40th birthday party - should I plan my own?

[kelleigh1]

I really want a party for my 40th birthday next year, but I honestly don't see anyone planning one for me. Is it tacky to plan my own? One friend said that it is and that I should just start dropping hints instead.

I think that hubby would try to plan it if he knew I really wanted him to, but I just don't think he'd have a clue about how to go about it. And I'm afraid that if he were to try to plan it, he'd call his mother for help and it would end up being in NJ which is where all his family is. I don't want a party there. I want it in my home state. My friends and family aren't going to travel to NJ for my birthday party.

What do you think? Is it tacky to throw myself a party?

(A side issue is where to have it. We can't really have it in our apartment. Way too small. But I don't really have a lot of $$ to pay for a venue and food. My bday is in July, so an outdoor affair might work if the weather cooperates. So if you think I should plan my own party, I'd be happy to hear any ideas on where to have the party. I'm not even sure how big the guest list would be yet. Under 100, I'm sure.)

 

[beattyfamily]

I say go for it if that is what you want! If you really feel no one else will do it for you then take matters into your own hands.

I did the next best thing and planned our annual Disney trip around my 40th AND I also ordered my own birthday cake and ordered everyone birthday shirts to wear on my birthday.

I do not think it's tacky at all.

 

[Beth]

My 40th is next year, too. ...And I'm planning my own party.

I also planned my 35th... ...and my 30th!!

I held them all at WDW....

My 35th went off without a hitch - it was really nice - so I'm struggling to figure out how I'm going to "top it" next year. ..But, yes, I'm planning it myself, nonetheless....

I just booked the rooms last week - at the 11-month window - so I guess you could say the "planning has already begun!"

Good Luck - and Happy Birthday!!!!

 

[disykat]

That's what your dh is for - to be your "front man." DH should host it, you just do all the planning!

 

[mtemm]

abslutely throw the party you want to have. that's the beauty of 40...you know what you want and aren't afraid to go out and get it!

 

[kelleigh1]

I would love to go to Disney for my 40th, but it's not going to happen given our current financial situation. (And I don't think I'd enjoy Disney in July - too hot and too crowded.) Our last trip and our next (hopeful) trip actually falls on hubby's bday which is Dec. 1 when Florida weather is perfect. Last was his 38th and next will be his 43rd. None of the big birthdays yet.

 

[kelleigh1]

That's what your dh is for - to be your "front man." DH should host it, you just do all the planning!

Now why didn't I think of that? That would be perfect and he'd go along with that - no problem.

 

[disneyhand]

No offense intended and just a suggestion, but maybe requesting "no gifts" if what you really want is a celebration. I think that should solve any etiquette issues

 

[RadioNate]

That's what your dh is for - to be your "front man." DH should host it, you just do all the planning!

I agree. No "hinting" games. Tell your DH you want a 40th Birthday party and that he's hosting it!

 

[okeydokey]

As the host, as long as you are paying for everything and say no gifts, I think it would be fine to throw a 40th celebration! Have fun!

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[ajk912]

That's what your dh is for - to be your "front man." DH should host it, you just do all the planning!

Yup!!! You plan it, but just give DH all the credit. No one else has to know!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

I was thinking we needed a "no gifts" clause. I just want the party and a chance to get together with some old friends and family that I don't get to see often enough - especially now that I've been able to reconnect with so many people through Facebook.

Growing up, having my birthday in the middle of summer was tough. School was out and a lot of people were away on vacation, so I never got to have the big, fun birthday parties. And the family parties, I always had to share with my cousin because his is 2 days before mine. I just want one great party!

 

[wall*e2008]

To have a party to celebrate you birthday is fine, but it would be very tacky to throw a party for yourself and expect gifts. I agree you need a "no gift clause". Have fun.

 

[SC Minnie]

DD had a friend that had a big birthday party one year and requested no gifts but if people really wanted to bring something a food donation for the local food bank would be accepted. What about something like that? Some people feel awkward showing up to a BD party empty handed.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Personally, I wouldn't attend an adult's birthday party thrown by the adult if it didn't have a "no gifts" clause.

We attended a huge 50th birthday bash in NYC for DH's co-worker a couple of years ago. He requested only our "presence" but that if we felt we wanted to give something, that he'd like a donation made to a certain charity. We gave $250 to the charity...we never would have given him a $250 gift (particularly for an event he threw for himself), but I just loved the way he worded it and the charity itself.

 

[Angelhalo]

Jennifer Aniston just threw herself a birthday party. If she can do it, so can you! Go for it girl!

 

[kelleigh1]

I'm thinking a cute little homemade invitation that says something about no gifts or a donation if they see fit. I've got a year to work on the wording, so that will give me time to play with it.

 

[kelleigh1]

Jennifer Aniston just threw herself a birthday party. If she can do it, so can you! Go for it girl!

That reminds me of something I just heard last week. Lindsay Lohan was paid some ridiculous amount of money to attend her own 21st birthday party. How do I get in on that deal?

 

[Hillbeans]

My neighbor has been planning her 40th birthday party for months... She's very excited about it and I don't think it's weird or tacky at all - just funny as the day she turned 39 she was planning a huge blowout for one year later!

Enjoy!