Party Planning Help?

Ok. for my 15th birthday, me and my best friend (were eight days apart in age) are haveing a big party. We have no idea what all needs to go into party planning or w/e so we really need help! our limit is about 300-400 dollars, and were thinking about doing a hollywood themed party with a red carpet and photographers, and then have everyone dress in red carpet attire. Then the rest of the night we will just have music and dancing. The turnout should be about 100 people. We think we found a good place to rent out thats big enough, and only 100 dollars for two hours. We need a DJ, lights, decorations, and a cake. Any party planners out there that would give me advice? what else do i need? and what are estimations on what each of these would cost. any advice your willing to offer would be greatly appreciated! THANKS! ---JAiME AND ANSlEY

Party Planning Help?
i'm a professional party planner, so i can tell you this: your biggest expense is going to be a DJ. unless you have a friend who will DJ for free, that could $400+ alone. try posting flyers around your school for someone who would be willing to do it for free. otherwise, you could burn CDs with your favorite music and have someone in charge of playing the music. last resort would be, rather than accepting gifts, you could ask people to pitch in for a really kick-*** DJ.





the place you are renting should take care of any lighting needs. or you can rent a strobe light and smoke machine from a rental place. and depending on where you live, you should be able to find "red carpet themed supplies" at any large party supply store. some places even have life-size cutouts of various stars. they're pretty cool.





another cheap lighting suggestion is getting those twinkle lights in a strip (lights with plastic tubing around them) and hang them from the center of the room out in strands to all four corners and four places in between. then take black tulle and drape it over the lights.





with your budget, you can throw a really funky party - it will just take some creativity and a lot of delegation of tasks to your friends. i also suggest looking into your local firehouse or american legion to see if they have a cheaper room rental.





good luck and have fun!!!