If you were born in the early 80s, your 40th birthday is just around the corner. It's time to celebrate this milestone with an epic party that will kick off your mid-adulthood in style. We have gathered some unique and iconic 40th birthday party ideas that will make your celebration the talk of the town for years to come!
Celebrate with the Music of the Decade
For those who grew up in the 80s, the music scene was filled with iconic acts like ABBA, The Police, Queen, and The Who. The 90s brought us hits from New Kids on the Block, Michael Jackson, and Oasis. To create a nostalgic atmosphere, why not throw a party that brings back the music that defined your early years? Dance crazes like Voguing and the Macarena can also be a fun addition to your celebration.
Bring Live 80s Hits to Your Party
To truly capture the essence of the 80s, consider hiring a live band that specializes in 80s hits. They can play all the chart-toppers from your birth year and bring the decadence and energy of that era to your party.
Bring Live 90s Hits to Your Party
If the 90s were your jam, a live band that plays the best of dance, pop, and Britpop music will transport you back to your teenage years. You can even have an indie rock band for a night of 90s throwback hits. Sing your heart out with a live band karaoke or bandeoke session where your friends can join in on the fun.
Make It a Dance Party
For those who love to dance, hire a DJ who can play all the hits from the 80s and 90s. They will keep the retro vibes flowing and get everyone on the dance floor, reliving those unforgettable dance crazes.
Add a Musical Countdown
To take your party to the next level, have the DJ create a musical countdown through the decades. Along with a slideshow featuring photos from your life, your guests will enjoy the trip down memory lane as the DJ talks them through the most significant transitions of your life.
Dress for the Decade
Encourage your guests to come dressed in their best 80s or 90s ensemble. It's a great way to add extra entertainment to the party with a fancy dress parade and the chance to award prizes for the best-dressed guests.
Include a Vintage Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with vintage props like shutter shades, Rubik's cubes, and giant cell phones. Guests can take pictures and share them on social media using a party hashtag. It's a fun way to capture the memories of the night.
Throw a Ruby Jubilee
If you're looking for a more sophisticated and luxurious celebration, why not throw yourself a Ruby Jubilee? Although typically celebrated for a monarch's coronation, you can borrow the theme and elevate your 40th birthday with pops of brilliant red.
Dress to Impress
Instead of themed outfits, ask your guests to come dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. Provide them with red boutonnieres and corsages to keep the ruby theme consistent. The decor can include red roses, red uplighting, and a red carpet.
A Touch of Class
To create an elegant atmosphere, consider hiring an instrumental jazz band, string quartet, or vintage band. Their high-energy sound will bring a touch of sophistication to your celebration. Don't forget to crown the guest of honor and have an MC host a ceremony for a fantastic photo opportunity.
Create a Keepsake
Set up a guestbook where guests can write birthday notes and offer wisdom for the next 40 years. It will become a cherished keepsake that you can display at future birthday celebrations.
Try a Taste of Adulthood
As you enter middle adulthood, it's time to appreciate the finer things in life. Consider throwing a party focused on fine food and wine.
Expensive Taste
Prepare a bespoke charcuterie and dessert board featuring all the meats and cheeses you've always wanted to try. Elevate the evening with a caviar tasting paired with wines from around the world. For a more intimate affair, hire a private chef to prepare a custom feast, or book a private room at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a tasting menu.
Throw a Dinner Party
Invite your closest friends and family to a dinner party where you can enjoy a delicious meal prepared by a private chef. Enhance the ambiance with a string quartet playing today's hits in a classical style.
40th Birthday Party Ideas to Usher in Adulthood
Turning 40 is a significant milestone that calls for a night of celebration and reflection on the years that brought you to this point. At Bands For Hire, we believe that rocking out to the music that shaped your youth is the perfect way to mark this occasion. Contact us to find the perfect live band or DJ that can make your 40th birthday party an unforgettable experience.
