First Birthday Party Budgets

This may be too nosey, and I apologize in advance! I've never had a party that invovled renting a venue, hiring entertainment, etc. My son's first bday wasn't eventful as we had just moved to LI and knew no one. I want to have a big to do for Emma to celebrate her since I didn't have a shower, and am not having her baptized. I'm guessing maybe $1,500 for 30-40 people. Is that too little, too much? FM me if you don't want to post to the board. TIA

Re: First Birthday Party Budgets

It depends on where you are having it and what you plan on doing.

We had 32 people and 8 kids. We had it at our home, in the house and out on our deck. I did not hire entertainment. It rained so we put up a small tent (10 x 10) on our deck (for smokers) and had the party in the house. It was tight but doable. We had it catered, I purchased a pinata and stuffed it with candy and toys for the kids (we had 8 kids that were 3-8 years old, Grace was the youngest). I also bought crafts and games for the kids.

If it had not rained we would have had folks swim in the lake (we live on a lake).

All in all we spent about $700 including all the food, cake, drinks (we had alcohol), silverware, paper products and the kids stuff.

I did price out a few restaurants and it would have been closer to $1000 to have it out.

HTH & Good Luck with the party planning.

Message edited 8/3/2007 2:24:28 PM.

Re: First Birthday Party Budgets

If you are looking to have it in a restaurant, I think you have to budget $25-30 pp. A hall would be cheaper.
We had about 50 people for DC's christening at a restaurant - no entertainment and it cost us about $1500 after tax and gratuity.

For their first birthday, we had it at home. It cost us the same amount, but we had 100 people, hired a bartender and waitress, adn had a petting zoo and pony rides.

Re: First Birthday Party Budgets

Thanks for your replies

Re: First Birthday Party Budgets

we had E's party at our house, with about 40 people plus kids. We catered most of the food and cake, and it was under $1K (and that included hiring a hostess for the party).

We didn't hire entertainment - I didn't think it was necessary for a first birthday, and it wasn't missed. It was a GREAT party!!

Message edited 8/3/2007 8:45:35 PM.