A creative mum who loves nothing better than throwing a lavish party recently spent $20,000 on her child's 7th birthday. Photo / Supplied / Hazal Memories
A creative mum who loves nothing better than throwing a lavish party recently spent $20,000 on her child's 7th birthday. Photo / Supplied / Hazal Memories
A doting mum from Melbourne has revealed how she recently splashed $20,000 on her daughter's seventh birthday party.
And while she has come under fire by some online for her extravagant effort, she said she had no plans to stop.
Amy Movsisian, an event planner, told news.com.au she had been throwing parties for her only child Melina since she was six months old. Each year, she steps things up a notch.
"Every year we've thrown a party for Melina, the styling has been a bit more luxurious and we take things a lot further," Mrs Movsisian said.
And while her daughter always gets to choose the theme – this year a carnival-theme was chosen – nothing is unveiled until the day of the event.
While Mrs Movsisian is an expert at creating lavish affairs, there is no question her attention to detail at this particular event was phenomenal.
Not only were specialised carts on-hand offering ice cream, sweets, candy and fairy floss, a main meal consisting of chips, nuggets, a hot dog, and a cold drink was part of a specially monogrammed set.
In addition to lunch, four carts were on hand to supply a range of delicious sweet treats for attendees. Photo / Hazal Memories
After lunch, and in keeping with Melina's dream, there were several carnival rides outside.
These included a Ferris wheel, bouncy castle, a revolving tea-cup roundabout and a delightful chair swing ride.
"After the rides, we served fairy floss and freshly-made ice cream made by Lickings, Brighton," Mrs Movsisian said.
"Desserts included mini mousse, cupcakes, macarons. The lolly cart also came with personalised packages for everyone to take home."
While the event took months of preparation, a fierce hailstorm on the day sadly cut things short.
"As soon as it got a bit darker, people started leaving because they were worried about the weather," Mrs Movsisian said.
"We didn't really make the most of it, but we still had a fantastic time and Melina was surrounded by friends when we cut the cake."
Amy Movsisian of Arden Events (with her daughter Melina) loves nothing more than creating memorable parties. Photo / Supplied / Hazal Memories
Movsisian revealed a breakdown of costs for the event from rides through to photography and a special fairy outfit.
These included $730 for a custom cake, $2100 for rides, $2000 for a custom backdrop for the venue and $1000 for balloons.
Additionally, $2500 was spent on drapery and lighting, $700 on personalised tableware and $2500 on food, drinks and desserts.
Table and chair hire cost $850, photography and video hire, $600, and $330 was spent on a special outfit for a carnival fairy.
SETTING EXPECTATIONS TOO HIGH?
Recently Mrs Movsisian posted the results of her stellar efforts on a Facebook group dedicated to children's parties.
And while much of the feedback was positive, some struggled with the extravagance, with a few saying they didn't think spending so much on a party was justified.
"It's beautiful but I don't agree with these massive parties setups for such a young age," said one.
"Maybe for a 21st or 18th. Expectations are now set high and I don't believe it's a good thing for the child."
Another said: "I can't afford this and I'm so glad my children don't have Facebook and are happy with a very cheap little no fuss party every few years."
Every aspect of the party was carnival-themed, including a specially catered meal for attendees. Photo / Supplied / Hazal Memories
Rather than take offence, Mrs Movsisian said she loved creating and had no plans to stop – regardless of what others think.
"People have judged me for throwing these sorts of parties, but I am in the event industry and I want my child to have the best," she said.
"I would feel so guilty if I threw parties for other children and my child just had her party at McDonald's.