You only have one chance a year to celebrate the day of your birth, so plan a decent shindig. Organise something lavish and elaborate - a themed dance party or costume ball. Or something simple but sophisticated - an intimate dinner, cocktail do or catered cruise. Or a family-friendly, casual do - a barbecue or picnic; or a day at a sanctuary, theme park or sports and leisure park.

Budget
The more you have to spend on your birthday bash, the more lavish and spectacular you can make it. But if money's tight, use imagination and ingenuity to make your party sparkle. Source supplies at competitive rates through large party supply outlets, secondhand and Asian imports stores. Rather than buying it, hire party equipment, costumes and props.

Consider boosting the party fund with a gold coin or bottle-of-champers-or-spirits donation from each guest. And even if money's tight, don't skimp on food or drink - hungry guests aren't happy guests.

Planning
Talk with event planners, caterers, venue operators and party equipment suppliers to get inspiration and creative solutions. They'll give you ideas about what's possible with your budget, time frame and numbers. Party professionals can also give expert tips on realising your dream concept without blowing your budget.

Invitations
Special invitations herald a special event, so buy the best pre-printed stationery you can afford. Better yet, employ a stationery designer to create invitations to your specs. You might want to match paper goods - plates, cups, party hats and masks, place cards, guest goodie bags - to your stationery, particularly if it's themed: if so, now ’s the time to order these.

Be sure to send out invitations well ahead of time, especially for a formal do. Guests need time to rsvp – and to buy a birthday gift. Bear in mind, too, that some guests will need to rearrange their schedules, take leave from jobs, travel or book accommodation in order to attend.

Food & drink
What you'll serve depends on the style of the party, the average age of guests and their level of culinary sophistication, your theme, guest numbers and budget. You might take all the stress out of it by selecting a venue with onsite catering or hiring an independent caterer. Or do part of it yourself, by say, preparing some dishes and having others catered, or ordering in advance from the local gourmet deli. Whatever option you choose, you'll need to put some thought into the menu.

Whether it's a sit-down dinner or an informal buffet or barbecue, a swish cocktail do or a bohemian birthday supper, quality food's important. So don't try to get by on chips and dips, or your all-occasions pasta dish. Give yourself an early birthday gift and hire a caterer.

If your party's large or formal, caterers can be a boon, providing expert advice, and creative menu and presentation plans. If you choose the right one, you can also be assured you'll get delectable food, presented and served with creativity and style.

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