Budget 101: Here's a Breakdown of Your Expected Debut Expenses

Even if you don't get to spend your own money (but your parents') for your debut, chances are, your folks will still put you in charge of tracking the expenses. It is important that you set a definite budget for your debut to make sure you don't overspend. Most debutantes come up with a debut checklist, and then allot part of the budget for each debut detail to better track the expenses. Here's a sample debut budget breakdown to help you get started.

Debut party: 40-50%
When breaking down your debut budget, start off with the most expensive element of your debut: the reception. Allot at least half of the budget as this covers most of the important things-the venue, food (including cake and mobile bar) and event styling.

Debut look: 10%
Your debut look will include your gown, hair and makeup services, accessories, shoes, and other elements that will complete your look. Depending on the services you'd want to avail of, this allocation may need to be bigger. Other things to consider are if you want to have two to three gowns, or a second look for your after party. Your designer and HMUA will charge additional fees for those.

Technical aspects and Entertainment: 8-10%
Are your hiring a DJ or a band for entertainment or at least a choreographer for the cotillion? These all depends on how you want to execute your debut. A more grand debut means more expenses as well.

Stationery: 5%
Allot about 5% of your budget for this one. This is just a small portion of your debut that mostly includes invitations, thank you notes, place cards and guest books. Or if you want, you may just lay out your own invites (or ask a friend to help you out) so you'll just need to spend on the printing.

Souvenirs and Favors: 10%
This comprises the gifts you'll be sending your guests like cupcakes, photo souvenirs, GCs and other themed items.  If you'll have a photo booth, you may let the print outs serve as your souvenirs as well.

Debut Coverage: 15%
This may include a pre-debut shoot, debut photos, a Same Day Edit video, a photo album and a photo booth. These will be your souvenirs of your once-in-a-lifetime moment so allot at least 15% of your budget.