By the numbers
By the numbers
Here’s an idea of how much some elements of a party could cost:
TENTS, TABLES, CHAIRS
10 x 20 tent: $100
20 x 20 tent: $135
20 x 40 tent: $235
Banquet tables: $5 each
Chairs: 55 cents each
FOOD AND DRINK
Food: $13 to $15 a head
Bar (house beer and wine): $4 to $6 a head
Three cookie tiers: $25
Champagne fountain: $35
INVITES AND DECORATION
100 invitations: $90
100 thank you notes: $50
Rental card box: $15
100 personalized napkins: $35
2008 balloons: $10 each
Helium tank (70 balloons): $30
Personalized banner: $35
Five pounds colored M&M’s: $50
Source: Classic Tent and Party Rentals, The Georgetown, Party On, Card Creations
Big bucks
’Tis the season for going overboard on purchases and parties:
The Shops at Boardman Park Hallmark store sells 4,000 to 5,000 cards during the graduation season, profiting $12,000 to $13,000, said manager Cheryl Gruitza.
M&M’s are sold by the pound for $9.99. Graduates get anywhere from five to 15 pounds in their school colors, said Jeff Lyda, co-owner of Party On of Niles.
The Georgetown banquet center in Boardman will cater 400 guests for a high school grad bash, said Carole DeFiore, general manager. That could potentially cost the party throwers nearly $10,000.
Invitations are costly, but adding personalized stamps with your graduate’s face on them would tack on an additional $90 for every 100 stamps, according to www.stampexpressions.com.
Gift ideas
Ranging from $15 to more than $1,000, these are Target’s high school graduation gift suggestions:
Graduation picture frame: $15
Chrome piggy bank: $17
Jersey bed sheets: $20
Wristwatch: $40
Laptop carrying case: $45
Gift card: $50
Digital camera: $150
Six-piece luggage set: $150
Electric scooter: $230
iPod: $250
Lexmark printer: $250
19-inch TV with built-in DVD player: $400
Toshiba notebook (15.4”): $1,070
Source: www.target.com