Video by Taryn Elliott via Pexels
Key Takeaways
- Guests don't notice everything. They notice the *one* big thing.
- Lighting is cheaper and more effective than flowers.
- Spend money on comfort (chairs, AC, drinks) before decorations.
- Use LOMAevents to track your "big spend" items vs. the fluff.
The "Spread Thin" Mistake
We've all been to that party where there are tiny decorations everywhere—a little vase here, a streamer there. It costs a fortune but looks... meh. Why? Because our eyes can't focus. When everything is decorated, nothing stands out.
The $10 Fix: Lighting
Here's the secret: Lighting is everything. You can buy a simple clamp light and a warm LED bulb for about $10. Point it at your main feature—the cake, the bar, or the photo wall. Dim the rest of the lights. Suddenly, you have drama. You have a "moment." And you spent $10.
How to Do It
- Pick Your Spot: Where will the most photos be taken? That's your spot.
- Light It Up: Use your $10 light to highlight it.
- Dim the Rest: Turn down the overhead lights. Mood is free.
- Cut the Fluff: Take the money you saved on 50 tiny centerpieces and buy better wine. Your guests will thank you.
Track Your Budget in LOMAevents
It's easy to lose track of small purchases. "It's just $20 for napkins" adds up fast.
- Vendor Categories: Create a "Décor" category in LOMAevents.
- Prioritize: Drag your "Lighting" vendor to the top. Drag "Table Confetti" to the bottom (or delete it).
- Visual Budgeting: See exactly where your money is going so you don't overspend on things nobody will remember.
Pro Tip: Before the party starts, take a photo of the room with your phone. If something looks cluttered in the photo, remove it. The camera doesn't lie.
Your Next Action
Go into LOMAevents, look at your vendor list, and ask yourself: "Will anyone remember this in a week?" If the answer is no, cut it.