Party Planning

Continuing further on the riff about being a director in our lives, I'm in the process of panning a party--me who eloped rather than go through the torture of planning a wedding--now has the confidence to try and pull off an event! This thing has live music and a canopy and the weather WILL cooperate! In the early stages, I contacted The Party Center, and one of their routine questions is, "What kind of event is this?" My answer: "Oh, it's just a house party."
"Are you catering it?" "No, I'll be doing the food." Jaws drop and eyes get REALLY big.
Okay, I am thinking at this point that perhaps I was wise to elope. What am I thinking about this party that might be wrong (at least in the eyes of people who help plan parties of all types and sizes, and whose income derives from this expertise)?
I've got a notebook, a timeline, I'm keeping track.
I've planned a simple menu--most of which can be prepared days ahead, all will hold up through summer heat, and are recipes I've made many times, so I know they're good.
I've got water balloons and a sprinkler in case the heat is unbearable, and lawn games in case the conversation lags.
I've got beer, wine, music, good friends... what's to worry about? (Well, parking for one thing).

While it is smart to get input from the experts, and to be wise enough to listen to it, it's also okay to know what you want (BIG Picture Time!) and keep steady in your direction toward that goal. Don't let the details derail you, but don't derail the details either.