to choose what they want to eat. This inclusive approach will make everyone feel part of the celebration, fostering a sense of unity and doubling the fun.

4. Balancing Fun And Sentimentality: Arranging for a party that is both fun and meaningful for the birthday person is the real deal. 

• Organize fun games and entertainment activities to keep the environment lively and cheerful. Remember to incorporate a tribute video for the birthday person. You may also ask the guests to share something about the person and make their day even more special. 

5. Last-Minute Cancellations: Last-minute cancellations are frustrating, especially if you have planned a grand celebration. 

• Follow up with the invitees a week before the event to finalize your guest list. In case of last-minute cancellations, have a backup plan or consider inviting other close friends or family members to fill in the gaps.

6. Managing Multiple Vendors: A birthday celebration involves different vendors, and coordinating with each one is tough. 

• Assign a trusted friend or hire a professional coordinator to oversee the vendors’ work and ensure everything runs smoothly. A professional coordinator can handle the logistics, communicate with the vendors, and troubleshoot any issues, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration.

Infographic: 5 Tips To Find The Perfect 50th Birthday Gift

The 50th birthday is a significant milestone in one’s life – and whether you are arranging the birthday party for someone close to you or are attending one, you know you need to find the perfect birthday gift! Check this infographic below for some helpful tips on choosing a great birthday gift for one’s 50th birthday!

Check this infographic for some helpful tips on choosing a great birthday gift.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should be allocated for planning and hosting a 50th birthday party?

The total time required to plan a 50th birthday party depends on the type of event. Planning can take roughly 2 to 6 months, while the event lasts for 3 to 6 hours. For example, a costume party may require 3 to 5 months of planning, a cruise party can take 4 to 7 months of arrangements, and an outdoor garden party could be planned within 1 to 3 months.

What is the estimated cost of organizing a 50th birthday party?

The estimated cost for arranging a 50th birthday party depends on various factors, such as the type of event, guest count, and venue/location. For example, if you are planning a staycation celebration, you can expect your expenses to move up to $3000. A garden party can roughly cost between $300 to $1000 depending on the decor and food. A fondue party or a picnic at home may range from $200 to $800, while a barbeque arrangement will cost you anywhere between $300 to $1500.

What are the colors for a 50th birthday?

Gold, red, black, pink, white, or purple are some of the most popular colors for a 50th birthday party.

What is the 50th birthday called?

The 50th birthday is called the golden jubilee since it is a very important milestone. You can use gold as a primary color and add other colors like black or red to decorate the venue.

Can I throw my own 50th birthday party?

Yes, you absolutely can throw your own 50th birthday party. You can go out for dinner with your friends and family. You can also throw an extravagant, fun-themed birthday party to celebrate your 50th birthday.

Get the top 10 birthday party ideas for 50th birthday from the video below. Get creative and make your loved one’s special day unforgettable!

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JoAnn MooreMaster Wedding Planner

     

JoAnn is a Master Wedding Planner, a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, a Certified Green Wedding Planner, and a Certified Sandals Specialist. She has 25 years of experience and has also authored a book titled “Laughing All the Way to the Altar.

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Shivani ChandelBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Shivani Chandel is a postgraduate in English literature from Panjab University, Chandigarh and a certified relationship coach. She has four years of experience in copy editing and writing about entertainment, health, lifestyle, and beauty.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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