18 is such an important age (mostly for females) in the Philippines. Most of their childhood dreams of wanting to hit puberty and become an adult culminate by turning 18. It’s their “debut” and you can’t have a debut without a debut planner, right? Not exactly. It’s still is a good idea to have a debut party planned but for people on a budget, planning on your own could be an option. Here are some planning options to help you get started.

Of course, anyone’s 18th birthday is important – every birthday is! But this day reflects you’re coming of age as well as a welcome to the adult world. Reflect hard on what defines you as a person and let that show on how you choose to spend your birthday. It could be as simple as a family gathering with a few of your closest friends having dinner and drinks. It could be as elaborate as a cotillion with a theme built around things you are passionate about like art, the sciences—anything goes!

Jade Green Gold and Purple Peacock Musical Wedding or Party Invitation and RSVP Card. Comes in Musical Box that Sings! Singing Music boxed invite in jade. Totally custom, high end/class, couture, elegant invite.

Jade Green Gold and Purple Peacock Musical Wedding or Party Invitation and RSVP Card. Comes in Musical Box that Sings! Singing Music boxed invite in jade. Totally custom, high end/class, couture, elegant invite.

Plan ahead and Budget Well

This is especially true for elaborate debuts as well as birthdays that will be spent out of town. Planning means that you have to canvass for event places, food cost, and amenities (favors, invites, chairs, tables, and man power to name a few). You have to check the budget constantly if it could fit your desired number of guests. Always keep in mind that a more ambitiously themed party will either cost more money or will require you to be more resourceful with the budget you already have. It is a good idea to start planning at least 6-9 months in advance so you can space out all the details. First thing, find a venue that can accommodate your date and your budget, then plan to do one item per week on your to do list. Remember if you want custom invitations, they can take up to 5 months to come in (according to what you want) so after you have chosen your venue and the date; order the invitations next. You might want to consider the latest trend in invites: MUSICAL invitations.

Enjoy

It’s a party—it’s YOUR 18th birthday party. On this day, everyone is looking at you. If you planned properly, you should be all set.  Don’t stress yourself out too much that you can’t have a good time anymore, especially come the day of the event. Some things will mess up. Not everything will fall into place and that’s ok. Don’t let it get you down and instead have fun with what’s working alright. It is, after all, a celebration of your life, so at the very least, bring that life to the party.

These are very basic points to take not of to help you maximize your time and money but don’t let this restrict you to what you think is best for you. Spoil yourself every once in a while. It is your debut after all.

Our Guest Poster is from the Phillippines
Pierre Angela Cruz, is a Marketing Consultant for Ailen Lim Evernts Planner. The leading debut party planner in the Philippines. She can be reached at cruisepiyer@gmail.com