For Hollywood's littlest celebrities, the cost of a birthday party can easily reach $25,000 or more and parents everywhere are trying to keep up. Suri Cruise's 2nd birthday bash reportedly cost $100,000 thanks to a $45,000 catering bill and a $5,000 cake. Million dollar entertainers like Aerosmith are headlining Bat Mitzvahs and party guests are going home with $1,000 goodie bags! On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali Landry talks to the Party Goddess, Marley Majcher, about blowout kiddie soirees, and to Dayna Devon, co-host of "Extra," about children's birthday party madness.
Click here for the Spanish version.
Ali's Take
I am in the middle of trying to plan a party for a soon-to-be 2-year-old. I completely blame myself for the stress that I am feeling. At first, I thought, let's just do something simple ... a cake, a few friends, maybe a ride on a pony (one of my daughter Estela's new obsessions). After all, my second birthday party consisted of my aunts, uncles, and cousins sitting on the porch with a cake, a few presents, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. I don't really remember it, but everyone in the pictures seemed to be having a pretty good time without all the bells and whistles that are such a big part of today's celebrations.
So now I ask myself, if you don't need much to have a good time, why do I feel so pressured? I have come to the conclusion that because this is my first child, I want to give her the best party I can and make EVERYTHING about the day special. Because I am in the entertainment business, I have access to a lot of wonderful resources and companies that have offered to help make Estela's birthday a special one. When you add that to the mix, it's REALLY hard to stick to my original idea of keeping it simple. I am now trying to find that happy balance.
"Extra's" Dayna Devon threw her daughter Emmi a Barbie-themed party for her 3rd birthday! Caroline Greyshock
Everyone is paring down their spending these days, but it's hard to cut back when it's for our kids. There are so many great ideas out there and if you're willing to put in the effort, you can still pull off an amazing shindig without breaking the bank. You just need time, creativity, and resources. One of the things I am doing now (on Dayna's recommendation) is keeping a file of anything I see in a magazine or elsewhere that I think would be great for a party. That way, when it's time to plan, you already have a whole stack of ideas to look at and budget for. Dayna also recommended checking out eBay and the 99 Cent Store for supplies. Looking for a great cake and not into baking? Costco is famous for its delicious (and inexpensive) birthday cakes. Want to send the kids home with a gift but don't have any companies clamoring to sponsor your party? Think of a craft that can be both a fun party activity and also a great take-home gift, like stringing up some beaded jewelry for girls or decorating hard hats for boys. Just try not to let it stress you out. (Easier said than done!)
I can see why parents everywhere are falling into the party madness trap! There's even a national organization, Birthdays Without Pressure, devoted to helping parents and kids find alternatives to the out-of-control parties that are now the norm. I know that Estela is only 2 and doesn't NEED a blowout bash, but there is nothing I want more than to see a huge smile on her face on her birthday. At the end of the day, what really matters is that we surround our daughter with the people who love her and create joyous memories that will last our family a lifetime. If those joyous memories include a few extra blessings that come along with my husband and I being in this business, then I am not going to feel guilty or stressed about it ... I sound stressed, don't I?
Whether you are looking for a true pro to plan your next party or just some great ideas, visit Marley's website: thepartygoddess.com.
Special thanks to Juvie -- clothing and gifts for tweens -- in Los Angeles, California.
Dayna poses with her husband, Dr. Brent Molleken, and their two children, Emmi and Cole. Lisa Rose Photography
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Courtesy Trista Sutter for use on CBB
