From birthday parties to Christmas parties to graduations, anniversaries and more everyone loves a party. However, if you are the one tasked with handling the party budget things can become a little stressful, especially if that budget is a little smaller than you’d like, based on the Pinterest party ideas everyone seems to love the idea of copying.
There are, however, some great ways to help make that money stretch further while still producing a great party, no matter what the occasion. Here are ten of our favourites:
Don’t Spend a Fortune on Invitations
These days most people don’t send greeting cards and the like, they congratulate people on Facebook instead. However, the debate on the etiquette of doing that when it comes to an invitation is still ongoing, so, for now, old-fashioned postal invitations are still the accepted way to go. They don’t have to cost you a fortune though. Buying pre-packaged invitations online is perfectly acceptable and there are some very attractive options out there to suit any party occasion.
Stock Up on Neutral Tableware
If you are not quite sure how many guests will be attending your party, or plan to throw several different parties this year anyway, stock up on neutral, but colored party dinnerware from a wholesale supplier. This way you can reuse the same dinnerware for every party, and use the lowest priced paper plates and plastic cutlery, while adding colour and party themed decor elsewhere with things like balloons and ribbons.
Avoid High Street Party Stores, Head Online Instead
Online party supplies stores have all the same stuff as the high street stores but usually at a lower cost and with more stock on hand as well. Shopping online also offers the added advantage of time saved as well as money, so it’s a double win for any busy party planner.
Avoid Big Meals
It’s really only a wedding that calls for a big meal, so don’t plan on serving one and stick to simpler buffet and finger foods and you will not only save money but you’ll actually be better able to cater to all your guest’s dietary needs. The old ‘meat, chicken or fish’ choices just don’t fit in with many people’s diets and lifestyles these days, so a selection of nibbles that do (vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free etc) is likely to be far more appreciated anyway.
Opt for Little Things That Have a Big Impact
Party decor can quickly get very expensive and very complicated, but it does not have to. Take balloons for example. They can be used to create spectacular balloon wall backdrops, balloon arches, add scattered colour all over the room, and even, in some cases, be given as party favors. And all at the cost of just a few pence a piece.
Let Apple Do the DJ Work
Every party needs a bit of music, but not every party calls for a real live DJ. These days many people find that an iPad, a decent set of Bluetooth speakers and a Spotify subscription can do the job just fine. There’s a huge selection of music (Spotify always has the songs you want), it costs a lot less and an iPad won’t be asking for free food and drink on top of its pay.
Ditch the Store-Bought Platters
If you have decided to go the DIY food route (which many party planners on a tight budget sensibly do) don’t buy party platters of veggies and dip, fruit trays, and meat and cheese at the supermarket. Assemble these trays yourself and a bit of prep work will save you a lot of money on food.
Go Bulk on the Drinks
When serving drinks for parties, a party punch is much cheaper than individual servings of pop, juice, water bottles, or alcohol. And easier to clean up after the party is over too!
Follow the Cupcake Trend
Need a cake for a party? Cupcakes are very trendy right now – and you know kids love them – and usually much cheaper than a big cake from the bakery. And again, you can offer a wide variety of flavors for everyone to enjoy, because, believe it or not, not everyone likes a chocolate cake.
Go for an Edible Treat Bag
Edible favors are cheap and well received, there’s no need to give out expensive gifts for party favors. Hand out some candy, or a wrapped cookie or dessert bar for an affordable treat your guests will really appreciate (rather than stuff in a drawer and forget)
