By the numbers

By the numbers

Here’s an idea of how much some elements of a party could cost:

TENTS, TABLES, CHAIRS

10 x 20 tent: $100

20 x 20 tent: $135

20 x 40 tent: $235

Banquet tables: $5 each

Chairs: 55 cents each

FOOD AND DRINK

Food: $13 to $15 a head

Bar (house beer and wine): $4 to $6 a head

Three cookie tiers: $25

Champagne fountain: $35

INVITES AND DECORATION

100 invitations: $90

100 thank you notes: $50

Rental card box: $15

100 personalized napkins: $35

2008 balloons: $10 each

Helium tank (70 balloons): $30

Personalized banner: $35

Five pounds colored M&M’s: $50

Source: Classic Tent and Party Rentals, The Georgetown, Party On, Card Creations

Big bucks

’Tis the season for going overboard on purchases and parties:

The Shops at Boardman Park Hallmark store sells 4,000 to 5,000 cards during the graduation season, profiting $12,000 to $13,000, said manager Cheryl Gruitza.

M&M’s are sold by the pound for $9.99. Graduates get anywhere from five to 15 pounds in their school colors, said Jeff Lyda, co-owner of Party On of Niles.

The Georgetown banquet center in Boardman will cater 400 guests for a high school grad bash, said Carole DeFiore, general manager. That could potentially cost the party throwers nearly $10,000.

Invitations are costly, but adding personalized stamps with your graduate’s face on them would tack on an additional $90 for every 100 stamps, according to www.stampexpressions.com.

Gift ideas

Ranging from $15 to more than $1,000, these are Target’s high school graduation gift suggestions:

Graduation picture frame: $15

Chrome piggy bank: $17

Jersey bed sheets: $20

Wristwatch: $40

Laptop carrying case: $45

Gift card: $50

Digital camera: $150

Six-piece luggage set: $150

Electric scooter: $230

iPod: $250

Lexmark printer: $250

19-inch TV with built-in DVD player: $400

Toshiba notebook (15.4”): $1,070

Source: www.target.com