Suggestions for Surprise Party!!

[PrincessMommy2]

My DH turns 40 in April and I'd like to plan a surprise party for him. There will be about 75 people invited, so having it at my house is not an option I'd like since it won't be warm enough to be outside. I don't really have a budget in mind because I'm not sure what this would cost. I did check with the Hard Rock Cafe in our area because I know they have a private room and it's in a casino which my DH would like. The cost of a buffet would be $30 person and $23 additional for open bar. Is this average?

Since I'd be planning this myself and we have three small children, the less work I have to do myself, the better and easier it will be to keep it a secret from DH and the kids ) they can't keep secrets)

I considered renting a hall and having the food catered with a DJ, but wonder if that would be less expensive/more work than Hard Rock when all is said and done.

I'm also considering a banquet room in a hotel, food would be taken care of, I'd just need a DJ.

I'd be interested in hearing what others have done for parties hosted places other than their homes and what it cost you (if you don't mind sharing) Any tips/ideas would be appreciated!

 

[Tink33]

We have been on the 40th Birthday party circuit the last couple years. We have been to all types of parties from at home surprise potluck to fully catered extravaganza at a country club with dj. Since I love helping with parties, I have been involved with much of the party planning for these events. The last party in November was an at home catered party with a live band. The cost was about $2500 for 50 people. The country club one was about $9000 for 75 people.

My best advice is to plan something that your DH would like. I asked my DH what he wanted to do for his birthday and he picked a party. I am turning 40 this year and want to go away. Absolutely no party!

 

[shirleyb]

I'm a little conflicted here. The cost of Hard Rock (and probably similar with a hall and a caterer) would be over $4000, including tax. I wouldn't want my DH to spend $4000 without telling me. How would your husband feel about that? If he were spending $4000 on a party for me, I'd much rather spend the money on a cruise or family vacation. But, you know your DH best.

 

[salmoneous]

Step 1 - be absolutely, 100% sure he wants a surprise party.

 

[PrincessMommy2]

Thanks for the opinions so far...Tink33 and Shirleyb I'm with you, I'd much rather go away than have a party. But, we did talk about it last year when people we knew turned 40 and did not have a party - he wants one! I'd hate to ruin a surprise for him, but part of me wants to let him know what this would cost - he really does not have a sense of what things like this cost. I feel like I'm being shrewish though, you know?? I can see where this could easily cost as much as a wedding reception!

My sister suggested today to just rent a hall like a VFW - she thinks it costs a few hundred, does that sound right? Then just be casual, chips, pretzels, etc. and order a ton of pizza and a keg (or two ) of beer. Pizza and beer is more DH's kind of thing. I guess I'm a little worried it's not an "acceptable" kind of party?? Do you think I'd need to hire a DJ for the hall or do they have stereos in those places?

Again, thanks so much....I wish his birthday was during the warmer months so I could have a barbeque at my house!!

P.S. He definitely will know I want to go away when 40 comes around for me!

 

[Tink33]

My sister suggested today to just rent a hall like a VFW - she thinks it costs a few hundred, does that sound right? Then just be casual, chips, pretzels, etc. and order a ton of pizza and a keg (or two ) of beer. Pizza and beer is more DH's kind of thing. I guess I'm a little worried it's not an "acceptable" kind of party?? Do you think I'd need to hire a DJ for the hall or do they have stereos in those places?

Again, thanks so much....I wish his birthday was during the warmer months so I could have a barbeque at my house!!

If pizza and beer is his thing, then I would have exactly that. I am not sure why that is not "acceptable". A birthday party is a chance to celebrate the guest of honor.

If you want an indoor barbeque, that could be fun too.

You plan the party that will make your DH most happy. It is his day.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

If pizza and beer is his thing, then I would have exactly that. I am not sure why that is not "acceptable". A birthday party is a chance to celebrate the guest of honor.

If you want an indoor barbeque, that could be fun too.

You plan the party that will make your DH most happy. It is his day.

Also, if he likes the casino aspect - most rental places have different gaming tables to rent. You could make it a casual casino party. Have some blackjack, poker, and other assorted tables scattered around the hall.

 

[RUDisney]

To make it a surprise, have the party a month before his birthday and call it a $39.99 party and on the invitation, tell your friends to hurry up and see him before the "price" goes up! That's what a friend of mine did for her brother's 40th. He was very surprised because it was so far in advance of his birthday.

I was going to host a cocktail party for my DH's 40th at our country club and friends of his were going to roast him. However, right before his BD, he decided that he wanted to tile our 3 bathrooms. Now, I know that when my DH gives me a price on something, if I double it, I'm usually ok with the actual price when we get the bill. This came in over $1,000 over the doubled price. I told my DH that each time he goes into one of our bathrooms, he should look at the tile and think, "surprise!" He said that he likes the tile better than the party anyway.

If he's a pizza and beer guy, rent the hall and have pizza and beer. Bring out the coffee when the cake is served. Sounds perfect!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

My sister suggested today to just rent a hall like a VFW - she thinks it costs a few hundred, does that sound right? Then just be casual, chips, pretzels, etc. and order a ton of pizza and a keg (or two ) of beer. Pizza and beer is more DH's kind of thing. I guess I'm a little worried it's not an "acceptable" kind of party?? Do you think I'd need to hire a DJ for the hall or do they have stereos in those places?

This is what I'd do. I just cannot see spending $4,000 or more on a birthday party. Especially if your dh is a pizza and beer type of guy... most of his friends probably are too, right? So I'm sure they'd find it perfectly acceptable. If you want to make it a little nicer, you could get some food trays from Costco or somewhere. Some casual restaurants do party trays, too... like make your own tacos, chicken wings, etc.

We've been to a few 40th parties lately, and they've all been in someone's home. A couple were catered, a couple were done by the wives. (Funny, they've all been for guys ) They were all fun and nice.

Good luck, and have fun!