Party at home - approx. $5K

[Anonymous]

This doesn't seem outrageous to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems a little high to me, too. You could definitely do a restaurant at this price.

Does it include tables, chairs, linens? Are they doing everything? (all set up, break down, prep and cleaning after?)

All one place? (ie, one bill?)

I think if you separated it out you could get cheaper without too much effort. You could hire a bartender, and supply the booze yourself. That probably saves a lot.

And then the food - What is your vision for the food? is this passed appetizers, which requires more staff? a seated dinner? Could you do a buffet, have the catering company come in and do set up and then just have a couple of staff keep on top of trash and picking up discarded plates and drinks?

I want to know where you have gotten quotes for 40-ish adults for food and full bar for $5k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s nuts. Should be less than 1k even w catered food.

That would be for the most basic party. Pizza and crock pot chili for 40 adults. I'm guessing OP is looking for something a little more upscale.

[Anonymous]

We've spent this on a party at home before for parties for about 60-70 people.

Catered food, booze, rent tables/chairs/linens, some decor like flowers etc. It adds up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s nuts. Should be less than 1k even w catered food.

I don't want to eat the catered food for a party for 40 that allows the total tab to come in under 1k. Assuming no other expenses for the entire party, 1k for 40 people is $25/head. And you haven't bought any booze or drinks or anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems a little high to me, too. You could definitely do a restaurant at this price.

Does it include tables, chairs, linens? Are they doing everything? (all set up, break down, prep and cleaning after?)

Cocktail tables, they are setting up and breaking down, prep and cleaning.

All one place? (ie, one bill?)

Catered food, bartender (with rentals), alcohol, all separate.

I think if you separated it out you could get cheaper without too much effort. You could hire a bartender, and supply the booze yourself. That probably saves a lot.

Already doing this.


And then the food - What is your vision for the food? is this passed appetizers, which requires more staff? a seated dinner? Could you do a buffet, have the catering company come in and do set up and then just have a couple of staff keep on top of trash and picking up discarded plates and drinks?

Catered buffet, doesn’t include staff.

[Anonymous]

I just threw a party Saturday night for about 50 people at a restaurant (private room) with open bar and all-in (tax, tip, etc.) it was about $150pp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just threw a party Saturday night for about 50 people at a restaurant (private room) with open bar and all-in (tax, tip, etc.) it was about $150pp.

Please share where!

[Anonymous]

5k seems about right for quality service, maybe even a little low. You don't say menu, how many guests, what kind of table settings etc.

[Anonymous]

It seems reasonable. We spent twice as much for an anniversary party five years ago, same number of guests.

[Anonymous]

Chick-Fil-A nugget tray, pigs in a blanket, and shrimps. Skip the bartender and get a cooler of Rolling Rocks. You’re welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chick-Fil-A nugget tray, pigs in a blanket, and shrimps. Skip the bartender and get a cooler of Rolling Rocks. You’re welcome.

And for dessert, banana puddin’

[Anonymous]

Sounds reasonable. We throw a 60-70 person party every 2-4 years and spend about this or a bit more. We get a rented tent with tables, chairs and a small dance floor plus a dj or band.

Then the booze and catered food add up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This doesn't seem outrageous to me.

Same. We spent this for a party at a restaurant for a big bday. In hindsight, at home would have been better. Go for it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I genuinely don’t understand the folks saying it would be the same at a restaurant or it should be significantly less. Would love to see a breakdown if so.