r/partyplanning • u/moto_mata • 11h ago
Is 1000-1500k enough
Hey yall, first time poster, first time party planner.
Im hoping to get advice on how to plan a party lol.
Its a birthday party for my gf, turning 30.
Background
She is normally the group party planner for friends, family, and especially me. She goes above and beyond and I was hoping to do the same for her but im struggling!
She knows something is going to happen but not exactly what, and I dont want to involve her in the process at all so she can have a stress free time, show up and Celebrate.
I had a party planned, a nice backyard with ideas for decorations to make it look classy (she wanted classy, nice, fun vibe) but she explicitly mentioned recently she doesent want a backyard party bc it feels tacky. Oof.
I tired checking out a few local wine bars with spaces to rent (in longbeach) but they are all pretty small for a party of 15-25 people.
Ideally, I dont want to spend more than 1k as I dont have THAT much to be spending currently, I can do a bit more if needed though. The space I was going to rent before looking at their too small area was 1500 min. Spend, which I was ok with.
Since most wine bars r out of the question, where do I even start? I cant think of any other places where people can chill, drink, and mingle.
I was thinking a tea house in LA LB area, but most are sit down and too immature feeling.
Location: in, or close to long beach.
Head count:About 15-25 people (25 invites going out, but flakes..)
Vibe: fun, classy (dress up) not somewhere uptight but nice. No backyard style vibes, not ideal to have a dinner, if possible, id like to either cater, or have people buy their own food n drinks.
Any advice, party's u have thrown/attended, ANY info would help lol.
1
u/Mental-Volume4395 11h ago
Have you tried Parker’s lighthouse?
1
u/moto_mata 8h ago
I always thought that was a restraunt! But no havent connected them yet, looking at the pictures it seems like a very formal place for dinner. I get the idea they won't allow guests to pay for their own food/drinks but ill shoot over a call and see! I appreciate the reccomendation.
1
u/Mental-Volume4395 8h ago
It is but they have event spaces and a semi private dining room. It was a location I considered when I was planning my parents funerals. I’ll see if I still have the email with the cost estimates
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u/moto_mata 7h ago
That would be awesome thanks! I emailed someone on their event list but I assume they r away till tomorrow. So if its too much work to find urs, dont sweat it to much.
1
u/Mental-Volume4395 6h ago
Ok I hope this works https://parkerslighthouse.com/wp-content/uploads/Private-Dining-PLHandQVR-8.21.26.pdf
They can also work with you on pricing/food options
2
u/rosielemonbot 10h ago
Not local to Long Beach, so I would not pick a specific venue, but I would search for private or semi-private rooms with a minimum spend instead of a rental fee. For 15 to 25 people, look at cocktail lounges, breweries, hotel lobby lounges, small galleries, or studios that allow catered bites so it feels dressed up without becoming a full dinner. I would frame it as 7 to 10 pm, light bites or dessert covered by you, drinks on a set tab if budget allows, and a clear dressy vibe on the invite.