What's Most Important?

So you're planning a party. What is most important to you: the venue, food, beverages, cake or other dessert, entertainment, decorations or something else? If you have an ample budget, you may not have to make that decision but for the majority of people, you need to decide on which aspect to spend the most money. Is it your vision to have your event at a really cool venue?  Do you want to pick a top caterer to furnish food and beverages?  Would you like a fantastic cake artist to create a masterpiece for your celebration?  How about hiring a band or other performer?  A party decorator to transform the venue into your dream setting? It's important to start with a ballpark budget with a cushion added in as chances are you will probably go over your initial estimated amount.  

Most important to me, personally, would be to make sure my guests had enough to eat and drink.  I definitely would NOT want to run out of food!! I would also want to guarantee that they had a fun experience which means planning some sort of musical entertainment, either live or recorded, and perhaps an activity.  Accordingly, I would spend less on the venue, cake and decorations but that doesn't mean those items have to take a backseat, so to speak.  Pinterest is a wonderful resource for DIY ideas.  Search for your party theme and tons of ideas could come up.  You can check out my boards for inspiration: www.pinterest.com/meetsmilestones  Many decorations are simple to create or perhaps you have a friend/family member who's crafty.  As far as the cake is concerned, I highly recommend the Costco half sheet cake.  This cake is delicious! You can order a white or chocolate cake with buttercream frosting and yummy filling between the layers.  It's less than $20!! (There might be a small charge for decorating it.) Yes, that's right! Less than $20! And no, I'm not being paid by Costco. LOL I've attached a picture of the Costco cake my husband got me for my birthday last month. 

To summarize, pick out the aspects of your party/event which are most important and plan accordingly.  It's best if you can pay as you go so you won't have be stuck with party bills for months to come.  Happy Planning!