Make sure you have just the right 50th birthday party supplies for the big event to make your party unforgettable! Planning a fiftieth birthday party is a big event, but it can also be a lot of fun. You need the right 50th birthday party decorations for your occasion and what that is might depend on your theme, your party venue, and even your guest of honor. We understand how stressful party planning can feel when you don’t have a good plan in place and that’s how we want to help. From table decoration to wall hangings, we’ll help you with everything you need for the perfect 50th birthday party.
First Steps In Preparing For A 50th Birthday Party
Where to begin? Always start with deciding on your theme and your location. Once you have this information ready, you can decide what decorations you need and where to put them all. I recommend keeping a running list of your 50th birthday party ideas and a supply list handy so that you can check items off as you get to them.
Consider your theme, as well as your favorite colors, then merge those ideas to choose the color theme you would like to have. When using a theme for your special occasion, you can build all of your decorations and party supplies off this theme, making it easier. You can choose colors that match the party theme, party favors, balloons, and even party favors for your guests, all based on the central theme or colors.
If you are unsure of a theme, you can check out the 50th birthday party themes we have to offer. This is a great way to come up with a party theme of your own. Also, keep the guest of honor in mind and choose a theme that suits them, their tastes, or their hobbies. You’ll also want to plan their favorite foods and other fun elements, such as a photo booth. But for now, let’s look at the party supplies.
50th Birthday Party Supplies
Here are some of the important party supplies you will need.
50th birthday party decorations
Decorations are important for any party! These create a great atmosphere because when you’re taking pictures, it’s nice to have decorations in the environment to give the event a birthday feel.
Close friends and family members might also be able to help you decorate, making it easier and saving time. All you need to do is purchase the decorations in advance and have everything ready for the big day.
Sometimes, when you order online you can get free shipping and shopping online might be easier than at a local party store because you can take your time. However, some people just enjoy the experience of seeing things in person first.
See our page of 50th birthday decorations for a list of the must-have decorations for any party, as well as some great ideas and creative ways to save money when buying decorations.
Favors and party games
One of the first things on our party supply list is party favors and party games. When we were kids, favors were noisemakers and “loot bags” but who said only kids can have party favors? These are great to buy when you are shopping for your 50th birthday party supplies.
Loot bags are not just for kids, and we have a great page full of ideas for 50th birthday party favors. You can be sure each guest remembers this special occasion and has something fun to take home with them after the event.
A great way to make sure it’s a memorable event is to give each guest something at the end of the party to commemorate the special day. Another fun idea is to create a party game or two. This can help give something for guests to do during downtime and also make the party more interactive.
You can also give small prizes to winners of your party games. You didn’t forget about the games, did you? Some people think games are silly, but they always get a laugh even if they are on the goofy side.
Remember when being goofy was so much fun? Visit our party games page for ideas.
Party food and drinks
No party is complete without a large variety of food and drinks! And there are also supplies to go with it like a great matching cupcake topper or table runners to match the colors of the theme. You can also use gold 50th birthday centerpiece decor on the tables. These are just a few suggestions for your event design that can bring a fun element to the celebrations. Add this to your 50th birthday party supplies list.
A lot of parties are remembered for having either really good food or really bad food. What you serve at your party is something most people will remember (especially if it’s bad).
Go with your theme if you can get themed food to match. Otherwise, just keep it simple. If your party takes place in the evening, be sure to have a nice supper (followed by cake, of course!). If you’re having an afternoon party, serve a simple lunch. Also, keep in mind the number of people that will be attending and think of foods that are easily purchased and prepared in bulk!
Here are some great ideas for meals to serve if you’re planning a casual 50th birthday party:
- Have a BBQ. Serve hot dogs and hamburgers with chips and salads.
- Be creative and have breakfast for supper (bust out the bacon and eggs!)
- Have a potluck at the party. It gives everyone a chance to get involved and be creative.
- If a big meal is not important, offer an array of finger foods, like meat trays, cheese trays, shrimp, dips, etc.
Once you decide what kind of food you want to serve, you can add it to your 50th birthday supplies shopping list.
Be creative, and just keep it simple. People are here to celebrate and socialize, not to spend a few hours on course after course of food. And the less work you plan for yourself, the more you’ll enjoy joining in on the celebrations.
Don’t forget it’s always a bonus to have something out to snack on throughout the party like chips, candies, etc.
For drinks, it’s best not to provide the alcohol if you’re on a budget! It’s not a bad thing to make the party a B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Booze). For non-alcoholic drinks, keep a good stock of soda and juice available throughout the party. These are not only good to drink, but if your guests do bring their own alcohol, they can use these beverages as mixers.
A good thing to add to your shopping list is also paper plates, cutlery, and cups. This makes post-party clean-up a breeze!
Music
Take a look at your budget. Do you want to hire a professional DJ? This is usually a good option if it’s a large party and you expect people to want to dance.
If you’re having a smaller party or do not want to focus your party on dancing, a DJ is not usually needed.
For music, just sit down at your computer and make a bunch of mixed CDs and label them by genre. For example, make one for dance music, another for rock music, etc., all depending on what styles of music suit your taste.
Making your own playlist is a good way to save on your 50th birthday party supplies cost.
This way, if they are mixed CDs you can easily just stick one in and when it’s done, change it to the next.
No need to spend a lot of your time in front of the stereo.
An even easier option – if it’s available – is to attach an MP3 player full of music to the stereo and let it shuffle through the music. It will act as its own DJ at no cost to you!
If you’re having a dinner party, you can decorate it according to the party theme. There are also many great gift ideas to make the whole event a smashing success. From cake toppers to streamers, you can say happy 50th birthday with elegance and style as long as you plan ahead and use the best party supplies.
Don’t forget to make a list of your 50th birthday party supplies to guarantee you don’t forget anything!
I’ve also found that a supply checklist is very helpful in making sure nothing is forgotten. Feel free to print out our FREE 50th Birthday Party Supply List!
