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

  • stumo on 29/04/2017 - 14:25
    +4

    Does nobody do a yard glass at their 21st anymore?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/04/2017 - 14:29
      -2

      What the hell is a yard?

      • John Kimble on 29/04/2017 - 16:46
        +1

        An imperial measurement or piece of land.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 16:22
    +1

    Strippers

  • ego22 on 29/04/2017 - 16:47
    +1

    Donald trump impersonator…

  • John Kimble on 29/04/2017 - 16:48

    Beer pong table?

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 16:55

    Where's my invite? Never exclude broden from anything.

    • gimli on 29/04/2017 - 17:07

      shouldn't it be where are my 100 invites which I can flog for a profit on fleabay…

      • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 17:11

        Ssshhhhhhhh ;)

  • Homr on 29/04/2017 - 18:01

    A lap dancer?

    • xoom on 29/04/2017 - 18:40
      +1

      not sure how aunty sheryl will take to this.

      • altomic on 30/04/2017 - 17:05
        +2

        on the lap, I guess.

  • aromatase on 29/04/2017 - 18:06

    Fairy floss machine
    Bouncy castle

  • Ace Ventura on 29/04/2017 - 18:48
    +4

    As a nearly 21 year old, wouldn't 12k be better invested in something that may yield a return?

    • outlander on 30/04/2017 - 17:15
      +2

      To what end?

    • michaelTito on 02/05/2017 - 01:12
      +5

      Like a $80k car?

    • myusername on 02/05/2017 - 15:09

      by the sounds of it their parents are throwing the cash at this.

      think about it what normal 21yr old would be spending this much money on a bday party.

      what ever happened to a cask of goon down the local ark with your mates?

      i feel like this post is more about bragging about their party, than anything else.

      what am i missing? first world problems

  • eneloop on 29/04/2017 - 18:48
    +5

    Your missing the 80K car

  • iChopstick on 29/04/2017 - 20:47
    +2

    Goon, lots of it.

    • Lockieasy on 01/05/2017 - 17:02
      +1

      This. My messy 21st was all goon and cordial!

  • PAPower on 29/04/2017 - 21:34

    Karaoke for the loud ones.

    Maybe water balloon fight as well.

  • ganymede on 29/04/2017 - 22:00
    +3

    Lavish birthday is a great way to start getting into debt.

      • activ8newbs on 01/05/2017 - 08:19
        -3

        Pls don't talk about your daddy on my post.
        Thanks.

  • KenDiaMoi on 29/04/2017 - 23:47

    I was at a wedding where they gave each table a disposable camera that the guests could use and had the film developed after.
    I think that might be a good idea. Cheap too.

    • Fobsessive on 30/04/2017 - 01:38

      Does a person on the table get the developed film?

  • Adz81 on 30/04/2017 - 02:09
    +2

    Please whatever you do, don't do an open bar tab…

    For your own benefit and the benefit of the event. In over a decade of hospitality work, I've come to loathe events with a bar tab… People drink to excess and because they're not paying for it, have no hesitation in wasting good booze (I've literally just gotten home from a function where I poured close to the equivalent of a carton of piss warm booze down the drain)… The best functions I've hosted have involved guests subsidising their drink purchases (even if it's only paying $1 for their drink). And the absolute best function I've been involved with didn't even have a bar tab… Just a bunch of people there to help celebrate the event (this was an engagement celebration, but the best 21st involved subsidised drinks).

  • DiscoJango on 30/04/2017 - 09:44
    +4

    tip for when you get older: out of those 180 people, by the time your 30, you will probably be in contact with 1, maybe 2 of them.

    • Limitless on 30/04/2017 - 20:48
      +1

      Considering OP is having immediate and extended family at the party i hope the number is a tad higher than 2 :S

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2017 - 10:51
    +1

    Why 21 party ? What happens at 21 ?

    • altomic on 30/04/2017 - 17:06
      +5

      mandibles extend from out of your chest cavities

  • dan111 on 30/04/2017 - 13:13
    +1

    can i come

  • ihbh on 30/04/2017 - 14:17
    +4

    Lucky door prize.

  • jace88 on 30/04/2017 - 16:40

    Any giftlist/wishlist/etc?

  • outlander on 30/04/2017 - 17:23

    A big cake, but instead of cutting it you smash it with a hammer, covering everyone with cake

    • anastasiastarz on 02/05/2017 - 06:52

      Yes those do exist. Smash cakes.

  • FW190 on 30/04/2017 - 20:46

    I have read somewhere that some rich Chinese kid gave every guest at his birthday party an new iPhone, something to consider? :)

  • Limitless on 30/04/2017 - 20:50
    +2

    Lolly bar

    • activ8newbs on 01/05/2017 - 08:21
      -6

      YAS! Thank you. Out of every comment this, and the guest book are the only two ideas i've actually considered. Thank you a tonne.

      • Limitless on 01/05/2017 - 09:57

        All good enjoy your night!

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2017 - 21:02
    +6

    Troll post.

    • myusername on 03/05/2017 - 10:02

      agreed, have a look at some of their previous posts

  • nomunny on 30/04/2017 - 23:11

    goon

  • Lancerx on 01/05/2017 - 00:51
    +1

    Another why you could make so much money off Gen Y like OP

  • wjb on 01/05/2017 - 01:16
    +1

    eneloops with a thank you card for every guest.

    Depends how much $ and effort you wanna spend, could present those gifts on each table as part of decoration. Engrave your name on those eneloops, something memorable. You get an idea…

  • ipiok on 01/05/2017 - 06:46
    +5

    You should cancel and have an icecream cake party at hungry jacks.

  • bighead on 01/05/2017 - 08:53

    Fresh flowers are always nice.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2017 - 09:22
    +1

    Disposable camera on each table. Collect them at the end of the night. There will however be 1 p#nis shot. If its family though you may be able to recognise it.

  • 50cent on 01/05/2017 - 09:35
    +2

    You are just missing me to perform there !!

    • myusername on 03/05/2017 - 10:03

      get back to da club

  • Brouw3r on 01/05/2017 - 10:49

    Polaroid photographer also hired for 50 shots

    about 180 people

    Your paying someone to take 50 polaroids of 180 people? Everyone will want a copy.

    • activ8newbs on 01/05/2017 - 10:57

      the polaroids are for me

      • Brouw3r on 01/05/2017 - 11:29
        +1

        Then just get a normal photographer to save everyones disappointment, you will get a lot more than 50 photos as well and be able to share them with everyone more easily. Your going to need a microscope to see anything in your "high end wide polaroids"

        • activ8newbs on 01/05/2017 - 11:33

          I've got a sperate photopgraphy and videgprahy (digital) package. The polaroid is just for lols.

  • mrham on 01/05/2017 - 11:10
    +3

    Are you gonna have food? Because I think you should have food. Lasagne's nice, and so are burgers… You don't need a plate for burgers, which gives them an edge on lasagne. But you can eat burgers off a plate, too.

  • ggkfc on 01/05/2017 - 12:26

    you should hire some models to hang around in your party, that way you can get good looking photos

    • activ8newbs on 01/05/2017 - 12:26
      -1

      but thats my job

      • ggkfc on 01/05/2017 - 12:27

        mates rates

  • fredzfrog on 01/05/2017 - 13:08

    Have you organized security? or are you relying on the venue for that?

  • MISIEK on 01/05/2017 - 14:21

    Limousine hire? royaleuropean.com.au

    • activ8newbs on 02/05/2017 - 14:49

      That's a bit OTT - even for me lol.

  • SilentBob on 01/05/2017 - 14:22
    +1

    180 people for a 21st?

    What a joke, sounds like a (profanity) party.

  • sweepercover on 01/05/2017 - 15:25
    +1

    Call it off and save the money. Buy a property. 21 is just a number. You've been around the sun 21 times. You will do many more rounds.

    • activ8newbs on 02/05/2017 - 14:48
      -2

      Correct.

      A property is also in my financial horizon of 12-18 months. I sacrificed a lot of eating out, and a lot of nights out to save so much at such a young age. I'm feeling a little bit adventurous now - I can't wait to have the night of my life (Til date)!

  • Pootie Tang on 01/05/2017 - 16:08
    +2

    I've heard of these parties where you have a big bowl and all the men put their keys in it upon their arrival and when you leave the women or their partner randomly select a set of keys and you go home with that person keys you pick out of the bowl. It's like lucky dip but better

    • roddy84 on 01/05/2017 - 16:51
      +2

      Sounds like a nice way to get a car upgrade.

  • gas720 on 01/05/2017 - 17:06
    +2

    would you be able to not have the party and save yourself the $15000 you are spending???
    you could probably buy a nice car with that??

    • John Kimble on 01/05/2017 - 17:21
      +1

      Judging by his other posts, money isn't an issue for him.

  • lippy on 01/05/2017 - 17:17
    +1

    frozen margarita slupree machines and cocktail dispensable machines

  • cameldownunder on 01/05/2017 - 18:05
    +1

    Organize a raffle: 10$ for a ticket for a new Mac Book Pro. That way you get your money back.

    • John Kimble on 02/05/2017 - 05:09

      Only if each guest buys 9 tickets each…so unlikely.

  • anastasiastarz on 02/05/2017 - 06:57
    +1

    You should hire Preston Bailey to do your deco/flowers, he's the master of it all. Balloon sculptures are in atm, also lit up giant words for deco. Sparkler send offs and fireworks.

    How are the invites going? You can get fancy calligraphy ones, or 3D pop-up ones from etsy that are custom made. Matching stationary for place cards, menu cards, all stationary (use for candy buffet too) and thank you cards.

    Is there a candy buffet? Buffets are big these days. Other ideas include DIY popcorn, waffles, s'mores, etc.

    So you don't want a photo booth, but what about a 3D printer that makes mini models? Or a 360 video booth?

    Have you considered gift bags for guests?

    I'm an events planner specializing in crazy expensive events :P Revenge (on ABC) had the best parties, including one where the host send everyone their outfits to wear to the Fire & Ice Ball.

  • cashless on 02/05/2017 - 08:53

    CAKE! A very big cake needed

    • xoom on 02/05/2017 - 20:39

      With a stripper hopping out of it.

  • jerjergege on 02/05/2017 - 09:03
    +1

    Save the 12K instead.

  • PetPenguin on 02/05/2017 - 10:41
    +1

    Have you thought of a cake topper to go on the cake? Something that says "Twenty One" or "Happy 21st"…

    • activ8newbs on 02/05/2017 - 10:58

      yup thanks - the cake lady is doing that stuff!

    • xoom on 02/05/2017 - 20:39

      Gotta post that on fb and let it go from there.

  • ts13 on 02/05/2017 - 17:13
    -3

    Custom Snapchat filter. I haven't read all the comments so idk if it's already been suggested.

  • Lucky13 on 02/05/2017 - 18:10

    Looking for a suit… some good suits here lol :) http://www.mytuxedo.com.au/mens/formalwear/novelty-range/

  • giles97 on 02/05/2017 - 23:39

    invitation?

  • smit0847 on 03/05/2017 - 02:25
    +1

    I've been to loads of 21sts and can only remember the same 4 things from any of them:

    1. Whether the venue was something special or bog standard. Special includes hiring a whole floor of a really cool nightclub, or having it as a weekend away at some family beach house or something. Your bog standard function room at a pub/suburban function centre is very forgettable regardless of how many helium balloons or streamers you include.
    2. Whether there was enough food. This is the most common mistake people make when planning these things. Nothing makes a party go downhill quicker than an open bar with no dinner.
    3. How long the tab lasted. You can expect most people to take off within 30 minutes of it running out. A fair time for the tab to expire is midnight.
    4. Whether any speeches were particularly memorable (good and bad reasons). Good reasons include Dads or best mates being naturally hilarious and missing their calling as stand-up comedians and being assured a speech spot at the birthday persons wedding afterwards. Bad reasons include speeches that go on for far too long (should be no more than 3 speeches and they should be no more than 5 minutes each) or include a lot of private jokes that 90% of the crowd don't get.

    Best 21st I went to was in this awesome nightclub/bar that was the perfect size for the crowd and just a really memorable setting. Worst 21st was a school friend who 'found Christ' after school and organised a birthday at a suburban yacht club in the middle of nowhere with the tab being half a glass of fizz for a toast and no other alcohol. This was not communicated to the attendees in advance so no-one drove. Speeches went for over a hour and were neither entertaining nor amusing and included giving presents that were opened and discussed during the speeches. I believe the speeches finally concluded with a lengthy prayer. I wanted to gouge my eyes out with a fork and haven't seen the birthday girl since (12 years ago).

  • trapper on 03/05/2017 - 13:21

    Just don't forget the yard glass.

  • lysp on 03/05/2017 - 16:11
    +1

    I've seen this done at weddings, but might work for this too.

    Put a disposable camera on every table with a note asking people to take some photos with them and have some fun, and then to hand them in to a particular place at the end of the night (or leave them on the table).

    ($14-$18 depending on quantity)
    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/polaroid-d…

    Afterwards get them all developed and enjoy photos taken by your guests - will be often less formal and more interesting than the posed ones taken by the official photographer.

    • xoom on 03/05/2017 - 23:09

      Im going to hazard a guess there will be a dick pic in there.

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