Patrons enjoying themselves at a party. - File

It is summer, the children are on holidays and it is not only the heat but also parties that are on. And while many of the get-togethers will surround the young ones, adults tend to just as much entertaining in the long summer months when there is a tendency to relax as much as possible.

The time of year does not matter to the budget, though, and a party requires as much attention to financial detail as it does to the various elements that will, hopefully, make it a nice time for all.

While many people take the 'do it yourself' approach to the business of partying, others hire a party planner (or event organiser), especially if the celebration seems set to be a big one. And although Tonique is not yet the professional party planner she aspires to be, she does know a thing or two about having a fun time that does not break the bank.

And it starts with the people.

"Every party ends up bigger than it was planned to be, even by a couple of people. So if you can only cater for 30 people, invite 25. Trust me, it will end up close to 30 or more," she said.

Making guest list

Whether it is a wedding or a children's party, she advises discipline in making a list of guests and actually sticking to it. "There is always a reason to invite someone else, but never invite someone because you feel obligated to do so. Having them around will probably spoil the party feeling anyway and it will only add to the cost," Tonique said.

She advises that there should be a rough quota of party goodies per person. "Many times people cater for twice as many people as those who actually turn up, with the result that they end up supplying their guests' dinner for the next couple of days. Of course, you are not going to allocate two bottles of drinks per person, but do not cook to feed the nation," Tonique said.

And, for adults, there should be a cut-off point, not for the party to end abruptly but for the person hosting the party to get it to taper off. This could be done by changing the type of music that is being played, or introducing a semi-formal speech element that changes the tone of the party. "It is a simple thing. When people put on parties to make money, the longer it goes on the more money they make, because the more people drink and eat. It happens the same way for house parties, but of course they are not paying for anything," Tonique said.

For children, she points out that the party does not have to be elaborate, as "a group reading of a story is just an entertaining and stimulates children more than hiring a bounce-a-bout and having then hop around."