Even though hosting a party may be a lot of fun, the expense can hold you back from actually doing it. Fortunately, an incredible party does not have to cost a fortune. There are many affordable solutions for gatherings which will help you keep your food and beverage bill low while still allowing you and the guests to enjoy yourselves.
If you want your party to stand out, but don't have a lot of money to spend, there are still some things you can do. Let's jump right in!
If you're looking to save some money, consider having your party on a day other than Saturday. You might also want to host a "winter" party in January when rates are typically lower. To avoid paying extra fees for no-shows, try to get an accurate headcount before making any final decisions.
If you're looking to save a bit of money, go for the buffet option at your next event. If you'd rather not have a formal dinner, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are always a fun possibility. As far as drinks go, think about setting up a cash bar or giving each guest drink tickets that cover part of their beverage consumption. Your employees can pay for any additional drinks they want after they've used up all their allotted tickets.
It took me a while to realize this, but now I throw dinner parties using the "main course" approach. Instead of cooking and spending money on everything, I only make the main dish. Then, everyone else brings their favorite food. People are always happy to contribute something to my experience!
Want your party to be lit? Make sure you have some good speakers. If anyone else has nicer ones, don't hesitate to ask to borrow them.
Review your playlist for the evening. The right songs can certainly set the tone. As things start to heat up, we recommend beginning with some all-time favorite tunes and then transitioning into more recent hits. Confirm that you have enough music to play throughout the entire event; otherwise, your guests will become fatigued from hearing the same tracks on repeat.
When you're on a tight budget, the dollar store is practically your only option for all party-related supplies. From utensils and napkins to party favors and gift bags, the dollar store has everything you need to stay within your budget. You might be surprised at how many items on your list you can check off for only $1 each.
For large gatherings, you'll need a variety of items depending on the occasion, including but not limited to cookware and decorations. Here's a handy checklist that will help make sure no stone is unturned leading up to your next get-together. If yard sales are more YOUR style, they're also fantastic venues for entertaining purposes!
Disposable plates and plastic utensils, often called dinnerware, are not only useful for large events or celebrations but can actually be more environmentally friendly as well. They're easy to clean up since you don't have to wash them after each use like traditional dishes. When using disposables while dining out, you also eliminate the need for multiple sets of utensils which can add unneeded waste.
College students are notoriously poor, so why not save some money by implementing a bring-your-own-beverage policy at your next party? Debt Free Forties, a wealth management site, warns that "the expense of booze for a party may easily throw your budget into a loop." BYOB also allows guests to bring their favorite beverage and means less clean up for you afterwards.Use a drink dispenser to serve non-alcoholic beverages like slush, iced tea, or lemonade made with fresh fruit. This is not only healthier than canned drinks and saves you money on mineral water, but adds a personal touch that your guests will love!
Our cheap solutions for parties should no longer dissuade you from celebrating with your friends and having a good time even when money is tight. Keep in mind, it's all about how the place looks and how comfortable your guests feel - hardly anything to do with how much money you spend on party decorations.
