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Milestone birthday party planner: 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th

A 40th birthday party planner (or 30th, 50th, 60th): venue, food and bar, a DJ, toasts and a then-and-now slideshow, with the guest list and a seating chart that keeps the right people apart.

Open the Milestone Birthday demo Get the app for $6.99
  • Bar, buffet and dance floor on the plan
  • Toasts and slideshow on the checklist
  • Keep-apart warnings when seating
Event Planner App with the Milestone Birthday sample: floor plan, guest list by family and seating checks
The Milestone Birthday sample in the Event Planner App. The demo opens on it, with nothing to install.

A milestone birthday budget split to start from

For a $4,000 budget and about 60 guests. It's the default split in the app; change any % to fit your family.

Food and the bar are about 40% of a milestone birthday. A "then and now" slideshow costs nothing and is what people remember.

  • Venue25%$1,000
  • Food & Catering30%$1,200
  • Bar & Drinks12%$480
  • Music / DJ8%$320
  • Decorations8%$320
  • Cake & Desserts4%$160
  • Photography5%$200
  • Invitations2%$80
  • Favors2%$80
  • Outfit2%$80
  • Other & Buffer2%$80

Milestone Birthday checklist by deadline

In the app, each task gets a date counted back from your party.

  • 3–4 months

    • Set the budget
    • Pick the date and theme
    • Book the venue
    • Start the guest list

  • 2 months

    • Book the caterer and the bar
    • Book a DJ or band
    • Book a photographer
    • Send save the dates

  • 6 weeks

    • Send invitations
    • Order the cake
    • Make a "then and now" slideshow
    • Order decorations

  • 1 month

    • Final head count
    • Plan toasts and speeches
    • Buy favors
    • Seating chart

  • 1 week

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Pay final balances
    • Plan rides home

  • After the party

    • Send thank-you notes
    • Share the photos and the slideshow

Milestone Birthday planning tips

What makes the biggest difference, from parents and hosts who've done it.

  • Make a then-and-now slideshow.Collect old photos early: it costs nothing and everyone remembers it.
  • Plan the toasts.Two or three short ones, scheduled before dinner gets loud.
  • Plan rides home.Put rideshare or a shuttle in the budget if there's a bar.
  • Keep a surprise a surprise.Plan it offline in one file, not in a shared sheet.

Everything in one app

Budget by category, vendors with deposits and due dates, guests and families, a floor plan with drag-and-drop seating and Auto-seat, a gift list and a countdown checklist. Light or dark, offline, no subscription.

Try the free demoGet the app for $6.99

Milestone Birthday planner questions

How far ahead should I plan a 40th birthday party?

Three to four months: book the venue and caterer first.

How much does a milestone birthday party cost?

Many parties land between $1,500 and $5,000. Food and the bar are about 40%.

Can I use it for a 30th, 50th or 60th?

Yes. Type the age and the app names the party, like "Jordan's 40th Birthday".

Is there a subscription?

No. You pay once and keep the app. It's one file that opens in your browser on a computer, with no account.

Does it work on my phone?

It's made for computers right now.

Planning another party?

The same app has a template for each of these.