Lavish 21st Party - What am I missing?

activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:08

I'm throwing a 21st party!

I seem to be all good with it, but as usual - coming here for advice in case there's anything I missed.

Here are the deets:

  • about 180 people
  • function centre by the beach
  • 3 course meal
  • Booked a Dj Photographer Videographer
  • Not interested in photobooth
  • Entertainment including live dancing, comedy and skits etc all booked and arranged
  • Cake sorted
  • Polaroid photographer also hired for 50 shots

It's a suit and tie event, but not overly fancy.

Any ideas/decor concepts/things I wish I had known/done etc. that you want to share? Any ideas on any centrpieces/table pieces or decorations I should use. Perhaps photo ideas or something?

Thanks all,
Sincerely, excited almost 21 year old.

General Discussion

Comments

  • Ryanek on 28/04/2017 - 15:12
    +37

    Have you organised any type of guestbook? A place for guests to write down well wishes.

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:32
      +14

      I hadn't but this is one of the reasons I come to this amazing community lol.

      I'll get onto that now!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 12:15
        +4

        Are you sure you want to make it a suit and tie event?

        If you want your guests to cut loose suits aren't the most comfortable attire, and it doesn't fit your beach-side location.

        • John Kimble on 29/04/2017 - 13:55
          +5

          Doesn't make a difference at weddings?

  • djones145 on 28/04/2017 - 15:13
    +56

    what are u missing.. my invite!

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:32
      +31

      check the spam folder

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:31
        +19

        *Ahem!*

        Have you booked a celebrity appearance yet?

  • BuyoTheCat on 28/04/2017 - 15:15
    +6

    You forgot to invite me

  • John Kimble on 28/04/2017 - 15:15

    Alcohol?

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:33
      +2

      that was a given.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:35
        +6

        Games and equipment to display feats of strength?

        • devilbabies on 30/04/2017 - 13:28
          +6

          don't forget the "Airing of Grievances"

  • John Kimble on 28/04/2017 - 15:17
    +5

    Instagram/Snapchat hash-tag-thing-a-mi-bob

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:33
      +3

      Awesome, and yes. I'll be using a hashtag #unistudent1s21stparty

      • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2017 - 18:10
        +28

        A better hashtag?

      • Big Bad Bagheera on 28/04/2017 - 18:21
        +8

        You can create a custom snap chat filter for the night.

        You pay approx $20, set a date, time and 'fence' a location.
        Everyone taking snaps can use the custom filter.

        Cheap and cool!

        • chriskq on 28/04/2017 - 19:38

          Why though - you dont get to keep the snapchats right?

        • Limitless on 29/04/2017 - 10:11
          +1

          @chriskq: you can save the photos you take

        • TenaciousTom on 01/05/2017 - 11:14
          -1

          @chriskq: What is this, 2015?

  • holdenmg on 28/04/2017 - 15:21
    +12

    Security?

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:33

      won't be rowdy - it's largely a family affair.

      • ProjectZero on 28/04/2017 - 16:32
        +25

        Stri… huh… family… nvm…

        • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 17:29
          +1

          lol, don't judge.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:41
          +1

          @unistudent1:

          Entertainment including live dancing, comedy and skits etc all booked and arranged
          including live dancing
          live dancing
          dancing

      • try2bhelpful on 28/04/2017 - 18:10
        +23

        You may not be rowdy but, unfortunately, gate crashers can be. Information on parties end up online, you might want to be careful

      • wkd on 28/04/2017 - 18:24

        you dont wanna be the next corey worthington

        • babolimp on 01/05/2017 - 01:34
          +1

          i remember when they changed his TV name to corey delaney to try hide his identity after they'd already said his real name 100x

      • nikey2k27 on 29/04/2017 - 08:17
        +2

        Why? sound like cost as much as wedding. my 21st got bottle ages 21 years. we out for dinner with my family.

      • ipiok on 30/04/2017 - 16:24
        +6

        large family affair.. 180+ guests…. you're kidding yourself. You need security.

  • John Kimble on 28/04/2017 - 15:22
    +12

    Booked a Dj Photographer Videographer

    Wah, multi skilled person!

    Polaroid photographer also hired for 50 shots

    Only 50? You have 180 guests?

    • poboy on 28/04/2017 - 15:29
      +16

      The photographer is being paid in Alcohol.

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:34
      +3

      Yeah, but I imagine I wont be taking photos with each person - largely group shots (and mostly of me to be quite frank)

      Polaroids are really expensive. He's using a high end "wide" one - almost $1 per photo + labour

      • MrMcHairyHead on 28/04/2017 - 16:46
        +11

        I'm gonna warn you that Polaroid photos are extremely popular at photos and everyone will want one with everyone they know. Source: have brought a Fuji Instax Mini to parties before.

      • greatlamp on 29/04/2017 - 19:47
        +1

        You can buy cheapish Polaroid cameras + printers for the night, guests can take as many shots as they like

        • konazz on 30/04/2017 - 21:25

          Yeah thats what one of our friends had at a party. Good bit of fun! Who cares about the quality ($1/shot is ridiculous). I've got little polaroids on my work cubicle that were more fun than anything.

  • railspider on 28/04/2017 - 15:26
    +25

    Cocaine?

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 15:35
      +6

      yeee…nah.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2017 - 18:11
        +59

        naaah yeah

    • tessel on 28/04/2017 - 21:05
      +2

      And I read the OP as "coke sorted".

      • keishton on 01/05/2017 - 13:46
        +1

        glad im not the only one

  • Halo375 on 28/04/2017 - 15:30
    +6

    Security… plus a secure place if people are bringing presents. Critical thing for you is to have as little responsibility as possible on the night itself so you can just enjoy yourself and have a great time. Happy almost birthday!

  • Ryballs on 28/04/2017 - 15:45
    +14

    Strippers?

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 16:08
      +4

      Done

    • Kangal on 28/04/2017 - 17:43
      +9

      Name checks out

  • hotmustardsauce on 28/04/2017 - 15:48

    Hookers?

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 16:08

      nah already got the former.

      • dealman on 30/04/2017 - 07:33
        +1

        What's the difference?

        • ozbjunkie on 30/04/2017 - 12:10
          +1

          Really? One is a rip off, and the other I'm saving for my retirement.

        • jonathonsunshine on 30/04/2017 - 14:44
          +9

          You pay the strippers to turn up. You pay a hooker to leave afterwards.

  • scrambledeggs on 28/04/2017 - 15:51
    +12

    Bikies

  • Mr BoMBAStiG on 28/04/2017 - 16:08
    +8

    Register the party with the police. That way, if you get a noise complaint lodged against you the police are on your side when they turn up.

    Source: threw many parties and got many more warnings than I should have.

    Oh and put a letter in the box of all your neighbours in a 2 house radius around you. Tell them that it's registered with the police and that you hope they understand there will be a bit of additional noise that night.

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 16:09
      +3

      It's at a function hall, so she'll be right.

    • gk0r on 28/04/2017 - 18:09
      +3

      Register the party with the police. That way, if you get a noise complaint lodged against you the police are on your side when they turn up.

      That's the dumbest thing I've read all day. If you are breaking the local noise regulations (for example music after 10PM, etc) and police are called, they will most certainly not be on your side when they turn up.

      • Ryanek on 28/04/2017 - 20:32
        +5

        It is not dumb at all. NSW and other state police encourage people to Register Your Party

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:49
          +11

          Well I'm convinced!! If the Police encourage you to do it, it must be in your interests!!

    • callum9999 on 28/04/2017 - 18:14
      +1

      What exactly does registering parties with the police do?

      • Buyme on 28/04/2017 - 20:14
        +12

        It manages complaints that are phoned in earlier in the night. Cops can respond with, "thanks for your call, we are aware of the party, and they'll have Justin Bieber turned down by 11pm.

        They can also do a drive by to ensure no gate crashers are lurking.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:50
          +12

          They can also do a drive by to ensure no gate crashers are lurking.

          What if some survive?

        • callum9999 on 29/04/2017 - 13:27

          So you're basically turning the police into your own private security force?

          I can't say I see how it helps that scenario anyway. If it's legal to play Justin Bieber at an excessive volume that disturbs neighbours until 11pm, then the police will surely just say that on the phone when people complain anyway? If I had cause to call the police and they replied "as a reward for telling us in advance, we're letting them disturb you until 11pm" I wouldn't be overly impressed…

    • Randxyz123 on 29/04/2017 - 11:05
      +2

      You don't need to do this for a venue hire….

    • Wallace on 29/04/2017 - 23:31

      "Register the party with the police. That way, if you get a noise complaint lodged against you the police are on your side when they turn up."

      You should definitely register with the police but not for the sake of being excessively loud and not be prosecuted.

      "hope they understand there will be a bit of additional noise that night."

      Neighbours won't understand nor sympathize if it is unnecessarily loud and dance music with heavy bass is played. Loud techno music drive alot people crazy because the bass travels through the walls.

      The op has hired a proper venue which is the right thing to do. This avoids causing unnecessary problems.

  • MrMcHairyHead on 28/04/2017 - 16:45
    +31

    The only thing you're missing is telling me how the f*** you can afford that at age 20.

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 16:54
      +4

      How much do you think the entire think costs - curious to hear.

      I'll tell you the cost once you guess!

      • Fobsessive on 28/04/2017 - 18:26

        $7000?

      • moocow on 28/04/2017 - 23:00
        +4

        3 course meal with drinks is minimum $60-70 then add on the extras and i'm guessing at least 12k

        • Hirolol on 28/04/2017 - 23:25

          12k?! LOL!

          I would guess around $5k-$7k

        • Eddie8 on 29/04/2017 - 09:05
          +2

          @Hirolol: He has about 180 people going, so if it does actually cost about $60-70 per head then the number isn't too far off.

          Unless the "3 course meal" isn't too expensive and people are having basically no alcohol.

        • Hirolol on 29/04/2017 - 17:31
          +2

          Looks like you were right!!!!
          Damn expensive!!!!!

        • Thenarrator on 30/04/2017 - 21:34

          @Hirolol:

          best scenario: save the 7k, put in investment account, grow into deposit, buy a property, you will be glad you made this decision when youre 38 yr old.

          Second best scenario: save the 7k, plan a trip overseas for 6 months, while overseas, work part time, party in vietnam for $500 with people youre not gona see ever again.

        • btst7000 on 01/05/2017 - 03:52

          @Hirolol: Catering (for a 3 course meal) is already $60 per head, minimum. With 180 guests, OP is looking at paying 10k in catering alone. 15k+ easily.

      • Thenarrator on 01/05/2017 - 10:18
        -1

        k

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:52
      +1

      The only thing you're missing is telling me how the f*** you can afford that at age 20.

      What leads you to believe OP is the one financing this shindig?

      • activ8newbs on 29/04/2017 - 16:00
        +4

        I am.

        All in all, about $12k.

        • MrMcHairyHead on 30/04/2017 - 11:26
          +3

          So how did you get 12k at age 20 when you're a student?

          Seriously. I want to know.

        • activ8newbs on 30/04/2017 - 13:01
          +2

          @MrMcHairyHead:

          My first ozbargain post was about that exactly.

          I've been working non stop from a young age. Never spent out. Saved, Saved, Saved.

          Totally doable. Also, I live at home.

        • Thenarrator on 30/04/2017 - 21:37
          +5

          @unistudent1: and youre gona let it all go off in 1 night? wise

        • Jackson on 01/05/2017 - 00:33
          +3

          @unistudent1: totally doable, and totally sensible, until you get to the party about spending 12k on a birthday party? Are you sure you want to spend that much? Surely a decent party can be had for half that

        • SaberX on 01/05/2017 - 01:43

          @MrMcHairyHead:

          $20k at age 20 as a student is perfectly do'able if one is living at home with parents. Some may argue outside of home too, although I can only comment on the first.

        • illz on 03/05/2017 - 09:50
          -1

          @unistudent1:

          Who are you kidding?

          You and I both know your parents are paying for it..

        • activ8newbs on 03/05/2017 - 10:49
          +1

          @millzy:

          You're scum mate.

          A sore loser. A no-good attitude that'll get you nowhere in life. You'll never be happy, you'll always feel worthless - you're one of them.

          Anyway, sorry for your jealousy. Have some respect.

        • illz on 03/05/2017 - 10:51
          -2

          @unistudent1:

          lol okay stinky

          A 21 year old saving all their money and then is just willing to drop 12k on a bday party? Yeah right.

          I'm very happy but you my stinky are in denial.

          Mummy and Daddy must love their little curry puff very much.

          Happy Bday!

        • activ8newbs on 03/05/2017 - 10:53
          +2

          @millzy:

          Cheers for the well wishes. I've worked and saved my back side off since I was 13. I didn't spare anything - from pocket money, to household chores, to cleaning toilet seats at Hungry Jacks. I saved, I didn't eat and/or drink out.

          I had some goals to achieve by 21. I scored. Now I'm celebrating because in my eyes, I've made it.

          If you've got a problem, take your negativity elsewhere. I've got a real problem with people like you.

        • illz on 03/05/2017 - 10:56
          +2

          @unistudent1:

          Seriously though, I hope you have a great birthday :)

        • activ8newbs on 03/05/2017 - 10:56

          @millzy: Thanks mate :)

  • tsunamisurfer on 28/04/2017 - 16:53
    +38

    Rich kids of Instagram.

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 16:55
      -5

      ?

      • HangryCakeStore on 28/04/2017 - 23:14
        +10

        isn't 21st just an American thing? as is halloween which is lame imo.

        • striker5950 on 29/04/2017 - 11:14
          +7

          you are right, Halloween, prom, and most definitely a 21st bday, because thats when they consider themselves an adult and thats when they legally can drink alchohol and enter clubs in USA. kinda stupid to pay that amount of attention to it in australia, you should have thrown this party at 18, because that would have been the equivelent of 21 in australia

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 11:56
          +1

          @striker5950:

          you should have thrown this party at 18, because that would have been the equivelent of 21 in australia

          ¿Por qué no los dos?

        • striker5950 on 29/04/2017 - 13:19
          +1

          @Scrooge McDuck: because it does not make any sense here on ozbargain

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 13:24
          -1

          @striker5950:

          More is more.

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