6 Tips From an Event Planner On How To Keep Your Big Party Under $100
From seasonal parties like Labor Day barbeques to Halloween haunts, Christmas shindigs, birthday parties or just-because get-togethers, planning festivities can get pricey. But wanting to celebrate shouldn’t always be cost-prohibitive.
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To offer you tips for hosting on a budget, we spoke with event strategist MK Granados; party planner and founder of Someone Sent You A Greeting, Sally Gibson; and former owner of Method Event Productions, Emily G. Here are their best six tips for hosting a memorable party for under $100.
Digital Invitations
Both Gibson and Emily G. recommended foregoing expensive stationary or unnecessary, printed invitations in favor of digital invitations designed on platforms like Canva.
Not only do they look great, but you can customize and email them to guests at no cost.
DIY Decorations
“Using pool noodles, platters and mosaic stone creatively can elevate entrances and tablescapes without breaking the budget,” stated Granados. She also suggested setting up a kid’s craft corner that can double for event décor. “Maybe a fingerpainting fireworks station turns into a clothesline of hung-up art. Worry less about the first impression people have a focus on the lasting impression they leave with,” she said.
Emily G. further recommended asking family or friends to borrow items on a public forum like Facebook which could help keep your budget low.
Offset Food Costs
Since the most expensive part of a party can be the food, Gibson recommended simplifying the menu to “focus on simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that don’t require a lot of ingredients. That means things like homemade pizzas, taco bars or potluck style where guests contribute a dish.”
Granados also suggested creating a theme for the party. For instance, a chili cook-off with some playful voting can minimize the food that the host is expected to supply. It also opens the door to guests offering to bring side dishes, desserts or beverages.
Free Venues
Gibson recommended hosting your party at a public park or in an easy location like your backyard to eliminate rental fees.
But the best part about free venues? “Free parking,” stated Emily G.
Reusable Items
If you plan on throwing more parties in the future or have thrown parties in the past, try to use items you already have, or, if you have to purchase some, buy ones that can be repurposed.
“A red tablecloth could be re-used for the [Christmas] holidays, patriotic holidays, and Valentine’s Day, meaning you won’t be re-purchasing plastic tablecloths each time,” stated Granados. Gibson also suggested string lights as a great go-to item for providing ambiance regardless of the season.
Cheap Entertainment
Fun activities that are free or cheap are easier to come by than many think.
“Board games and yard games like ring toss, giant Jenga, or Tic-tac-toe can be purchased from online retailers that are going out of business,” stated Emily G. Gibson suggested simple add-ons like a home-made photo booth with silly props or something as simple as a well-curated playlist which can keep guests entertained for hours “without breaking the bank.”
And that, after all, is the point.
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