My daughter want to throw her sweet sixteen this coming August, and has started to save up money. She wants a large, formal event, that she will end up paying for mostly on her own. She wants a black and white affair party, with a numerous amount of people. I don't have any idea how many invitations she is going to need, how much a ball room would cost to rent out, or how much food is going to cost us. She made it clear that a buffet is out of the question. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything? Please let me know.
2006-09-06 15:36:38 · 13 answers · asked by billiemccoy06 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
Why does it have to be a black tie affair? Why not a picnic? Where everyone plays and has fun???
2006-09-06 15:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by Dorothy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I plan events for a living- a served and plated dinner is actually the same price or often cheaper than a buffet. I don’t know the costs for where you live, but $18-$25 + tax and tip, is on the lower end for a full dinner- salad, roll, entree with sides and dessert. I would think kids would rather grab snacks and go dance, consider passed hors d'oeuvres and a soda bar- with a conservative menu choice it might cost the same as a plated dinner. If you do a hotel, book a ballroom where you will meet the "food and beverage minimum" for the room (i.e.- if you buy enough food they wont charge you room rental) You may still have to charge a set up fee, but that is negotiable. When I cant get it waived, I can get it 50% less. Then, a week before your event, if there is a nicer ballroom that was out of your price range- see if it is not booked. Then, ask for an upgrade to that room. It would have gone unused and they get to show it off to everyone who may want their party, or someday wedding (eeek!) there. Remember everything is negotiable.
She will probably also want a DJ, unless there is a local band that the kids like- Either would cost a few hundred in my area.
She should write a guest list and get an idea of how many would come. She can then call around and get prices, but you might want to help her when it comes time to agree on the contract details.
Email if you have any questions!
2006-09-06 23:56:06 · answer #2 · answered by SnowGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Omg, she's watching that sweet sixteen thing on tv, where they have these huge classy affairs, that cost 1000's and 1000's of dollars. She should put her money toward her car or future car ins. Why not just rent a room with a big dance floor and let em dance the night away, maybe get a dj too? Geez, I just had a little party at 16 and got a stereo with a cd player in it. I was happy, lol!
2006-09-07 18:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by Needstoknow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though she's paying for the event, set some limitations. First of all give her guidelines on how many people, what time this event will begin, and what time it will end. Help her plan, & put the plan on paper for her. Costs, people, food, etc. Turn this event into a potluck so too speak. Last, be there! Its important for others to see the parents presence. Teens, like any other child, still need boundaries.
2006-09-07 01:08:04 · answer #4 · answered by easygoingfemale44 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she realize how much $ she is going to need to save up? Teenagers WANT alot of things, but don't always stop to think about how they are going to get it. I would suggest that SHE figure out how many ppl she is inviting, how much food she's going to need to feed all these people and what the caterer's charge, where she can have it and how much it will cost and then have her figure out if she can afford it or not. If you plan to contribute to her party, tell her how much you are going to give her so that she can budget and figure out if she can really afford all that she wants. This way she can really plan ahead and make the most of it!
2006-09-07 00:41:36 · answer #5 · answered by Ladee Bug 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You and your daughter should get on the phone and call a few places and do some price shopping, maybe it's not as bad a you think. Or maybe she will realize that she is being unreasonable and figure out another plan, a roller skating party or a Hawaiian luau in the back yard, I bet a hot tub would be alot cheaper and you could roast a pig!
2006-09-06 22:59:26 · answer #6 · answered by KO 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok she does not want buffet.Most probably she is looking for the 10 course round table party kinda thing.She is only 16,the party shld be more to informal rather then formal.Being 16 I don't thinks she shld spend that much of a money in birthday party.Why don't you have a barbeque party.People of her age group will love it.
2006-09-06 22:43:17 · answer #7 · answered by Young 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a waste of money, kids are so spoilt today, and this is coming from a 17 year old.
2006-09-10 02:50:43 · answer #8 · answered by okay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GEE I HAVE BEEN TO WEDDINGS A LOT LESS FLASH THAN THAT.....CAN'T THEY GO OUT FOR TEA AND GO BOWLING OR HIRE A HALL AND JUST SUPPLY NIBBLES AND PLATTERS....THE BBQ IN THE BACKYARD IS THE BEST IDEA THOUGH THAT WAY EVERYONE CAN JUST HAVE FUN AND NOT BE SO FORMAL...
2006-09-06 23:44:41 · answer #9 · answered by xsplodeit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why not try making it like a debut? like there will be 16 roses..16 gifts..16 wishes..16 dances..for every person important to her..that's in our culture though..when a girl turns 18..hope this helps
2006-09-06 22:40:13 · answer #10 · answered by Catherine H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋