Throwing a party has increasingly become synonymous with spending large amounts of money on lavish extravaganzas. However, the good old fashioned party has not been lost and throwing a party on any budget is still a possibility. From food, to music, to decorations, you need not spend your life savings when hosting a party, whether it’s an informal gathering or a dinner party.
Priorities
When hosting a party, people tend to spend the majority of their budget on the things that they personally value the most. If you’re a visual person, this might be the décor and decorations. If you’re a foodie, this may be the items on the menu. The first thing to do when planning a party on a tight budget is to think about what is really important to your guests, as well as to you. Weighing these up and understanding that the key to a successful party is more than just the things you spend money on is the first step to creating a soiree to remember.
Invitations
It’s amazing how quickly the cost of an invitation can add up. From fancy paper to intricate designs, remember that the main purpose of an invitation is simply to let people know when and where the party is, so stick to simple invitations. Consider making your own and depending on the event, you could even use one of the many online options that are available.
Décor
Setting the mood and ambience is key to a good party, but it need not cost an extravagant amount of money. Make use of objects that you already have, such as vases and bowls, mixing and matching pieces to create a vibe that is all your own. When it comes to plates and utensils, depending on the size of your party, consider using reusable items rather than costly disposable types. It may require more cleaning up at the end, but it will save you a lot of money.
Food
If you are holding a large party, be sure to buy your food in bulk. Sticking to things such as canapés and nibbles can save you having to fork out on formal entrée style dishes. Finger food for informal gatherings always goes down a treat and chips, nuts and other bite size snacks are perfect and affordable. If you’re having a smaller get together, consider asking your guests to bring a dish, as this will not only save money and preparation time, but it will also provide an element of variety for everyone.
If preparing food, consider the types of ingredients and dishes you could work with on a budget. For example, pasta is a filling option and does not require expensive cuts of meat. Dips with bread are also an excellent filler and cheap and easy to prepare.
Drinks
Drinks, particularly alcohol, are usually one of the largest expenses when it comes to parties. Having a sufficiently stocked bar can cost an excessive amount, so consider implementing a signature drink or a theme for the night. For example, a gin based theme will only require you to purchase gin and create mixer recipes to provide a variety if needed.
Another option is to consider asking guests to bring their favourite drink. This act as a good conversation starter and it provides variety for everyone to try. Plus, it keeps everyone happy as they’ll have their drink of choice to enjoy.
Music
Create your own playlist using services such as iTunes, Pandora or Spotify and you won’t need to worry about a DJ. You can even let your guests have some input and control the playlist, providing even more variety and less stress for you to manage the music for the entire evening.
Sticking to a budget does not mean hosting a lacklustre party. By being creative and smart with your priorities, you can host a memorable party on a budget. In the end, the important thing is that your guests feel welcome, comfortable and enjoy themselves. This is what makes a party memorable, not the extra amounts spent on marginal items such as better decorations.
