Planning a 50th Birthday Party is nothing to take lightly! After all, your friend or a family member has lived for half a century! Seriously, that’s big! So, if you are in charge of putting the big birthday bash together, it is certainly understandable if you are under a little bit of stress 😉
Choosing a 50th birthday party theme is one of the hardest tasks on the to-do list! The many different directions you can take are confusing! Do you want elegant or laid-back? Fun or fancy? What would the guest of honor like? What would they hate? There are so many questions to answer!
Lucky for you, we are the one-stop shop for 50th birthday party theme ideas! Below you will find lists and descriptions of every theme you can think of and more!
Use this list to pick a 50th birthday theme, or just use it to give you inspiration for your own! Either way, we’re happy we can help!
Choosing a Great Theme for your Celebration
To pick the right theme, there are a few things that you should consider first! No, unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just picking a theme out of a hat (though… you could lol 😆 )
So, to get you on the right track, here are a few thoughts to get your brain churning and ideas for 50th birthday party themes flowing!
Will your party take place during the day or at night?
Night or day, your party can have a great theme either way. But, it wouldn’t make a sense to have a “starry night in Paris party” during the day, now would it? Just like it wouldn’t make sense to have a “day at the beach” party at night! The time of your 50th birthday party takes place can plant the seed for some really amazing themes!
What season will your party take place during?
The season your party takes place during can actually give some great ideas for your 50th birthday party theme! If your party is in the fall, bonfires and s’mores is always fun. But, if your party is in the middle of winter that theme doesn’t necessarily make sense! Choose a theme that fits the time of year when you have no other ideas!
Who will be invited?
If you want your party to be fun, you have to be able to entertain everyone in attendance. So, when you are thinking of 50th birthday party theme ideas, think about who will be invited. Will you have just family, or friends and co-workers too? Will there be many children in attendance? Knowing all of these little details will help you understand what type of theme is appropriate!
What does the guest of honor do for a living?
Knowing the guest of honor can be particularly helpful in choosing a theme. In fact, what they do for a living might be the only knowledge you need! If the honoree particularly loves their career, theme the party accordingly! Celebrate that doctor, teacher, lawyer, or scientist in your life with a fun party themed after what they love most!
What are the hobbies and interests of the Guest of Honor?
Perhaps the guest of honor doesn’t particularly like their work. No problem, there has to be something they love! For the perfect 50th birthday party theme inspiration consider a party themed after their hobbies or interests! A fun idea for everyone!
Where will the party take place?
Knowing where the party is going to take place is an important detail! Therefore, you might want to pick your venue before you pick your theme! Knowing how much space you have for decorations and other party elements is very important to make sure your theme is portrayed perfectly!
Now that you have all of the information you need, it’s time to choose your theme! Find the perfect theme for your 50th birthday bash in these lists!
Elegant Themes for a 50th Birthday Celebration
Sometimes, a night out on the town sounds nice! Imagine a nice dinner, elegant attire, delicious drinks and exceptional company. That’s what you will find at an elegant 50th birthday celebration. So, if your friend or family member likes things extra fancy, this list was made for you!
Black & Gold 50th Birthday Party
This black-tie affair will be all glitz and glamour. Impress your friends with just how good you look when you clean up by throwing a black and gold party!
Silver 50th Birthday Party
Your 50th birthday honoree will really shine with a silver party theme! Think chrome and diamonds. No one can be disappointed with that.
Black & White Theme
Black and white is a classic theme that will never disappoint. Invite your friends to celebrate in style, but be sure to mention attire on the invitation!
Wine and Cheese Tasting 50th Birthday Party
For your friend that is fancy, but still loves food! This 50th birthday party theme is one that everyone will love. Break out the best bottle of red and your cheese board, your guests will definitely be coming hungry!
Feminine 50th Birthday Party Themes
If your guest list is full of ladies, and the guest of honor loves things frilly, consider one of these themes. Feminine and beautiful, your glamour girl will love any of these 50th birthday party themes!
Soft Pastels 50th Birthday Party
Light colors and beautiful decorations will make a soft pastel birthday party feel extra fancy!
Dainty Floral 50th Birthday Theme
Tiny flowers and teacups the most feminine woman in your life will find this theme charming!
Rose Gold Birthday Party
Rose gold is super trendy and super beautiful! With a little thought and preparation, this 50th birthday theme will stand out from all the others!
Black, White & Hot Pink Party Theme
Big, bold, wow! The black, white, and hot pink 50th birthday party theme is perfect for your wild, feminine friend!
50th Birthday Party Themes for Men
If you have a room full of men coming to your 50th birthday party, chances are a floral theme wouldn’t go over well! If you want a manly theme, think outdoors, animals, and hot rods! Choose any one of these 50th birthday party themes for men for a memorable day!
Lumberjack Inspired 50th Birthday Party
Plaid shirts, Woodsy decorations, and deliciously grilled food, a lumberjack party will check off all the “must have” boxes on your man’s list!
Camouflage 50th Birthday Theme
For the hunter in your life, a camouflage theme fits the bill! And, the best part is they won’t have to go shopping for their attire!
Classic Cars 50th Birthday Party
Got a man who likes to spend time in the garage? Think classic cars! Hot rods and hot dogs are all you need to pull this one off!
50th Birthday Party Themes for Travel Lovers
Not everyone has the chance to travel around the world. That’s why inviting your friends to a travel-themed 50th birthday party would be a big hit! If the guest of honor loves getting on planes, these themes might be just right for you!
Luau Theme Birthday Party
Grass skirts and a pig roast are a great way to lure in your guests! Fun and relaxing, no one ever gets tired of a good luau!
Mardi Gras Party
Got a 50th birthday celebrant that’s a little spicy? Throw a Mardi Gras inspired party! Beads and kings cakes are must-haves, but what everyone will remember is the amount of fun they had!
Tuscany Inspired Theme Party
A slightly elegant travel theme, a taste of Tuscany will whisk your guests away. For your Italian or Italy loving friend, there isn’t a better 50th birthday party theme!
Margaritaville Inspired Theme Party
Frozen or on the rocks? Doesn’t matter as long as the drinks are flowing! A Margaritaville inspired 50th birthday party theme is perfect for an outdoor venue on a hot summer day!
I Love NY Birthday Party
Bright lights big city! Everyone loves New York! Choose this 50th birthday party theme for a little bit of glitz, glamour, and a lot of good dancing!
Paris Themed Birthday Party
Perhaps you are throwing a 50th birthday party for a hopeless romantic. If so, this 50th birthday party theme is just what you are looking for! Think twinkle lights and great champagne!
Beach Theme Birthday Party
Looking for a laid-back good time? Head out to the beach! Although it might be hot, all of the guests will be cool with this great 50th birthday party theme!
Fun 50th Birthday Party Themes
By no means does a 50th birthday party have to be boring! No way! In fact, a 50th birthday party can be the most fun you have had in a LONG time! Use this list as inspiration to find the fun 50th birthday party theme that fits the personality of your honoree!
Casino Themed Birthday Party
Blackjack and poker—remind your guests to bring their wallets!
Circus Themed Birthday Celebration
Send in the clowns for your friend who delights in the “slightly crazy” side of life!
Over The Hill 50th Birthday Party
Only to be used on celebrants with a good sense of humor! This theme works for those who can laugh at themselves!
1950’s Retro Soda Shop Birthday Party Theme
Nothing says 50 like the 50s! Break out the poodle skirts and leather jackets for a good ‘ol time!
The wisdom of the Ages Birthday Party Theme
For the friend who is extra smart and extra wise! A birthday party to honor their years of experience!
Year of Birth Themed Party
Take a step back in time and pretend like it was the year they were born! The parents of the honoree will really love this theme!
Hobbies & Interests Theme Ideas for a 50th Birthday Party
Everyone can get on board with a 50th birthday party theme that pleases the guest of honor! Think about all of the hobbies and interests of the birthday boy or girl and you’ll be well on your way to planning a memorable day!
Golf Themed Birthday Party
Gather the bags and hit the greens! Every golf lover’s dream!
Fishing Theme Party
Don’t worry you won’t have to have worms. But, a few fishing poles and even a small pond would make this 50th birthday party theme perfect!
Gardening Theme Party
A beautiful party indeed! Nothing is better for your green thumb friend than a party that nods at their talent!
Jazz Inspired Birthday Party
Made just for the 50th birthday party that should be sweet and smooth. You can even jazz it up with a live band!
Racing-Themed Birthday Party
Zoom, Zoom! Hopefully, this 50th birthday party theme won’t speed by too fast, because it’s really a good one!
Broadway Musical Theme Party
Singing, dancing, and bright lights! Choose this 50th birthday party theme for your friend who loves the stage!
Vintage Wine Themed Birthday Party
A little bit fancy, but a lot delicious! Choose a vintage wine themed birthday party for the vino-loving 50-year-old in your life!
Old Hollywood Theme Party
It doesn’t get more glamorous than Old Hollywood. This theme is perfect if you want everyone to be dressed to the nines!
BBQ 50th Birthday Party
Simple and fun, all you need for this 50th birthday party theme is a backyard, a grill, and a whole lot of meat!
More 50th Birthday Party Themes to Consider
Of course, there might be some people who didn’t find the perfect 50th birthday party theme for their party on the lists above. If that’s you, wait…we have a few more!
50 Reasons Why We Love You Birthday Party
This theme might seem generic, but it will make a really big impact on the birthday boy or girl you love!
Nautical Themed 50th Birthday Party
Anchors Away! This theme is perfect for your friend or family member with a boat (or that wants one!)
Zen Style Birthday Party
For your friend or family member who is always just so chill. Help everyone else in their life relax too by throwing a zen themed 50th birthday bash!
Wild West Theme Birthday Party
Order your cowboy boots, because things are about to get crazy when you choose the wild west 50th birthday party theme!
Cottage Chic Theme Party
A Pinterest worthy theme that even Joanna Gaines would love!
Sound the Party Horns!
With all of these ideas for a 50th birthday party theme, you should be ready to roll! Have fun with your theme, but always remember—if it’s special for the guest of honor, it’s going to be a hit!pin these 50th birthday party themes for later!
