I created a budget for my daughters graduation party. Some things are going to be more expensive than I planned and others I am spending less on. I am borrowing a lot of items from people such as tables, chairs, coolers, and a large tent. DD2 really wanted a chocolate fountain after we had one for her sisters. It really is her only request of the party. Our friends have one and are loaning it to us. I've been trying to guess how much chocolate we need and went for 8 pounds. While we will have assorted bars and cookies, I've decided no cake as I recall not many people eating it-partially my fault as we cut later than we should have. If I underestimate, we'll serve until it runs out, but if there are leftovers, I'll send back with my friend. I splurged on the chocolate, based on reviews. I don't want to clog her fountain nor have fake waxy chocolate. The splurge is my trade off to an expensive graduation cake. Borrowing items are my balance. Overall, I think I'll stay on budget.
As we ended up spending more on both the floors and the appliances, I'm looking wherever I can to find trade- offs that help keep our cash flow in balance. We needed a new toaster as ours was my dad's old, inexpensive toaster and alternately burned or didn't toast. I lusted after the beautiful $90 Oster, but after reading a few reviews, ended up with a much more simple, still stainless, Hamilton Beach, after discount, for 75% less. I figure if my dad's $10 toaster lasted he and my mom for a decade and then myself another six years, it will be fine. I even used an old gift card so didn't have any out of pocket cost. I'm enjoying delicious Caribou coffee, a gift from DD1, but when that runs low, I'll restock with $3.49 a pound Aldi premium. I can't say it is just as good, but it is more than good enough, and over 50% less. Household and groceries, entertainment, and eating out will be my biggest trade off areas, enjoying our life, but by spending a bit less.
I realize the entire party is a splurge, and a unique to the mid-west thing. Even here, some people feel it is a total unnecessary event, celebrating what is just the expectation of a kid after 13 years of a required education. For me, it is more than just the graduation, but the celebration of our kids moving out of childhood, and setting a course for their adult lives. Her friend is not having a party, as she chose a vacation with her expenses covered. A cruise, so literally , launching her into adulthood. I didn't give DD2 or my other kids the options so I readily admit this party is for me and DH as much as her. I'm starting to get a bit overwhelmed at the amount of stuff I want to get done. There will be trade off's and balances there as well. We will eventually settle for good enough so that we can find the balance of hosting a nice party while not burning ourselves out to the point we aren't enjoying the night.
I'm sure you'll manage to get it all done but sooner you than me. I find "hosting" very stressful and really envy those that "seemingly" enjoy it or do it easily. On the other hand I LOVE spontaneous get-togethers as I always have stuff in my kitchen to make food. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I'm sure it'll be a success and she'll love it!
ReplyDeleteI'll feel better about hosting impromptu once the big things and event is done. I need to stay motivated to keep things this way.
DeleteYou will get it done and I am sure it will be a happy, great and cost effective event. graduation parties are not a typical thing here. I am really glad for that since our community's graduation is a ticketed event and is limited to 6 tickets per household. My kids all ordered the minimum announcements and only sent them to their aunts and uncles. I guess high school graduation is not looked at as a big thing here.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a party regardless if the back yard is a mess and the food isn't perfect and if cob webs are still found. I just want her to enjoy it with her friends and family.
DeleteIt is an important milestone for your daughter. I am sure, all of you will enjoy it and not regret the expense. It is very wise of you to reach out to your network for borrowing items you will not use later on. I think we ought to share resources more than we do now. Congrats to your DD2 and have fun at the party!
ReplyDeleteI'm passing off things to other friends when her party is done as well. No one needs huge party items all the time.
DeleteWe had parties for our kids. Funny ting though the eldest graduated from Law school as the second from high school, then the second graduated from her dental program the same time the youngest graduation from high school. My kids were very spread out in age. So we were able to combine parties, making it less expensive as they shared. Also easier for relative that traveled.The youngest had her own celebration with a small amount of family. Congratulations Mom you worked hard for this.
ReplyDeleteWell that's coordination! We didn't do parties for college or grad school-just dinner out with the immediate family.
DeleteI live on the East Coast and we did parties ("open houses") for both my girls when they graduated high school. I viewed it as more of a send off to college rather than a celebration of the prior 13 years of expected achievement. My youngest is now graduating college this weekend. We had an "open house" for my oldest's college graduation last year, and I made everything from scratch, including the cake. We did have a small whole roasted pig that I purchased from a caterer. DEE-LISH-OUS!!! We put sunglasses and a mini mortar board on its head. No regrets. For youngest she just wants a small burger and dog cookout with whomever is around for her big day. She was too focused on finding a job and moving into her adult apartment with her boyfriend to even think about having a party. She thinks she may want to have a grad party later in the summer for extended family but we shall see.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the party!!
Yours, DeeCee
I guess different customs in different areas. In Minnesota, I think it is an excuse to get stuff finally done and be done with winter.
DeleteSome people here who live out in the country - smaller towns - do that as well. Not in the cities though. I think it's a nice tradition. Try and get some family help so you are not the one doing everything :)
ReplyDeleteI've got great help with sisters and friends. They are all making desert bars and will keep the food stocked so I can visit with people.
DeleteWhere I grew up, people definitely hosted parties. I'm not sure what happens in our local area, as my kids are still too young for that to be a conversation. I'm certain we will do something for friends, but the majority of my family won't be local, so we will also probably have a party at our vacation house a bit later in the summer for family.
ReplyDeleteThe big open houses I guess are not universal it seems, but big in certain areas. For college graduation it was just immediate family and grandparents.
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