Planning your big 21st? Lovely birthday girl Lousie walks us through hers - check out how it went and her tips for making your own just as good!

Name: Louise Saunders
Where was the party? The Taupo MotoX Track (free of charge)

Did you have a theme? I certainly did, "Cowboys and Indians" – although my brothers and some friends chose to be superheroes and bananas? But all round a great dress up effort from everyone.


Who was your inspiration?
No real inspiration of the night, I was a Saloon Girl; I just wanted to be slightly different from everyone else. 

How long did you spend organising the night and what prep was involved?
I probably spent a good couple of months organising my 21st. I had to sort invitations, a venue, liquor, food and decoration items. However I was fortunate enough that my good friend designed the invitations for me, which looked awesome and saved me heaps of time. For the other preparations my mum and I organised them with help from dad as well. 

Big party, or small intimate do?
My party was average size I guess, I think there were around 60 people there. 

Did you stick to your budget?
I didn’t really have a budget for my 21st. However I probably spent about $500 all up for liquor, food, cake etc thanks to mum and dad.



What did you wear?
I was dressed in a black and red saloon type dress; with fish net stockings, black ankle boots, and a black feather in my hair to top my outfit off. 

Any pre-party rituals?
Just had a few drinkies with some good friends and family.

How were the speeches?
The speeches went really well, my good friends didn’t let too many secrets out of the bag, and my brothers and dad did rather special speeches.  

Did you do a yardy/21 shots or any other 21st traditions?
Let’s just say I had no say in the matter, my good friends had sorted 21 shots before I could even say anything. Thank God I only have to do that once in my life!   
 
Do you have a favourite photo?
Don’t have a favourite one, they are all quite cool.

What was on your playlist?
To start the night off it was a combination of music. But as the night progressed the old school came out and everyone had a great old sing along and danced the night away.


Any funny moments from the night?
There weren’t really any highlighted funny moments, however I think everyone was having a good laugh at the crazy bananas.

Any advice for nzgirls planning their 21st?
 I would say if you want your 21st to be quite organised, I would sort out a plan. I didn’t take this approach, and went ahead and did everything, and in the end I was a bit rushed for time. I would also recommend that you make a playlist, that way you can have the different types of music in separate folders and it is a lot easier to find specific songs.

What was your favourite present?
I got so many amazing presents however three highlights were tickets to the Killers, a massive cheque from the team at ilabb, and my amazing mum is taking me to South Africa.

Any 21st-zilla moments?
Well I was originally going to have my 21st out on the farm in a marquee; which would’ve been the perfect location for it. However, the Monday before my 21st rolled around, the weather for the week was probably the worst I had seen so far this year. I would say that’s when the 21st–zilla moments definitely came out as we had to change the venue!