Planning a birthday party, especially for a milestone birthday, can require quite a bit of effort. You’ll have to arrange for a cake, seating for guests, food for the party, and more. However, with a little time and energy on your part, you can have a very nice party that’s not too expensive.
Use these money-saving tips to throw the perfect birthday party on a budget.
Keep It Small
One easy way to plan a birthday party on a limited budget is to keep the guest list small and the party plans simple. Doing this will help keep you from stretching your budget and causing extra stress. Remember, each time you add a family to the guest list, you’re also increasing the amount of food you’ll need, expanding the venue, and will need to plan for additional amenities.
Host the Event In Your Backyard
If possible, host the event in your own yard. Around 90% of Americans like houses better when they’re surrounded by grass lawns. If you’ve chosen a home that has a lawn, it makes sense to use it as often as you can. Hosting a backyard birthday party allows everyone to enjoy the casual environment and helps make sure that you have plenty of space without needing to pay for a venue.
Rent Tables and Chairs
Hosting the birthday party in your backyard may mean that you don’t have enough seating. In the party-planning and entertainment industry, chair and table rentals are essential. Different-sized vents, such as birthday parties, weddings, and conferences, require seating for guests. This makes it easy for you to rent seating for your party from a reputable rental company in your area. Be sure to compare prices to get the best rate possible, and find a company that will come and install the tables and chairs for you to lessen your stress.
Go Potluck-Style for the Meal
Asking everyone to bring their favorite dish to the party as their contribution is a great way to lower the price of the party overall. Plan to provide a few main dishes on your own, and be sure to take some time off work so you’ll have time to cook, set up the party, and clean up afterward. Vacation time is important to 96% of American workers. If you’re in this percentage, be sure to take some time off so that you can plan a birthday party with a little less stress.
Bake Your Own Cake
Bakery cakes can be expensive. If you have some talent in the kitchen, it may make sense to consider baking the cake for your party, as it’s a great way to save quite a bit of money. Whether you’re hosting your own party or it’s a party for a friend or loved one, you can customize the cake with the flavor and decorations of your choice to match the birthday boy or girl’s preferences.
Buy Nice Decorations for Pictures
Your photos will be how your special day will be remembered, so as you plan your birthday party budget, it makes sense to focus on nice decorations. They’ll show up in the pictures, allowing everyone present to hold on to memories of the day for years to come. While you can cut costs on food, the cake, and by shortening the guest list, you want the party to look its best. This starts with quality decorations based on a theme that everyone will love!
Planning a birthday party can save you quite a bit of money on food, dessert, and the venue. It’s a great way to make sure that you aren’t over budget and that you can enjoy the special day without spending money frivolously. Focus on the most important elements of the day, like nicer decorations for photos and making sure that guests are comfortable. You may be able to spend less on other parts of the party, like purchasing generic paper plates and cups instead of branded, hosting the party in your backyard, and making your own cake. You’ll wind up with a special day that everyone is sure to remember.