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Party planning can be great fun, but it can also hurt your wallet. What if there were easy and simple ways to party plan on a budget? Good news, there are so many easy ways to save money on your next party.

Seeing your party come together after planning for so long is very rewarding! As someone who’s planned a ton of parties, there is one secret to planning a party on a budget – creativity! Party planning is all about seeing your creativity come to life. Party costs can make you feel like your head is going to spin off your shoulders – been there, done that! Here I’m going to share all my tips and tricks for saving money on your next party. You can still bring your vision to life while not breaking the bank.

Aside from being creative, one tip to planning a party on a budget is just that – PLAN THE PARTY You will save the most money by planning ahead. If you need help staying on course when it comes to planning your next party be sure to download The Ultimate Party Checklist. 

Here are the easiest ways to save money and stay within your budget when you plan your next party. 

Set a Budget

One of the best tips to party planning on a budget is simple – set a budget. How can you expect to party plan on a budget if you don’t set your expectations on what you want to spend? 

Easy Tips To Sticking To Your Budget:

• Set a Clear Budget – Write down exactly how much you can afford on your party. By setting your budget in place it will help keep you on track to not overspend
• Shop Sales – If you plan your party in advance you can shop around to see if you can find your party supplies on sale
• Network – Ask around to see if you know anyone that can help you plan your party or offer a service that would help you save money on your party.

 

Guest List

Staying within your budget can be simplified by keeping the guest list small. Try to only invite a few friends and family to help keep your party costs down. 

Encourage your guests to make sure they RSVP. This way you know exactly how many people to expect, which in turn will make ordering food, buying supplies and making favors much easier. Not only will be it easier on you to know exactly who’s coming to your party, but it will allow you not to overspend on unnecessary party supplies and food. 

Location, Location, Location

Venue costs can eat up a significant part of your budget. Try to find a location that is the most cost-effective for your upcoming party. In many instances, having a party at home can prove to be the most inexpensive option, but it’s important to research your options. 

For example – I hosted my daughter’s 2nd birthday at home where I made all the food, decorated, had themed party supplies, order a cake and set up entertainment stations for the kids. After all was said and done I spent more money than I budgeted for due to unforeseen expenses. The following year I had her party at a local children’s museum where I spent nearly half of what I did the year prior. We still had a themed party, fantastic favors, a gorgeous cake, and fun entertainment. It sometimes pays to host your party at a venue outside the home. 

The only way to decide what’s the most budget-friendly for your party is to research all of your options. This is why my party planning checklist is handy when putting together your next soiree. 

Party Food

Food is one of the easiest ways to party plan on a budget. There are several ways you can save money on food at your next party. Some include:

• Ask for help – If you are anything like me you have a family full of cooks that love to offer their help when it comes to events. Don’t be shy to ask family members to help cook some of the food for your party. You would be surprised by how happy they are to pitch in. 
• Food Bars – Snack trays and food bars are not only super on-trend right now but they are also very cost-effective. Who doesn’t love a taco bar? Cheap yet delicious – you can’t go wrong. At our 4th of July BBQ last year we made a burger bar and it was a smashing success. 
• Potluck – If your party theme allows, make it a potluck. Everyone can bring their favorite dish and it can save you a ton on food. 
• Get to cooking – There are tons of inexpensive dishes you can make yourself to help feed your party guests. This is why planning ahead is the key to staying on budget. Plan a fabulous yet inexpensive menu so you can still WOW guests without breaking the bank. 

Drink It Up

In my experience, drinks take up a huge part of most party planning budgets. There is no question that you need to keep your guests hydrated but is there a way to cut costs when it comes to what you give them to drink? You will be happy to learn the answer is YES!

The best tip for party planning on a budget when it comes to drinks is simple – wholesale stores are your friend. BJs, Costco, Sams Club , whatever is local to you, is your best bet for saving money when it comes to drinks. Buying in bulk will save you money. 

Another option is to make your own beverages. In years past, I’ve made punches, lemonades and other large bowled beverages that allow you to cut costs on your beverage budget. This might not always work since taste plays a huge role when making punches. You need to make sure you have other option for those that might have an allergy or simply don’t like the taste of punch. 

Invitations

Invitations are probably one area of your party budget where you can save the most money. Personally, I still LOVE sending gorgeous, personalized printed invitations but let’s be honest that’s not cost-effective, isn’t great for the environment and most people just throw them away immediately. These days e-vites, Facebook events, and even a simple text are how people are sending out their party information. If it’s free, it’s for me! You truly do not spend any money on invitations. If you a sucker for theming like myself you can make your own graphics and email them to your party guests.