There are many nights a college student has long forgotten, whether it was last week’s night at the bar or that great house party two semesters ago, some would say the memories are priceless; however, this may not be the case with one party accessory.
In recent years, members of Greek sororities like the ones of LSU’s campus, have sought a unique route to cherish their memorable nights: intricately designed tumblers known as party cups.
A trend that began in the late ’80s, sorority women began hand painting cups for themselves and their dates to drink out of at parties. The cups typically picture a unique design and the names of the pair. The unique design centered on the event’s theme like Toga or favorite celebrities. The trend has now become extremely popular for Greek events — nights like formals or bus trips. Many sorority women hold on to their cups as a way to remember the night.
“I love making party cups and each one gets better, sort of like a simple souvenir,” said Evann Monju, a communication studies sophomore member of Delta Gamma.
Today, the souvenirs cost an average of $15 after personalization and mug purchase. While the 22 oz. tumblers themselves cost anywhere from $4.50 to $5.00, cup personalization is where the money comes in. A lot of girls paint their cups themselves using paint pens; however, for those who lack artistic talent or are just too busy, Greek paraphernalia specialty stores like Balfour House charge about $10 for personalization.
“I personally enjoy buying and decorating them for me and my date as well as other people,” said Ashley Andrews, apparel design major and sophomore Zeta Tau Alpha.
Balfour House employs 11 painters. Most of the 11 painters are sorority affiliated and paint an average of about 20 cups a week, making $8 per cup. Other stores, like The Party Starts Here, also personalize cups for the same price. Balfour’s owner of three years, Angela Quint, says that springtime tends to be an especially busy time because of spring breaks and proms.
Merritt Parsons, an interior design junior and Delta Zeta, explained how handcrafting cups for Balfour isn’t just a job but something she enjoys.
“I get to be creative,” Parsons said, “I’m told the theme, and I’m able to do what I want.”
Painting company Rim and Stem owner, Katie Farris, has made a self-sustaining career out of party cup decorating. Farris, a long-time painter for Balfour, has turned her college hobby into a fulltime booming business venture. Other stores like The Party Starts Here have also begun customizing cups for a sizable profit of about $3,300 per week.
Although the business continues to expand, the real lasting value for most party cup collectors is the reminiscence.
“I mean I paint my own cups before events,” Monju added, “but as cheesy as it sounds, I really feel like I’m painting my own memories of an awesome night.”
