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Why have prices for parties doubled in the last year? It's very frustrating for young people saving up to buy a house to have to spend a day's salary on a 4 hour party. i understand they can be spendy to throw (reserving a venue, bartenders, security, clean up crew, etc) but how is it that prices r rising faster than inflation rates. Last year at this time, the most expensive halloween party was $50/ couple. Now they are anywhere from $40-$100 per couple depending in who is throwing it. When we first started in the lifestyle, admin was throwing parties at venues for $20 per couple. I remember when the price raised to $25 and we were extremely disappointed. Personally, I would rather have a more affordable party at someone's house with byob and a snack. (P.s. this post in not directed at anyone in particular because all party groups have increased prices, I'm just venting in hopes that others feel my frustration so I don't feel so alone).
I couldn't agree more! It's just getting too expensive to do any of the parties! Especially if it is one that you need a costume for, or a hotel room or have to pay a sitter.
The last party we went to ended up costing us over 300 dollars! And then to add to the party vibe, it seems like all the bigger parties are the same groups of people sticking to the same group they are always with! No one wants to go to meet new people! Personally, we go to find new potential fuck buddies, not just hang with the same ppl we already know! I think we are done with the huge parties.
Hosting a house party is expensive too.
I don
We agree 100%. Kind of ridiculous. We might try to have a fun Halloween Party at our house because of this. Keep it small, and it doesn't cost anything.. We will keep people in the loop on our potential fun, small Halloween House Party..
I think part of the problem is that the games ppl play ALWAYS have prizes and the prizes are getting bigger and bigger and they want to make sure EVERYONE that plays gets one. Of course they don't want anyone to feel left out sooo... Buy a bag of popscicles and say yeah everyone get creative with the person on your left (for instance) popscicles are cheap and if you make everyone in the game shuffle before you start the game then hell... You just met new people and sucked on something together, lol. Just trying to say get creative with inexpensive things... Decorations, prizes, games... NONE OF US ARE SWINGERS BECAUSE WE LIKE TO FIT IN WITH NORMAL PEOPLE RIGHT? This Saturday should be a great party. Idk cause we've never been but, Tif and Doug aren't buying everything for everybody. Bring your own meat (hell John and I each like different meat anyways) and everyone bring a side for Potluck kind of thing. Anyone who can bring a gift to give as many prizes out as they have gifts that are donated. Don't get me wrong I'm sure this party isn't FREE for them to throw but, the more people throw in the things that they just have generally laying around with them it's sure as hell got to cut the price of throwing the party back for them. It's not like all the prizes are all going to be cheap or anything either. (Idk what all the prizes are but just John and I are donating some AVON gift baskets $20-$150 values but, I sale it, it's discounted for me and I LOVE wrapping them so hell I'm giving something away so I can keep my stock current and Never let my product go bad, that's something that anyone who sales anything should be doing and, hell it's getting close to the end of the year so I get to give something away it makes people happy and I a few months its all a tax write off for me! How can you go wrong?). I can't think of ANYTHING wrong with it and my husband and I get to watch and participate in a wet t-shirt contest.

Maybe those throwing the Hallowen parties should give prizes only to the people that come in costumes that were recycled, reused,given, loaned, homemade or made out of things they had in their house and NOT give prizes to ANY of the costumes that were purchased or that ANY money.
That's the kind of party that's funnest to go to, when someone had to get creative about what to use and find a way to make it ALL free for everyone. Besides if you didn't spend $500 bucks to get your costume you won cry so much about weather you did or didn't win a damn prize.
WE ARE ALL ADULTS RIGHT??? We don't ALL cry if we don't get what we want hopefully.
There would probably be more parties for more people (not just people who that they know) we'd ALL have more fun if different people could come that just DONT now because of the cost we would all have more people to FUc|< if that changed. Everyone just ask Tif what they're doing to keep this BBQ as pay for your own meat and have some FUN!!! This one will hopefully be AWESOME!!!
I think that we live in a bubble! I've been to party's out side of Utah. The ones that are put on by people who care about their reputation not only as a party planner but also that they lived up to their word and have been in business for years because of that reputation. Those parties are never less than $50 per person and everyone that goes knows its an amazing deal for the fun they have. They don't want to miss those parties, so they make them a priority.
Here in Utah we have a select group of party planners that throw a few big parties a year. And about half fallow through with what they promised in their party description. The ones that do get a lot of "good press" so to speak, and the ones that don't get a lot of bad!
This is a difficult time of year to judge a party by its cost. Halloween is probably the biggest swinger holiday of the ear and as such, party planners are trying to make their parties epic! You really have to go by what is promised for the party, and the group's reputation.
We personally try to make it to every party this time of year because they are usually awesome! They take a lot of work to put together and we appreciate that! After all they really are doing this for us.
House parties on the other hand, should be cheap and plentiful! And if you haven't thrown one yet you should! This is the best way to understand why parties cost, and how much work goes into them.
Just our two cents!
I'm starting to think that when money enters into it maybe it really isn't swinging anymore. I know it costs money to throw parties and providing a venue and the "service" of throwing parties is something valued to a certain extent in the community but we've been around long enough to see what happens when it becomes more about the money (bottom line) than the swinging. Not sure at what point it becomes more about hanging with your peeps and more about "Hey, we can totally make some serious scratch here." We've NEVER in all the years we've hosted parties asked for or accepted any kind of fee or whatever. Now, that being said, we've always hosted relatively small parties (probably 20 or 30 couples max...give or take) so I guess if someone is pretty much throwing out an open invite then they might need to charge a small fee to cover expenses but it really does eventually become all about the money and not about the swinging. By all means ask people to BYOB and maybe a snack to share. Hell, throw in a small clean up fee or whatever but don't fool yourself that you're not trying to make money off of people or off of the lifestyle when it goes beyond that. Maybe we should go back to the old idea of key parties. :-/
I know this may seem arrogant, but we just dont attend them. We personally feel that the party scene is drab and not a ideal place to meet anyhow.
We believe those who rely on it lack the personality skills to meet one on one.
It almost seems like they need to increase thier odds by javing volume.
Thats just not us.
But hey..... Thats just our opinion.
I know this may seem arrogant, but we just dont attend them. We personally feel that the party scene is drab and not a ideal place to meet anyhow.
We believe those who rely on it lack the personality skills to meet one on one.
It almost seems like they need to increase thier odds by javing volume.
Thats just not us.
But hey..... Thats just our opinion.
Some of the parties have got a litte bit more expensive this year but the cost of most everything has gone up in price so the cost have to adjust some where to keep things in line. Personally I think some of the parties are usually a fairly good deal if they include drinks. For $50 a couple it good deal because if you were to go out to bar have a few drinks your going to spend that pretty quickly including cover charges, tip etc.

Don't get me wrong there our some of the parties out there have got way out line on price but the one we feel are like that we just choose not to go to them.
Like the old Key Party idea. Sounds like everyone here as a valid point on the money issue, what's missing is the reason we all participate in the lifestyle. Fun, meeting new people, sharing time with friends, sharing pleasures with all. Time to go back to the "simple get together". BYOB, a smile and a bed...:) "Just saying"
I think the biggest thing is everyone has their own opinion on how much things cost and if its oppropriate or not so if you don't know if the expense is appropriate or not then save yourself the question on the financial motivation on one party vs. Another party then THROW YOUR OWN PARTY and you'll be in charge of the money yourself in its entirety, then it's ALL on YOU to figure it out!!!

In this world EVERTONE THAT CAN if trying to make money ANYWHERE they/ we can.
If your going to let the coat of a party throw it yourself but, at the end if the day if that's going to determine wether you want to stay in the "LIFESTYLE" then I think your looking for a reason.... There are much bigger things in ALL of this to worry about you wanna spend alot of money on a costume for a party!!! If we were in NYC you don't have to be a swinger to drop a lot of green on even an entry fee to one of the HOTT clubs!
Sooo... Call me callus if you want but... Get over it, make it work, or do it yourself. If you want out of this experience then don't blame it on the parties!!!
Sorry but play and have fun or waste all your money bitchin while u r at the party & not enjoying the time there!!!
For us it's all about fun and not money, but we do feel it does get expensive having to buy a new outfit for every event, ugh. Big parties do have there benefits but also can become a huge disappointment, same with small parties. We've done both and find that we tend to always have more fun at the smaller house parties. It just seems easier to be able to talk and meet new people. Both are cheaper than going to a club, paying a cover and buying drinks all night. Neither of us like to drink ourselves stupid and with how much we spent to go, we sometimes feel we need to drink as much as we can to justify paying that much, lol, I mean what's the point not remembering what (or who ;-)) you did the next day. We're just going to hope we get invited to a smaller "BYOB type" Halloween party this year, if we don't oh well, if there still time we'll go to a big party naked and go as nudists. Either way we aren't out anything and we can always make our own fun anywhere.
We go to many of the parties and know many of the planners. They put a lot of effort into creating a great experience. This is certainly party season for Swingers. Its unfortunate that the price has risen this year because there are going to be great fun people who can't afford it and not be able to attend. The party planners do an swesome job creating the environment and the opportunity for us to all get together, but it is the people that come, that make it epic.

C&K
We used to throw parties at our house all the time, and except for one awesome party, no one ever ventures our way. So all the work of planning and time we put into it ended up being for 2 couples or so. If people would actually come, I have no problem throwing house parties. Also, for the people that think we r in a bubble in utah: the green door in Vegas is only $63 per couple for a 2 day Friday and Saturday night pass. I don't think any ut party can exceed green door standards on atmosphere.
Couldn't agree more. Parties are getting way to expensive which is why we only do house parties.There much more and sexier.
We love the big parties and are sensitive to the growing cost of them. However most of the parties are including more (open bar, snacks, play spaces) and unlike hosting a house party (if able) you don't have to clean up, thus justifying some of the cost. I figure going to a bar (cover and drinks) runs us about $60-75 so a party with open bar/people it's only about $40 more. There are pros and cons of each, and it really depends on how 'open' your primary relationship is and how new you are to swinging to find the most gratification and value from either party.

A large party atmosphere provides a full range of opportunities with many people from the low pressure conversation and socialization, and networking to public monogamous activities, up to full on swaps and group play.

A private house party is a limited group of people. The miss always felt more pressure there since there are fewer people.

When you're new and don't really know that many people the big parties are a plus. Either way it takes a lot of bravery at a party and actively interject yourself, talk to a total stranger at the bar or strip down and hop into the hot tub or pool.
We love going to the parties! For us it is a way to meet folks without any pressure. We recognize that in Utah unless its a small house party those putting it on are doing it to make money. We have no issue with that. We have attended parties in other states that cost $50 per person to attend and required a membership fee in addition to that. Of course the parties were unbelievable.

It is frustrating to pay $25-$50 and attend a local party with lots of grand ideas just to realize none of them were followed through on. We ahve attended several where we paid $35 for the couple. brought drinks and the other plans stil fell thought. We also attended events where we brought 6 couples with us and had a tag along female who happened not to bring any money and had to cover her. We were but hurt on that one and stopped attending their events.

So we decided we had had enough and decided to have some parties of our own. We invited 25 couples that we felt would get along and have a good time. Oour first one was in May. We asked guests to bring a bottle and a side dish. No cover. We spent 2 days getting set up. Had a fantastic DJ run the event and had 30 fantastic couples show up. Hottub, theatre, play rooms, gazebo, and large yard tent were provided play areas. Took us all day sunday to clean up after folks and the final cost to us was just over $500. We were rotten hosts though, had our GF attend with us and we just played with her the whole evening and left the other guests to fend for themselves.

For us it was worth it. So we decided to put on another party in july. We only invited folks that attended the first party or those that sent an RSVP and explained why they could not attend. This time we did not provide the meat for the BBQ but with all the other issues the same. Had 25 couples show up. Had GF stay home soe we could be better hosts and it was a great event. This time had some folks stay over and they helped cleanup. was done by 9:30 am on sunday. And total cost to us was just over $200.

SO we sat there thinking. IS paying $25-$100 to go to someone elses house all that bad? I dont think so. We love the control avialable when we host a party. but we also appreciate all that goes into a party and are happy to pay.

There are some fantastic groupls out there putting on parties. We suggest you attend events from all fo them and you wil quickly see which groupl you feel the most comfortable with. We ahve never gone to a party where we didnt meet some interesting folks.

But keep in mind we have never went to an event, or held a party where our goal was to hookup. We feel we go with our hookup and if we click with another couple then all the better.

Our main criteria is the venue and our ability to play if we want without fear of going to jail. Thats not so good. Takes the fun right out of it.
Okay, can we vent from the other side of the exchange? Mr. Enlightened here. We have been hosting parties at the Ogden mansion for about a year, and yes we charge $25 to $40 a couple. So we are among the greedy, wallet-sucking scum.

Here are a few facts about hosting a party:

1) As noted in the earlier comments, it costs us $400 to $600 to throw a party, what with the food, the booze, the bartender, someone to watch the front door to make sure people don't drive drunk (someone who actually works the door and isn't looking to get laid), and a house cleaner at the end of the day. If the event planners have DJs or a band or "special" entertainment, the cost is much greater.

2) Our parties posted on this site typically get RSVPs for 50 to 60 couples. How many do you think actually show up (from this site)? Maybe 10 to 15, and on a good night we can bump 20. But we have already purchased food for many more than that, we have paid for decorations and Jello shooters and dancers and what-not. If you say you are coming, is it so much to ask that you send us a note that something came up? Just plain rude to RSVP and then no-show, especially when the same couples shine us over and over.

3) We have tried to do "free" parties where people bring a side dish and their own bottle, and the overnight guests help clean up. Great idea in concept, but how many actually do it? With the exception of a couple of our most-loyal supporters (you know who you are), nobody brings jack shit and nobody helps clean up. Or they bring a six-pack of Bud and a bag of Doritos, then drink our Grey Goose vodka and call it good and square. "Free" parties end up costing us hundreds of dollars out of our own private liquor stock, and the Missus and I are usually left scrambling to come up with appetizers at the last minute (BTW, unlimited booze without some food to soak it up is a very, very bad idea for us and for you).

4) We occasionally go to LS events in Las Vegas. We typically spend $200 a couple to get into the event, and then we still have to pay for the drinks on top of that. Is asking $25 or $40 to cover the cost of unlimited alcohol and food really price gouging???????

4) In the eight or so parties we have hosted over the past year we have had a negative cash flow of more than $1600. Or an average loss of about $200 per party. How many of you would "repeatedly" open your place to a LS event if you knew you would have to pay $200 for the privilege? Maybe once or twice, but would you do it eight times in a year (or more as some of the other event planners here do)? And would you do it if you knew your Waterford Crystal would be broken and your I-Pod stolen and beer bottles left in the hot tub and condoms scattered about the common areas and you would be cleaning puke out of the carpet?

Why do we even bother? Yes, we have asked ourselves that question over and over. But it is through these parties that we have met our very best friends in the lifestyle. And for that reason alone it has been worth it, and with no regrets.

As satellites on the fringe of societal acceptance, we often feel alone. We host parties because we want to feel accepted in this community of sexual deviant-adventurous people who do not abide by the norms. To all of the party hosts out there who are willing to invest their own money and time and energy in providing our community with a gathering place among like-minded souls, god bless you. And that comes from an atheist.

And that said, we will be hosting our invite-only Prime Rib Dinner and Martini Party in October. Why? Because we love our friends here.

J & D
Hey J & D. I don't think 25 - 40 per couple is bad at all.
It's the 50+ per person that seems excessive.
Thank you for the great insight and the parties that you put together Enlightened. I have attended a couple of them and have been very impressed and always treated with kindness and respect. Your venue is simply wonderful and your hospitality is impeccable. I would gladly pay to attend and I think I owe you both a way big enormous tip. Yep!
Those that put on the parties go through a lot and truly do it to make money otherwise they would never do it. There is nothing wrong with that however many focus on the money and never get a fun one thrown. House parties are a whole different story and can be as much fun for the cost of byob. We have enjoys just about everything we have ever attended. The Mrs. is a party starter.

Vegas shut costs you a month's salary btw.
We have only been to one Manor party, Might I say we had a blast... However cost was $40 for a couple and then tips for the bartenders $80, hotel $100 (because we live in Layton and didn't want to drive home). Worth the cost yes. $50 per person it a pit costly for us. so we will find another to attend. House parties are great too we have a blast.
I understand the problem faced by young couples that are new to the lifestyle and building a life for themselves and I think that the older couples should bear more of the burden with our kinds of parties. If we want to keep younger people cumming, we might have to carry more and let them party for free.
Huh? There's parties in Utah? WTH? Why am I always the last to know?

Just from reading all the replies here, it seems like there's enough variety and price-ranges for just about everyone. Perhaps a little less whining and a bit more wining is in order?
I'm thinking of starting my own party biz. It will be a lot like Amway. Get lots of peeps under you (no not that way you pervs) and then you make money every time somebody has a party. Hey, it's the 'Mericun way. Personally we love exploiting our friends to make some extra scratch. Plus if you're the head honcho of the party not only do you get to make money to pay off that new boat but you get first choice of all the hot babes cuz you're sorta like Hef at the Playboy Mansion or something.
It never hurts to ask the host if you can work off your payment if you really have a desire to go. Sometimes you can offer a talent you have. Help with the event in many ways. Just ask it is worth a shot.

Either way you like to play or have fun is really up to you. The parties can be expensive but, they are no more expensive then going out to eat or going to the club. By the end of the night the money is gone one way or another. It is a gamble of life....make your choice. Maybe go to Wendover better odds there ....so I have been told!

Also if you like small parties host your own parties....have a foursome...threesome or moresome....the sky is the unlimited in possibilities. Go catch that lucky star!!!