Post by creamsiclechica on Mar 3, 2015 14:00:18 GMT -5
A's is going to cost us about $500 total I think? ETA: because I'm making the fancy cake myself and the food has to be provided from the party place. Her first birthday cost an embarrassing amount more.
I always buy too much food and too much booze, but the thought of being short on one of those puts me into full panic mode.
Breakdown is as follows:
Invites + printing costs: $35 Decorations including Etsy printable package, printing, balloons, streamers, disposable dishware / cutlery - $100 Food - $75; we're doing a non-mealtime party, so I'll get a bunch of apps / platters, this will also include the cost of the ingredients for the caked that I'll make myself. Beverages - $70 including wine and beer Loot bags for 5 kids - $35.00
TOTAL: $305.00 - which doesn't sound THAT bad to me, aside from when you consider that I'm doing the party at home for about 20 people. Maybe I'm completely crazy.
ETA: when I hear people say they can do a party for a really low value, I ALWAYS assume they aren't counting all the little things and remain smug that their costs are probably much closer to mine than they think. This is potentially very untrue, I realize, but it makes me feel better.
Post by thedahliharpa on Mar 3, 2015 14:09:16 GMT -5
This year for H's party I cut costs on favors and they were probably the most liked. We did Frozen I can read books from amazon for less than $2 and twisty inexpensive frozen lollipops from Etsy. Favors were less than $3.50 per child. I'll be doing something similar for D.
Henry's is going to be around $450 this year (laser tag for 15 boys, pizza, favors, cake)
Elliot I think I'm only spending $250/$300 (home party, magician, cake, favors, minimal decorations. Probably 15 kids) because it's a joint party and I'm splitting the cost.
I think that's typical for us. Their birthdays are always cold weather so we usually end up renting a location, which is pricey. I refuse to skimp on cake because I'm obsessed with a local bakery and have to eat their cake as much as humanly possible.
$100-200ish. I do them at our house and cook all the food/cake. Ada will probably never have a fun location for a party except a park, because park rentals are cheap.
L's last bday party cost maybe $200 -350, I can't remember. A hasn't had a party since his first, but let's say I had to confirm with h that I didn't have a budget.
Can I admit that I am dreading doing parties when they have friends. I feel like a shit mom for admitting that, but it sounds like too much work. It makes my introverted self want to crawl in a hole. Family parties already include xanax. Ack
you don't have to do a party. When they are older I want to have them pick a couple friends and take them out to do something fun.
I will say that I tend to choose a theme early so I can DIY as much as I can and take my time. By now, aside from handing out the invites at school and obviously food and drink, I'm done. Decorations are done, invites are made, supplies have been acquired (including making a TON of play doh), and favors are ready. My goal was inexpensive and low-stress and so far, I'm succeeding.
I think I go overboard, so idk if you want my budget and breakdown.... But...
We are inviting 63 people, 20 being kids around her age. It's an Easter bunny party at a farm. $11/kid and that includes craft, plant a flower or vegetable in a pot you decorate to take home, decorate an Easter basket, Easter egg hunt, and trade the eggs in for prizes. So that will be it for activities and also for favors. It also includes the private room and the tables. $220
I rented an Easter bunny suit for one of our family friends to wear bc mila wanted "Mr. Bunny" at her party. $55
I just last night bought dinner plates, cake plates, and table cloths. $40
Her cake $60
Still need to figure out food (either classy LC pizza again or catering... Depends on cost of catering) I will make apps and buy drinks. I spent $35 on invites. I need to finish getting the paper products for this - napkins, cups, silverware....
Oh, I need to get some decorations too.
I'm assuming about $500, more if we do the catering.
We always have really small parties at home. I would say we spend about 200$ or less for 20 people. It's mostly food (Wegmans catering plus some homamade), decorations and invitations. When she has more little friends we will have her party somewhere fun, those seem to add up fast though!
Post by laurensmomma on Mar 3, 2015 14:45:12 GMT -5
Ours will probably be about 350 total.
$240 for the rental (I did not want to have it at our house, so we're doing The Little Gym) Food - Maybe like $80? Pizza, snacks, cake. Goody Bags - $40ish Planning on mimosas for the parents, so maybe closer to $400??? LOL