Party Budget
How much should I spend on my party?
The dollar amount that you want to spend on your party is directly related to your wallet: what you can afford. And I never recommend going over your budget. One of the best ideas is to figure out everything that you're looking to have at your party. Bring in a party planner. Consult with them over the phone. Get an idea of what items cost. Then you put together a loose budget. You get an idea if this is something you can afford, and if it is, then you hire the party planner and let them cater it and plan it for you. Now, in the event you don't have the budget, start striking items out of your budget that really don't make a difference. Some of the areas that I strike are valet parking. Let the people walk to the party; it's not going to make that much of a difference. Sometimes having china or silver glassware--and that means the plates and the forks that you're using--they run up quite a cost if you're renting it. Pull that out of your budget and use a nice, attractive disposable-ware. This can save dollars as well. Maybe you don't have a band; maybe you go with a DJ. But these are all facts to consider. Most of all trust your party planner; they'll take you down the right road.
What are the essential costs of a great party?
The essential costs that go into a great party is your invitations, the catering, and your entertainment. Naturally if you are going to have a party planner you have to figure that fee involved. Then you also have valet parkers and service staff, the bar tenders, the waiters, the waitresses, the chefs as well as may be renting all of your tables, chairs, linens, your china, your silver, your glassware. All of this adds up - a don't forget your bar cost.
What unexpected costs can come with a party?
Well, I found unexpected costs with a party come in the way of weather. If you are having a party outdoors and the weather turns, you need to put up some tenting, that's one way. Another way is an unexpected amount of guests that show up into town. Maybe it's a business function and you have another 30, 40, 50 people. These are all the additional costs. Other costs may be adding a special item to the menu. And permits, if there is any type of permit fee, this is something to consider as well.
