Throwing a party can be a big undertaking. It can also add up to a big expense. You can help keep party costs down – while keeping the fun factor up – with some careful planning, creativity and the willingness to to immerse yourself in some do-it-yourself projects.
Here is a collection of tips for throwing an affordable party that’s fun for all.
Before you par-tay
Decide on a theme – Themes aid decision-making and steer you in a cohesive direction that will save both money and time. If there’s a guest of honor, make sure you take his or her interests and preferences into account above all else.
Set a budget – It’s not fun or exciting but there has to be a limit to how much you spend on a given celebration. With your budget in mind, you can allocate funds accordingly.
Plan every detail – Not that a spontaneous party isn’t a lot of fun but planning ahead allows you to decide upon the most important elements, what supplies and materials you need to make that evident, and to avoid straying off theme and budget. The more planning time you take, the more likely you’ll have time to price-shop and/or do more yourself, which will save money.
Make a list – and check it twice! Write down everything you need for the party so you won’t be caught without, including:
- food and beverages
- serving ware
- decor
- invitations (if necessary)
- activities
Party Food
Unless it’s a dinner party, keep foods simple to prepare, serve and eat. Individual servings are easier for guests to enjoy while socializing. Consider appetizers and/or desserts for your party fare. It will provide a wider assortment of foods and will probably cost less than an entire meal.
Party Ware
Unless the party is formal in nature, you probably have much of what you need in terms of dishes and serving pieces already on hand. Look through your cupboards, or in your attic or garage. Serving pieces need not match each other – in fact, it creates a fun, eclectic vibe when they don’t. Instead of buying new, re-purpose or style-up what you have.
Party Decor
Table linens, like tablecloths, placemats, table runners can be fashioned from any number of items you may already have or can be purchased inexpensively, like fabric remnants, sheets or beach towels.
Of course you can get creative with your materials – especially if you dig deep within your theme. Regardless of the party decor you decide upon, remember the basics – they’re classic for a reason!
- Balloons
- Streamers
- Tissue paper
- Banners
- Candles
- Glitter
Any mass-retailer, party shop or craft store has these basic party supplies. The Internet is packed with festive things you can do with just these basic supplies to up the festive factor in your party zone. Simply search for homemade party decor related to your theme and get your craft on.
Party Activities
From charades to karaoke, party games have a long history of being interactive and inexpensive to implement. The ones that are most fun relate to the theme of the party.
In conducting research for this article, I came across a number of clever and frugal party ideas, including these:
For decor
For activities
- Charcoal tabletop s’mores
- How to Host a Wine Tasting Party
- Let’s Party
- 10 Always-Entertaining Party Games
For food
For favors
Wishing you many happy and affordable parties using these ideas. Cheers!
What are your favorite inexpensive party ideas?
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