How To Plan A 40th Birthday Party: Step-By-Step Guide

A 40th is usually about friends and family together. If you're planning one for your husband or wife, find out early whether they want a big party or something quieter.

Below is the plan in order: what to decide first, what to book and when, and the small details that make a 40th feel like an occasion rather than just another party.

Step-by-step plan

1. Decide the budget first - it settles the venue, numbers and food for you.
2. Agree the date and guest numbers with the birthday person (unless it's a surprise).
3. Book the venue or decide on a party at home.
4. Send invitations or a save-the-date.
5. Choose a theme and order decorations.
6. Plan food, drink and the cake.
7. Sort music, games and any entertainment.
8. Confirm numbers, buy the card and write the message the week before.

40th party themes that work

• Fabulous at 40
• 80s or 90s party
• Black tie dinner
• Pub takeover
• Weekend away

Food and drink

• A hog roast or barbecue
• Sharing platters
• A cake in their favourite flavour

Planning a 40th for your husband

• Ask his best friend what he'd really enjoy
• Build it around a passion - football, golf, music, beer
• Book a band or DJ he'd pick
• Plan a men's gift he'll keep, like a personalised portrait

More 40th ideas: Guide: /blogs/news/40th-birthday-party-ideas-at-home

• Party at home ideas for a 40th.

View our 40th birthday card range

Party decorations

Banners, balloons and bunting to finish the room.

How to write it so it lands

• Write the plan down with dates - a shared note stops jobs falling between people.
• Order personalised items early; they take the longest.
• Buy the 40th card when you order the decorations so it isn't a last-minute dash.

Where to shop next

• 40th birthday party ideas at home
• How to plan a birthday party
• Birthday party planning checklist
• How far in advance to plan a birthday party
• Birthday party on a budget
• Party supplies
• All birthday cards
• All guides
• 40th Birthday Card Messages
• Birthday Party Ideas
• Good luck cards
• Pin badges

Frequently asked questions

How do you plan a 40th birthday party for your husband?

Choose the format he'd prefer, recruit his closest friend to help, build the party around his interests and send invites six to eight weeks ahead.

What is a good example of how to plan a 40th birthday party?

"1. Decide the budget first - it settles the venue, numbers and food for you." is one of 21 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

How long should a card message be?

One to three lines suits most cards. Write the message before the name so you can start again if it goes wrong, and if you run out of room, carry on inside the back cover rather than shrinking your handwriting.