Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has married into a pretty amazing lifestyle. She hosted a 50th for her husband at their (great) house, which was catered with fun bbq food and also a live band. A lot of fun but it cost us about $1000 to get up there and back on a weekend. This year she hosted a party at a resort. The guests paid to stay in houses (about $150/night per room or so). Some rented cars (we didn't). We also paid for flights. So it cost us about $1000 for that weekend as well. These were great parties but stretched us at a time when we don't have a lot of extra cash (tuition, house repairs, etc.).

We took some friends to a dim sum restaurant - about 30 people. We had a great time and it was under $500. And over by 1 pm! I had the rest of the day to relax.

If guests have to pay, then it is not a party. It is a pay-for-yourself get-together.

Five couples for dinner at a nice restaurant on a Saturday night. Slightly less than $1,000.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Husband threw me a dinner party for 25. $5500.

Wow- how come it cost so much? Is that like $200. Per person?

Rented a private room at an expensive restaurant in Georgetown on a Saturday night.

I have a friend who has married into a pretty amazing lifestyle. She hosted a 50th for her husband at their (great) house, which was catered with fun bbq food and also a live band. A lot of fun but it cost us about $1000 to get up there and back on a weekend. This year she hosted a party at a resort. The guests paid to stay in houses (about $150/night per room or so). Some rented cars (we didn't). We also paid for flights. So it cost us about $1000 for that weekend as well. These were great parties but stretched us at a time when we don't have a lot of extra cash (tuition, house repairs, etc.).

We took some friends to a dim sum restaurant - about 30 people. We had a great time and it was under $500. And over by 1 pm! I had the rest of the day to relax.

All my friends had elaborate parties/ trip. I wish I could have one. My husband doesn't seem into planning

Anonymous wrote:When my husband turned 50 he wanted to have a WAKE!! Yes you read it right. So we rented a hall had someone make an old fasion coffen like in the movies and stood it up he stood in it while all he close friends and family talked about him as if he had died. It was actually funny but when he first told me I freaked out a little. It ended up being the best party anyone could have planed. A couple of times when my Husband wanted to put his two cents in I spoke up and said "Your Dead so you cant talk"

This whole event cost around 3000 dollars but that was because we had the hall decorate and cater for us. You could do it a little cheaper if you want to put in the work.

Old country buffet or golden coral

When my husband turned 50 he wanted to have a WAKE!! Yes you read it right. So we rented a hall had someone make an old fasion coffen like in the movies and stood it up he stood in it while all he close friends and family talked about him as if he had died. It was actually funny but when he first told me I freaked out a little. It ended up being the best party anyone could have planed. A couple of times when my Husband wanted to put his two cents in I spoke up and said "Your Dead so you cant talk"

This whole event cost around 3000 dollars but that was because we had the hall decorate and cater for us. You could do it a little cheaper if you want to put in the work.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Husband threw me a dinner party for 25. $5500.

Wow- how come it cost so much? Is that like $200. Per person?

It was at an expensive restaurant with good wine. Private room. And that amount included tip and tax.

DH took me to Italy and a bunch of our close friends/cousins showed up and surprised me. There were 17 of us total and we had an absolute blast.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Husband threw me a dinner party for 25. $5500.

Wow- how come it cost so much? Is that like $200. Per person?

My best friend and I planned to take a trip to Paris when we turned 50 (our birthdays are a few weeks apart), but when the time came, our financial and family situations wouldn't allow it. So my friend came for the weekend, and we had a party for a few people, all very low key. DH bought me a nice necklace (nothing hugely expensive, but nicer than something I would have bought for myself), and I got a new laptop (I asked for it). Then my friend flew home, and I felt rather sad. But it was a memorable celebration, and I appreciated my DH for putting it together.

Man, I'm turning 50 next year too, so I am keeping an eye on this post. I'm thinking of taking a trip alone - luxurious yet inexpensive. Ideas?

Went to work. Had a nice dinner and cake with my family. It was nice.

When the last of our group turned 50 we went on a whiskey tour (and history tour) of Scotland during the annual whiskey festival in Speyside. Stayed in Edinburgh for a few days at a fabulous B&B and then headed to the Highlands by train. Hired a local guide who had a comfortable Mercedes van for 6 who drove us everywhere. His wife was a caterer so he also provided a couple of alfresco meals. We had a blast.