Help me plan Gma's 80th- Dance Party

RichInLove

My grandma turns 80 in November. She has been talking for years about having a dance party for her 80th. And I mean, like big band, swing, that kind of stuff, fox trot, etc. We're thinking black tie, everyone wears white or black and she wears red. Classy, but not over the top.

Her kids (my dad, aunts) don't want to spend ginormous amounts of cash on this, but I also have no idea how to go about this other than renting out a hotel ballroom and hiring a band.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

sdme

what about trying a local park and rec or church hall and get a dj that specializes in music of that era.  (not sure if you wanted food and all that kind of stuff)

good luck!

bridal_honey

Hi,
I was just thinking--my DH father in law just moved in with us--I've taken him to the Senior Center in Encinitas a couple times--they have a monthly dance with a live big band--I don't know where you live, but maybe you could check out the schedule and see the bands listed or call and ask about a couple of them--see page 20
http://www.cityofencinitas.org/NR/rdonlyres/54DD7D2E-4012-4059-9B89-F1290971C172/0/Senior_LR.pdf

Maybe they have a Senior Center type place or Recreation Center in your area that you could rent out for not too much----

JustLes

Checking out the local park or rec center is a great idea.  You can get great deals by looking at publicly owned establishments.  I'm not sure if November is the best time to have an outdoor party, but it may end up being less costly to do it outside under a rented tent (with space heaters of course).

If you don't have to have live music, consider having a DJ run the party.  That will cut some of the cost.  Are you planning on having food at the party?  If so, buffets are generally cheaper.

inluv4life

I second a local senior center. Vista has a great one! The Gloria McClellan Senior Center - Check it out!

Cristin Welch

Those are great ideas above! Also, dont hire a caterer, just pick up food trays at a local restaurant.

I love the black and white idea...not sure if people would want to dress in black tie (it can be costly)...but that is a cute idea.

RichInLove

Thanks everyone!  I hadn't thought of looking in to senior centers.

We definitely want food and a DJ would probably be fine.

I'll keep you all posted.

inluv4life

There's a cute senior tap dance group that does shows...the Groovin' Grannies. They are in SD and so adorable. It might be fun to have them perform if you can't find a band. (they are cheap, I believe)