This is a sponsored guest post.
It takes a lot of planning to throw a great party. When planning, you might come up with a laundry list of expensive party favors. All of this gets sorted out in the next phase of your party planning-budgeting.
Everything from the party hall, refreshments, and favors should be the best you can afford. Going too cheap would strike a sour note with your guests, but not if you get creative. Dozens of house parties and small events can be held with a minimum budget for maximized flair. Listed below are just 5 ways you can save more on your next party, regardless of the occasion.
Start Shopping Now!
If you’re planning to throw a birthday party in January, then you should’ve begun shopping for it in November. Building a party budget involves taking advantage of what deals are available for supplies.
Don’t hesitate on buy one get one free sales on food, napkins, drinking cups, eating utensils, and other party items. Reward coupons from home décor stores should be just as precious as cash.
Digital Invitations
Sometimes the thrill of a party begins when your guests gets their invitations. Once the party’s arrived and left they are left with, at best, a keepsake or, at worst, waste paper.
If everyone can be reached from your e-mail address book, then go electronic with your invitations. These can be a simple e-mail message that you can customize with animated graphics. You can grab party invitations you can send online, print or download for free.
Helping Hands
Maybe you need extra chairs or your cousin has a foos-ball table that’s not getting much attention. Ask if you can borrow extra items you need for your party.
This can work both ways if you happen to be a guest. Offer to purchase beverages, bring food from home, or any party favors you can contribute. Whether it’s a pot luck or a small office party, pitching in can alleviate some of the burden felt by the host.
Cook Less, Party More
Speaking of pot lucks, getting food together can be the most adventurous aspect of party planning. Most will go the easy route of hiring caterers or ordering take out. Making food at home can really test your skills.
Focus on making self-serve options like pasta, tacos, and pizza. Line some of these up on a serving table with add-ons so guests can customize their dishes. As for dessert, use inexpensive boxed cake mix to make individual cupcakes for some grab-and-go treats.
Fun & Games
Any get together needs some fun and games to liven things up. Consider dividing up all the party swag as prizes. The candy and small toys used in children’s goodie bags make great filler for Easter egg hunts and piñatas.
Aside from party games, save money on entertainment with DVDs, music, and video games. If there’s plenty of money left in your budget, then you can hire live entertainment using the Special Guest app. With Special Guest, you can narrow down a pool of magicians, comedians, and DJs available within your immediate area.
