So, as you may have read in previous posts, my beau and I just celebrated our ten year milestone anniversary. Since we never had the traditional wedding, we wanted to do something significant so we could finally celebrate this relationship with our friends and family. Initially, we looked into having a party in an event space, but simply couldn’t imagine spending so much money for an open bar and some passed hors d’oeuvres.
For that kind of money, we joked, we could go on vacation and still throw a party at our place.
Well, that was the lightbulb moment. So that’s what we did (and Mexico as awesome and totally romantic and gave me a totally flattering tan for the party the following weekend).
Since this anniversary party was the first time we were having so many people over (the final tally, I believe, was 37), and the first time we would be hosting much of the beau’s family, we wanted to do our house party right. “Grown up” style. And since we met on an airplane, we added some cheeky airplane references to our party plan that you can adapt to your own theme.
Now I want to share the cost break-down with you so you can be prepared for you next (or first) “grown up” home soiree:
- Custom postcard invitations: $35, including shipping (we had extras, which we turned into banners that doubled as decor)
- Stamps: $44
- Balsa wood airplanes as party favors, $30.50
- Custom stamp to personalize favors and napkins, $35
- Napkins (white cocktail), $7
- Glasses, free (borrowed from a friend and store owner who throws a lot of parties)
- Champagne bucket by Pottery Barn, found at this cheaper price on eBay, $79, including shipping
- Beverage dispenser by Pottery Barn, found at this cheaper price on eBay, $60, including shipping
- Liquor (4 bottles Cava, 4 bottles white, 4 bottles red, 2 bottles Jack Daniel’s, 1 bottle sweet vermouth, 1 bottle vodka, 8 six-packs of beer), $252
- Non-Alcoholic Bev. Options and mixers (lemonade, apple cider, tonic, natural mandarin sodas), $25
- 3 bags of ice, $5.25
- Snacks (50 vegan empanadas, 100 airplane pretzels and peanut packets, 4 dozen vegan chocolate chunk cookies), $170
- Custom postcard thank you cards: $35, including shipping
- House cleaning before-hand, $80
Total: $857.75
Full disclosure: I asked my family to buy the wine and beer in MA where it’s cheaper to save some money, but they wouldn’t let us pay them back, also, my BFF baked the cookies for us, so not all of this total actually came out of our pockets.
At the end of the day, we spent more money than we anticipated, but it was absolutely well worth it. Not only did we have a fantastic time hosting our friends and family, making memories to last for the next ten years, at the end of the night, we weren’t left empty-handed. Not only did we receive lots of fantastic gifts and checks, so many people brought wine that we were left with an entirely new half case. There were left-over empanadas, so we’re set for snacks and dinners for a while. Since the house was cleaned before the party, the next morning all we had to do was run the dishwasher several times and wipe down surfaces (it was a civilized, clean, “grown up” party, remember?). Also, now that we have the champagne bucket and the beverage dispenser, we’ll be set for sun-tea and future parties featuring cold drinks.
Over $850?, You’re thinking, Count me out! Don’t let this huge number discourage you—there are ways to cut costs:
- Send an evite and e-thank yous. Though not as personal or as “grown up” as something sent in the mail, definitely more cost-effective.
- Skip the party favors. However, if you’re asking for gifts, it’s nice to offer something to your guests on the way out. If we had wanted to cut costs more, we could have done paper airplanes with sweet/funny messages written on the inside… Be creative!
- Store the wine and beer in the fridge or the bathtub. Again, not as “grown up,” but if you don’t have the ice bucket(s) and don’t want to buy any, it’s an easy fix… Just make sure wherever you’re keeping it is clean!
- Clean your own house. I don’t know about you, but with a party coming up and a full work-week, the last thing I want to do is clean. Actually, even with nothing to do, the last thing I want to do is clean. And besides, I can’t do the work of a professional. BUT, it’s an expense you can avoid if you’re willing to do it yourself.
- Make it a pot-luck and ask everyone to bring food and/or liquor. A great way to cut down on costs, but not a good idea if you’re expecting gifts… You don’t want to ask too much of your guests.
Looking for party ideas? Drink recipes? Stay tuned or write to me at cody@omfgstyle.com.
balsa wood airplanes stamped with our custom stamp were favors for our guests
extra invites strung on twine doubled as party decor
