How much should i spend on a 25th Anniversary party?

Question

I need help please!

im trying to plan my parents surprise 25th Anniversary party and im way over my head :(. i was hoping anyone whos has done this could give me their words of wisdom.

this is a tricky question, but how much should i be spending on the party? the reason why im asking this is i would like to book a reception hall, i've found one thats close to home, and has a room that can seat 80-150 guests. and is available on the date im after, but it will cost me $3,500 to rent out that room. is this expensive for hiring a room for the night? (i would prefer to rent out a room rather than share it with another party)

and how much should i be spending on catering and on entertainment (dj's or band), and invitations

the party will be in December this year

thank you in advanced

Answer 1

why not rent out a small room at a restaurant? its cheaper and you wont have to hire a caterer plus people will be talking and cracking up so you wont need entertainment.

Answer 2

I have recently remarried and the whole wedding cost $1000 less than your reception room for one night.

You do not say where you are so I am answering as if you were in Australia.

Why not surprise them at home?

We did this for my parents 45th anniversary party.

We asked the guests if they would supply food and/or look after a barbeque for us, we asked them to come in the back yard very quietly at a set time.

We had told my parents we were taking them out to dinner half an hour after we had asked the guests to be there.

or you could take your parents out for the day and have someone set up the party for their return.

Does anyone you know have a room/ yard big enough to have  80 to 100 people?

Or maybe another type of hall, scout/guide and community halls are normally for hire for the weekend at a LOT cheaper than the reception halls but the decorations ect. must be put up and taken down by you.

Catering about $7 to $45 per person

Dj or band cost vary but from $600 upwards why not hire a jute box or simple hook up a laptop to speakers and play the type of music THEY like.

Invitations can be hand made or buy an invitation pad.

Decorations can be as simple as streamers and balloons

Ask your guest to pay for themselves at a restaurant and for big parties some restaurants will close the restaurant for a private party, or does your local restaurant or pub have a function/dinning room?

Don't forget if you do have the party at a house rent extra toilets, I have been to house parties where there was only ONE toilet for 50 guests and have had to wait in line to use it, not good for the very young/old or pregant.

Answer 3

First, are you sure your parents WANT a 25th Anniversary party?  My folks did not.  They didn't want a 50th either (they are married now 53 years).  

I couldn't even afford the room that you are renting.  My wedding and reception budget combined is less than that.  As far as music, up to you. If you want dancing, get a DJ. If you just want background music, load up an iPod with appropriate tunes and get a stereo that it plugs into.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Spend what you can afford.  I'm sure they wouldn't want you going into debt for their party.  Something tasteful and fun should do the trick.

Answer 5

i gave my parents a surprise 25th anniversary party!    However, we just had it over our  house; prob had around 60 ppl.  We spent like $1000 on food, decorations, and stuff.  You should be able to rent a place for cheaper than that.  Getting a party room at a restaurant or bar shouldn't be that much.  As far as hiring a band/ DJ, why not bring a laptop, rent speakers, and do your own music?  Also, you could make your own invitations.  Catering is going to cost a lot of money, but it should all fit in your budget. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 6

Oh wow, honey!  That is a lot of people to throw a SURPRISE party for all by yourself!

What is your overall budget?  You could probably get a reception hall at a Catholic Church for a MUCH smaller donation if you were willing to abide by their reasonable rules.  If you have a DJ, it should be fine... if you watch your pennies you can save some money.  (We got a deal on a DJ at a bridal fair and saved $150... we spent $20 on tickets, but we also met and booked a DJ with 20 years experience who we will know will be awesome.  We planning to put the money we saved towards his tip.)

To save on catering, consider apetizers, grocer caterers, and a later start time on the surprise party.  

GOOD LUCK!