Debut Preparation Ideas: Nine tips for Your Big 18
Debut preparation doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve listed down nine ideas on how you can prepare for your debut to help you out!
1 . Budget
Before anything else – budget, budget, budget! It’s a smart choice to have an estimate on the things you want to spend on for your debut. Having everything laid out from the start makes sure you won’t overspend and keep everything in check. If you want to contribute to your debut funds, save money as early as a year from your target date.
2. Theme
Next is the theme. Take inspiration from your favorite movies, books, series – anything that reflects you. You can also take inspiration from different celebrity debutants who went all out on their themes.
To make things easier, make mood boards of your desired theme. You can add color palettes and decor you’d like to see at your debut party. Want a whimsical debut theme? Add fairytale-like elements to your mood board as guidance! You could also go with classic themes such as an enchanted garden or draw inspiration from internet aesthetics.
3. Guests
Guests are the biggest factor in your debut. Not only will they determine your budget, but they’ll also be there for your life’s milestones. The people you invite should be narrowed down by importance to you. Start with your family, extended family, friends, and then other people.
At this stage, you should also choose if you want to have the traditional 18s like 18 roses, 18 candles, and 18 Treasures, or if you want to mix it up and add your new set of 18-something traditions.
4. Venue
For the venue, choose one that’s spacious and accessible. Make sure that the venue you choose has enough room for the guests to move around. The venue should also be easy to travel to and have enough parking space.
You should also always remember the season of the date you chose and plan for the weather. Some venues might be fully booked, especially in peak seasons like the -ber months.
5. Catering
Celebrations are often partnered with good food. Make your debut memorable by choosing a catering service already established in the industry. Your budget for the food is also determined by the guests so choose a menu that can satisfy many people.
Here’s a tip: Caterings often hold grand food tastings in their partner venues. During this food tasting, you can sample their food, see a sample set up, and see their service in real-time. Attend one of these in your target area or venue and save time.
6. Program and Invitations
A debut program keeps everything organized. List the activities you want, such as games and performances, and arrange them logically. Don’t forget to include meal times, especially since some venues have time restrictions. If your guest list is small, unleash your creativity and DIY the invitations!
7. Attire and make-up
While it’s common for debutantes to have multiple dresses, one stunning dress can be enough. Choose something comfortable for moving around as you’ll be entertaining guests all night. If you’re having trouble deciding, check out our top 10 dress suggestions that will surely wow your guests! Read it here.
Your makeup should complement your attire. If you have the skills, you can do your own makeup and try trendy looks, which can save you money. Alternatively, hire a professional to help you relax on your special day. Communicate your preferred makeup styles beforehand.
8. Photography and Videography
Decide whether you want a professional team to capture your special day. Will you opt for a pre-debut shoot or just hire a team for a day? There are things to consider when hiring a professional team:
- Samples – Before hiring a professional photographer, look at their samples and portfolio. Make sure that you like their output first before booking their services.
- Team size – Look at their package and see the size of their team. Will it be enough for the size of your party?
- All-in packages vs separate suppliers – some venues offer all-inclusive packages where they provide all the suppliers you need for your debut.
9. Self-care & Destress
After all your careful planning and organization, don’t forget to unwind. Treat yourself to a spa day or engage in relaxing activities at least two days before your big event. Invite your friends or loved ones to join you and enjoy the time together. And remember to keep these debutante dos and don’ts in mind!
Keep these nine debut preparation tips in mind to reduce planning stress. Want bigger promos and a stress-free experience? Hizon’s Catering offers amazing deals with catering, styling, and venue all in one perfect package. Inquire with us now and let’s add some fairytale magic to your debut!
