Party on a Budget: Planning Ahead to Save Money and Have Fun

Whether it is summertime, an upcoming birthday, graduation or anniversary, parties are a favorite way to celebrate an occasion. Last-minute get-togethers can turn into a budgeting nightmare without the proper planning. You do not have to be a professional party planner to put together a budget-conscious affair.

I plan a ladies day once or twice a month with some of my closest friends. We each bring an item to snack on or drink while we sit and catch up on each others' lives. The main idea is bringing loved ones together in a nice atmosphere without leaving guests hungry. It is easy to overspend when trying to make friends and family comfortable. There is food, decorations, and activities to think about depending on the type of event you are hosting. Here are a few basic tips to prevent financial regrets when throwing an event.

Always, always set a budget. It could be $10 or $1,000, but the main idea is to limit your spending. This helps you become more aware of what funds are going where. It's easy to think $20 on a punch bowl is justified, but if your budget is $50, you might not want to allocate that much money to one item. A similar item may be able to be loaned from a neighbor, or purchased at a thrift store for next to nothing.

Don't be afraid to ask someone for an item that you may need for a particular event. You would be surprised how many people you know that may have made the same mistake and ended up with 300 extra balloons when their nephew graduated five years ago. Most would be happy to part with items that they have been storing, not wanting just to trash them.

Put your Imagination to use. Invite a few friends over to help you select a theme for your event, or make decorations and invitations. A little creativity can go a long way, and always seem to make something appear more heartfelt. Check the internet for craft ideas for centerpieces and decorations. You do not have to have every thing your heart desires for your party. When you try to imitate the norm, your event can come out seeming like everyone else's. Don't be afraid to be original. It's your party and if you think it is appropriate for the event, then it is.

Bring a dish. Just because you are hosting the affair, doesn't mean you have to cater it completely on your own. Asking guests to bring a dish is one sure way to add variety to your menu. Afraid Aunt Thelma will bring her fruitcake? Ask her specifically for a dish you know that she prepares well. This way, your guests can enjoy a buffet-style gathering and you can save on the food bill. You can also ask guests who don't know their way around the kitchen for non-food items like paper plates, cups and napkins. Be sure to thank each guest for their contribution.

Stay Upbeat. When the party is wearing down, keep a smile on your face and the music playing. Be sure to greet each guest and thank them for coming. Lively music and a charming host is sure to make sure your party is a success. That way, when you are cleaning up later that evening, you will have the smiles of your guests in your mind as you haul the trash out. Your positive attitude during the event will also be beneficial when you are looking to recruit your helpers to clean up the mess. That saves you money from calling a cleaning service the next day if you are too tired to do it yourself!