Getting The Most Bang Out Of Your Party Planning Buck
Throwing a party can be such a fun adventure. You envision a
room filled with happy, smiling guests all complimenting you on
the food and the drinks. The only thing standing between you and
making that fantasy a reality is your budget.
You may be having champagne dreams while your bank account can
only shoulder soft drink essentials. There are ways to
incorporate any budget into your event planning and still come
out with a party to be proud of.
One of the first tricks to cut cost may be in the time of day
you have your event. If you are hosting something like a
birthday party or a wedding or baby shower, choosing to have it
in the early afternoon has many benefits when it comes to your
pocketbook. While you are in the event planning stage, consider
the difference in cost when you are only supplying light
beverages and small snacks as opposed to a full bar and an
entire dinner. The money saved would be noticeable.
Most people don't indulge in alcoholic beverages in the early
afternoon, so you could instead serve a punch or coffee or iced
tea. This is very refreshing and along with some small snacks
and perhaps a tray of assorted sweet tooth delights, you've
offered your guests refreshment without the added cost that an
event later in the day requires.
Another consideration when event planning is whether or not you
need the services of a caterer. Caterers can be invaluable,
especially when you are hosting an event of a significant size.
If however, your guest list isn't as vast, doing much of the
menu planning and cooking yourself can save more than a few
pennies.
Perhaps the best money saving technique when it comes to the
area of food is to host a potluck event. This idea can be
included as part of your event planning process. You plan the
party or gathering based on the idea that every guest will
supply an item of food or drink. Some many bring a main course
or a salad while others will bring a bottle of wine. Once
everyone has arrived there is an enormous amount of different
food to sample. This is a great way to include the guests in the
party planning process and they feel good knowing they've
contributed.
Food isn't the only area that you can scrimp and save in. If you
are hosting a children's birthday party you can ask a friend or
relative to dress up as a clown instead of hiring a clown. There
are many adults who love to interact with children and the only
payment they'd expect would be a room full of young smiles and a
slice of birthday cake. Decorations also don't have to break
your budget. If you're hosting a garden party, you can create
beautiful, soft lighting by hanging the white lights that
normally adorn your holiday tree around your garden. Your guests
won't be the wiser, but you will for having opted not to invest
in a new set of lights you probably will never use again.
Careful thought while you are event planning can save you money
and let you enjoy your party without fretting about finances.