Couple spend $50,000 on birthday party for three-year-old
Forget jelly and ice cream - a family have forked out $50,000 on a birthday party for their three year old.
Eric Lembo and Trang Nguyen, from Perth, Australia, invited 220 people to help celebrate their daughter Lauren's third birthday last weekend - with the same price tag as a fancy wedding.
The couple splashed out thousands of pounds on Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters, a magician, a photobooth, face painting, a balloon artist and a popcorn and fairy floss station to entertain the 50 children invited.
And along with Oysters and champagne for the parents, the celebrations set the couple back more than $50,000.
Instead of a traditinal clown to entertain the children, lucky Lauren and her pals were treated to a performance from a star of Australian Idol.
But the couple say they throw a similar bash every year at the events venue they own to support the local economy and showcase regional talent and won’t stop now.
Eric said: “We inject tens of thousands of dollars back in the community through our celebrations and we are proud of it.
“We had many positive comments from friends and family about the event. All said it was one of the best events they had been to and would love to attend next year.”
The luxurious party featured a children's high tea and a menu with tempura scallops, truffle arancini, pork belly, paella, wood fired pizza, oysters and Remy Martin Xo cognac which came to more than £12,500 alone.
They also paid $3000 for professional photographers Dave & Charlotte to capture the event and $1600 for former Australian idol singer Courtney Murphy to entertain guests.
Adorable daughter Lauren wore a white bridesmaid-esque party frock, with matching white shoes and a diamonte tiara in her hair.
Her name was lit up in giant letters on the stage in front of the decorated tables.
But Eric and Trang, who works for an investment company, said they had no doubts about the party – despite the criticism they have received from around the world.
Eric added: “We are proud to have hosted the party and will definitely continue to entertain at Caversham House.
“We host parties at Caversham House to keep in touch with family and friends.
“We work many hours catering for weddings and other occasions, so we don’t get to spend much time with our own loved ones.
“The Italian and the Vietnamese cultures have a large first birthday so we decided to do it for her second and third birthday as well.
“It's my industry, so if anyone can throw an impressive party it will be me.
“The birthday party was a way to celebrate Lauren’s birthday and enjoy the company of relations, close friends and business friends.
“We own the venue where the party was held and one of the ways we market Caversham House is by hosting events there.
“It’s great that the party has attracted media attention – in newspapers, online, on radio and TV not only nationally but also internationally.”
“When we took over Caversham House 16 years ago it was a struggle and hard work to get the business to where it is today.
“We have always supported the West Australian and Swan Valley communities in many ways.
“We have also supported charities at the venue and will continue to do so.”
