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

        • trongy on 29/04/2017 - 19:04
          +1

          @striker5950:

          That's not correct. The traditional age of majority was 21 years in Australia. For example, the voting age was only lowered to 18 in the 1970s. The tradition of celebrating the 21st birthday as marking the passage to adulthood in Australia goes back much further than that.

        • jwh on 30/04/2017 - 12:43
          +3

          @trongy:

          The 70's was a while ago now.

          @tsunamisurfer:

          Reminds me of the Fyre Festival

        • Lunatic on 01/05/2017 - 18:16
          -1

          Halloween is awesome though

    • yummycoot on 30/04/2017 - 00:00

      atleast OP did not go to this

  • dylanando on 28/04/2017 - 17:09
    +47

    I dont even know 180 people and im 21, I have about 3 friends :(

    • holdenmg on 28/04/2017 - 17:18
      +15

      I'll OzBargain with you. lol

      • dylanando on 28/04/2017 - 17:19
        +26

        thats all i ever wanted

    • activ8newbs on 28/04/2017 - 17:30

      to be fair, almost 50 or 60 are all just extended family etc.

      • dylanando on 28/04/2017 - 17:35
        +11

        I dont even know legit 10 people in my family. But seriously good on you, Keeping up with them and ozbargaining would be too much for me to handle lol

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 12:00
        +5

        almost 50 or 60 are all just extended family

        Clever boy! They yield the highest gift ROI.

        • dylanando on 29/04/2017 - 13:09

          OP is a genius!

        • smartazz104 on 29/04/2017 - 17:43

          @Scrooge McDuck: /s?

    • ozbjunkie on 30/04/2017 - 12:15
      +2

      As we all know, there is a trade off between the number and depth of friendships. More isn't always more…

      I have about 10 I see, and maybe 30 id invite to a party.

      I don't even care to know 100 people…Maybe I'm an introvert.

      • CheapskateQueen on 30/04/2017 - 22:29
        +1

        That sounds about right to me. Although i often think I'm a loser with no friends when i look at some other ppl :,)

    • jrjr on 01/05/2017 - 12:15
      +3

      Throw a huge party with free food and alcohol and you'll be surprised how many 'friends' you have

  • altomic on 28/04/2017 - 17:24
    +7

    bikie strippers?

  • Plug on 28/04/2017 - 18:06
    +1

    I don't see any mention of a bar in your specs. If it's a mixed age family affair you'll at the very least need a couple of boxes of both red and white wine, a few slabs of beer (not all the same - get different ones) and some soft drinks. You may find somewhere that'll do you a sell-or-return deal.

    • Fobsessive on 28/04/2017 - 18:21

      Craft beer!

    • Draxxx on 28/04/2017 - 19:57

      At the very least. I'd double that.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 12:03

      You may find somewhere that'll do you a sell-or-return deal.

      Paper towels for guests who return their drinks…

  • agom on 28/04/2017 - 18:20
    +22

    Oz bargainer throwing party for 180 people..is this for real :-)

    • smartazz104 on 29/04/2017 - 17:43
      +1

      All those savings are paying off.

    • altomic on 30/04/2017 - 16:59
      +2

      that's a lot of chicken nuggets!

  • fruit on 28/04/2017 - 18:41
    +3

    lol

  • captobvious on 28/04/2017 - 19:09
    +4

    These days no 21st is complete without ice

  • holdenmg on 28/04/2017 - 19:12

    Overheard:

    You guys up for a toga party?

  • onetwothreefour on 28/04/2017 - 19:25
    +16

    I can count my family and friends on one hand and I have 3 kids.

    • Knightelf on 29/04/2017 - 21:46
      +3

      Yeah, having kids can have that effect on your social circles.

  • Ughhh on 28/04/2017 - 20:00
    +13

    Don't forget to organise time for the first dance and speeches. Oh and your vows.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2017 - 20:17
    +8

    Hold on, I've seen enough super sweet 16 episodes to know that a party isn't complete without Mr. International: Pit Bull.

    • ozbjunkie on 30/04/2017 - 12:17
      -2

      I just threw up in my mouth a little.

      That dude… He is so rediculous, it's painful.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2017 - 13:45
        +1

        Wrong, definitely blueridculous.

  • Findo on 28/04/2017 - 20:39
    +7

    Hey OP, are you Indian??

    • ozzyoi on 29/04/2017 - 08:12
      +2

      Why do you ask so?

      • ozzyoi on 29/04/2017 - 13:05
        -3

        lol, why am I being negged?

    • activ8newbs on 29/04/2017 - 16:02
      +4

      lol yes I'm indian and yes it's a bigger celebration in the Indian community.

      • Findo on 29/04/2017 - 16:11
        +1

        I went to a few 21st parties hosted by Indian mates two years ago. Two things that stuck out compared to other parties: there was heaps of food. Not just cheap food like sausage rolls, but decent Indian food. There were also heaps and heaps of relatives and extended family in attendance. Almost everyone got to take home a takeaway box of food and a beer or two as well.

        They were good fun, those parties.

  • Illian on 28/04/2017 - 23:19

    Sounds more like a bat mitzvah to me. That's insane, my husband's 21st is this year and the most he's going to have is a small family dinner and a day out with me lol. I don't understand it but good luck with it, my only advice (and this may not apply depending on your tastes) is to make sure the music isn't shit.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 01:16
      +25

      Holy shit, married at 20? Have I woken up in 1945?

      • loulou1 on 29/04/2017 - 08:14
        +1

        I was also married at age 20. Still very happy 16 years on.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 09:37

          He must have been rich

        • Deridas on 29/04/2017 - 12:33
          +4

          @Burnertoasty:

          Nothing wrong with married at 20 if they have found the right one.

          Jealous? ;)

        • Illian on 29/04/2017 - 15:04
          +1

          @Deridas:

          If he was any more jelly he'd be the J in a PB&J Sandwich.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 15:49
          -4

          @Adonael: This is probably the single worst post on Ozbargains in the history of Ozbargains. On so many levels.

        • loulou1 on 29/04/2017 - 16:55

          @Burnertoasty: nope. Nor was I.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 16:58

          @loulou1: Big mistake. Eject!

        • loulou1 on 29/04/2017 - 17:01
          +2

          @Burnertoasty: Not even sure how to respond to that. Really though, if money is your only motivation to marrying someone, wow.
          My two biggest goals in life are to be happy and to be kind. Sure, having a load of money may assist happiness in some ways, but my hubby honestly makes me pretty happy.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 17:39

          @loulou1: Isn't that what your lover is for?

        • outlander on 30/04/2017 - 17:10
          +2

          @Deridas:

          Some people worry about the timing of things, wanting to find the right time to do it so everythings perfect. Friends, drinking, virginity, jobs, business, marriage. They leave it too long, and time ends up making the decision for them

          Others embrace the chaotic unpredictability of life and rush into things head on, knowing they'll find their way one way or another

          Out of the two, I believe the second is better. Both involve heavy disappointment, but at least with the second you have fun.

      • striker5950 on 29/04/2017 - 11:16

        lol my reaction also, dang bruh

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 12:07

        Holy shit, married at 20? Have I woken up in 1945?

        In the Middle East more likely…

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 13:09
          -6

          Really not appropriate

        • moza on 29/04/2017 - 14:34

          @Scrooge McDuck: that just logged me out of ozbargain? Bit of a pain…

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 16:12
          -2

          @moza:

          Did you feel safe?

      • Illian on 29/04/2017 - 14:59
        +3

        Haha, well some of us are beyond our years, and then meet someone also beyond their years, and the two feel an inextricable connection in a one in a billion chance encounter then.. you can guess the rest. Though it is a good story actually and we're well aware of it being a little unusual in this day and age but sometimes you meet someone who letting go isn't an option :D.

  • Hirolol on 28/04/2017 - 23:26
    +7

    Photo booth would have been way better.
    They are so much fun!!!

  • irishgal on 29/04/2017 - 00:58

    Maybe a photo wall of photos of you growing up.Or a larger framed photo guests could sign.Are you doing speeches. Perhaps a small gift thanking your parents for all that they have done for you.Just a thought.

  • smpantsonfire on 29/04/2017 - 01:15
    +7

    Dude, get the damn photobooth. You are a mood killer with that attitude.

    People want photos, they have a REALLY fun time taking them in the booth. Just do it. If not for you, for your friends and family.

    • ozzyoi on 29/04/2017 - 08:13

      True that

  • Fobsessive on 29/04/2017 - 01:47
    +2

    Live rock band

  • AlienC on 29/04/2017 - 03:34

    Just make sure to record it and have it up somewhere safe where it will be immortalised.

  • GangGang on 29/04/2017 - 07:58

    Games for children.

    • xoom on 29/04/2017 - 08:44

      games for everbody. why only kids?

      • KaraZorEl on 29/04/2017 - 09:29
        +1

        We had a bouncy castle for my son's birthday.. well first birthday. That would be nice..

      • GangGang on 30/04/2017 - 08:19

        True.

        Though I look forward to the food at every social event haha.

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

    As others have said….photo booth!!!! Sounds like you can afford it so why not? They are so much fun and saves people being bored sitting at a round table all night…

  • PictureMeBroken on 29/04/2017 - 11:42
    +13

    Is this post about seeking help or is there a fair bit of bragging involved?

    • Deridas on 29/04/2017 - 12:37
      +4

      Sadly you might be right. Telling the world about such a lavish birthday party shouts nasscisim all around. There are people out there who struggle to afford that much for their wedding, let alone a birthday.

      • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 12:46

        But isn't it lovely that some people can and are genuinely excited about it? I'm happy for people when they can do this stuff, I never had any of that growing up and it's great to see. I'd be pretty chuffed if I could do that for my kids in the future.

        • callum9999 on 29/04/2017 - 13:32
          +6

          Isn't it lovely? Not remotely.

          If they have the money and want to do it then great, they should definitely do it. Rich people doing extravagant things normal people can't afford to do doesn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy feeling though.

        • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 14:10
          +2

          @callum9999: I didn't interpret the OP as rich - rich kids don't get that excited about their 21st and come on a bargain site asking for ideas. OP seems very lucky for me and I'm happy for them. I could be misanthropic about it but then I'd be unhappy and whats the point of that? Good for the OP I say, hope they get the photobooth.

        • callum9999 on 29/04/2017 - 15:59
          +5

          @MissG: They're throwing a formally catered party for 180 people, whoever is funding it is either wealthy or has more money than sense.

          I also wasn't being sarcastic - if it's what they wanna do then genuinely great, it's just not a "lovely" thing to see wealthy people get spoilt!

          Again, there's absolutely nothing wrong with them spending money on things they want.

        • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 22:38

          @callum9999: I think it's lovely to see parents spoil their kids and for the kid to be excited. Not my place to judge what they spend their money on, everyone has something they irrationally spend on.

        • callum9999 on 30/04/2017 - 07:24

          @MissG: Well I guess I'm not quite as materialistic (which is very lucky given my current bank balance!), so we'll have to agree to disagree.

        • outlander on 30/04/2017 - 17:13
          +1

          @callum9999:

          A party every now an then is important. If you can afford it, why not throw a big one? Does more good for the economy than putting it in another investment house.

        • callum9999 on 30/04/2017 - 22:15
          +1

          @outlander: I didn't say they can't throw a party, I said it's not lovely to hear about.

    • Fobsessive on 29/04/2017 - 14:25

      Relevant bragging gif from Buffy The Vampire Slayer
      https://www.google.com.au/search?q=spike+I+don%27t+like+to+b…

    • ozbjunkie on 30/04/2017 - 12:21

      Ahh c'mon let them be excited about their birthday. They have the rest of their lives to be more humble and less self centred.

  • Pornboy69er on 29/04/2017 - 12:16
    +5

    Wait, this is real? I thought it was satire.

  • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 12:45
    -1

    Another vote for the photobooth - shove the guestbook next to it, make it print doubles, get people to stick the photo in your guestbook with a message - my friend did that for a wedding and it was awesome. I still have the photobooth pictures of my fridge 5 years on.

    • ego22 on 29/04/2017 - 16:49
      +7

      How did you manage to get into a photo booth with your fridge?

      • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 22:36

        Oops thanks for the laugh! And once again I can't edit my typo, I don't like this timed thing.

  • djmm on 29/04/2017 - 12:52

    No self respecting future 21year olds would throw a party without strippers.

  • Nerd81 on 29/04/2017 - 12:56

    Give away for the guests?

  • C3P0 on 29/04/2017 - 12:58

    Bikies are fun at parties

  • Tech and cars on 29/04/2017 - 13:03
    +1
    • Photobooths are great - you can also keep a copy of the photos for your own "album".
    • Just setup a basic video camera/smart phone on a $20 tripod to make sure someone records the speeches.
    • Try your best to enjoy it/spend as much time with everyone and don't get too caught up if things go wrong (things like cake is the wrong type etc), with events like this you can very quickly get caught up in the detail and forget about having fun, which is the main goal.

    Have fun, hope it's a great party! :)

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 13:10

    Sounds like another brag post
    I swear ozbargain is becoming the whirlpool forums
    I personally wouldn't be attending a 21st without a photo booth or something to keep people entertained

    Have a good time but it's clear it's a brag post

    • MessyG on 29/04/2017 - 14:11

      golfclaps

    • John Kimble on 29/04/2017 - 14:28
      +6

      A: Hey, you want to come to my 21st?
      shawncro 222: Do you have a photo booth?
      A: No
      shawncro 222: No thanks.

      Awkward.

    • Tech and cars on 29/04/2017 - 17:34

      It's anonymous. How can it be a brag post…

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