CREATING A MOMENTOUS OCCASION FOR A MILESTONE CELEBRATION
Cake, candles, and a birthday song are just the basics for a milestone celebration. After all, it’s a big deal when someone lives through multiple generations and is still around to talk about it. Doesn’t that kind of longevity deserve a step above the rest? Why not meander from the more obvious birthday ideas into a realm of new possibilities?
DETERMINE THE RIGHT CELEBRATION FOR THE HONOREE
Before you decide to rent a space to surprise Mom by inviting all of her friends and acquaintances, it might be wise to check with the guest of honor. Not everyone is keen on a surprise, especially if they have a heart condition. If a large party sounds appealing, the birthday girl might want to know who’s on the guest list. No one likes to mentally scramble for the name of the person coming through the door and heading straight for them. Of course, if a big party suits, find a space that is comfortable for the crowd size and safe for them too! Consider the number of stairs and chairs to make the party more pleasant for everyone.
THINK OUTSIDE THE TYPICAL BIRTHDAY BOX
Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy magic tricks and musical acts! Hire a band, hire a caterer, open the bar - and that could be a “make-your-own ice cream sundae” bar. Rent an old-school photo booth or hire a photographer who comes with fun props and disguises-on-a-stick like moustaches, crowns, and oversized spectacles for playful pictures. Order party favors that people actually use, like cups or a custom deck of cards featuring the honoree’s face, name, and favorite phrase.
For those not fond of a huge social gathering, you can still go big! Buy space on a nearby billboard, put an ad in the paper, stick a giant sign in the front yard, reach out to a favorite local TV news celebrity or radio DJ to announce the special day on-air. Of course, timing is everything - it’s only fun if the birthday recipient gets to experience the extra special birthday greeting when it’s broadcast. Arrange a way to make sure they see or hear it!
If you have time on your side, there are scrapbooks to build, letter writing campaigns, photo gathering for a book of memories, or asking everyone to send 2 or 3 reasons they love that person to accumulate a list as long as the years they’ve been on earth. “100 reasons why we love you, Sarah!”
A group outing or full-on trip to a winery, a favorite destination or special restaurant are all great options if the birthday boy or girl is up for that. On the flip side, a stay-at-home gathering can also feel like a destination with a great party theme. If a lobster boil on the beach is their favorite memory, crank up the heat in the house, put on your shorts and swimsuits, turn on the sound of the ocean waves, and serve a table full of corn, potatoes, and lobster!
A successful birthday event takes a lot of organizing and hands on deck, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Share the duties so you can enjoy the celebration too! Document the momentous occasion with photos and video, maybe even hire a photographer to capture it all - or designate a willing family member to be the event's official photographer. Most importantly, just put your heart into it. Because that’s what people will remember most - that you cared enough to remember their special day in a special way.
At Melrose Meadows, we celebrate birthdays with a big monthly cupcake party, and many families reserve our large, welcoming common areas to host open houses or big birthday bashes for their loved ones. Think about your favorite birthday – why did you love it? What made it special? How could you do the same for your special someone?