Budget-Conscious Party Planning: How to Throw a Low-Cost Bash

Birthdays and get-togethers are a special time to celebrate the people we appreciate. Don't let your budget stop you from enjoying your friends' company and celebrating together. If your budget is stretched to capacity, you do have options, which require just a little bit of planning.

First determine your budget. Factors to include are the total number of people you will be inviting, where the party will be held, and if any types of gifts are necessary. Pay attention to the party guy or gal, write down their hobbies, favorite color, favorite foods, and a list of anything you are certain that they love. Make a list of names of who you are inviting. Be sure to add their spouse, or significant other and the number of children if it is a family friendly event.

Think of locations that would have enough room to comfortably accommodate all of your guests. Research restaurants, parks, outdoor locations, or determine which area of your home is best.

Write and mail out the party invitations at least ten days prior to the event. Give your guests more than one way to RSVP. Explain on the invitation to please RSVP via email or phone. Be sure to turn your voice mail on to make sure you receive all of your messages. Three days before the party call all of your guests that you have not heard from, and personally invite them. This will give you a more accurate list of who is actually planning to come.

Establish a theme, based on what your party guy or gal loves. For example if your friend loves Mexican food, salsa music, and the color turquoise, run with these ideas. For your entertainment burn a salsa CD, hire a salsa instruction to liven up the party. Serve easy Mexican appetizers and Margaritas, and an easy Mexican dessert. Decorate the tables with turquoise accents. For example have white, dark brown or black table cloth and turquoise centerpieces.

Take a moment to acknowledge your loved one's birthday, accomplishment, or good fortune. Present the gifts, and take time out for everyone to say something nice. Snap digital pictures throughout the party. Send everyone home with memories of the evening. Post your pictures on a password protected website. When everyone arrives have them write their email address down. Use this list to send invites to view the pictures on line. Post the best pictures on line for everyone to enjoy. This is great because everyone can save their favorite personal memory of the party.

Taking the time to plan who is coming to your party, where it will be, and the theme, you can customize this awesome event to whatever budget you are working with. By paying special attention to your friend's passions in life, you will create a memorable event that will always be remembered as a special day in their life.