18 Ideas to Earn on Debut Events

Debut is like other birthday celebrations. It needs suppliers and present opportunities to earn.
Below are some ways to earn extra cash on 18th birthday celebrations:

1.  Venue Rental - An ancestral house, a garden in your house, or your house with a swimming pool can be marketed to be a venue for special occasions like debut. Make sure to allot parking lot spaces and offer security with the guests.

2. Photograper/Videographer - If you have camera and above average talent on taking videos and photos, you can try to be a photographer or videographer. You can charge on per hour basis.

3. Gowns for Debut for rent/sale -  Do you own lots of gown at home hidden in your closets ?  You might have pretty gowns that you only wear once. Take them out and advertise it with others. Your old debut gown or  JS prom dresses might be the the same dream gown of other birthday girls. Sell or offer them for rent.

4. Giveaway/Souvenir Items - There's so many items that you can offer as souvenir in debut events.
 Cake Jars, Eiffel Tower bottle opener, Flip flop bottle openers, Rose petal soaps are just some of the items I found in OLX as souvenir items. You can find or create your own souvenir and sell them too.

5. Event Planner/Coordinator - Organizing a debut can be a big stress for a girl or the family. If you know most or everthing about managing a debut event and can organize according to the wants and needs of the birthday girl, then you right  to offer your services.

6. Birthday Cakes - Got the talent in baking? Or do you know someone who can bake good cakes?
    Find that talent or find that baker and sell cakes to 18th birthday celebrants.

7. Emcee / Host- If you dont have the capital to purchase equipments like expensive cameras, you can concentrate on master the skills of hosting an event.

8. Sound and Lights -  Some families want the best celebration for once in a lifetime event like debut.  They can invest for impressive sound and lighting system and pay them at competitive price.

9. Violin/Piano/Guitar - Again, if you don't have big equipments like big, expensive, and powerful speakers and adorable lighting systems, but you are gifted with a talent in playing instrument then you can offer to perform on debut events. You can negotiate the price with your customers.

10. Singer - Similar with number 9 but this time your voice is your capital.

11. Photobooth - Just like on other events like wedding, children's party and corporate celebrations,  18th birthday is also a good market for photobooth business

12.Invitations - Got the talent for designing invitations?  Not all are relying to simple Facebook event invites. Printed invitations is still viewed as a more polite way of inviting family members and friends, so ready the ink and print for them.


Why did I stop on 12? I believe there are more ideas out there to try.

13. Dancers
14. Dance Instructor
15. Shoes
16. Make up artists
17. Hair stylists
18. Flowers

Debut Party Venue Design

Debut Party Venue Dcoration Ideas

How to Identify Suppliers for Debut and Birthday Events

How to Easily Identify Suppliers for Debut and Birthday Events

A great place to identify lots of suppliers for birthday celebration in one place are bridal fairs and trade fairs. These event are usually conducted in major super malls like SM Megamall and Mall of Asia.


You don't need to search google over and over again just to search for a possible supplier and their cheaper alternatives. You can save time and effort by simply registering and joining on bridal and debut fairs because  Debut Attire Sellers,Photoraphers,Videographers, Host,Music,Event Coordinators,Event Stylist,Hair,Make Up,Invitations,Souvenirs,Caterers, Cake,Mobile Bar and Party Venues suppliers are all gathered at this kind of fair. Bridal and debut fair is a one stop shop for planning your 18th birthday celebration.

As an added benefit, you can directly transact and talk with brthday event suppliers personally. Building trust and assurance from suppliers  is something that you can enjoy when registering on debut fairs.


By the way, Wedding and Debut Bridal Fair 2015 will be held on megamall Trade hall on Feb 20, 21, 22. Don't get too worried if you are not available during this date because this is being done annually and there are other organizers in different malls for this type of event.

Cactus, A Unique Souvenir idea for Debut

Cactus or Succulents is also a nice idea for birthday souvenir.  Its a plant and will not easily wither. 

You can avail this item on Quezon City circle but you'll find them also on other markets like Market! Market! and at the Eton Centris Sunday Market. 

Cactus for Souvenir

 Price range for the cactus usually cost 50 each. However, you can buy as low as 3 for 100 pesos. Some items are offered at a higher price because they include pots or ceramic pots. You can also select cactus on https://www.facebook.com/cactus1204. They also offer fortune plants

These cactus and succulents are  nice decorations for you guests' homes. Taking care and propagation can also be a hobby and serve as stress reliever of your recipients also. That is a great reason to make cactus as your giveaway on your 18th birthday celebration.

Debut Party Checklist

Debut or 18th Birthday Party Checklist

1.Logistics/ Venue
Fit for rainy season? Sunny season? Ventilation? Right space?

2.Lights

3.Sound System
Microphones, Big Speakers?

4. Foods and Drinks
Catering? Snacks?  What time to serve? Extra for late guests

5.Program Flow
18 roses, 18 candles, 18 treasures identified?


6. Invitation and Teasers
Facebook Invitation? Printed invitation given?

7. Host
Do you want a formal hosting? Comedian? English or Taglish? Chinese?

8.Documentation
Video recording? Photographer?

9. Games and prizes

10.Finance

11.Dress and Shoes
What color? How many? Elegant ? Matching? Fit for Dancing ?

12.Others
Videoke, Photobooth

How to Surprise a Birthday Girl on her Debut

The best way to surprise a girl is to talk or hire several singers to sing ot dance on her debut.
It may be a celebrity, her crush, her classmate, her friend, her boyfriend, her brother, or father or anyone that she will appreciate.

Of course, the songs should be a little bit romantic or should be dedicated to the birthday girl.
The boys can sing solo but it is better if they can perform in group too. The nicest thing is for them to serenade and give flowers to the debutante.

I haven't heard a debut program with 18 songs or 18 boys singing a song for the birthday girl but I think that is more surprising compare to the usual 18 candles, 18 treasure, or 18 gifts

The Blue Leaf, A Nice Place for Debut

The Blue Leaf Filipinas

According to website, debut celebration event Starts at Php 305,000 nett for 150 guests. Venue and cuisine services inclusive (with designated caterer). Essential features inclusive  (Photobooth)

Package includes the following:

Five hours use of venue

Two hours ingress

One hour egress

Air-conditioning system

Stage

Hall Projector and screen (5,000 lumens LCD projector, 9ft. x 12ft. screen)

Hall Sound system

Electricity (up to 60 amperes)

Parking space

Caterer's area

Hall Lounge (adjacent to the venue)

Security Staff support

Engineering Staff Support

Maintenance Staff Support

You can also inquire for  renting the venue only and excluding the other services and amenites above

Here is a peak of one of Blue leaf Filipinas venue

For updated rates, check their website http://filipinas.theblueleaf.com.ph/RatesFilipinas

Bingo, A Fun Game for Debut

Bingo

Who is not familiar with the game Bingo? Everyone know that it is a fun game for frienda and family members but it is seldom played in family events like birthday.

Bingo Game for Debut

We can modify this game for a debut celebration by printing and  putting meaningful numbers on the bingo card. For example, put 25 because it is the birthday of the debutante, put 7 because she has 7 pet dogs, put 16 because it is her age when she experienced her first out of country trip.- a trip to Japan and Korea.

The winning numbers can be drawn from a box. Once the number is drawn, the event host can ask the guests to guess the exact number corresponding to the number drawn and the trivia will be given as the clue.(eg. The number I got is the number of pets owned by our birthday girl)  Token or small gifts can be given to those who answered correctly.

The major prize will be given to the first person who completed all their numbers on the card. Bingo!

Message for a friend for 18th birthday

Its so uncomfortable when someone ask you to deliver a speech at times that you are not prepared.
I had a bad experience before. I'm still alive after the speech but I wish I prepared more.
That time, I wasn't invited on  a debut but lets talk about 18th birthday celebration speeches now.

What message can I give to my friend on her debut?

The short answer is anything that you want to say. Be honest. Be yourself. Yo don't need to imitate speech bu other persons and you don't need to imitate someone. I'll give you a few examples:


Criselda, 
Thank you for inviting me on this day.  You're so lucky to have  supportive parents and a grand celebration like this. I hope you can give me one like this on my own debut. I'm just joking. 

I only have one wish for your birthday and that is for you to meet your first boyfriend. I think it's time for a special girl, I mean lady, like you to meet a special someone.

Happy Happy birthday, Criselda.



Criselda,
I still remember the day that we first met.  You asked me the name of our professor in Physics. That time, I realized that I'm in the wrong classroom because I need to be in Marketing class. That is one of the craziest thing in my first semester at school.

I'm lucky that I met you. You are so bright and always willing to help me with my projects.
Please don't change.   I will always be here to support you!  I love you!



Criselda,
Thank you for inviting me.

 Now that you are 18, please be more mindful on the way you dress. You are no longer a child now.  Happy Birthday. Here is my gift for you. I think  you know what's inside. I hope you'll like it.


Be confident in delivering your message. Address it on the debutante and not on the other guests.
Don't mid the number of people around. Imagine that you and your friend are just alone. I think it will help a lot. I know you can deliver a far more better message than the samples above

Debut Sample Speech

Debut speeches are usually given at the end of the celebration. It can serve as closing remarks.
Not all debutantes are comfortable in delivering speeches. Most are shy and do not like to deliver long speeches. The truth is debut speeches don't need to be long. You just need to express what you feel. Usually, debut speech is just a series of thank you messages and appreciation to your special someones. Read on the example below

Thank you for coming tonight on my debut celebration. 
I'm so happy and surprised that my parents organized a party as big as this.  I didn't expect that I will experienced an awesome celebration tonight. Mom, Dad, I love you and thanks for taking care of me for the past 18 years. 

To my friends, I appreciate your presence and heartfelt messages. I hope we can still be together on our next semesters and even after graduation. Thank you for your patience in listening to my problems, helping me on my projects, and advising me on my love life. I promise to be there for you when you need my help. 

Lastly, I would like to thank all the sponsors and those who help in providing the decorations, food, cakes and my lovely debut gown.

Please enjoy the food and the rest of the party. 


You don't need to memorize your speech. A brief outline or idea of what you to say is sufficient planning. However, expect that you are going to deliver a speech in front of several people.
Avoid stuttering, avoid long pauses and don't be nervous. I advise you to speak in any language that you are more comfortable with to avoid nervousness and stuttering.

This is your birthday. This is your day! Just have fun and share the fun while delivering your speech.

Debut Planning

An awesome debut party is achievable by dedicating enough time for planning.
Just like a student, you need to prepare.  Just like a celebrity, you need to rehearse.

Some items that you need to identify before your big day are the following:

1. Date
When do you want to celebrate your debut? On the date of your birthdate? on a weekday? on a weekend? Sunday following your birthday?
Please remember that most students and employees have classes and work on weekdays so they might be uncomfortable in weekday schedule unless they file an absence.

2. Guest List
Who are the people invited? Do you plan to invite all your classmates or just your close friends?
Make sure that you can accommodate all of them.


3. Invitation
Send your invitation early. If you can't send a card, a social media invite is a good substitute.
Post your event on facebook and invite them. Request for a reply so you can have a head count.


4.Foods
Catering or someone at home will cook all the food?  Food should be enough for the confirmed guests. Prepare some extra for unexpected visitors.


5.Venue
Is your home or garden big enough for a debut celebration? Do you have enough space for your 18 roses dance? If you have more budget, rent an event place.
Secure the date with the event place and ask for the management support.


6.Dance
There are dancers or choreographers that are willing to teach you any type of dance for a fee.
However, if you have  friends who can assit you and the cotillion dancers,  don't e shy to ask their help first.


7.Speech
After practicing your dance, practice delivering a speech. What you need to achieve is the confidence and skill to speak in front of too many people.  Deliver a message that you really want to express.


Did I miss something? What else do we need for a perfect debut plan?

Debut Program Flow Sample

Program Flow for Debut 

You can celebrate your debut anyway you want. It is your birthday. It is your party.
There are no hard rule. But I advise you to plan so you and your guests will appreciate the entire party.


Here is sample plan for debut celebration.

Guests arrival/ Registration
Serving of refreshing drinks
Welcoming Speech (From emcee or a parent )
Prayer
AVP presentation
Grand Entrance
Debutante speech
Dining (games can be organized while some are dining)
Eighteen candles (speeches)
Messages and wishes from family member
Singing of birthday song
Cutting of birthday cake
18 roses or 18 dances
Debutante’s speech
Distribution of Giveaways and Prizes
Party

There are other debut program flow samples out there like the one from Debut Ideas website. Debut program flows are similar to each other because the main activities for debut program are the same: prayer, dining, 18 roses, debutante speech. Again, there's no strict rule for debut celebration as long as you keep yourself and your audience happy.

Here are my other tips for debut program:

1.Reserve food for late comers
   (Kawawa naman kung maubusan, may regalo pa naman atang dala)
2.Assign a person who can assists your guests to their seats.
 (Kailangan may mag-asikaso sa mga taong mahiyain)
3.Always give your guest a reason to stay till the end of your party
  (Iwasan natin ang pagkakaron ng mga bisitang eat-and-run)
4.Huwag kalimutan magpasalamat
 (Chance mo na 'to para magfeeling artista at mag-thank you sa mga sponsor)

Glam Rock Theme for Debut

Theme for Debut: Glam Rock

Glam Rock is also known as glitter rock. Glam rock is a good choice for debut theme or 18th birthday because glam rock attires or costume are widely available. One might no longer need to buy.

By the way, its hard to differentiate glam rock with punk rock.  For me, glam rock is just the same with punk rock but glam rock is less wild and less outrageous. Glam rock is glamorous!







Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/luminarie/3696114218





Going EMO
The simplest style for glam rock are jeans, black shirts and some accessories. Silver and metallic accessories looks good with black outfit. White is also a good combination for black suits and dresses .

For shoes, go for boots!
The easiest trick for a glam rock is putting on eye liner.


If you want more ideas for a glam rock look, you can search for famous artist who wears rock or glam rock like attires like Adam Lambert and Daniel Padilla.

Where to find glam rock accessories?

SM department stores. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings,gloves   They have lots of them at cheap prices.
However, you may find more appropriate items on other stalls.

People are People.  Tried and tested. I bought here a bracelet with spikes at a discounted price.
The bracelet is long enough to be worn as a necklace and even as a belt.

I also bought a pair of black gloves with zipper. The gloves I bought doesn't look like gloves for motorbikes.
It looks like intently tailored for celebration such as debut party.

Tiangge or tyange.  Small stores selling accessories may offer you cool items at a cheap price like bracelets for 50 pesos, dog tag for 50 pesos, belts at around 100 pesos. Before you buy, please note that some tyangge items may not be as durable and they may break easily.   In tiyangge, you may find cool stuffs at a very low price but they might not last long.  

Debut Gift Ideas

Is it good to give cash on 18th birthday? What do you think is a good gift for debut? How about the best gift give for debut that you received?

For me, its not OK to give cash for 18th birthday. Cash is more reasonable to give on other occasions like wedding because couple needs money to start with their married life. Nowadays, its common that couples appreciate cash gifts more and they usually state that on their invitation with a creative quote.
..
But you should believe that a gift is worth giving,
an envelope for our future is a delightful blessing

That's a part of a message of my recently received wedding invitation. Quotes like this are unusual for debut celebrations.The closest thing similar to cash  that I feel comfortable to give are cash coupons that can be exchange for items or services on selected malls or restaurants.

For debut,  aside form cash coupons, you can  also give wrapped gifts like dress, bags, gadgets, and women's accessories. Powerbanks, monopod, external hard drives are some useful gadgets that every girl will likely to appreciate.

If you are low on budget but you have lots of time in preparing a surprise, making a scrapbook full of your photos together is a good alternative.   You can also make a video presentation and gather written and video messages from your close friends and classmates in High school and college.

Message for Debut Celebrant

A good debut message will come from the heart and not from the internet. But short articles may help you express your feelings.

By the way, the correct word to use to describe the birthday girl is the celebrator and NOT celebrant.
Celebrant is defined as one who performs religious rites like a priest. It's not unusual to hear celebrant but its safer to use celebrator. If you don't feel comfortable using celebrant or celebrator, call her birthday girl.

Think of what you really want to say.  
Do you want her to laugh? Use some knock knock jokes or nice pickup lines.
Do you want her to be inspired? You can add inspirational quotes
Do you want to reveal her secrets or trivias about her ?
Do you want to add some wish for the birthday girl?
Most message about birthdays will tell about success. This might mean happiness, money, money or more money, spiritual enlightenment, good health, more birthdays, more friends, happy family, high grades or a boyfriend. You can share your wish for some of the things I shared above


Be Honest. You know you that you need to be


Don't be Shy. If you're the birthday celebrant, you also want to hear a message from your family and friends.  No one will bite you. Nothing bad will happen if you stand up and speak up.She is special to you, remember?

Make the message long enough.  I experienced giving a message to a long time friend. All I said was 'We've been together for so very long. I will miss you'. Now, I feel that my message is too short. It sounded that my short statement contradicts our long journey together. Avoid making the mistake that I did. Make your message long enough. It doesn't need to be a 2 hour speech though haha.

Express your support. You know this.. This is the time when you say .. I will always be here for you

Smile, Kiss or Hug the celebrant.  Actions can speak better than words

Mobile Cocktail Bar for Debut Party

Mobile Bar for 18th Birthday Celebration

If you have your parents approval for mobile bar, it will definitely look good on your venue.
Because mobile bars adds amazing colors to a party.

There are 2 or 3 mobile bars at the Megamall event Wedding and Debut event but I missed to capture all of their names.

Here are some mobile bar photos

Debut Souvenir ideas

I found several items, giveaways and souvenirs at home. I hope it will inspire you to think of your own souvenir designs for debut.

Cupcakes Giveaway for Debut

Star Glass Bottle Souvenir

Cake in a Jar Giveaway

Dresses for Debut

Debut Dress

Strive to be beautiful on your big day. I know you already are but you'll be better on a dazzling dress. They say that debut is second to wedding as the most important event on a Filipina's life so its just natural to look for the perfect attire.

Even you dont know what color or shade to choose or if you dont know what to style to choose, Quinceanera dresses may help you.  Quinceanera is a similar celebration to debut. Quinceanera is the 15th birthday celebration of Latin American girls.

Watch the collection of dresses in youtube (ABC fashion)

Songs for Debut

I think you want to learn some songs suitable for debut. You might even wander on the songs by other celebrants.  Lucky for you since some debutante's are sharing their experience on you tube.
Watch their debut dance on youtube

Little Things                  by One Direction,
Give Me Love               by Ed Sheeran,
Keep Holding On          by Avril Lavigne,
Catching Feelings          by Justin Bieber,
Just Give Me A Reason  by Pink,
She Will Be Loved         by Maroon 5,
Love Bug                        by Jonas Brothers,
Thousand Years              by Christina Perri,
Thinkin Bout You           by Frank Ocean,
Especially For You          by MYMP,
Haven't Met You Yet       by Michael Buble,
When We Say                  by AJ Rafael,
By Chance                       by JRA,
Be Alright                        by Justin Bieber,
Mr. Boombastic               by Shaggy
Daylight                           by Maroon 5
With A Smile                   by Eraserheads

Cotillion Dance Steps

Do you wander how other debutante and guests performed their cotillion dance?

Do you want to have some inspiration for your cotillion waltz? Don't miss to watch the following videos from youtube.




Music is A Thousand Years by Cristina Perri


Music is Can I have this Dance


Hope this will serve as learning materials for you.  Goodluck for discovering your own cotillion steps and choreography.