Coming up with some good 50th birthday party ideas shouldn't be all that difficult. While all birthdays are special, the 50th birthday is one of the handful that seems to be extra special. We have the 16th birthday, special for girls, the 21st birthday, often a bit more meaningful for the guys, and then there is the 100th birthday, possibly the easiest one to plan a party for.
The Big, Round Five Oh - The 50th birthday is one of those referred to as a "round" birthday in many parts of Europe, round birthdays being those ending in a zero, and usually regarded as being a bit special. 50th birthday party ideas in Europe often focus around a formal dinner. Although 30th and 40th birthdays are sometimes given special attention, as far as round birthdays are concerned, the "Big Five Oh" is what usually gets things kicked off.
The Funeral Theme - Whatever 50th birthday party ideas you might come up with will probably depend upon the type of person whose birthday it will be. There are many 50th birthday parties where the theme is "It's all downhill from here." Some will take the fun in stride; a few may hold it against you forever. Curiously, more seem to have a problem having such a theme for their birthday party when they turn 40 than when they turn 50. Must have something to do with a mid-life crisis.
A Looking Ahead Theme - One of the more positive things about turning 50, is the birthday boy or girl has usually accomplished a few things up to that point, and is young enough to accomplish much more. 50th birthday party ideas could center about a celebration of times past and achievements accomplished, together with a look ahead at good times to come. Some are starting new careers at about this time in their life, or contemplating doing so. Knowing what their plans are for the future may yield some ideas for the party to be given.
A Nostalgia Theme - Besides a party which focuses on it being the "end of the trail", or one that has a more positive outlook on things, one of the better 50th birthday party ideas is one which focuses largely on nostalgia. This is the time to invite childhood friends, or former high school or college classmates to the affair. If you can come up with a couple of "surprise visitors", so much the better. Just make sure the surprise visitor is someone the birthday honoree really would like to see. A nostalgia birthday is a good excuse to drag out a few old photographs, school yearbooks, and find some period music to have in the background. If there's going to be dancing, most turning 50 can still move around very well on a dance floor, or at least think they can, one doesn't have to stick to slow waltzes. There have been birthday parties for 70 year olds who can dance like they were still in their 20's though, you may hold your breath while they're doing so. 50 isn't old, not even close.
Invitations - When sending out invitations make certain everyone knows it's 50 years we're talking about, and not just a birthday party. If there's anything you'd like guests to bring to the party, make suggestions. These suggestions have to do with the theme of the party, and not gifts. It's seldom appropriate to ask people to bring gifts, but the mention of 50 years may give some of the guests an inspiration, together with the knowledge it's a rather special event.
Other Ideas - If you know the guests, especially if they are people who have been close friends for a number of years, you can always put a scrapbook or photo album together showing not just the birthday person, but the guests as well, in snapshots of times past. One other thought, since becoming 50 is a rather special event, and you're asking others to share it, send them home with a party favor or souvenir that tastefully, or humorously, celebrates the event.