10 Budget-Friendly 40th and 50th Birthday Party Tips

1. Guest List: Keep the guest list at a manageable number. Obviously, the more people you invite the more money you'll spend.

2. Invites: Use Celebrations.com online invitations and save on invites and postage!

3. Location: Host the party at your home or at a friend's house.

4. Research: party decorations and supply costs before making any purchases. Write down the items you want and tally up the price. Edit your list if necessary and stick to it while shopping in order to stay on budget.

5. Items with Multiple Uses: Look for inexpensive bulk party items, such as themed cupcake picks, and consider how they can be used in different ways. For example, cupcake or cocktail picks can be used as mini skewers on appetizers. Focus on presentation using these cost-effective items.

6. Decor: Go for classic decorating ideas like balloons hanging from the ceiling or confetti on the tabletops. Both are very affordable and really perk up the party.  

7. Use What You Have: Consider your collections of candles, plates, and tabletop items. A pillar candle on a salad plate with a garden flower accent is an easy and elegant way to dress up a table rather than spending $30 on a centerpiece for each table. If you have it in your budget - go for it!

8. Theme: Give your party a budget-friendly theme such as "Bake Me a Cake" for a dessert potluck, or consider a "wine tree" where guests bring their favorite bottle of wine. Most guests like to participate in a themed event - it adds to the fun!

9. Get Creative: Get your artistic friends on board to create decor. A homemade banner is a great way to add a personal touch to the event.

10. Cake Time: Bake the cake or cupcakes yourself. The gift of creativity whether it comes in the form of a baked good or decor is always appreciated!