First-time hosts get quoted $10k because vendors assume you don't know the numbers.

A 40-person birthday does not need a $3k venue. A housewarming does not need an $800 florist. An engagement party does not need a planner taking 20%.

Here is the split I use to keep any of those under $6k:

• Space: $0–1,500 — home, backyard, or a restaurant private room on a weekday

• Food: $1,500–2,500 — drop catering or one restaurant, not a plated dinner

• Drinks: $600–1,000 — batch cocktails, not an open bar

• Decor: $300–600 — lighting and flowers. Skip the balloon wall.

• Music / photo: $400–800

• Buffer: $500

That's the whole night. The rest of the $10k quote is markup on inexperience.

If you're throwing one in the next 60 days and you refuse to spend $10k to look like you know what you're doing — that's who Host Kit is for.